What a great place to spend our first three weeks outside the U.S. in over a year. We’ve been here before but had to come back to enjoy the summer season on the water. We stay in a (not too) small AirBNB, about a 10 minute walk or 3 minute water taxi ride from the old city. Right above the bay, with a nice terrace and views all around. It is a great little bay to be on - there is plenty of activity between the weekly charter boats coming in to anchor, the hotel across the bay, and a campground - but still a very quiet and peaceful place to be.

Having been here before, we did not feel compelled to do all the touristy things that we have done in the past, but there are many day trips you can take, from visiting local wineries to doing some island hopping. We did a couple of day trips, but were mostly happy to swim every day, walk to town and enjoy the weather here. Here is a tourism video I found online that shows more about the island.

The Old Town of Korcula was built from the late 13th century through mid-16th century. Many people believe Marco Polo was born here, and of course many of the gift shops focus on this as well. Some say that Korcula is a “Little Dubrovnik” because of the walls, and it is perhaps the best preserved mid-evil city in Europe. St. Marks Cathedral, at the center of old town, towers above the city, and was built in the 15th - 16th centuries.

We spent a lot of time in and on the water while we were here, and sampled many (ok, all) the local wines, and our share of local foods. Being in the same location allowed us to watch the locals as well. Several people (one in particular shown below) would take their boats out at the same time each day, check their pots (we think for some type of fish) and come back in. This guy would come back every evening about 9:15 - it was dark, and he had no lights, but you could count on him! It was also fun to watch the city Water Polo club one evening - what a place to play - overlooking the harbor.

We rented a small boat one day and had a great adventure (see the previous post), and we also took the walk-on ferry across the channel to the town of Orebic (“or-a-beach”). Orebic has a nice sea wall with several beaches to visit along the way, and restaurants as well. We stopped for a wine tasting at Korta Katarina, which is a beautiful winery and hotel. Oh - the hotel is a little above our means though…$2,000 per night! But, it includes all your meals (and I hope wine)…so it’s a bargain! Anyway, a nice walk back along the shoreline, a stop along the way to watch fish being cleaned (and cats picking up the scraps), and a 15 minute ferry ride home to Korcula.

When we arrived home we were greeted by our hosts - Igor and his mother Marija. They had brought us a beautiful and delicious Limun Torte from the local bakery (and restaurant and ice cream shop) named Skatula. The cake was light as can be (and certainly calorie-free). So of course, Skatula became a regular stop for us for the remainder of our time here (heading to the gym in Dubrovnik now…).

We would see different yachts coming into Korcula, or just passing by. The M/Y Secret is one of two yachts owned by Nancy Walton (yes, of Walmart wealth), and came into Korcula one evening. Several others as well, many of which are available for charter - starting at around $250,000 a week. Another of the daily sightings was the wind surfers & kite sailors. The channel here is famous for this activity - in fact they hold world championships here.

Well, looks like the sun is setting on Korcula for now. The lights are on the tops of the masts in the bay for the final time. We spend a couple final nights staying in Old Town, and enjoy a final glass of wine and a beautiful charcuterie plate (or a couple) at Tapas & Wine Bar Lo Le.

Time to head to Dubrovnik - the ferry is full now - when we came to Korcula 3 weeks ago, it was nearly empty - so tourism is starting to make a comeback. Oh, a big comeback in Dubrovnik - we see two cruise ships docked when we arrive. Glad we were able to enjoy our first month in relative peace.

That’s a wrap on Korcula. Our next post will be on Dubrovnik and a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro, and should be about a week from now. Hope you enjoy this - you can see all the photos in the Korcula photo album.

All the best,

Tim and Eileen