MY PERFECT 3 DAY KORCULA ITINERARY + AN AMAZING RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION

If you’re visiting Korcula island this summer, this 3 day Korcula itinerary is all you need to have an amazing time on my favourite Croatian island!

I’ve visited Korcula quite a few times by now, so I’ve had the chance to explore many different parts of the island and put together some recommendations I genuinely love. Korcula is absolutely stunning, and I think you’ll fall in love with it the moment you arrive. I’m actually writing this guide while staying on Korcula, so trust me, I’m feeling very inspired to bring you the very best of this incredible island!

IS KORCULA WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely yes! Korcula is my favourite Croatian island, and trust me, the competition is tough. What makes Korcula so special is that it’s absolutely beautiful, yet still not as crowded as islands like Hvar, Brac, or Krk. We’re currently here in mid-June, and some of the beaches and attractions are still surprisingly quiet.

Of course, things get busier during peak season, but you never really have to worry about Korcula being overwhelmed by tourists the way Dubrovnik or Hvar can be. Korcula also has an incredible old town, which I’d easily rank among my top three in Croatia, right behind Dubrovnik and just ahead of Hvar. Add to that beautiful nature, fantastic beaches (including a few sandy ones), and a much more relaxed atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why I love it so much. You really can’t go wrong with Korcula, I’m convinced you’ll love it!

WHERE TO STAY ON KORCULA?

This really depends on what you expect from your stay. I always recommend staying either in Korcula Old Town or somewhere within walking distance of it. If you’re travelling with a car, try to find accommodation with on-site parking to make things easier.

Korcula Town is the best choice if you want to be close to most of the bars, restaurants, attractions, and the ferry port. If you’re visiting without a car, I strongly recommend staying in or near the Old Town. If you do have a car, you can also stay just outside the town or in smaller villages such as Zrnovo, Zrnovska Banja, Lumbarda, Pupnat, or Vela Luka.

Just keep in mind that these villages are much quieter than Korcula Town, so there won’t be nearly as much going on in terms of restaurants and activities. For more detailed recommendations, check out my guide on where to stay on Korcula island!

WHERE TO EAT ON KORCULA?

While Korcula Island, like many coastal Croatian towns and islands, has incredible restaurants all over, there is one that really stands out and that’s the small family-run Ciz Pliz in the Old Town.

It’s run by a married couple, Irena and Benjamin, who make everything fresh from scratch, so everything you eat is homemade, local, and truly authentic. Their idea was to bring something different to Korcula beyond the standard dishes you find everywhere, so if you’re after something unique during your trip, this is definitely the place to go.

They serve both brunch/lunch and dinner, so you can visit no matter the time of day. We’ve been for both, and the stone interior makes it perfect for a lively brunch or a romantic dinner. Dinner is especially magical, especially around sunset when the atmosphere in the Old Town gets really special.

If you go for brunch, I highly recommend the Crusty Club Meat Sandwich and the Bulgur Bowl, but if you want something more classic they also do amazing Eggs Benedict and Shakshuka. For dinner, the Ciz Pliz board is a must for a taste of Croatian cheeses and dry-cured meats, and I’d also highly recommend the Pear Carpaccio or the Makaruni pasta (which is still handmade by the owner’s mom!).

If you’re staying in Korcula Old Town or just passing through the island, make sure you stop here because you’ll be really happy you did. And if you’re arriving by catamaran from Dubrovnik, it’s just steps from the port, so it’s perfect for a coffee or a meal right after you arrive. Find them on Instagram for their menu, but I’m pretty sure these photos alone are already enough to make you want to go!

BEST THINGS TO DO ON KORCULA

There are plenty of fun things to do on Korcula Island. Some I’d definitely highlight are exploring the Old Town, visiting Badija Island, enjoying wineries in Lumbarda or Smokvica, and relaxing on beaches like Bilin Zal Beach, Pupnatska Luka Beach, or Zitna Beach. You can also explore the island by ATV, cycle through vineyards, or even join a cooking class, which is a really fun way to experience local food. Check out my full guide on the best things to do on Korcula for more ideas!

3 DAY KORCULA ITINERARY:

This is exactly how I’d spend 3 days on Korcula Island. You can follow this itinerary step by step or adjust it a bit to make it more “you”, but make sure you include as many of these incredible activities as possible.

DAY 1: KORCULA OLD TOWN & LUMBARDA

Day one obviously needs to be dedicated to the star of the island, the incredible Korcula Old Town. Start your morning with brunch at Ciz Pliz, and then spend an hour or two exploring the old town. Visit the cathedral, Marco Polo’s birth house, wander through the narrow streets, and pick up some local souvenirs from the small shops scattered around town. If you want a swim, you can also take a dip just off the edges of the old town, where there are plenty of easy entry points into the Adriatic Sea.

In the afternoon, relax a bit and then head out for an evening in Lumbarda. This area is known for its wineries, and while there are plenty of them, I’d especially recommend Sabulum Winery, which has amazing views and a really great atmosphere. It’s another family business that will surely be a great experience. Just make sure to take a taxi back afterwards. Even if you have a car, I wouldn’t recommend driving after a wine tasting!

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE ISLAND & BEACHES

Use day two to explore the rest of Korcula Island. If you have a car, that’s the easiest way to get around, but if not, you can also rent an ATV or scooter and explore the island that way. I’d recommend stopping at a few smaller places around the island, like Pupnat, where you can eat at places like Pagar or Konoba Mate. You can also head to Smokvica for more wine tasting, or visit Vela Luka and check out Vela Spila, which is really impressive.

Along the way, make sure to stop at some of the island’s best beaches, like Pupnatska Luka Beach, Zitna Beach, or even Prizba Beach. I have to say Pupnatska Luka beach is my favourite out of these, but Zitna also looks stunning with its blue sea. If you want something a bit more fancy, check out the La Banya Beach Club on the northern side of the island. Korcula really has some incredible beaches, so make sure you leave at least a few hours just to enjoy them!

DAY 3: VISIT A SMALLER ISLAND NEARBY – BADIJA OR PROIZD

The last day can be split between exploring one more nearby spot and enjoying the Old Town one final time in the evening on Korcula Island. I’d recommend using the morning and early afternoon to enjoy the sea on a nearby island. The easiest option is Badija Island, a small island with beautiful swimming spots and free-roaming deer you can take photos with! You can easily reach it by water taxi which is 10 euros per person return. Just keep in mind it can get a bit bumpy if the wind picks up.

Another option is to go to Proizd Island from Vela Luka. Proizd is known for having some of the clearest and bluest water in Croatia, so it’s mainly a swimming destination, but it’s one you won’t forget! You can also reach it with a water taxi that’s 15 euros return trip.

After your island time, return to the Old Town for one last evening. Walk through the streets, pick up any last-minute souvenirs, and enjoy a sunset drink at Massimo Bar for an unforgettable experience. To finish the trip, have an amazing dinner at Ciz Pliz if you’re looking for a unique and special way to end your holiday in Korcula.

CONCLUSION: 3 DAY KORCULA ITINERARY

This 3 day Korcula itinerary is truly all you need for a stunning few days on the island. I highly recommend having at least one meal at Ciz Pliz, thoroughly exploring the Old Town, relaxing on beaches like Zitna Beach and Pupnatska Luka Beach, and visiting at least one local winery. If you do all of that, you can definitely say you’ve experienced Korcula properly!