OCTOBER 2025

On our summer 2023 Balkan roadtrip we originally planned to visit Korcula island. Unfortunately we ended up skipping Korcula to avoid a heatwave. I couldn’t get Korcula out of my mind and was able to replan for a 2025 end of summer trip. On the internet Korcula is often described as a hidden gem, not pulling in the crowds that visit Split and Dubrovnik. But when we arrived to Korcula, we saw a cruise ship docked next to Korcula town. This made me wonder: Is Korcula still a hidden gem? 

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Aminess Younique Liburna hotel in Korcula town for 3 nights. We paid € 215 per night for a large three-person room, featuring a separate living room, bedroom and a private terrace. Of course rooms are cheaper in the shoulder season and when you book a smaller room. The roomrate included an extensive breakfast buffet, which had great options for plenty of diets. From the breakfast area you have beautiful views over Korcula town. In the evening the hotel offers a buffet style dinner. We preferred going to the old town for dinner,  but this was a tasty option nonetheless. The hotel has a small swimming pool and a spa. Behind the hotel there is a rocky beach area, to which you can bring swimming towels from the hotel. Overall, the hotel rate was not on hidden gem level, but the value for money is much better than in Dubrovnik and Split. The staff was very kind and accommodating and I would recommend to stay here. 

Hidden gem factor: 6/10 -> okay value-for-money

Is Korcula still a hidden gem? 

Crowds

On our first day in Korcula, a cruise ship was docked near Korcula town, making the town incredibly busy. Lots of tour groups gathered around the main streets near the church and it was quite annoying. Surprisingly, it was really easy getting cute pictures at Ulica Ismaelli, there was no queue at all. 

During lunch lots of restaurants had reservations, so this scared us for the evening. Luckily, the cruise ships tourists leave at night and there was plenty of choice for restaurants. In the evenings it was much more quiet, so we took the time to enjoy the shops and alleyways. One thing you have to do is have dinner at a terrace in a small street. We decided to go for pizza and had a lovely and affordable meal at Amfora buffet-pizzeria. 

I would recommend to do a little hike or take the car to the Korcula viewpoint above town. We took our car and there were lots of parking spots, so we could do a short stop to take pictures. 

Hidden gem factor: 6/10 -> busy during the day, but no dinner reservations necessary

Unspoiled beaches

Korcula has lots of atmospheric beaches. Banje beach is a free beach near the old town. Apparently two of the best beaches are Pupnatska Luka Beach & Zitna beach. You need a car to get here from Korcula town. We decided on visiting Pupnatska Luka for the day. It is only a 30 minute drive, but quite a winding drive down. The road is very narrow,  but during the morning most cars go down and in the afternoon most go up, so it doesn’t get problematic. Make sure to bring enough cash as parking, beach chairs and some restaurants are cash only. I think we paid € 10 for parking and at the end of August there were was no shortage when we arrived at 11AM. We hired two beach chairs and a parasol for € 30, which is a reasonable price compared to other destinations. For lunch we visited Dalmos, as this was the only restaurant that accepted cards. Luckily, we loved our BBQ style sea bass. Very scenic and charming spot! 

Hidden gem factor: 8/10 -> very good beach & food with little parking issues

Fun activities

From Korcula town you can take taxi boats to several beaches & other islands, reducing the need to have a car. The taxi boats offered hop-on hop-off tickets for € 20 per day. We would have loved to do this, but a rainy day got in our way. However this seems to be great value. 

Hidden gem factor: 9/10 

Good food

Korcula offers some fine dining opportunities as well. We made a reservation at Konoba Mate, which is one of the best restaurants on the island. As Konoba Mate is located in a small village, you receive parking instructions to use small parking lots. In this way your evening already starts with a small treasure hunt 😉 The hospitality was great and we paid € 110 for an extensive meal for three people including wine. 

Hidden gem factor: 8/10 -> you definitely need reservations, but you will get an authentic experience.