Korcula Island is one of Croatia’s hidden gems, with gorgeous, crystal-clear waters and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic Sea. In this guide, I’ll share the best Korcula beaches to help you plan your vacation. From hidden coves near Korcula Town to stunning spots, this is a beach lovers dream.
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Below are helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:
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Top Suggestions and Unique Experiences
Looking for quick Hotel suggestions? Here are the top picks:
- Affordable Stay: Leut Apartment
- Ideal for Location and Families: Loft in Ismaelli Palace Korcula
- Best Luxury Hotel: Zuviteo Residence
- Top View: Apartment Romano
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Unique Experiences in Korcula
Where to stay on Korcula Island?
Korcula Beaches: Swim at Pupnatska Luka Beach
This was my favorite beach! Pupnatska Luka Beach is also considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Korčula, and I absolutely agree.
The beach itself is pebbly, tucked in a secluded spot surrounded by cliffs and greenery. It has beautiful, calm, and crystal-clear waters that make you want to go right in!
We rented two loungers and an umbrella for €25 (cash only). The restaurant and beach bar do take credit cards, though, which makes it easy if you stay for food.
Pupnatska Luka Beach is about a 25-minute drive from Korcula Old Town. It’s located on the southern side of the island. The beach is a little off the beaten path, and the road down is winding, but once you arrive, it feels like a private escape on the Adriatic Sea.
There’s a small beach bar where you can grab a drink or snack, and tons of space to spend the whole afternoon relaxing and swimming.
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Korcula Beaches: Relax at Bacva Beach
About a 20-minute drive from Korcula Old Town, down a narrow road near Pupnat, is Bacva Beach. It’s a small white-pebble beach surrounded by lots of natural beauty, green hills, and, of course, crystal-clear waters.
There’s a little konoba on the beach for food, plus sunbeds and umbrellas if you want some shade. This beach felt like a quiet little escape with truly spectacular views.
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Korcula Beaches: Go Island Hopping
One of the best ways to experience the Croatian islands around Korčula is to go island hopping. I loved it, it was such a fun way to see more of the area.
You can book an organized island-hopping tour where everything is planned out and a tour guide shows you around. If not, you can just take taxi boat on your own. If you’re making a list of the Korcula things to do, this should definitely be on it!
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Where to buy tickets for the passenger ferry?
If you choose to go on your own, here is where to go. There’s a small kiosk just outside the old Korčula town where you can buy a ticket for the passenger ferry.
A daily pass costs about €20 and gives you unlimited rides.
You can hop between the small islands by water taxis and enjoy a full day exploring the best Korcula beaches along the Dalmatian Coast.
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First Island Hoping Stop: Badija Island
My first stop was Badija Island, and I loved it. A few of the highlights here are the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and lots of deer that roam freely across the island. Since the island is car-free, I was able to explore it easily on foot.
The views from Badija are beautiful, with crystal-clear waters and the old town of Korcula in the distance. It’s a great place to relax, swim, or just enjoy the surroundings.
Second Island Hopping Stop: Vrnik Island
My next stop on the water taxi was Vrnik. This is one of the small islands that felt very quiet and peaceful. There’s a little restaurant and a few sun loungers set right by the water — perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Vrnik doesn’t have much going on, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming — I loved that about it! Just relax on the quiet beach overlooking the crystal-clear sea.
Third Island Hopping Stop: Lumbarda Village
My last stop was the village of Lumbarda. It’s a coastal village with beautiful sandy beaches, which is pretty rare on the Dalmatian Coast.
Many beaches here are family-friendly and have shallow waters. I stopped by Caffe Bar Prvi žal, there’s a small restaurant and beach bar, chairs and umbrellas to rent, and even a playground for small children.
The most popular beaches to check out in Lumbarda village are Vela Przina Beach and Bilin Zal Beach. Both are worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxed beach day.
Korcula Beaches: Swim at Luka Korculanska Beach
Make sure to visit the main pebble beach, Luka Korculanska Beach. I loved how close it was to Korčula Old Town — just a short walking distance from the center. The beach has clear and calm waters, and it felt like one of those classic pebble beaches that’s perfect for a quick swim during the day.
In the evening, it became one of my favorite spots to watch the sunset with a beautiful view of the sea.
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Korcula Beaches: Relax at Beach Zakerjan
Right below Korčula’s old city walls, I also went to Beach Zakerjan. It’s a rocky little spot with ladders that take you straight into the Adriatic Sea. Since we stayed in the old town, it was so convenient for a quick swim, and the clear water with a beautiful view of the city made it feel really special.
Korcula Beaches: Check out Beach Puntin
Located right by the ACI Marina and a short walk from town is Beach Puntin. It has a stone and concrete shoreline with steps leading straight into the sea. I noticed lots of locals swimming here, and the view across the channel is really pretty. It’s an easy and convenient spot if you just want a quick swim nearby.
