Evening stroll through Korčula

The summer day’s heat was blown away by a fresh sea breeze. These winds make the strait between the island of Korčula and Pelješac so popular with surfers and sailors. The low evening sun made the natural stone walls of the buildings in the medieval old town of Korčula shimmer in gold.

From the large Governor’s Tower on the city wall, I follow the palm-lined promenade west towards the Dominican monastery into the setting sun. The small town beach and the subsequent jetties are still busy with numerous bathers. The harbour is filling up with motor yachts and sailing boats for a sundowner on deck or in one of the restaurants. From the viewing platform of St Mark’s Cathedral, the highest point in the old town, you have a great all-round view. This evening, however, I prefer the perspective from outside the old town, with the sun behind me or from the side. Slightly elevated on the mountainside on the opposite island of Pelješac, I spot the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels glowing at the edge of light and shadow in the last evening light – also an excellent viewpoint, as I was able to experience on one of the following days.

From the city centre, a flight of steps leads up to an old 19th-century fortress tower, which is supposed to offer a viewing terrace. Unfortunately, it was closed during my stay. But just a little further down, on a small road halfway up the hill, lies one of the most famous panoramic views of Korčula. You can’t miss the spot, as a bench invites you to rest and linger. Many holidaymakers driving past by car handle it quite differently. As soon as the view opens up for a brief moment in the forest, they brake and pull over on the right. Then follow some panoramic shots and the obligatory Instagram selfie, and they’re off again.

For me, as always, the entire period of transition, from the golden sunlight into the blue hour and the night sky, is one of the most beautiful times of day that I want to spend outdoors. Especially in such a magnificent landscape. Good mosquito protection is a prerequisite, otherwise the joy quickly gives way to pain. Slowly the sun’s luminosity fades and the colours pale. The heated walls seem to give off the stored warmth as a reddish glowing radiation before the blue of the evening sky takes on a cooler colour temperature.

Soon the light of the artificial lighting stands out clearly and bathes the city in a sea of colours. Appetising food smells waft over from a nearby restaurant kitchen. Hunger is now increasing and I decide on a delicious dinner together today. I can always return later for shots with the starry sky.

More pictures of Korčula in the Croatia gallery.