Romantic Korcula, "Little Dubrovnik" getaway

Did you know that the famous Dubrovnik has a twin called romantic Korcula “A Little Dubrovnik”.This small romantic town is on the same name island and offers the same medieval charm that his older and more famous brother has. Narrow streets and old stairways, old churches, mighty walls, cannon protected fortress, romantic small restaurants, red roofs….

But there is something that makes this town more famous than the bigger Dubrovnik. It’s a birthplace of famous Marco Polo. Local legend says that Marco Polo was born in this town (don't argue with a local on this point) and his house makes an interesting visit.

Romantic Korcula town, a Little Dubrovnik

The biggest and the most beautiful building of this romantic town is the Cathedral of St. Marco. South from it, there is the Bishop's Palace where the Abbatial Treasury of St. Marco is placed today with a rich collection of Croatian and Italian Renaissance artists, a collection of manuscripts and books and a collection of the ceremonial clothes. North from the Cathedral, there is a small church of St. Peter, the oldest preserved church in the town from the 11th century, on the western side of the square, there is Crkva Gospojina (Church of Our Lady) from 1483, a major Renaissance construction.

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The Town Museum is situated in the palace Gabrielis, one of the most beautiful romantic Korcula's palaces, in the Renaissance style from the 16th century. From the palace Gabrielis towards the sea, you find two other interesting palaces, the palace Arneri and the palace Ismaelis.

A walk around the old city gives you the possibilty to see the old city walls and the many towers that protected the town against invadors (1571).

Romantic Korcula town is well known for MORESKA – a traditional sword dance and drama that was common through the Mediterranean in 12th and 13th century, reaching Korcula in 16th century from Italy and Dubrovnik.While in this town, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this unique dance. Moreska is performing almost every summer evening.

Moresca, a traditional sword dance

The dance originated in Spain and is associated to the conflict between Moors and Christians. In Dalmatia its popularity was almost certainly linked with the struggles against Ottoman Empire, above all with the victory over a Battle of Lepanto, the first major Ottoman defeat by the Christian powers, which ended the myth of Ottoman naval invincibility. More about Moreska dance you can read here.

Korcula narrow stone stairways

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Where to stay?

Town hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveller reviews and guidebooks.

Looking for things to do? Try town attractions page!

maps page has maps and other travel information.

Visit discount hotels page for great savings on hotels.

Romantic Korcula island is often refereed as the romantic island. It is a 30 miles long and no more than 5 miles wide island. Neighboring island of Hvar is another popular place for romantic couples but two islands have completely different feeling. While Hvar, and particularly the town of Hvar, has a sophisticated and fashionable sense, Korcula island is a perfect place for couples seeking perfect romantic getaway.

You can walk romantic streets of old Korcula town, watch magnificent sunset or you can enjoy hills and valleys of the interior, and nearly 200 unspoiled coves and beaches. Perfect for swimming and underwater diving. Korcula is ideal for an active holiday with some excellent walks through pine woods and many caves. Windsurfing and sailing are also available.

Here a small sample of Edita’s Pecotic Marelic photographic collection of door handles one can find around Korcula or my collection of Korcula island sunset scenes:

Where to eat? Two recommended restaurants and taverns (konobe).

Restaurant Konoba Adio Mare is a distinctive, restaurant with vaulted ceilings in the old town next to Marco Polo's house. The restaurant is situated on the ground floor of an old house. They grill meals right in front of your eyes, which can be an amusing performance. Chef Cvijo likes to make jokes while cooking. This restaurant has long wooden tables and benches which means is it very social and one gets to chat with other people. This is a busy restaurant where people wait patiently in a long queue to get a table. It is hard to get a table after 7pm, so reservations are recommended.(Tel: ++385 20 711253)

Restaurant Kanavelic is situated in the old town - just a few steps from Hotel Korcula, off the island’s western pier. It is located within the Renaissance walls of Kanavelic Palace's garden. This long established restaurant specializes in fresh fish and sea food meals, including mussels and the best local wines served in a professional atmosphere.

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Island map!

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