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Where to Stay on Korčula Island, Croatia

By Santorini Dave

A multi-level sailboat sits anchored in a harbor next to a town filled with tan buildings and orange-tiled roofs.

Anchored in the Old Town harbor is the Barbara Yacht, which is available for charter.

The Best Areas to Stay on Korčula Island

Just as charming, scenic, and historic as other islands and coastal towns along this part of Croatia, Korčula (kor-chula) Island is a breath of fresh air and easy to reach by ferry (or bus) from Dubrovnik or Split. Croatia’s second most populated island is mountainous, packed with olive groves and pine forests, and renowned for hiking, cycling, and pebbly beaches. Because of its documented days of endless sunshine, it’s almost a year-round destination.

Most visitors stay in the main town of the same name and take day trips from there. Other villages, which are convenient by bus, especially Lumbarda and Vela Luka, are attractive, less visited, quiet, and authentic. Žrnovo, Blato, and other charming villages are accessible by bus and offer privately-run accommodations. But those along the southern coast, like Brna and Prizba, can only be reached by private car.

Places around Korčula Island

Ancient tan stone buildings are enclosed in a wall.

Our view of Korčula Old Town from a boat trip.

Occupying a tiny headland and almost surrounded by open sea, the setting of Korčula Old Town is quite stunning, and it’s far smaller, quieter, and flatter than Old Towns in places like Dubrovnik and Hvar Town. This area offers the majority of tourist amenities and attractions, from island-hopping trips to passenger ferries to other popular destinations like Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar Island, as well as many waterfront bistros and enticing boutiques.

Just outside Korčula Old Town are several hotels and resorts worth considering. A few are barely a 10-minute walk past the bus station and pretty marina to the southeast; others are a little further out and offer facilities like a swimming pool and tennis court.

Just 15 minutes from the Old Town by bus (and water taxi), Lumbarda is an uncrowded and likable village with beaches and lower-cost accommodation. It’s also renowned for its wineries (which are only accessible by private car or special tour) and is close to the car ferry port to the mainland.

On the far western coast, charming Vela Luka is the island’s second-largest town and home to a port for car ferries to Split. It’s also less expensive than Korčula Town.

On the Croatian mainland, and barely a 15-minute regular ferry trip from Korčula Town, Orebić is another quaint village. It has so much to offer—resorts, beaches, cycling, and lower overall prices—but it is rarely visited and unaffected by mass tourism.

A view from a window of a blue bay and houses and in the distance, across the water, a mountain.

The view from our room at Aminess Heritage overlooked the bay and the mainland. The hotel is on the west side of Old Town and on the promanade.

The Best Places to Stay on Korčula Island

Best Areas on Korčula Island for…

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for First-Time Visitors: Outside Korčula Old Town
    Korčula is small and easy to manage. Those visiting Korčula Town and, perhaps, Croatia for the first time may benefit from staying a little further out at hotels like the Korsal, Marko Polo, or Aminess Liburna which are all distant from tour groups but still within walking distance of the Old Town. Even quieter and offering supermarkets, pebble beaches, and cycling paths is the area with the Moro Inn and enormous Aminess Port 9 Resort. From the Old Town, both are easy to reach on foot (30 minutes) via a lovely coastal path and by water taxi.

    People ride bikes on a paved path.

    There’s a great coastal path between Old Town and Aminess Port 9 Resort.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Sightseeing: Korčula Old Town
    The small headland occupied by the Old Town is the island’s main attraction, so it makes sense to stay there. The scenic Old Town is well-preserved (see below) and a joy to explore. Other days can be spent on sightseeing tours around Korčula Island, e.g., visiting adorable villages like Blato and wineries around Lumbarda or island-hopping. (See Boat Trips later.) These can be arranged at agencies around Tomislava Square, just south of the Old Town, or kiosks around the marina. Otherwise, arranging a day trip by ferry to Hvar Island is easy; rent a car or motorbike for a full exploration of the island; take bus trips to delightful villages like Lumbarda and Vela Luka and to Orebić village on the mainland by ferry. Pick up the detailed and free Korčula Island One Island – Endless Dreams brochure from the tourist office.

    A large blue "i" hangs on the outside wall of a tourist office.

