Korčula, Croatia

Korčula is all about slow-island rhythm with a medieval twist. Picture honey-stone lanes, a compact walled Old Town, and pine-framed coves with water so clear you’ll count pebbles on the bottom. This is an easy island to love, and to plan, thanks to walkable centers, frequent summer boats, and beaches from sandy (Lumbarda) to rocky shelves.

Use this guide to zero in on things to do in Korčula, the best time to visit Korčula, and where to stay in Korčula, plus ferries, day trips, and practical tips. Dive in below for quick wins, then expand into itineraries, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Quick planner

• Base: Korčula Town (Old Town or walkable suburbs)
• Ideal trip length: 2–4 nights (add days for beaches/wineries)
• Highlights: St. Mark’s Cathedral views; Old Town walls & alleys; Moreška sword dance (in season); Badija & Vrnik islets; Lumbarda sands & wineries
• Getting around: On foot + local buses & water-taxis; rent e-bike/scooter/car for reach
• Seasonality: June–Sept beach prime; May/Oct mellow & active; Nov–Apr very quiet
• Budget bands: Sleep & eat range from simple konoba eats to boutique stays; activities mostly low-cost outdoors

Top things to do on Island Korčula

Korčula rewards unhurried exploring, think stone lanes, sea dips between sights, and sunset bell towers. For things to do in Korčula beyond the postcard Old Town, mix boat hops to tiny islets, winery tastings, and pine-trail walks.

1. Climb St. Mark’s Cathedral bell tower – panoramic channels
2. Stroll Old Town walls & alleys – gothic-renaissance details
3. Peek Marco Polo lore – small exhibit + rooftop views
4. Swim Lumbarda (Vela/Pržina sands) – sandy, family-friendly
5. Hop Badija & Vrnik – monastery island + quarry coves
6. Watch Moreška sword dance – summer nights tradition
7. Taste Grk & Pošip wines – cellar doors around Lumbarda/Smokvica
8. Kayak islet chain – calm mornings, glassy water
9. Sunset at St. Nicholas promenade – wide-channel glow
10. Walk Račišće coastal path – village-to-cove ramble
11. Day trip Pelješac wineries & Ston Walls – easy boat/bus link
12. Snorkel pebble coves – clear, fishy shallows

Attractions table

Attraction	Why & Time	Access	Why it’s worth it
St. Mark’s Cathedral	Views + stone carving 45–60 min	Old Town center; stairs	Best island panorama at sunset
Old Town Walls & Lanes	History walk 60-90 min	Step-free rings; some slopes	Gothic windows, sea-gate photos
Moreška Sword Dance	Folk performance ~1 hr	Summer schedule; evening	Unique living tradition
Lumbarda Beaches	Sandy swim + lunch Half day	Bus/bike/car 10-15 min	Rare Adriatic sand + kid-friendly
Badija & Vrnik Islets	Swim-hop + monastery Half day	Water-taxi from Korčula	Turquoise coves, quiet paths
Wine Tasting (Grk/Pošip)	Flights + snacks 2–3 hrs	Lumbarda/Smokvica cellars	Local varietals you’ll only find here
Račišće Coastal Walk	Shaded seaside path 2–4 hrs	Local bus to trailhead	Quiet coves, pine scent, views
Marco Polo House (viewpoint)	Rooftop lookout 30 min	Old Town staircase	Fun stop between swims

Neighborhoods & where to stay

Korčula Town is the classic first-base: a compact, car-free Old Town on a little peninsula with stone lanes, tiny piazzas, and sea-gate swims between sights. Stay inside the walls for storybook vibes and sunset strolls, or just outside along the east/west promenades (Šetalište) for quieter nights, café terraces, and swim ladders within a 5–10 minute walk of everything.

Lumbarda sits 10–15 minutes away amid vineyards and the island’s rare sandy beaches (Pržina, Bilin Žal), ideal for families and beach-first trips, with lots of apartments and a few small hotels.

For a rural feel, Žrnovo and its Defora hamlets perch above the south shore; base here if you want hiking, e-biking, and wild coves – bring groceries and wheels. Up the north coast, Račišće and a string of small bays suit longer, low-key stays with big sea views; you’ll trade nightlife for quiet pebble beaches.

