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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

Just offshore from the medieval walled town of Korcula, in the sea channel between Korcula island and Peljesac peninsular, lies this gorgeous archipelago.

Most of the islands are tiny and virtually uninhabited; the largest is Badija (served by taxi boats from Korcula), with a pretty pebble beach with sunbeds and parasols to hire, while pocket-sized Stupe is home to the popular Moro beach.

Surrounded by warm crystal-clear waters in shades of deep blue and stunning turquoise, and planted with fragrant pinewoods, this group of idyllic islets are ideal for exploring by yacht, motorboat or kayak.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Arrive in Korcula Town by high-speed catamaran from either Dubrovnik or Split (there’s a daily service through the warmer months April to October). Most of the various organised tours depart from there.

Adventure sports specialists Korcula Outdoor run sea-kayaking tours (half-day; full-day; sunrise or sunset) from Korcula Town.

If you want to stay overnight, head to the Lesic Dimitri Palace or The Fabris. If you stay at the Lesic Dimitri Palace, they have a sleek yacht and a traditional wooden boat available to guests for private tours.

When to do it

Tours run throughout the warmer months, from May to October, but in July and August its best to do a sunrise or sunset tour to avoid the heat – kayaking does mean extended exposure to the sun.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Lesic Dimitri Palace

Korucla, Dalmatia, Croatia[4.5 miles]

Boutique aparthotel combining low-profile luxury, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a small spa, in Korcula’s medieval-walled old town.

Official star rating:

The Fabris

Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[4.6 miles]

A five-minute walk from Korcula’s bustling port, just outside the picturesque Old Town, this informal inn has a  lovely sea-view terrace and does an excellent breakfast.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dalmatian Islands

Dalmatia, Croatia

A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Korcula’s Old Town

Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[4.6 miles]

One of the most beautiful towns in the Croatian archipelago – steeped in history, graced with superb Venetian architecture and surrounded by the picturesque Pelješac channel.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Moreska Sword Dance

Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[4.6 miles]

Dalmatian tradition at its best – a spectacular Mediterranean sword dance between two bands of men, dating back to the 16th century.

Best for ages: 6+ | £13 | 30 minutes

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