Korčula Island – An Island With History and Untouched Nature

Korčula is the 6th largest Croatian island, and with its seductive beauty it is among the top island destinations in the Mediterranean. It is the perfect combination of untouched nature and noble wilderness, rich cultural heritage, and a dynamic gastronomic and wine scene. The famous German publication Hörzu declared Korčula the most beautiful island in the world. The island was chosen as the most beautiful after traveling by experts and readers of international travel magazines such as “National Geographic”, “Conde Nast Traveller” and “Putovanja”.

The island of Korčula was called Korkyra Melaina by the ancient Greeks, and during the Roman Empire it was known as Corcyra Nigra, Black Korčula. The island abounds in natural beauties of special appeal, near the town of Korčula there is an archipelago of about twenty uninhabited islets covered with dense macchia and accessible coastline. It is among the most forested islands in the Adriatic, as much as 61% of its surface is covered with forest and macchia.

Birthplace of Marco Polo

This beautiful city, where the world’s most famous traveler and explorer Marco Polo was born, abounds in countless interesting and cultural landmarks, just some of which are:

• St. Mark’s Cathedral

• City Hall

• St. Peter’s Church

• Marco Polo’s House

• Abbey Treasury

• Veliki Revelin

The wealth of architectural elements is visible in every inch of the old town – bell towers, rose windows, portals and alleys – built with stone from quarries on the islets of Vrnik and Badija. The most famous Korčula custom is the Moreška fencing dance from the 17th – 18th centuries. Moreška is a traditional romantic knightly game in which two sides fight for a girl, and is based on the roots of traditional Mediterranean stories and legends. Kumpanija is an old knightly dance with long swords, with even richer dance figures known from a number of other European dances. Traditional Korčula cakes are cukarini, klašuni, hrustule and prikle (‘pršurate’), and the very delicious ‘rozata’ (creme caramel). On Easter, traditional Easter sweet breads ‘sirnice’ are baked all over the island, in Čara, Smokvica, Blato and Vela Luka, on All Saints’ Day, the special bread ‘lumblija’, and in the town of Korčula on St. Martin’s Day, ‘lojenica’.

Top Places on Korčula

• town of Korčula

• Vela Luka, the largest town on the island

• Lumbarda with the most beautiful beaches on Korčula

• Smokvica and Brna

• Blato

For those who like to anchor in peace, the southern side of the island hides an abundance of secluded bays and coves, and Zavalatica, Brna, Rasohatica, Prižba, Karbuni are just a few of them.