On the far west of the island, Vela Luka is Korčula’s second hub and a smart base if you want sunsets, cave visits (Vela Spila), and easier access to the western coves. The town spreads around a deep bay with waterfront apartments, a couple of hotels, and boat rentals for hopping to nearby islets. Compared with Korčula Town, Vela Luka feels more everyday-local and less medieval-charming; choose it for road-trip itineraries, value stays, and exploring the wilder west.

In short: Old Town/promenades for “step-out-and-stroll” convenience, Lumbarda for sandy beaches and wineries, Račišće & north-coast villages for quiet coves, Žrnovo/Defora for rustic hideaways, and Vela Luka for west-coast adventures and sunsets.

Quick list

• Old Town – heritage, dining, strolls
• Lumbarda – sandy beaches, wineries
• Promenade (east/west) – swim ladders, easy walk
• Račišće – coves, quiet, views
• Zrnovo/Defora – rural, hiking, wild bays
• Vela Luka – sunsets, local vibe

Old Town (Korčula Town)

Storybook walled peninsula with car-free lanes, tiny piazzas, and dining by the sea. Best for first-timers, short stays, and night ambience. Walk everywhere; small heritage hotels and apartments inside the walls, with sea-gate swims steps away.

Editor picks:

Banja/Šetalište Petra Kanavelića (Town Promenade)

East and west waterfronts flanking Old Town. Easy stroll in, sea ladders for dips, cafés with views. Great if you want calm nights but minutes to the action; mid-range apartments and boutique stays.

Lumbarda

Laid-back village 6 km from Town with sandy beaches and vineyards growing Grk grapes. Perfect for families and beach-first trips. Bus links are frequent in season; plenty of apartments and villas; a few small hotels.

Žrnovo → Defora hamlets

Hillside stone hamlets above Town leading to wild south-shore bays. Suits hikers, cyclists, and peace-seekers with a car/e-bike. Stays are villas and rural apartments; bring groceries and go exploring.

Račišće & North-Coast Villages

String of sleepy coves and pebble beaches northwest of Town. Good for longer stays and self-caterers; bus links reduce in shoulder season. Expect apartments with big sea views.

Vela Luka

Vela Luka, located on the far western side of Korčula, serves as the island’s second hub and a great base for those seeking sunsets, cave explorations such as Vela Spila, and easy access to the island’s western coves. The town curves around a deep bay lined with waterfront apartments, a few hotels, and boat rentals for trips to nearby islets. Unlike the medieval charm of Korčula Town, Vela Luka offers a more everyday, local atmosphere, making it ideal for road-trip travelers, budget-friendly stays, and discovering the wilder, less touristy side of the island.

Perfect itineraries, from 1 day to 5+

Essentials: 1–3 Days in Korčula

Use Town as your anchor. Do the skyline hits, swim between sights, and add one islet hop or sandy-beach afternoon. Evenings are for sea-gate sunsets and a leisurely konoba dinner.

1. Day 1: Old Town loop → Cathedral tower → sunset promenade
2. Day 2: Badija & Vrnik by water-taxi → swim & picnic → Moreška (in season)
3. Day 3: Lumbarda sands + winery tastings → lighthouse viewpoint

Explorer: 2–5 Days (Town + Nearby)

Stretch into villages and trails, tasting Grk and Pošip where they grow. Mornings for hikes/kayaks, afternoons for coves, evenings for seafood and local desserts.

1. Day 1–2 plan above
2. Day 3: Račišće coastal walk → cove swims
3. Day 4: Zrnovo hamlets → south-shore bays (Defora)
4. Day 5: Chef-led tasting or winery circuit

Slow Travel: 5+ Days (Deeper Korčula area)

Give yourself time for Pelješac wineries and Ston, or a boat to Mljet National Park. Alternate “do-lots” days with lazy swim days.

1. Include: Pelješac day trip (Orebić, Ston walls), Mljet lakes, Vela Luka side of the island

Timing islands? Use our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal schedules and operators.