    We stopped at the Tourist Information Office.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for History: Korčula Old Town
    The island has been fought over for centuries by Greeks, Venetians, and Turks, among others, so it can boast a long, varied, and often brutal past. This history is still evident throughout the Old Town, especially the restored towers, St Marka Cathedral, moat, and walls originally built in the 13th century but strengthened 200 years later.

    A tall stone tower with a flag onto stands above a staircase.

    Tower Revelin is the south entrance to the walled Old Town.

    For more history, visit the Town Museum and Marco Polo Center dedicated to the renowned explorer who locals believe was born on the island. The narrow and cobblestoned laneways angling across the headland from the main plaza, St Marka Square, are similar to those found in other ancient settlements along the Dalmatian Coast. This Old Town is different than most because it’s small, easy to manage on foot (with minimal steps), and almost surrounded by open sea – so the views are stunning, but the winds are strong.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Vibe: Vela Luka
    On the other end of the island and connected by regular bus, Vela Luka is the island’s second-largest town and offers a peaceful, village vibe unaffected by crowds. The village is spread along an attractive harbor of fishing boats bobbing in the blue-green water, and the restaurants and bars are more likely to be filled with locals than tourists. Arrange boat trips from the broad marina and walk the spacious palm-lined promenade. There are also scenic bus trips (45-60 minutes) from Korčula Town.
  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Nightlife: Korčula Old Town
    Relaxing over a leisurely evening meal while watching the sunset is about as hectic as it gets in Korčula Town and on the Island. A cluster of bars and restaurants offer evening entertainment, including Silk along the western edge of the Old Town and others up a laneway from Silk, and Pub Nordes which offers dozens of local and imported alcoholic drinks guaranteed to get the party started.
  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Shopping: Korčula Old Town
    Hole-in-the-wall boutiques pack the laneways within the Old Town, many offering souvenirs, including popular items (like soap) made with lavender. More worthwhile mementos include paintings of the Old Town and harbor from galleries around Tomislava Square, locally-made olive oil, and wines crafted from across the island. A supermarket is alongside the ferry terminal in the eastern part of the Old Town, and at the marina is the SPOT Mall.

    An outdoor stone staircase is lined with shops selling paintings and clothes.

    We enjoyed the charming shops in Old Town.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Beaches: Orebić
    Orebić on the mainland and the surrounding area offer wide pebble beaches. The lovely village is just 15 minutes from Korčula Old Town by regular ferry. All beaches mentioned are open to the public, including those seemingly commandeered by the huge Aminess resorts and jam-packed with thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. Orebić is also the place to arrange watersports from jet-skiing to paddle-boarding. The esplanade provides a place to cycle on rented bikes or stroll with melting ice-creams.

    There are no beaches in or around the Korčula Old Town worth mentioning, but there is a sliver of (pebbly) beach in front of the Aminess Port 9 Resort about 30 minutes on foot (or water taxi) from Korčula Old Town.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Boat Trips: Korčula Old Town
    Being such a fascinating island surrounded by so many other fascinating islands, taking at least one boat trip seems obligatory. Reputable travel agencies around Tomislava Square and smaller kiosks along the marina offer boat trips. The marina is where most boats depart. Popular trips include boating around Korčula Island to villages like Lumbarda and Vela Luka, travel to secluded beaches on Badija Island, and trips to nature reserves on the islands of Lastovo and Mljet. Otherwise, enjoy ocean breezes and mountain views on the 15-minute ferry from Korčula Old Town to Orebić on the mainland, the short ferry trip to/from Hvar Island, or the water taxi between the Old Town and Lumbarda and the bay dominated by the Aminess Port 9 Resort.
  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Restaurants: Korčula Old Town
    The Old Town is almost completely surrounded by the ocean and by a flat path overlooking the water. Most of this path is crammed with scenic places to wine and dine. For those along the western path, sunsets provide extra entertainment most evenings, though all places are breezy, often bordering on windy.

    Dining tables sit next to a short stone wall and a bay of water.

    Dining tables outside Lešić Dimitri Palace (our favorite hotel for couples) on the east side of Old Town with views of the mainland.

    Seafood is a specialty, but very few places offer traditional Dalmatian cuisine like beef stew; in fact, many offer little but pizza. With so much competition, prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the wonderful ambiance and jaw-dropping views across the water and the mountains on the mainland. And why not order a glass (or three) of locally-grown wine using traditional methods introduced to the island over 2,000 years ago?

    A large pizza with cured meats and dollops of mozzarella sits on a table outside a restaurant.

