For those who’re on the lookout for a European island paradise this summer time, then it is best to head straight to Korcula.
It may not be as well-known as different European islands like Majorca or Santorini, however Lonely Planet has simply named Korcula one of the best island in Europe.
And it’s simple to see why.
Positioned in Croatia, simply 3km (1.8 miles) off the mainland, Korcula boasts medieval cities and villages, wealthy inexperienced forests excellent for biking and mountain climbing, and an important factor of all: A sandy seashore.
Anybody who has struggled to stroll on the pebbled seashores of Cut up and Dubrovnik will know what a uncommon deal with that’s in Croatia!
Right here’s why this secret island paradise ought to be in your bucket record:
Excellent Pure Magnificence
I’m a giant fan of island dwelling and its easy accessibility to sea, sand, and seafood. And Korcula doesn’t disappoint on any of these fronts!
The southern a part of the island has primarily sand seashores, usually nestled in remoted bays that lend a secluded, picturesque really feel. Luka Korculanska Bay is only a 15-minute stroll from Korcula Outdated City and is a good sandy seashore choice.
Korcula is at its busiest in the summertime months when the crystal-clear water is heat and ideal for swimming.
However if you wish to keep away from the crowds then the island is simply as stunning (maybe much more so) within the shoulder seasons of Might- June and September – October.
Korcula can also be identified for its dense, darkish forests, that are excellent for mountain climbing and biking and an excellent place to remain cool on a sizzling day.
Round 5km from Korcula city is the Kočje Nature Reserve which is a breathtakingly stunning protected space.
The simplest approach to discover the reserve is by taking a guided tour.
These final round 4.5 hours, you’ll have the comfort of being collected out of your lodge, and so they value 95 euros ($103) per individual.
However should you’re touring on a funds, there’s nothing to cease you from visiting the forest independently.
Korcula’s Outdated City
Croatia is well-known for its fascinating and history-rich Outdated Cities and Korcula isn’t any exception.
Whereas smaller than the Outdated Cities in Cut up and Dubrovnik, Korcula’s is completely shaped.
You’ll discover an abundance of charming medieval buildings right here and wonderful examples of Gothic-Renaissance structure.
The not-to-be-missed spotlight of the Outdated City is St Mark’s Cathedral which dominates the skyline. To the south of the Cathedral is the Abbey Treasury (Opatska Riznica), which was constructed within the seventeenth century and is residence to an abundance of fascinating spiritual artifacts.
If you wish to get out from the solar for an hour or two then go to the Korcula City Museum.
The Korčula City Museum is ready in Gabrielis Palace within the coronary heart of the Outdated City’s central sq..
It opens Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 9 pm throughout the summer time months, so I’d suggest visiting after dinner on a cooler summer time night.
Entrance prices 20 HRK ($2.88) per individual.
Getting To Korcula
It’s simple to be delay island holidays as a result of, let’s be trustworthy, attending to them generally is a little bit of a ache.
Korcula is a tiny island that doesn’t have an airport. Nevertheless it isn’t exhausting to get to!
To succeed in the island, you’ll must fly into Cut up or Dubrovnik after which proceed your journey through public transport. Then you definitely’ll hop on both a ferry or catamaran to the island.
As a result of Korcula is such a well-liked spot for Croatian vacationers and daytrippers, there are many choices to get to the island, particularly in the summertime months.
I reckon the best route is to catch the ferry from Orebic. That is the closest port on the mainland to Korcula and is simply 1 mile away from the island.
The ferry journey solely takes round quarter-hour and also you’ll end up touchdown within the coronary heart of Korcula City. And with ferries departing each half-hour, from 5.20am till 11.20pm throughout excessive season, attending to the island is a breeze!
One-way tickets value simply 15 HRK ($2.10) and you may guide these right here.
The place To Keep In Korcula?
A few of the greatest locations to remain in Korcula are in Korcula City, and should you’re solely visiting the island for an evening or two, I like to recommend you arrange camp right here.
Why waste your time dragging your baggage across the island when you might have the comfort of staying near the ferry port?
The much less time you spend reaching your lodge, the extra time it’s important to benefit from the island!
For those who’re on the lookout for a small and welcoming family-friendly lodge the place all of the rooms have epic sea views then I like to recommend the Lodge Korsal.
For a 2-night keep for two individuals on the finish of August you’ll pay $259 per room, per evening.
Favor one thing a little bit extra luxurious? The boutique residences supplied by Lesic Dimitri Palace are excellent for a romantic break.
This 5 star lodge is situated within the coronary heart of Korcula Outdated City. For a 2-night keep for two individuals on the finish of August you’ll pay $656 per room, per evening.