Itinerary table

Itinerary	Theme	Highlights	Pace	Who it’s for
1–3 days	Essentials	Old Town, islets, Lumbarda	Relaxed	First-timers, couples
2–5 days	Active & foodie	Trails, tastings, coves	Moderate	Friends, solo explorers
5+ days	Island + peninsulas	Pelješac, Mljet, wild bays	Unhurried	Families, long-stays

Best day trips

Korčula sits in a crossroads of calm channels, so hopping to nearby peninsulas and national parks is easy in season. Boats and buses thin in late fall-spring; plan returns carefully and always confirm last departures.

• Pelješac (Orebić & Ston) – vineyards & mega-walls → foot ferry/bus via Orebić
• Mljet National Park – salt-lakes cycling & swims → catamaran (summer schedule)
• Lastovo – remote archipelago feel → catamaran (select days)
• Badija & Vrnik – monastery, turquoise coves → frequent water-taxis
• Vela Luka side – caves & sunsets → island bus or car

Day trips table

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights	Best For
Pelješac (Orebić & Ston)	10–20 min boat + bus	Wineries, Ston Walls, oysters	Foodies, history fans
Mljet National Park	~1–2 hrs by catamaran	Salt lakes, monastery islet	Naturescapes, cyclists
Lastovo	~1.5–3 hrs by catamaran	Wild bays, stargazing	Adventurous explorers
Badija & Vrnik	10–20 min by taxi-boat	Monastery, quarry coves	Easy half-day swims
Vela Luka & west coast	~1 hr by bus/car	Vela Spila cave, sunsets	Drivers, long-stays

Getting in & around

Korčula connects by fast catamarans to Split, Hvar, Brač, Mljet, and Dubrovnik in season, plus year-round ferries to Pelješac (Orebić). On-island, combine walking, buses, taxi-boats, and bikes/scooters.

Quick list

• Ferry–Catamaran – main lifeline in season
• Bus – towns & villages links
• Taxi-boat – islets & nearby beaches
• Car & Parking – useful for remote bays
• Taxi-Rides– pre-book in peak
• Bike-Scooter – e-bikes ideal for hills
• On Foot – compact Old Town + promenades

By Plane (via Split/Dubrovnik Airport)

Nearest gateways: Split (SPU) & Dubrovnik (DBV) with onward catamarans/bus+ferry. In peak, services align; off-season requires planning.

• From Dubrovnik (DBV): Airport shuttle/taxi → Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (Gruž, next to port) → seasonal direct catamaran to Korčula Town. Off-season/if times don’t fit: bus to Orebić → 15-min passenger ferry to Dominče (Korčula).
• From Split (SPU): Airport shuttle/city bus → Split Bus Station & ferry port → seasonal direct catamaran to Korčula Town (often via Hvar). If schedules don’t align: intercity bus to Orebić → short ferry to Dominče.
• Late arrivals: Stay overnight near the port in Dubrovnik or Split; catch the first morning catamaran/bus+ferry.
• Tickets & tips: In July–Aug, book catamarans early; always confirm last departures and plan around afternoon winds.

By Bus (Intercity/Local)

Getting to Korčula by bus is straightforward and budget-friendly whether you’re coming down the coast from Split or up from Dubrovnik. Intercity coaches run year-round to Korčula Town (and to Orebić on the Pelješac side for an easy ferry hop), with multiple departures in summer and fewer but reliable options off-season. Buses drop you right by the Old Town, so you can walk to accommodations or the waterfront in minutes.

Once on the island, local buses link Korčula Town with Lumbarda’s sandy beaches, the north-coast villages around Račišće, and westward to Vela Luka. Frequencies are highest in July-August, with a solid core schedule the rest of the year. Tickets are inexpensive, sold on board or online, and routes are short – perfect for beach-hopping without a car.

