Korcula is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea that is home to stunning beaches, vineyards, and historic architecture – it has been named one of Europe’s best islands by Lonely Planet
A Mediterranean island, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Costa del Sol or the British favourite the Canaries, is home to breathtaking beaches and boundless forests.
Korcula, a Croatian gem nestled in the Adriatic Sea, has been hailed as one of Europe’s top islands by travel guide Lonely Planet. The island, which stretches 29.1 miles long and 4.8 miles wide, sits just under two miles off the Dalmatian coast.
It boasts an array of Mediterranean flora, including expansive dense pine forests, and a plethora of beaches with pebble shores, hidden bays and crystal-clear blue waters.
The medieval towns and villages are brimming with historic architecture, from the Gothic and Baroque palaces of the main town to the quaint stone cottages dotting the countryside. Visitors can explore small-scale vineyards and wineries, olive groves and mills.
The island is renowned for Grk, a unique white wine produced exclusively on the island and not exported due to its limited production. Among Korccula’s must-see attractions are the 15th-century St Mark’s Cathedral, the city walls with sea views, the cliffside cavern Vela Spila, the Icon Museum and the Abbey Treasury.
Tourists can also witness the island’s traditional sword dance, Moresska, performed weekly. This centuries-old elaborate spectacle involves two groups of dancers engaging in a mock battle over the fate of a veiled young woman, reports the Express.
Korcula is renowned for its rich musical history, particularly the a cappella style of singing known as klape groups. This centuries-old tradition, which celebrates love, wine, homeland and sea, has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
While the island can be bustling in the summer months, it exudes serene beauty outside of peak season. Accommodation options are plentiful, with hotels, Airbnbs and more available to visitors.
Regular ferry services connect Korcula to the mainland, departing from Domince, just outside the town of Korcula, and arriving in Orebic. Buses also provide links to major cities on the mainland, utilising the Orebic ferry service.
The Croatian coast enjoys an average summer temperature in the mid to high 20s, occasionally reaching into the low 30s.
