Bucket list experience:
Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia
A picture-perfect walled town, set on an oval-shaped swathe of land surrounded on three sides by the crystalline Peljesac channel, Korcula Town is one of the most beautiful in the Croatian archipelago.
Famous for its elegant Venetian mansions and the narrow medieval alleyways that branch off the main pedestrianised street, this is a place to wander and soak up the history – including the house where explorer Marco Polo is said to have been born.
It’s definitely worth visiting on a Thursday and staying on to see the traditional Moreška Sword Dance, a medieval dance performed in traditional costume, which takes place from May to October at 9pm next to the Land Gate.
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Destination Guide >There are regular car ferries between Split and Vela Luka on the west side of Korcula island. From there, buses make the journey to Korcula Town (one hour). Taxis are available at the port, and take around 40 minutes.
Start by wandering the 26 narrow cobbled streets that wind off from the Old Town’s main artery, then head to St Mark’s cathedral; climb up the belltower for lovely views across the terracotta rooftops.
Then drop into Marco Polo’s birthplace and St Mark’s Abbey Treasury, which houses an impressive collection of icons and Dalmatian religious art, before settling in at the Tramonto Café terrace (Ismaelli 12) for a sundowner.
For dinner you won’t do much better than Konoba Marinero (Ulica Marka Andrijica 13), known for serving the best seafood in town, including delicious lobster spaghetti and fresh sea bass.
Korcula Town is accessible all year, but in the winter months most of the restaurants and cafes are shut and it is extremely quiet.
The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn; in July and August the town gets over-run with visitors and temperatures can be too hot to enjoy exploring.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Korucla, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.1 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:
Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.2 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:
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[51.4 miles]
A heritage boutique B&B with a charming courtyard garden dotted with beanbags. Perfect for making the most of Brac’s sunny beaches and adventure sports.
Official star rating:
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[51.9 miles]
A luxurious 50-room waterside resort with contemporary design, gourmet dining, a spa and its own organic garden on Hvar Island.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[0 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
Mljet, Dalmatia, Croatia[30.5 miles]
A remote island national park with pristine forests for hiking and biking, and emerald-blue saltwater lakes you can kayak on or swim in.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia[33 miles]
Sample some of Croatia’s finest red wines at the vineyards on this mountainous peninsula. A one-hour drive up the coast from Dubrovnik.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 4
Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia[46.5 miles]
A traditional Dalmatian village, famous across Croatia for oysters served in restaurants overlooking a sheltered bay. A scenic drive north of Dubrovnik.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[41.1 miles]
Hike the rugged heights and nature parks of Mount Biokovo for stunning views down across the Adriatic.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 5 hours
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[41.8 miles]
Taste some of Hvar’s best wines in a cellar modelled on the ancient Roman dining rooms used by the Emperor Diocletian. Hvar’s top winemaker.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[51.3 miles]
The home of Croatia’s oldest wine co-operative, the Stina Winery has been in operation since the 1900’s and produces some of the region’s best Posip (white) and Plavac Mail (red). Daily tours and tastings at 5pm and 6pm, pre-booking not necessary.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[52.3 miles]
A photogenic 500m-long cape of fine golden shingle, that changes shape with the tide. Lined with sunbeds and good for watersports, it’s a great family beach.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