Buses to Korčula (from mainland)

• Dubrovnik → Korčula (direct coach): Arriva/Autotrans runs daily; sample fare €15.20 (3h–3h30). Buy online; buses end at Korčula Bus Station near Old Town.
• Split → Korčula (direct coach): Arriva/Autotrans year-round; typical one-way fares ~€20–27; journey ~5h40m.
• Via Orebić (backup if direct times don’t fit): Dubrovnik → Orebić by bus (multiple daily; fares vary), then Orebić → Korčula (Dominče) short car-ferry as a foot passenger €2.26–€3.99.

Getting around by local buses (on Korčula)

• Korčula Town ↔ Lumbarda: frequent daily shuttles; €2.50 one-way; ~15 minutes.
• Korčula Town ↔ Vela Luka (via island villages): ~1 hour; fares typically ~€7-8 one-way; several departures daily.
• Korčula Town ↔ Račišće (north-coast villages): short local run; example listed fare €3.80 on sale sites (check day-of for current times).

Tips: Use Arriva Croatia to check live timetables and buy tickets (often with small online/app discounts). For the Orebić ferry, tickets are valid for any departure on the travel day – handy when connecting from buses.

Ferries & catamarans

Regular catamarans link Korčula Town ↔ Split/Hvar/Brač (north) and Korčula Town ↔ Mljet/Dubrovnik (south) in season; year-round car ferries run Orebić ↔ Dominče (Korčula). Routes are run by different companies and tickets aren’t interchangeable. On the Orebić–Dominče line, a ticket you buy is valid for any sailing that day – handy when connecting from a bus. See our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal updates.

Examples:

• Orebić ↔ Korčula (Dominče) car ferry (Jadrolinija 634): foot passenger €2.50 (Jan–May & Sep–Dec) / €4.40 (May 30–Sep 28). Typical small car (≤5 m, ≤2 m high) €10.40 low / €16.20 summer. Crossing ~15–20 min.
• Split ↔ Korčula Town (TP Line 651 catamaran, seasonal): €25 one-way (also Hvar ↔ Korčula €25; Korčula ↔ Dubrovnik €25).

(Note: Always re-check exact dates and operators the week you travel; summer adds sailings, winter trims them.)

Driving & parking

Arriving from the north (Split/Zagreb): Take the A1 south and exit at Čvor Karamatići (Ploče), then follow signs for the Pelješac Bridge and continue along D8 → D414 down the Pelješac peninsula to Orebić. Roll onto the Orebić ↔ Dominče (Korčula) car ferry (15-20 min) and you’re a few minutes’ drive from Korčula Town. Using the bridge avoids the old Neum border detour.

Arriving from the south (Dubrovnik): Drive the coastal D8 to Ston, then continue onto D414 across Pelješac to Orebić for the short car ferry to Dominče (Korčula). In high season the road is scenic but slow through villages – plan fuel/coffee stops and check ferry queues at Orebić.

With a car on Korčula, point the hood toward the south shore for the island’s wildest bays. From Žrnovo and Pupnat, drop down to Pupnatska Luka (pebble, postcard-blue), then hop east/west to Bačva, Orlanduša, Rasohatica, and other Defora coves; roads are narrow and winding, so go early for parking and calmer seas. These beaches are classic “bring-your-own-shade” spots with a konoba or two in season.

Aim west for Vela Luka to pair sunsets with a quick hike/drive up to the Vela Spila cave viewpoint, then park by the waterfront and taxi-boat to Proizd – a tiny islet with four stunning pebble beaches. On the north coast, the coast road to Račišće threads past coves and ends near Vaja and Samograd beaches; it’s a scenic, easy half-day loop from Korčula Town.

For softer sand and wine, drive east to Lumbarda for Pržina and Bilin Žal beaches and tastings among Grk vineyards; for island whites beyond Grk, detour inland to Smokvica/Čara – home of Pošip for cellar doors and vineyard views.

Parking in/near Korčula Town (official prices)

• Waterfront piers – Obala korčulanskih brodograditelja (ex Liburna) & Obala Vinka Paletina: €1.00/hour off-season; in season, charging runs 24h (rates set locally). Pay at meter/SMS/Bmove app.
• Put sv. Luke (open lot) – Opposite PC Spot–Tommy: €0.50/hour off-season; season = 24h charging.
• Spot-Tommy garage & roof – Central, ~8–10 min walk to Old Town: €0.50/hour off-season (garage operates 24/7 year-round).
• Season timing: From 15 May, parking switches to 24h paid on Hober-managed lots; off-season (≈16 Oct–14 May) meters run 06:00-16:00 on weekdays and are free on Sat/Sun/holidays.