Korcula Beaches: Escape to Žitna Beach
Tucked away on Korčula Island is a picturesque bay with crystal-clear water so blue it reminded me of the beaches in Greece. This little spot is Žitna Bay, a small but stunning beach that’s perfect for a day of swimming and relaxing.
Since it’s pretty small and gets busy, especially in high season, so I’d recommend coming early. Parking is limited, but if you arrive in the morning it’s not a problem. From the parking area, it’s about a 5-minute walk down the road and stairs to reach the beach.
The beach itself is pebbly with some stones and soft sand in the water, and it slopes gently, which is great for families.
There are no cafés, shops, or chair rentals here, so be sure to bring your own food, drinks, and anything you’ll need for shade. I thought it was an awesome spot to swim, relax, and even snorkel. There’s also plenty of marine life if you bring your gear.
Korcula Beaches: Visit Vela Luka
On the western end of the island, about a 45-minute drive from Korčula Town, is Vela Luka, the island’s second largest town. It has a more local, laid-back vibe with a pretty waterfront promenade and lots of cafés and restaurants.
While there isn’t a large beach in town, there are small swimming spots nearby. One to check out is Gradina Bay, and it’s also the gateway to Proizd Island, known for some of the best beaches with turquoise water near Korčula.
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Korcula Beaches: Explore Proizd Island
Getting There
From Vela Luka, I took the ferry out to Proizd Island, often described as one of the most beautiful spots near Korčula. Tickets are €15 per person round trip, and the ride takes around 40 minutes. Parking at the Vela Luka port was easy — there’s a parking lot right by the marina.
First Impressions
Once I arrived, I walked around to a few different beaches. They’re all within walking distance, and because the island is so quiet, it almost felt like I had the place to myself. The turquoise water is gorgeous, and I understand why people rave about it.
My Honest Take
But here’s my honest take: as beautiful as the water is, Proizd Island just wasn’t for me. There’s only shade on one beach, the landscape is bare, and the beaches are full of big rocks, so you can’t set up an umbrella. On top of that, there were a TON of bees — and since someone in my family is allergic, it quickly turned into a disaster. Walking between beaches even felt a little like being in an episode of Lost.
Final Thoughts
I know many people absolutely love the Island of Proizd, and if you’re looking for somewhere very remote and quiet, it could be a great fit. For us though, it just didn’t click, and that’s okay — not every place has to be everyone’s favorite. I still wanted to include it in case you’d like to try it or keep it as an option.
Tips to Know Before Going to Proizd Island
Important things to know before going:
- Bring tons of water, snacks, lunch, and shade with you.
- There is a restaurant on the island, but it’s expensive, so it’s better to come prepared.
- Check ferry times; some months (even in summer), they only run twice a day.
Travel Tips/Things to Know Before Visiting Korcula
When is the Best Time to Visit Korcula?
Choosing the right time to visit can really shape your Korcula experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
April, May, September and October: Shoulder Season
The shoulder season is a great time to visit Korčula. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller compared to the summer months. It’s easier to find tables at the best restaurants, enjoy the beaches, go wine tasting, and explore Korcula Old Town at a slower pace. Walking along the town walls and down the main street feels much more relaxed without the peak-season rush.
June – August: Peak Season
The summer season is the busiest in Korcula, with long days, hot weather, and more tourists. This is when the city is at its liveliest, but also the more crowded and expensive. If you visit during this time, plan to start your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Since its high season, you’ll want to book hotels, restaurants, and cable car tickets well in advance.
November – March: Off-season
The off-season is much quieter, and some attractions, shops, and restaurants may close or run on limited hours. But if you don’t mind cooler weather and want to avoid the crowds, this can be a quiet time to explore the streets of the old town. Just keep in mind that boat trips and swimming spots might not be available during these months.
Is Korcula safe to visit?
From all the Croatia towns I visited — including Korcula Island— safety was never something I had to worry about. Korcula especially felt like one of the safest places. It’s the kind of small town where people leave their bags on the beach or at a café table without stressing. I didn’t notice or hear of any pickpockets here, which is so different from bigger European cities where you always need to stay alert.
Everyone we met in Korcula was friendly and welcoming, and the streets of the old town were clean and well cared for. The whole island has a calm, easygoing vibe that makes it simple to just enjoy your time without being on guard.
Language, do I need to speak Croatian?
I didn’t need to worry about speaking Croatian when visiting Korcula. Most people speak English very well, and we never had any language barrier during our trip. In restaurants, shops, and even small local places, communication was always easy.
That said, it’s always respectful to learn a few basic Croatian phrases like “hello” (bok), “thank you” (hvala), and “goodbye” (doviđenja). Locals really appreciate when visitors make a small effort to use their language.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.