Croatia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists and some spots in the country are becoming unbearably overcrowded. One of those places is Dubrovnik. While the city is stunning and has everything from crystal-clear waters to historic ruins, visiting it often involves wading through an army of people.
With that in mind, for anyone looking for a quieter escape, a travel expert has come up with an alternative. That alternative is Korčula, a small Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, which has been described as a peaceful retreat with great food, quiet beaches and rich history, without the overwhelming crowds.
Travel expert Jiayi Wang, who runs the blog The Diary Of A Nomad, told the Express: “Korčula is more relaxed than overcrowded Dubrovnik and still full of things to do – vineyards, kayaking, quiet coves, and much easier on the budget outside peak season.”
Located just off the Dalmatian coast, Korčula lies around 112km (60 nautical miles) from Dubrovnik.
High-speed ferries run regularly in summer and take around two hours.
Dubrovnik was recently named Europe’s most overcrowded destination, with 27.4 tourists per local resident, according to a study by Holidu using Euromonitor International data.
Korčula offers a very different experience. The island is home to historic villages, olive groves, vineyards, and peaceful coves.
The main town, Korčula Town, is known for its medieval walls, narrow stone streets, and Venetian architecture.
There’s no shortage of things to do. Visitors can explore the Old Town, climb the bell tower of St. Mark’s Cathedral, and enjoy fresh seafood along the seafront promenade.
The island is also perfect for kayaking and hiking. Boat trips can take you to quiet nearby islets like Vrnik, or hidden beaches such as Pupnatska Luka, Vela Pržina, and Proizd.
Food is another highlight. The island is known for its fresh seafood, including grilled fish, octopus salad, black risotto made with cuttlefish ink, and traditional meat dishes like peka – slow-cooked lamb or veal under a bell-shaped lid.
Visitors can also try local wines and olive oil from small family farms, with prices far lower than in Dubrovnik or Hvar.
There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants on the island, many of which stay open year-round.
Transport between towns is easy, with buses and taxis running regularly.