Tip: In peak summer, consider the outer lots (cemetery/Put sv. Luke) and walk or use the free park-and-ride shuttle when operating; waterfront spots fill fast.

Taxi / Rides

Pre-book taxis in peak; water-taxis post daily boards on the Riva.

• Confirm price before departing.
• Fares rise after midnight.

Bike / Scooter

E-bikes smooth out hills; helmets recommended. Coastal lanes are scenic but narrow in spots; ride early to beat heat/traffic.

• Use lights after dark.
• Watch slick stones.

On Foot

Old Town + waterfront promenades are compact and step-free in parts; lanes can be polished stone – wear grippy soles.

For a greener escape, head inland to Kočje nature reserve near Žrnovo: a mossy limestone maze of boulders, shady crevices, and short forest paths – great on hot days and reachable by car or local bus plus a brief walk.

On the north coast, follow the road from Račišće to steep-path coves like Vaja and Samograd; expect clear water, pebbles, and a rewarding climb back. Out east, stroll the Lumbarda vineyard trails between Grk vines, olive groves, and sandy bays (Pržina, Bilin Žal) – easy terrain with cellar doors for tastings.

Westward, pair the Vela Spila cave viewpoint above Vela Luka with a sunset drive, or make a gentle loop around Badija island’s monastery and pine paths by water-taxi from town.

• Cobblestones and steps; good shoes help.
• Shaded promenades ease summer heat.

Mode	Pros	Cons	Best For
On Foot	Scenic promenades • free	Polished stone can be slick after rain	Old Town explorers
Local Bus (Arriva/Autotrans)	Cheap • good village coverage	Fixed times • thinner off-season	Beach hops (Korčula–Lumbarda), Vela Luka day trips
Taxi / Water-taxi	Fast • door-to-door • easy islets	Costs more at night/weather-dependent	Families • luggage • Badija/Vrnik runs
Car	Maximum flexibility	Summer parking/traffic at popular coves	Wild south-shore bays • west-island loops
Bike / Scooter	Fun • vineyard & coastal routes	Heat • hills/uneven surfaces	Lumbarda vineyards • short coastal jaunts
Ferry / Boat	Frequent locals • island access	Separate operators • wind can disrupt	Island swims • day cruises

Best time to visit

Weather & sea: Late May-October brings warm seas and long swim days; July-August are hottest. Spring and fall are prime for hiking, cycling, and wine touring with swimmable afternoons. Winters are mild but quiet, with limited boats and restaurant hours.

Crowds & prices: Peak (late June-August) has the fullest ferry matrix and nightlife – book early. May-June & September offer better availability and calmer coves. Off-season brings low prices and local life, but limited services; plan self-catering.

Quick Picks

• June & September – best balance overall
• July-August – beach buzz, longest hours
• May & October – active trips, winery focus
• Nov-Apr – quiet escapes, limited boats

Month/Season	Temp	Rain	Crowds	Why go
May	Mild–warm	Light	Low–medium	Trails + first swims
Jun	Warm	Low	Medium	Balanced best-of
Jul-Aug	Hot	Low	High	Peak beach & boats
Sep	Warm	Low	Medium	Warm sea, calmer vibe
Oct	Mild–warm	Rising	Low	Hikes + tastings
Nov–Apr	Mild	Higher	Very low	Quiet, local rhythm

Korčula – Food & drink

Sea-to-grill plates, slow-cooked peka, and a glass of Grk with a sandy-bay sunset – Korčula keeps it simple and superb. In Town, slip into alleys for konoba classics; in Lumbarda, vineyard lunches roll into beach siestas. Evenings hum along the Riva with gelato in hand.

