Korcula - Not A Long Time But A Good Time

Korcula (KOHR-choo-lah) is a lot smaller town and does not have the "buzz" of Hvar but it is still a very charming and relaxing place to visit.  Korcula was founded by the ancient Greeks, then became part of the Roman Empire and really thrived from the 13th to 17th centuries as a key southern outpost of the Venetian Republic. Korcula also takes great pride as being the birthplace of the world famous explorer Marco Polo who was born here in 1254.   The town itself sticks out into the sea on a picture-perfect peninsula.  Inside the town walls, the tiny lanes branch off the narrow main street like ribs on a fish's backbone.  This street plan is designed to catch both the breeze and the shade to help the homes stay cool during the very hot summers.  The original town walls date from the 13th century but the Venetians extended and added fortifications up to the 16th century.

We only had one full day to explore Korcula.  It started early to get some images before all the day tourists arrived, we went for a long walk outside of the town walls to some beautiful bays and beaches, took a sunset cruise that ended up being with only the two of us on board and ended the evening with a delicious locally caught BBQ fish dinner that we washed down with a nice bottle of local white wine.

 The Great Land Gate which accesses the mainland to the main entrance of Old Town Korcula

Along the inside of the wall, buildings are now waterfront cafes shaded by a pine tree lined walkway

 

Looking out at Old Town Korcula from the 14th Century Bell Tower of St. Marks Cathedral 

 

 A beautiful blue water bay about a mile outside of Old Town Korcula

Old Town Korcula and its western harbor