Korčula Town
Korčula Town is one of my personal favorites! It's a magical place with a beautiful, compact, medieval Old Town that is a monument to Venetian architecture and fortifications. You'll have a free afternoon and evening to enjoy this spectacular compact and walkable town. Take a walk along the seafront promenade, or look for hidden gems both inside and outside the city walls. It's a special town where you can roam freely and soak up all the marvels that Korčula has to offer.
According to Greek Mythology, the Trojan warrior Antenor founded a settlement here in the 11th century BC. Supposedly, the Greeks and Illyrians ruled here until the Romans conquered Korčula in the first century. Then the owners of the town changed many times. The old town of Korčula as we know it today, with its Renaissance architecture and beautiful details, was built in the 15th-16th centuries under the rule of the Republic of Venice. That is why many buildings are decorated with carved windows, balconies and Venetian lions.
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Uncork the Extraordinary: A Curated Wine Tasting
Korčula island is home to some of Croatia’s best wineries, where lush vineyards cover the mineral-rich soil that helps produce some of the best wines!
Let me introduce Jennifer and Gabrielle, our amazing guides for this wine adventure! Both are extremely knowledgeable in all things Croatian wine!
This excursion will start after we dock in Korčula, around 3pm. This gives plenty of time to visit a winery and return to Korčula town to explore and eat on your own.
Visit a Family Owned Winery in Korčula:
- 65 Euro per person, payable directly to Jennifer.
Includes: Sommelier guiding you through the experience, Roundtrip Transportation, 4 different wines (Grk, Posip, Posip sur lie, rose (or similar) accompanied by homemade local snacks.
To secure your place, please sign up directly with Kerri by August 3rd.
Don't miss out! This way, we can all clink glasses together on this amazing experience.
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Things to do in Old Town Korčula
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Take a walk around the Old Town of Korčula
It's said that the fortified old town of Korčula is one of the best-preserved medieval towns of the Mediterranean Basin. Wherever you look, you are surrounded by beautiful historical architecture, narrow streets, small plazas, some scenic staircases, and plenty of little shops & restaurants.
In addition to the Old Town walls, there are still 7 remaining towers (out of 12 originally) that are located along the wall You can take some time to check out a few of them from the outside as you are making your way around town.
These towers include: Revelin Tower (the main gate tower), Large Governors Tower (main tower on southwest corner), Small Governors Tower (secondary tower on southwest corner), Sea Gate Tower (art gallery), Kanavelic Tower (restaurant), Zakerjan Tower (cocktail bar), All Saints Tower (live music).
Dine in one of the romantic restaurants in the old town
In the streets of Old Town, there are many cozy eateries and pizzerias. But if you want to have a sea view, I suggest you go to one of the restaurants located on the promenade, which is a short walk from where we'll dock.
Have a drink at the top of the Zakerjan Tower
If you want to have a drink in an unusual place and take the perfect photo for Instagram, you should visit the rooftop bar on the Zakerjan Tower, Massimo Cocktail Bar. It’s easy to find this place, it’s a characteristic half-tower in the old town. Zakerjan Tower is an excellent vantage point and one of the best places to watch the sunset in Korčula. You can see from here orange rooftops of stone houses, the tower of St. Mark’s Cathedral and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. It is even more romantic here in the evening when everything is beautifully lit.*Keep in mind you have to climb a ladder to reach the bar
Enjoy the view of Korčula Old Town from the seaside promenade
The most beautiful views of the Korčula peninsula are from the seaside promenade that leads from the old town to St. Nicholas’ Monastery. This street is called Put Svetog Nikole.
Visit Marco Polo House
It is not exactly known if the famous traveler Marco Polo was really born in Korčula, but visiting his supposed birth house is one of the top things to do in Korčula Town. Inside there is a museum with wax figures in costumes of the time, illustrations depicting scenes from the traveler’s life and quotes from his book.
Visit St. Mark’s Cathedral and churches in Korčula Old Town
One of the best things to do in Korčula Town is visiting Saint Mark’s Cathedral and other churches in the old town. There are almost a dozen churches, small chapels and other religious places here.
Sveti Nikola
Just outside of the Old Town center, on the southwest corner, you will come across a palm tree lined promenade.The Sveti Nikola walkway is a great little place to hang around as you get to see the city walls from afar. You can even continue a bit further westbound to get a completely different vantage point of Korčula. This is also a popular spot for people to simply jump into the water and go for a swim. So, if you are trying to cool down at any point, Sveti Nikola has plenty of options.
