Areas to Visit in Croatia - Korcula Island

Korcula is one of the most beautiful, charming and romantic of the 1000 or so islands off the Adriatic coast. This 6th largest Adriatic island, is located between Split and Dubrovnik, parallel with the Peljesac Peninsula. It is 47. km long and covers an area of 270 sq.km. At the centre of Korcula, lies a mountain range, the highest peak, Klupca is 568m high and the island benefits from an impressive average of 3000 hours sunshine each year.

Korcula is extremely beautiful and is well worth a visit. The island's vegetation is rich and varied and much of its surface is covered with lush wooded valleys, fig groves and vineyards. Enjoy dramatic scenery, an abundance of wildlife, including jackals, mongoose and song birds. There are also various species of game; wild boar, hare, pheasant and more recently deer.

The sea around Korcula is azure blue and crystal clear, and the island boasts around 200 unspoilt coves and beaches. The impressive Lumbarda beach is a short drive away from Korcula old town and the large gently shelving sandy beach is ideal for families with children. The island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Korcula old town is built on a small oval peninsula. It has a spectacular mini fortress and for many people, brings to mind "Dubrovnik". The distinctive white limestone which was used to build both towns originates from Vrnik, a tiny island just off Korcula. Ancient mediaeval walls surround hidden treasures;. you will find architectural delights, including Renaissance palaces, cathedrals, museums and plenty more gems tucked away in its network of old cobbled streets. The town rises to a central square where St. Marks Cathedral dominates.

Korcula has been ruled in the past by various civilizations, the Greeks, Romans, Ilyrians and the Croatians, but it was the Venetians who ruled in four separate eras, some lasting several hundred years at a time, and left their stamp on the old town. Many of the beautiful buildings feature ornate Venetian architecture. According to local legend, the famous world explorer, Marco Polo was born in Korcula old town in 1254 and you can even climb the tower which was said to be his home. The island is a very popular and interesting tourist destination and often hosts society glitterati, who call in as they cruise around the Adriatic on their private yachts.

Ancient folk dances and festivities are frequently performed in the summer months including the Moreska and Kumpanija sword dances. The Moreska, a spectacular dynamic fighting dance has been performed in the town of Korcula for more that 400 years. Both dances are most entertaining.

From the local ferry port of Korcula old town, it is possible to arrange boat trips to Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Mljet and other wonderful places, all of which can be visited on a return day trip.

Those skilled in the art of island hopping would find it extremely difficult to find a more wonderful, interesting and charming island than Korcula.

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