Croatia is known as a country of more than a thousand islands, and some of the most beautiful ones are located near Dubrovnik. Therefore, they are an ideal opportunity for unique sea incentive experiences as a complement to the program in Dubrovnik. In addition to the nearby and magical Elafiti Islands and the untouched Mediterranean nature of Mljet, another excellent suggestion for an interesting incentive is a boat trip to the island of Korčula. Korčula is a charming wooded island known for its rich history and as the home of Marco Polo, charming architecture, stunning landscapes and beaches, and the indigenous variety of white wine called Grk.

There are many options for private, organized boat tours from Dubrovnik, and you can organize the itinerary yourself according to the wishes and preferences of the participants. From Dubrovnik, you can reach Korčula directly by boat or by road, passing through the impressive Pelješac Peninsula, which offers numerous opportunities for wine tasting. After that, a short (and picturesque) boat ride will take you to Korčula.

The city of Marco Polo hides a rich historical and cultural heritage

The historic old town of Korčula is well-preserved, a medieval gem with narrow streets, alleys, and squares with charming houses, shops, and restaurants. The main city street divides the city into the eastern and western halves, and side streets are arranged in an interesting fishbone pattern, respecting the natural terrain and protecting the city from both weather and wartime adversities. At the entrance to the city are the famous Land Gate (Kopnena vrata), built in the 16th century, featuring two symbols of Korčula's history - a plaque with the winged lion of St. Mark as a symbol of the rule of the Republic of Venice, and a memorial plaque commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first Croatian king, Tomislav. The gate is located on the Large Revelin tower, built in 1485, which housed a weapons depot from 1572. This tower offers an impressive panoramic view of the surroundings, and besides it, the tower of All Saints is an excellent viewpoint for the city and the surrounding archipelago.

A visit to the St. Marks’ Cathedral, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece located in the heart of the Old Town. Its architecture and artworks make it a must-visit for history and art lovers. There is also the Renaissance Gabrielis Palace, now the City Museum with exhibits that testify to the history, culture, and maritime heritage of Korčula.

Korčula is also known as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Although there are many disputes about the place of his birth - whether he was born in Venice or in Korčula - it is not disputed that he was born in the then Republic of Venice, and Korčula has a museum dedicated to this world-famous navigator. Therefore, it is definitely worth visiting the Marco Polo House in Korčula with very interesting exhibits related to his life and travels.

Moreška - the last authentic sword dance in the Mediterranean

The uniqueness of Korčula's tradition is its folk knightly dances with swords: Moreška, Kumpanija, and Moštra. The dances are traditionally performed on the feast days of the patron saints of the City of Korčula, as well as during the summer months in the tourist season. Moreška, a dance dating back to the 12th century, was once performed throughout the Mediterranean and can now only be seen in Korčula.

Through dance and dialogue, the plot is followed in which Moro (the Arab king) kidnaps the beauty "bula," followed by a battle between the armies of the "black" and "white" kings. Moreška ends with the liberation of the bula and the return to the beloved Osman (the Turkish king).

The island of irresistible beaches, wines, and local delicacies

The island of Korčula is adorned with beautiful beaches and coves. Therefore, if your incentive takes place during the warmer months, you must not miss visiting the sandy beaches of Istruga near the town of Smokvica and Brna, Vela Pržina, Bilin Žal, and Tatinja in Lumbarda, as well as the pebble beaches of Pupnatska Luka near Pupnat or Vaja beach near Račišće.

Lumbarda is also known for the cultivation of the indigenous variety of grapevine called Grk, which grows in sand. Therefore, it is recommended to visit local wineries for wine tasting and getting to know the island's tradition of wine production.

What also distinguishes Korčula are gastronomic delights characteristic of this Mediterranean region. The local cuisine includes fresh seafood and land produce through traditional dishes such as goat and sheep's domestic cheese, salted sardines, fish brodetto (stew) with polenta, and octopus or lamb under the bell. Traditional Korčula pastries also provide a special gastronomic experience. These include “cukarini” cookies, nut-filled cookies (klašuni), sweet pastry knots (hrustule) and dough balls (prikle), very tasty “rozata” (crème caramel), and quince jelly - kontonjata.

Whether you want to colour your incentive with a historical, heritage, gastronomic, or relaxing maritime note - Korčula offers plenty of possibilities.