    We enjoyed eating our pizza outdoors in Old Town.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island Without a Car: Korčula Old Town
    While it’s possible to bring a car onto the island via the vehicle ferries at Vela Luka (from Split) and Dominče (from the mainland), there seems little point, and parking anywhere near the Old Town is challenging. The area between Korčula Town and Aminess Port 9 Resort is easy to reach on foot, by rented bicycle, or by water taxi, while Lumbarda village is accessible by water taxi and bus. The bus connects to Vela Luka and the ferry to Orebić, so there is plenty to see and do without a car if staying in or around the Old Town. Motorbikes are also available for rent if experienced.

    People wait in line to get on a water taxi.

    We took the water taxi between Aminess Port 9 Resort and Old Town.

  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Transport: Korčula Old Town
    The only way to the island is by ferry – and most arrive on foot by passenger-only ferries (catamarans) from Dubrovnik, Split, or Hvar at one of the two terminals in the Old Town (see Travel Tips). Also convenient is the bus station just south of the Old Town, although services are limited to Vela Luka and Lumbarda on Korčula Island, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik. Other transportation includes rented bicycles, motorbikes, and water taxis (see above), all easily arranged from the Old Town.

    People depart a large blue-colored ferry to a stone port.

    We arrived on Korčula Island via the ferry.

  • Best Areas on Korčula Island for Families: Outside Korčula Old Town and Orebić
    Although the Old Town is much smaller and more manageable than Dubrovnik, those with toddlers and strollers may sometimes find the laneways tight and crowded. So, instead, stay at the enormous Aminess Port 9 Resort complex, which provides hotel rooms, apartments, mobile homes, and campsites spread across a massive, shady area facing a harbor. It’s about 30 minutes on foot from the Old Town via a lovely (flat) coastal path or five minutes by regular water taxi. This resort has three pools, a tennis court, games rooms, bike rental, and a massive supermarket across the street. Just as impressive – with even more family activities to offer, but not as convenient – is the marvelous Aminess Bellevue Hotel complex at Orebić, which is on the mainland and a short ferry trip from the Old Town.
  • Best Area on Korčula Island for Couples: Old Town
    Old Town in Korčula is ideal for a romantic getaway. The area is compact, charming, and almost vehicle-free. During the day, maybe explore the island by bus or rented bicycle or motorbike, join an island-hopping or wine-tasting tour, or go shopping around the loveable Old Town. Particularly romantic is dining at one of the many bistros along the flat path that surrounds the Old Town. Most eateries face the open sea and mountainous mainland, and even more dreamy is sipping on a glass of locally-grown red wine while watching the sunset.
  • Best Area on Korčula Island on a Budget: Vela Luka
    Perhaps avoid Korčula Island if you’re on a strict budget. There are a couple of hostels with shared facilities in Korčula Town, but these aren’t much cheaper than a privately run room with your own bathroom. All other accommodations are pricey, even more so during peak season, which extends from June to September. Despite the proximity to the mainland, getting to the island by ferry isn’t cheap either (except to Orebić), and there are few ways to save money on food because so many eateries are upmarket and priced accordingly. Visitors counting their euros should avoid staying at Korčula Town and base themselves at Lumbarda or, better, Vela Luka. The latter is a cute village with plenty to see and do, but without the crowds – and prices – so evident at Korčula Town.
Boats sit in a marina next to and old town with terracotta roofs.

From the Marina, just outside of Old Town, we saw views of the mainland in the background and Old Town to the left with the terracotta roofs.

The 5 Best Areas on Korčula Island for Tourists, Ordered by the City Center Out

Korčula Old Town

A tall stone church.

Saint Mark’s Cathedral & Bishops’ Museum.

Most visitors want to stay in the Old Town for many reasons. First, most arrive by passenger ferry at one of the two terminals in the Old Town or by bus to the station on the outskirts of the Old Town. Second, the historic Old Town offers the finest accommodations – although most are pricey. Third, there are all sorts of amenities and attractions in this compact, convenient area (mainly around the flat edges of the Old Town). These include sightseeing tours of Korčula Island and nearby islands through agencies around Tomislava Square, island-hopping trips from the marina next to the eastern ferry terminal, and oodles of shops, some barely large enough for three visitors.

The door to a shop opens to a small room with baskets of packaged food and shelves of body lotions.

