The Best of Korcula

"Among the Dalmatian Coast’s most stunning towns, Korčula is full of Baroque, golden-stone buildings, set on a thumb of land surrounded by blue-green water. One such building, the historic Hotel Korčula, was completely renovated in 2015 to showcase high-ceilinged guestrooms with marine-blue walls, white furniture, and crisp linens, as well as modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. Each morning, guests gather for breakfast on the hotel’s elegant loggia, where they enjoy views of the harbor and the Pelješac peninsula across the strait. Afterward, they head out to explore the narrow streets of Korčula, as well as surrounding sites like the Marco Polo House (the island is his rumored birthplace) and St. Mark’s Cathedral. There are also several beaches in nearby Lumbarda, and the hotel can arrange for sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling in local coves. Come sunset, head back to the hotel and sit on the terrace with a chilled glass of grk, a white wine made on Korčula, while the woodsy maquis trees scent the breeze."

"Across from St. Mark’s Cathedral, the 15th-century Gabrielis Palace hosts the Town Museum of Korčula. An account of the island’s history is presented in both Croatian and English, and vividly illustrated by artifacts ranging from coats of arms and Greek amphorae to ship models and typical local household items. The museum’s most prized possession—the Psephisma of Lumbarda—dates back to the 4th century B.C.E. This stone plaque, written in ancient Greek, is the oldest written document found in Croatia."

"Auntie or Teta Smilja, as locals lovingly call her, opened her cozy shop back in 1994. Since then, her sweets—made using traditional and original recipes—have been featured in international magazines and won national awards. Packed to go, her klaštuni (walnut-filled dough) and amareti (almond cookies with lemon and orange) will make your walk around Korčula memorably sweet."

"Catch a taxi at the Old Town’s main bus station and head to Korčula’s first organic wine producer for a taste of the island’s traditional wines. A century after the indigenous grape variety grk disappeared from Korčula, vintner Frano Milina replanted it and started making what is now his signature Bire Grk white. Today, he offers daily tastings at the winery between 10 a.m. and midnight."

"Restaurant Filippi The local go-to spot for great food, Filippi is fast becoming Korčula’s signature gastronomic restaurant. The family-run eatery, designed around the slow food concept, serves the best of Mediterranean fare on a seafront terrace with spectacular views that occasionally feature dolphins. Try the tuna steak with shaved ginger and aromatized bulgur or the traditional homemade Žrnovski makaruni (pasta)."

"With hourly departures until 1 p.m., this 45-minute cruise runs along Korčula’s northern shores and out to the surrounding archipelago. Buy a ticket at Korkyra Info Office ( 4 Kralja Tomislava ) and sail to islets like Vrnik, known for its stone quarries, and Badija, home to a 14th-century Franciscan monastery. Hop off to explore then return on a later boat. Relaxing with a glass of local wine and looking out onto the jaw-dropping views is possibly your best introduction to Korčula."

"With hourly departures until 1 p.m., this 45-minute cruise runs along Korčula’s northern shores and out to the surrounding archipelago. Buy a ticket at Korkyra Info Office ( 4 Kralja Tomislava ) and sail to islets like Vrnik, known for its stone quarries, and Badija, home to a 14th-century Franciscan monastery. Hop off to explore then return on a later boat. Relaxing with a glass of local wine and looking out onto the jaw-dropping views is possibly your best introduction to Korčula."

"Irena Kaštela, third-generation jewelry designer and store owner, is so incredibly personable that shopping here is like visiting friends. A block down the main street from the South Gate, her store might just have more international fans than the island itself. Shop here for unique pieces featuring semiprecious stones and, of course, coral."

"Korčula Old Town claims to be the birthplace of the famous explorer (view his birth registry in the Bishop’s Treasury). The island celebrates this not only in its Marco Polo Museum, but at this Marco Polo-themed shop where you'll find a plethora of creative souvenirs, like a selection of local spices, 1,000 grains of salt or bottled local seawater."

"A former 18th-century bishop’s palace in Korčula Old Town, this Relais & Châteaux property has been meticulously restored into an all-suite luxury hotel. Each of the five rooms is decorated along a different theme inspired by the Silk Road and the explorer Marco Polo, who is rumored to have been born on Korčula. The two-bedroom China Suite features low-slung furniture, red pillows, and a scene-stealer of a terrace with views across the town and coastline, while the one-bedroom Arabia Suite includes an all-white color scheme and intricately carved wood screens. The hotel’s LD Spa specializes in Thai and Ayurvedic treatments, and the restaurant serves fresh, local seafood on a long terrace above the Old Town wall. The restaurant also produces three different olive oils from the groves around Korčula, and works with local partners to serve wines made from indigenous grapes like grk and pošip ."