Islands
Korčula island
Island of Korčula is situated in central Dalmatia and it had been in its past an important site of archeological findings and a center of Greek settlements. It spreads over 270 km2 and it is sixth by size among the islands in the Adriatic. Its northern coast is rather low and easily accessible for the boats while the southern coast is very indented and steep, with numerous bays and islets.
Greeks used to inhabit the islands already in VI century and they named it Korkyra Melaina which meant - black forest. The island was once covered with dense and pathless woods some of which unfortunately burned during years. Korčula is an important archeological site among which the most significant are Vela špilja and the islet Badija near Vela Luka where the knives from Neolithic period were found. There are many attractive locations on the island, particularly those that include natural beauties, a peaceful atmosphere, amazingly clear sea and a good catch of fish.
Tourism had its beginning in the early 1904. when the first public beach was established in the town of Korčula, while the first publication in foreign languages occurred in 1914.
Račišće:
Račišće is a village and a bay on the northern coast of the island and only 12 km away from the city of Korčula. It was founded in 17th century by the population from Herzegovina and Makarska who escaped the invasion of Turks. Seamen also used to call Račišće the port of safety since it was an excellent place for retreat from northern and eastern winds. Near the village there is a lovely pebbly bay called Vaja, made of stones brought from near quarries.
Korčula:
Magnificent town of Korčula is situated on the north-eastern coast of the island. Its town centre is located on a small peninsula known for old city walls a numerous medieval buildings, while other parts of the town are located out of the walls. There are not many information about the life in Korčula until 14th century when the stone-cutters from Dubrovnik visit the area in search for a good quality stone for the Republic of Ragusa. The inhabitants of Korčula start to learn this art from Dubrovnik stone-cutters and gradually change the aspect of Korčula. They build wonderful houses, palaces and many other buildings. You can enjoy a magnificent view that spreads from the city walls, go for long walks and visit the whole area, old narrow streets and shops, or one of the numerous restaurants.
Lumbarda:
Lumbarda is a tourist centre situated on the south-eastern point of the island of Korčula, in south Dalmatia, only 7 km from the town of Korčula. Lumbarda is a picturesque little town with indented coast and numerous islets and sandy beaches. It is famous also or a famous vine called Grk, natural beauties and historical monuments like castles, villae rusticae, archeological remnants, parks and slopes covered vineyards and olives. Lumbarda was mentioned in the scriptures already in IV century in a document called Psephismo di Lumbarda which treated the subject of the estate distribution.
Zavalatica:
Zavalatica is a tourist village on the northern coast of the island of Korčula, in a natural bay 30 km from the town of Korčula. It is a little peaceful village, ideal for family holidays. Island of Lastovo is very close to Zavlatica so you can also visit Lastovo and the islets in its archipelago. The region is known for viticulture and a famous vine Pošip.
Brna:
Brna is a bay and a village on the northern coast, near Smokvica and 20 km from Vela Luka. Its region is famous for the cultivation of vine grapes and appreciated vines like Rukatac and Pošip. Initially, it served as a port for the vine export in 19th century while today it is more a tourist location.
Prižba:
Prižba is a village which spreads over 4 km along the sea, on the southern coast. There are numerous beaches made of stone and pebbles but also two peninsulas like Ratak and Prišćapac with a tourist complex and a pebble beach. Prižba is a lovely and peaceful village, ideal for all those who prefer listening to the sound of the waves in the evening and crickets with a first morning sun. Nearby, you can see vineyards, explore the place by walk and there are also two supermarkets and a restaurant.
Gršćica:
Gršćica is a little place located on the southern coast, approximately 14 from Vela Luka and 7 km from Blato. Her you may see lovely bays with family houses, campsites and beaches where you can rent a boat and visit islets in the basin. Nearby, there are also remnants of roman settlements. In Gršćica there is only a restaurant while a shop is 2 km away, in Prižba.
Vela Luka:
Vela Luka is the largest village on the island of Korčula, situated in a deep and protected bay on the western coast of the island. It is a mediterranean resort with many private houses, few hotels and many other facilities, especially for lovers of water sports. From Vela Luka you can also go for a boat excursion and visit two little islands Ošjak and Gubeša. Ošjak is a symbol of Vela Luka, also mentioned in few dalmatian songs. In the vicinity there is also an important archeological site and an old castle where a collection of knives from Neolithic period is kept. Vela Luka is known fro cultural activities, particularly for music and a capella singing of old dalmatian songs.
Blato:
Blato is a municipality which counts 4000 inhabitants and is situated on few hills which surround the centre. On the entrance there is a lovely alley of limes trees. In the centre you ill find numerous churches and chapels among which the one of Saint Kuzma and Damjan is the oldest (VI century). Parish church is known for a magnificent altar with a painting of a famous Venetian painter Girolamo de Santo. Blato maintained the old tradition of fencing but also of folklore and singing.
Prigradica:
Prigradica is a fishing village surrounded by old vineyards and olive trees on the north- western coast of the Korčula town. It is one of the oldest villages on the island, an initially a port for the exportation of vine and oil. In Prigradica there are many old stone houses which preserved the authentic look of this little village. Nowadays, Prigradica is a tourist location ideal for a peaceful holiday. There are stone and pebbly beaches, taverns and bars, sports fields for football, basket and volleyball. Prigradica is also an ideal starting point for trekking and cycling.
Žrnovska Banja:
Žrnovska banja is a lovely tourist village in a north-eastern bay of the island. It is situated only 4 km from the town of Korčula and 2 km from Žrnovo. It is a favorite destination of windsurfers due to the ideal winds for water sports. It is also an ideal location for all who wish to stay in a calm and relaxing place, keen on sports but also culture and history which do not lack on Korčula.
Here you can also rent a boat or a bicycle and make a tour along the island. Beaches are pebbly but in the vicinity you can also visit lovely scenic bays in a naturally-preserved environment like Orlanduša, Medvidnjak, Vrbovica.