We stopped in several shops around Old Town.

A person lays on a small dock hanging over clear blue water.

The gorgeous transparent blue water and rocky shore around Old Town.

Lastly, the Old Town is home to the tourist office, several decent supermarkets, plenty of gorgeous eateries overlooking the ocean, and a few bars providing some modest nightlife.

Warm wood tables sit on a pedestrian path with views of blue water and mountains.

Some of the outdoor dining options in Old Town.

There are plenty of fantastic hotels in the boutique range ideal for couples, and there is no shortage of privately run places. But nothing is recommended for families, and few are in the moderately-priced range.

A two-story tan stone hotel has palm trees.

Aminess Heritage is our favorite 5-star hotel. It’s on the west side of Old Town, with the promenade in front.

Chairs and tables sit outside a cream-colored stone building.

Outside the San Teodoro hotel.

Outside Korčula Old Town

Boats sit anchored to shore.

The harbor southeast of the Old Town.

The Old Town juts out from the curvy coastline and spreads along the foreshore. Two areas southeast of the Old Town offer quieter hotels and terrific tourist facilities. (1) The Korsal, Marko Polo, and Liburna hotels (and many privately-run places) are within just a few minutes walk past the bus station and marina and are ideal for first-time visitors. (2) Close to Dominče (the port for car ferries to the mainland) are the Moro Inn and the massive Aminess Port 9 Resort. The latter is focused solely on families, with huge pools, tennis courts, and fun activities for the young. This area, dominated by the Port 9 Resort, also has a pebbly beach (open to the public) and is easy to reach from Korčula Old Town by a scenic coastal path (30 minutes on foot) and water taxi every hour or so.

A round blue pool sits on a hill with views of a small town.

The gorgeous pool and view from Aminess Liburna Hotel.

A pool has a red fountain that pours water down.

Aminess Port 9 Resort has great amenities for kids and it’s our favorite hotel for families and has the best pool.

White chairs and tables sit on a balcony overlooking the water.

Our views from Hotel Korsal, our favorite boutique hotel in Korčula.

Two cushioned lounge chairs sit on a balcony.

The beautiful view from our room at Moro Inn, our favorite new hotel.

Lumbarda

White and teal blue picnic tables is under a thatched canopy on a beach.

We enjoyed the views and sea air while dining at the beach.

Just 6 km southeast of Korčula Old Town is the inviting village of Lumbarda, which boasts a particularly scenic marina and several beaches – one in the village center with sand (although a little muddy). Uncrowded, yet so close, the village is connected by bus several times a day (less so on weekends) and by water taxi (more expensive) if there’s enough demand.

Lumbarda is where you could still get a reasonable room at a reasonable rate at the last minute in peak season (June to September) and still not feel affected by crowds. It is also renowned for watersports (get advice from the tourist office) and wineries, but the latter are only accessible by private vehicle or organized tour.

A pile of yellow and red kayaks sit on a rocky beach next to a red shack.

Kayaks for rent in Lumbarda.

Surprisingly, there are no boutique-style hotels, but several hotels are ideal for families with wide-open spaces, bike paths, lack of crowds, and reasonable hotel rates. Especially appealing are the privately-run rooms and apartments, almost like 3-star boutique hotels with a pool, in the northern area and accessible via an alluring coastal path.

Lounge chairs sit next to a pool.

Lumbarda Resort Apartments is walkable to a small beach and has a pool that faces the water.

A three-level stone apartment house.

Guest House Lovrić has views of the water, is steps from a walking path and close to Lumbarda’s center, and has a winery.

Looking over an outdoor railing onto trees and water.

Our view from the balcony at Hotel Lumbarda which is also our favorite cheap hotel.

Vela Luka

A palm-tree lined street sits next to a harbor.

The harbor in Vela Luka.

The island’s second-largest settlement is as far from Korčula Town as possible on the west coast but within a 45-60 minute trip by bus (about six times a day; less on weekends). Known mainly as the port for car ferries to Split, this loveable village with its infectious vibe spreads along an extended harbor that rivals Korčula Town for beauty but without an Old Town. The village is well set up for tourism but seems to be ignored by almost everybody, so empty cafés line the waterfront, and watersports and boat trips are cheap.

People mill around three parked buses.

Buses from Korčula Old Town to Vela Luka.

