Korčula: the back story

About Korčula: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Zagreb Editorial Team

Korčula is a green, wooded island in southern Dalmatia, and its walled old town on a small peninsula is one of the most beautiful on the coast.

A town built against the wind

Korčula Town sits on a small peninsula, surrounded by walls and towers. Its streets are laid out like the bones of a fish, curving to let in the summer breeze and block the cold winter winds. At its heart stands the Cathedral of St Mark.

The Moreška

Korčula keeps alive the Moreška, a sword dance telling the story of a battle between two kings for a princess, performed in summer for visitors.

Korčula’s streets are laid out like the bones of a fish, to let in the cooling breeze and keep out the winter winds.

Marco Polo

Korčula claims to be the birthplace of the Venetian traveller Marco Polo, and a house in the old town is shown as his family home. Historians still debate it, but it is part of the island’s story.

Wine and food

Around the village of Lumbarda, vineyards produce Grk, a white wine found almost nowhere else, and the island has excellent restaurants, including the MICHELIN-starred LD and the Bib Gourmand Konoba Mate.

Our advice: catamarans run from Split and Dubrovnik. Stay at least two nights, watch the Moreška, cycle to Lumbarda for wine, and eat at least once outside the old town.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Korčula: the back story before you go.