For true island flavors, start with Žrnovski makaruni – a hand-rolled tubular pasta from the village of Žrnovo, usually served with slow-cooked beef or tomato ragù. It’s so rooted in local tradition that you’ll see it spotlighted at village feasts and on Korčula menus.

Pair it with the island’s signature whites: Grk, an indigenous grape grown almost exclusively in Lumbarda’s sandy soils (dry, saline, and brilliant with seafood), and Pošip, a fuller white originating in Čara/Smokvica – notably the first Croatian white granted a denomination of origin back in 1967.

Seafood is a headline act: look for grilled scampi and lobster, whole Adriatic fish over coals, and octopus or lamb “ispod peke” (slow-cooked under a bell) ordered a few hours ahead.

Finish with lumblija, Korčula’s spiced cake from Blato, scented with almonds, citrus, and warm spices; by tradition it’s baked around All Saints’ Day as a “don’t forget me” bread for loved ones. Local olive oil is excellent and widely used – drizzle it over everything.

Korčula bites & sips highlights:

• Žrnovski makaruni (hand-rolled tubular pasta from Žrnovo), usually with slow-cooked beef or tomato ragù.
• Grilled scampi & lobster, plus classic octopus or lamb “under the peka.”
• Lumblija (Blato’s fragrant spiced cake – “don’t forget me”), with almonds, citrus, and warm spices.
• Cukarini & klašuni (traditional island biscuits/pastries) from Korčula’s old-school bakeries.
• Olive-oil tastings from ancient island groves – pair with local bread, cheese, and anchovies.
• Grk (Lumbarda) – a rare indigenous white grown on sandy vineyards;
• Pošip (Čara/Smokvica) – Korčula’s flagship white
• Salted sardines & geres (simple local seafood staples) with a glass of chilled white.

Where we love to eat when in Korčula:

Practical tips

• Footwear: Old Town stone gets slick – grippy soles help after swims.
• Sun & water: Shade is scarce on islets – carry water, hat, reef-safe sunscreen.
• Wind: Afternoon Maestral can chop up crossings – go early for kayaks/boats.
• Tickets: Summer catamarans sell out – book earlier in peak weeks.
• Cash: Keep small bills for taxi-boats, village kiosks, and tastings.

Money & payments

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted; keep small cash for kiosks and buses.
• ATMs & DCC: Decline currency conversion offers (pay in €).
• Tipping: Not required; round up or add ~5–10% for standout service.

Sample daily budget (pp)

• Lodging: budget €40–70 • comfort €90–150 • upscale €190–380+.
• Meals (3): €28-55 (mix of bakery/cafés vs. konoba mains).
• Coffee/gelato/beer: coffee €2-3.5 • gelato €2-3 • draft beer €3-6.
• Local transport: town walks €0 • bus Korčula-Lumbarda €2.50 one-way • island bus to Vela Luka ~€7–8. Arriva
• Sights/activities: bell-tower/churches & small museums roughly €3-6 (sample cathedral listings); taxi-boat/short boat hops commonly €8-25 return depending on route/operator; car-ferry Orebić-Dominče foot passenger €2.26-€3.99.
• Extras (snacks/souvenirs): €6–15.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Lodging	€40–70	€90–150	€190–380+
Meals	€22–35	€38–60	€75–120
Drinks (coffee/beer/gelato)	€5–10	€10–18	€18–30
Transport (local)	€0–5	€5–12	€12–25
Activities	€0–10	€10–30	€30–60

Sample Family Budget (per day, total for 4)

Food & drink

• Bakery/café breakfast (€12–20)
• Casual lunch (€40–65)
• Coffees/gelati (€10–16)
• Konoba dinner with drinks (€70–110)
• Daily total: ~€132–211.

Local transport

• Mostly walking
• 4× Korčula–Lumbarda bus tickets (two rides) €10–20
• Occasional taxi/transfer €12-25
• Daily total: ~€22–45

Sightseeing & activities

• Small entries €12–24
• half-day bike rental or loungers €28–44
• short taxi-boat/boat hop €20–40
• Daily total: ~€60–100

Estimated family daily total: ~€214–356 (season, location, and dining choices vary).