Korčula Town Viewpoint
I am sure you can tell by now that there are many opportunities to get in a view from around the Old Town center. However, there is another more elevated viewing opportunity located up behind the town. Above the town there is a road called Novi Put (also can be named UL. 45). Getting up there just requires a short 15 minute hiking trail from nearby the main city gate and Sveti Nikola. Located near Korčula Town, above Cvjetno Naselje neighborhood. You will also find a perfectly placed bench here to sit back & enjoy the view from. Further up along the hiking trail is an old fort called Forteca Svetog Vlaha, if you are up for some more exploration.
Kayaking & History Tour
Departing from Lumbarda is a half day kayaking tour that will take you out on the water and also to some nearby islands. The islands of Vrnik and Badija will be visited as you enjoy the crystal clear waters during the ride. Book Here
Cycling Korčula
While you certainly won’t need a bicycle for the Old Town center, renting a bicycle can be a great way to explore the eastern side of the island around Lumbarda. Most of the cycling here is pretty easy, with the only real difficult part being getting up the first hill outside of town. Overall, renting a bicycle and exploring at your own pace is a perfect way to spend the day seeing what Korčula is all about. You can rent a bike just outside of the Old Town.
Note: you can also visit other nearby towns & beaches by bicycle too if you are up for it
Sunset Kayak Tour
A sunset kayaking tour to a secluded beach to watch the sun as it drops into the ocean. This experience will be partnered with a local white wine and authentic homemade canapes. An evening kayaking your starting from Tatinja Bay in Lumbarda. Book Here
Swimming:
The water around Korčula Town is crystal clear and it’s certainly tempting to jump in at any moment. You’ll often see locals taking a dip right around the bays of the old town making use of the sheltered coves. If you’re looking for a beach where you can throw down a towel and perch with a good book, Banje Beach is the place to do it.
The closest beach to the old town centre, Banje Beach is located in the Borak area in the vicinity of Marko Polo, Liburna and Park Hotel. The sea here is often calm, with easy entrance into the water. Like most of Croatia's beaches, it’s made of pebbles and shingle so you may want to pack a pair of water shoes.
The good news is, you don't have to go far for a refreshing dip! There are two lovely swimming areas within walking distance of the yacht's dock.
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Restaurants & Bars in Korčula
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RESTAURANT NIGRA KORČULA
Just a few minutes walk from the heart of Korčula Old Town, Restaurant Nigra Korčula is a dining experience not-to-be-missed. Offering a split dining space, there is both an indoor restaurant and a platform suspended over the sea across the road opposite the restaurant.
Restaurant Nigra offers a gourmet dining experience that marries the passion for excellent dishes with the best locally sourced ingredients. Here you can pair delicious Croatian wines with a local favourite - handmade makaruni - a Croatian speciality, freshly caught seafood, and melt-in-your-mouth desserts.
Address | Put Svetog Nikole 25, 20260, Korčula
Opening Hours | Daily 9am-midnight, reservations required https://restaurantnigra.com/
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PENSATORE KITCHEN & WINE
Sharing dining space between Korčula’s waterfront and a space tucked within a sandstone hideaway, Pensatore Kitchen & Wine is a favourite dining location in Korčula. Taking al fresco dining to another level, the ambience perfectly complements the exquisite menu.
Diners are seated under the warm glow of fairy lights, while waves of the Pelješac channel gently lap at the walls of the promenade. Pensatore Kitchen & Wine offer a delightfully fresh, Mediterranean-inspired menu combining organic ingredients to create flavours that you’ll be thinking about days later - think octopus with polenta and chimichurri or saffron and prosciutto.
Address | Šetalište Petra Kanavelića, 20260, Korčula
Opening Hours | Daily 8am-11pm Reserve here: https://smokvina.hr/bookyour/b/pensatorekor
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LD RESTAURANT
Occupying prime real estate along the town’s waterfront promenade, diners can overlook the crystal clear waters surrounding Korčula Town.
LD Restaurant is an established player in the Korčulan dining scene, owing much of its success to the Michelin-starred menu curated by Head Chef Marko Gajski. Honouring the best of seasonal ingredients, the dishes bring the robust flavors of Croatia to life on your plate.
Address | Don Pavla Poše 1-6, 20260, Korčula
Opening Hours | Daily 8am-midnight
Reservations: https://www.ldrestaurant.com/
Price | Chef’s tasting menu price is 185 EUR, 3 course menu is 150 EUR, Sommelier’s wine choices are 97 EUR,
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KONOBA NONNO
Fine dining, sea views, and with Mediterranean cuisine at its core, Konoba Nonna encapsulates your dining experience only the way a local Croatian tavern can. Taking a luxe contemporary approach to authentic Croatian cuisine, this highly-rated eatery shouldn’t be missed.
From perfectly cooked steaks, generous pasta dishes and exceptionally served seafood, Konoba Nonno is a delight for your tastebuds. Warm hospitality, a brilliant location, and top-quality cuisine makes this restaurant a great choice while in town.