Vela Luka offers the best value for everything on the island, whether staying at a privately run room or in a lovely boutique hotel facing the ocean. The village is also worth visiting just for the bus trip, which passes olive groves and stops at picturesque villages like Čara and Blato.

A tall white-stone building.

Hotel Korkyra is across the street from the bay and harbor.

Orebić (mainland Croatia)

A boat floats on clear blue water in a harbor.

Orebić Harbor.

One option overlooked by most is staying on the Croatian mainland at the charismatic village of Orebić, barely 15 minutes by ferry from Korčula Town. The passenger ferry is also cheap, regular (every hour or so), and leaves from the convenient Western Port terminal in the Old Town. (There is also a car ferry between Orebić and Dominče, a 10-minute drive from Korčula Old Town.)

People wait in line to board a ferry.

The Ferry from Korčula to Orebić.

Orebić is quaint, quiet, and backed by dramatic mountains, and many hotels provide uninterrupted views of the sea and Korčula Island nearby. There are also spacious (but pebbly) beaches and plenty of trails for hiking and cycling. Moreover, Orebić is much better value and far less crowded than Korčula Town. Within walking distance of the passenger ferry terminal at Orebić are several huge resorts ideal for families that offer facilities (like pools and tennis courts) not remotely possible in or around Korčula Town.

A large pool and terrace sit by the sea.

The Aminess Grand Azur is our best hotel with views.

A three story white stone hotel with green shutters.

Boutique Adriatic is our favorite 4-star hotel.

A coral-colored hotel sits nestled in trees and a mountain behind it.

The Aminess Bellevue is our favorite hotel at the beach.

Korčula Island Travel Tips

  • Around 95% of accommodations across the island are privately run rooms and apartments, often in someone’s house or at an apartment complex shared with residents. Some of these are at street level along stairwells, which can be noisy even without vehicle traffic. Others are near bars and restaurants, so avoid anywhere around the edges of Korčula Old Town, where people wine and dine late into the evening.
  • Some hotels close during the off-season (about November 1 to April 1), especially in less-visited areas like Vela Luka.
  • If required, buy a return bus ticket, which is considerably cheaper than two one-way tickets. Pay on the bus with cash.
  • Ferry Terminals. Make sure you book with the correct passenger ferry company and know the correct terminal it leaves from. The terminal on the eastern side of the Old Town is known as the Old Town Port but doesn’t have signs. The other is signposted as the “Western Port” in front of the Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel. But don’t worry: the two ports are only about 200 meters/yards apart.
  • The three main ferry companies for passengers only to/from Korčula are:

    Krilo (Kapetan Luka) – to Split via Hvar and Brač, and to Dubrovnik via Mljet.

    TP Lines – to Dubrovnik via Sobra.

    G&V Line/Ladera – to Orebić (mainland Croatia).

Our Favorite Hotels on Korčula Island

5-Star Hotel: Aminess Heritage
Historic, majestic, and facing the harbor, this is unquestionably one of the finest colonial-style hotels.

4-Star Hotel: Boutique Adriatic
With shuttered windows facing the ocean meters away, a peaceful location, and stately stone-walled rooms, this is definitely worth a splurge.

Boutique Hotel: Korsal
Hugely popular for many reasons: it’s quaint, quiet, and convenient, with excellent service and delightful setting facing the ocean.

New Hotel: Moro Inn
Quietly set back from the main road, an area with shops and sea, it’s chic, cozy, and classy, and service from the onsite owners is first-rate.

Cheap Hotel: Hotel Lumbarda
Excellent location facing the marina, the service is excellent, and rooms are spacious, and it offers 3-star facilities at 2-star rates.

For Family: Aminess Port 9
So much to love: huge variety of accommodation in a tranquil, shady spot alongside the sea, and so many enjoyable amenities for the whole family.

For Couples: Lešić Dimitri Palace
Truly exquisite where nothing is too much for guests. Superb seaside position, world-class bistro, and unlimited ambiance and romance.

View: Aminess Grand Azur
Five-level resort maximizing the faultless seafront location; most rooms have balconies for breezes, views, and sunsets.

Beach: Aminess Bellevue
Massive resort perfect for everyone, especially families, with so many fun-filled facilities for the ultimate beachside holiday.

Pool: Aminess Port 9 Resort
Huge family-focused resort in a serene, seaside location with two pools – one with water spouts for children, the other for everyone else.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I’m Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a quick guide on visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as favorite places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.