Korčula – an island that you will enjoy with all your senses

With its stunning coves, pebble and sandy beaches, and clear, turquoise sea, Korčula is one of those places on the Adriatic Sea that you will wish to return to, especially if you are looking for some peace and quiet.

Sailing around Korčula, make sure you take a break and drop anchor in one of the coves and bays dotting the island's coastline. Pupnatska Luka provides for an excellent anchorage, seeing as it is a well-protected bay on the southern side of the island and boasts one of the most beautiful beaches there, with a breathtaking view of the Lastovo Archipelago. Žitna is a deep bay with a pebble beach of the same name, surrounded by lush greenery. There are absolutely no facilities there so you will be able to fully relax and enjoy the nature. Those looking for an even more secluded spot, stop by Vaja, a pebble beach on the northern side of the island, which is never crowded or packed with other beach goers.

Additionally, make sure you visit Proizd, a tiny island that you will quickly fall in love with. It is located a stone’s throw from Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, and its rocky beach of the same name is an oasis boasting crystal-clear sea, pristine nature, and ample peace and quiet. To enjoy the sea and sun in absolute peace and tranquility, you can also drop anchor in the waters off the uninhabited island of Badija, covered in macchia and pine trees. The island has an area of a mere square kilometer.

If you decide to take some time to explore Korčula’s inland wonders, you should definitely visit Korčula, Vela Luka, and Lumbarda. The Town of Korčula is a must-see destination on the island; it is surrounded by 13th-century defensive walls, and the main, arched entrance to the old town, the so-called Land Gate, is located at the base of the Revelin Tower. Get lost in the narrow side streets, where you will find numerous artworks, and eventually you will find yourself in the central, Strossmayerov Square. Facing the square is the town’s most famous monument, St. Mark's Cathedral, built from honey-colored stone. Next door to the Cathedral is the Bishop’s Palace, nowadays better known as the Abbey House, which houses the Abbey Treasury and works by a number of Dalmatian and Venetian artists.

Vela Luka is Korčula’s most populated town. There, you can try some of the island’s traditional fish dishes while enjoying the gorgeous sunsets from the town’s waterfront. The town is home to some of Croatia’s famed klapa singers and boasts a well-known archeological site, the Vela Spila cave, while the hill south of Vela Luka boasts a fortress with a stunning view of the islands of Hvar, Vis, and Lastovo.

Lumbarda is a village where you can spend the day either lounging on a beach or tasting the local wines. The beaches there are all sandy; one of Croatia’s most popular beaches, Bilin Žal, is located in Lumbarda. Finally, the famous dessert wine Grk is made from grapes grown almost exclusively in Lumbarda’s sandy soil. So, do not miss your chance to try this unique indigenous wine while on the island.

Enjoy Korčula and fair winds to you!