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KONOBA ATERINA
If you’re looking to enjoy the atmosphere of a local eatery, Konoba Aterina is a top choice. It feels like dishes ‘cooked by mum’ where they serve modern bistro-style plates built around the inventive use of local ingredients.
Whether it’s a twist on traditional bruschetta using bacon and pesto to grilled fish and seasonal vegetables or comforting pasta plates that are fresh and hearty, the value is emphasised through the quality of the food. Al fresco dining on the terrace offers a beautiful sea view and is a brilliant spot to admire the beautiful Dalmatian sunsets.
Address | Trg korčulanskih klesara i kipara, 2, 20260, Korčula
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MARCO HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
While not a restaurant or wine bar, Marco Homemade Ice Cream deserves an honourable mention. A holiday must-have for me is ice cream or gelato, and Croatia seems to have picked up a thing or two from their Italian neighbours, because they do a great job.
Marco Homemade Ice Cream does a great job of this, with a mix of daily specials like ricotta and fig, Marko Polo cheesecake, and orange and ginger.
Address | Šetalište Frana Kršinića 60, 20260, Korčula, Croatia
Opening Hours | Daily 10am - 11pm
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LOLE WINE AND TAPAS BAR
Just off the Korčula promenade on the stony laneway steps is LoLe Wine and Tapas Bar. Offering a wide selection of fine Croatian wines and lovingly prepared homemade sharing plates, patrons can expect a casual yet superb experience. There are only a handful of high-top tables perched on the laneway stairs, so I suggest you arrive early or try to book a table in advance.
The owner Renato is knowledgeable with local wine expertise and guides you through the indigenous wine varieties from Korčula and from further across Croatia.
The wine tasting menu with a tapas board at €40 per person. It's a small restaurant so worth making a reservation.
Opening Hours | Daily 5pm-midnight
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BOKAR WINE BAR
If you’re looking for a casual place to perch for a glass of wine, then Bokar wine bar is perfect. With a selection of local wines from the island and broader Croatia, the sommeliers here will spend their time explaining the qualities and flavours of each wine to help you in your appreciation of a local drop.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, they also serve small plates to share. For those looking for a more in-depth opportunity to explore the wines of the region, sample three local wines from Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula.
Address | Ul. Sv Roka 15, 20260, Korčula
Opening Hours | Daily 12pm-midnight
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COCKTAIL BAR MASSIMO
Set within and at the top of the turret of the Zakerjan Tower, Cocktail Bar Massimo is a unique experience offering a great view. There are a handful of tables set in the rooftop space, but be warned that this open-air bar requires some nimble navigation of several wooden staircases to reach the top.
You’ll need to be fit enough to climb a ladder to get up there. It’s steep. Once at the top there are great views of Korcula. There is seating and table service. Your drinks will come up the side of the building by pulley on a tray. There are lots of drinks to choose from- higher prices than other places but a unique experience.
Address | Šetalište Petra Kanavelića, 20260, Korčula, Croatia
Opening Hours | Daily 2pm-10pm
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LD GARDENTucked away in the heart of Korcula's old town, LD Garden is a charming bistro, cocktail and wine bar that offers a unique dining experience. Our concept is centered around food sharing, where we encourage our guests to try a variety of dishes and share them with friends and family. This relaxed atmosphere allows for a fun and social dining experience, perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers. Whether it’s a casual late lunch or a cozy dinner under the stars, our bistro beckons with open arms, inviting you to unwind, enjoy and create unforgettable memories.
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TAVERNA ADIO MARE
Tucked away in the appealing little lanes of Korčula’s Old Town, Adio Mare has been going strong since the 1970s. The premises were originally part of a small boatyard, a heritage reflected in tools of the trade displayed in its interior; beyond stands a terrace overlooked by honey-hued townhouses and churches. This popular joint serves unpretentious Italian-influenced Dalmatian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The pasta is homemade, carnivores aren’t completely ignored, and much of the wine list features bottles either from the island or neighbouring Pelješac
Address: Ul. Sv Roka 2, 20260, Korčula, Croatia
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RESTAURANT FILIPPI
(Michelin Recommended)
The restaurant offers modern Dalmatian cuisine based on local artisan pasta and fresh herbs, used creatively in a contemporary style: healthy, delicious, visually attractive, and setting a new standard for the island and town of Korčula.
Filippi is a well-known restaurant in the port of Korčula on Petar Kanavelić walk, known as Zakerjan by the locals. Tables are set above the ramparts in this exceptionally attractive location, with a commanding view of the Pelješac channel and the islands of the Korčula archipelago
Address: Šetalište Petra Kanavelića, 20260, Korčula, Croatia
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