Price differences across the island: In smaller villages (Žrnovo, Račišće, parts of Lumbarda, inland hamlets) you’ll often find gentler menu and lodging rates than inside Korčula Town’s walls or right on the Riva – especially in July-August when waterfront tables carry a premium.

Coffee/gelato and everyday items tend to track national seaside averages (roughly €2–3.5 for a cappuccino along the coast), but expect peak-season surcharges at top-view spots; check the board before sitting.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Food & drink (family of 4)	€110–160	€170–240	€270–440
Transport (local)	€10–20	€20–40	€35–60
Activities	€0–20	€20–60	€60–160
Daily total (4)	€160–220	€210–340	€365–660

Actual costs vary by season and choice of activities; check ticket prices before you go.

Connectivity

• eSIMs work well; hotels/cafés commonly offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi zones are marked on tourist maps.
• Power: EU Type C/F, 230V ~ 50Hz; bring a universal adapter.

Health & safety

• Tap water is generally safe; refill where available.
• Rocky entries and sea urchins: use swim ladders/water shoes.
• Old Town stone gets slick after rain – wear sturdy shoes.
• Limited natural shade on many coves – pack sunscreen and a hat.

Accessibility

• Old Town surface: Polished stone and cobbles with short stair runs and mild slopes make Korčula Town’s walled peninsula tricky for wheelchairs and strollers – use grippy tires/shoes and plan a slower pace.
• Step-free promenades: The waterfront paths east/west of Old Town (Šetalište/Puntin) are mostly level with curb cuts; you can enjoy sea views and swim ladders without tackling the tightest lanes.
• Gates & lanes: Historic portals and side alleys often have a single step or narrow pinch points. When a lane looks tight, loop via the outer ring streets or the lower sea-wall walk for wider, flatter access.
• Buses & taxis: Island buses vary by vehicle – some low-floor, others with steps – so allow buffer time. Taxis are the simplest door-to-door option at night or for steep streets.
• Ferries/boats: The Orebić-Dominče car ferry boards via ramps, but gaps/angles can vary – ask staff for assistance. Fast catamarans may have a step or two at gangways depending on pier height. Small taxi-boats to Badija/Vrnik are often steps-only.
• Attractions: Major churches/museums can have thresholds and staircases (e.g., bell towers). Email ahead to confirm step-free entrances, lifts (if any), and accessible restrooms.
• Beaches: Many coves are pebbly or rocky shelves with ladders; Lumbarda has sandy entries but limited formal ramps. Look for arranged swim spots with handrails and choose calmer-sea mornings.
• Facilities: Accessible toilets are limited in the historic core – use museum/café facilities when available; larger supermarkets and ferry terminals are more reliable.
• Parking: Blue-Badge spaces sit near main approaches outside the walls; pay at municipal machines or via local parking apps. In peak season, try outer lots and roll in along the promenade.
• Quick tip: Map a step-free loop along the promenade and outer streets, then dip into the Old Town squares as comfort allows; time tower/laneway explorations for cooler hours when surfaces are less slick.

Handy phrases

Dobar dan (hello) • Hvala (thank you) • Molim (please/you’re welcome) • Koliko košta? (How much is it?)

FAQ

FAQ table

Question	Short Answer
Family-friendly?	Yes – sandy coves & calm seas
Need a car?	No for Town; useful for bays
Sand beaches?	Lumbarda area (multiple)
Best viewpoint?	St. Mark’s bell tower
Mljet day trip?	Seasonal catamaran
Nightlife?	Relaxed bars, summer shows

Official resources referenced in this guide

Korčula Tourist Board – https://visitkorcula.eu/

Lumbarda Tourist Board – https://visitlumbarda.eu/

Dubrovnik Airport – dbv.hr/

Split Airport – split-airport.hr

Jadrolinija (ferries) – jadrolinija.hr

Kapetan Luka / Krilo (catamarans) – krilo.hr

TP Line (catamarans) – tp-line.hr

Mljet National Park – np-mljet.hr

Ston Tourist Board (Ston Walls) – ston.hr

Read more about other popular destinations in Croatia on our guide.