The town of
Korcula, the historical centre of the island, has a very nice location in the
Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its outstanding cultural and historical
heritage and a long tradition in seafaring, shipbuilding and stone-masonry. It
is the birthplace of the adventurer and traveller Marco Polo. Today Korcula is
an important tourist centre. Tourism has a years-long tradition on the island.
The first modern hotel, Korcula, was opened in 1912, in a building erected in
1871. Hotel guests have been enjoying the sunset at the hotel terrace for
decades, which is a unique experience in the early summer.
Visitor
opportunities of the island of Korcula include various types of accommodation -
hotels, apartments, campsites, marina; sports and recreational facilities,
especially interesting are water sports; organized excursions and a rich
cultural life and entertainment programs. Cultural events of "Moreska" and
"Kumpanija" have become world-famous. Gastronomic offer includes famous fish
specialities and exquisite, top-class local wines (Posip, Rukatac, Grk,
Plavac), due to which Korcula is also called "the island of wines". The
local cuisine is also famous for traditional cakes and sweets, such as
"cukarini", "krostule" and "prikle".
Korcula has numerous tennis courts.
Windsurfing and yachting equipment may be rented. Interesting excursions are
one-day or longer sailing or yachting tours and diving expeditions led by
professional divers.
The most important cultural event is the
traditional chivalrous game called "Moreska". It has been performed in Korcula
since the 15th century and is of Spanish origin. It is a battle between the army
of the White King and the army of the Black King, who fight for the princess
abducted by the Black King. After a fierce fight with swords, in seven battle
figures and a dramatic dialogue, the White King defeats the Black King and sets
the princess free. The fight is accompanied by a battle march performed by a
brass band.
Moreska is performed every year on the 29th of July,
together with the celebration of St. Todor, but also on several occasions during
the tourist season.
Other traditional feasts in Korcula include the
carnival, which starts on the Epiphany, and the Holy Week, with the procession
of guilds - especially impressive is the procession on Good Friday. -Other
religious feasts are the day of Sts. Peter and Paul (29th of June) with
bonfires, the festivities of the Assumption of Our Lady (15th of August) and the
feast of St. Martin, with baptizing of young wine (in November). Many cultural
and sports events take place during the summer months: music festivals, theatre
and folk music performances, sports contests, yachting regattas, etc.
Korcula ACI Marina has 220 berths in the sea and 100 places on the ground.
KORCULA, a town and port on the north-eastern coast of the island of
Korcula, situated on a small peninsula which is connected with the island by a
narrow isthmus.
The surrounding coastal area is covered with pine forests.
East of the port
is a small group of islets. The climate is mild;
an average air temperature in January is 9.8 °C and in July 26.9
°C; the island is famous for a long insolation. Economy is based
on farming, growing of vines, olives and fruit, fishing, shipbuilding, stone
processing, tourism and nautical tourism. The regional road connects the town of
Korcula with all major places on the island. The port consists of
the western and the eastern part. Korcula Marina
is located in a cove on the eastern side of the town. Korcula has regular
ferry lines with the mainland (Korcula - Orebic).
