The medieval Old Town of Korčula

Whichever way you approach the town of Korčula, whether by boat across the sea or coming down the mountain on the road from Vela Luka, Korčula offers a breathtaking sight from every angle. The Old Town of Korčula, well-preserved with its medieval buildings, is situated – once strategically favourable – on the hill of a small peninsula. The narrow alleys fan out across the compactly built-up area like the veins of a leaf, appearing to have grown organically. As if that weren’t impressive enough, the karst mountain massif of Sv. Ilija rises 961 m above the strait between the two islands on the nearby Pelješac peninsula. 

The core of the Old Town, still characterised today by buildings from the 11th to 16th centuries, is almost entirely surrounded by defensive town walls, reinforced by mighty defensive towers. When the fortifications lost their defensive function, the town was opened up to the harbour only in the west with a grand staircase. In the east, the top of the wall now forms a long promenade where you can enjoy the view of the unique Mediterranean coastal landscape in many restaurants, bars and cafes under shade-giving trees. Steps lead to rocky swimming spots at the foot of the wall, providing locals and holidaymakers alike with a short path to a refreshing dip in the clear water.

The backbone of the Old Town hill is formed by a central alley, starting from the Land Gate with the Veliki Revelin Tower and the bridge and staircase in front of it. As soon as you step through the gate and walk the short distance to the highest point with the central main square, you won’t be able to stop marvelling: the Renaissance facade of the town hall, renovated natural stone houses, palaces decorated with stonemasonry and, of course, the Cathedral of Saint Mark (Sv. Marko) with its towering bell tower. Via steps, a now narrowing alley leads down to the semi-circular Kanavelic Tower on the seaside town wall. There is a bar inside the tower; the small tower terrace in particular is a sought-after spot in the evening with an extraordinary atmosphere.

There’s always something going on in Korčula. During the day, tourists arrive to sightsee, and in the evening, restaurant and bar guests liven up the centre late into the night. Only in the early morning does Korčula treat itself to some peace and quiet, seemingly recharging its batteries before the shops and restaurants open. Besides the evening atmosphere – with the sunset, of course – the morning was the most beautiful time for me to take a walk in and around the Old Town. That’s why we chose the Port 9 campsite near the town, located in a quiet bay east of the town centre – just a 20-minute walk away. A more convenient and shorter connection, which also offers alternative beautiful views of the town, is provided by the regular water taxis.

More pictures of Korčula in the Croatia gallery.