Korčula in 24 Hours: A Local’s Guide to Wine, Culture, and Coastline

Korčula is the kind of island that quietly wins people over. With winding stone alleys, terraced vineyards, and a pace that invites you to slow down, it has a way of turning short visits into lifelong memories. It also happens to be a personal favourite of Anchor Croatia founder Jen—a certified sommelier who’s passionate about Croatian wine and island life. Whether you’re here for just one day or planning to linger longer, there’s plenty to discover. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours on this unforgettable island. 

Morning: Arrival in Korčula Old Town

Step off the catamaran and into Korčula Old Town. Its one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. Shaped like a fishbone that catches the sea breeze and dodges strong winds, it’s full of twisting stone alleys and shuttered windows. Every corner feels like a postcard.

Start your morning walk at the Cathedral of St. Mark, then pop into the Korčula Town Museum for a short but fascinating look at local history. Afterward, wander down to the waterfront promenade, where cafés spill out beside the sea. Grab a coffee and people-watch with a view.

Before leaving the Old Town, treat yourself to a scoop (or two) at Peper & Choco—a local favourite serving handmade ice cream that hits the spot in the mid-morning sun.

Early Afternoon: Grk, and Beaches in Lumbarda

A short ride from town takes you to Lumbarda, home of Grk, a white wine variety that only grows in this small pocket of Korčula. It’s unique not just for its crisp, mineral-rich flavour, but also because it’s a rare female-only vine—requiring other grapes nearby to pollinate. There’s nowhere else in the world you can try Grk where it’s grown like this, surrounded by sandy soil and sea air.

Many local wineries offer tastings in vineyards that overlook the coast. Sip slowly. These wines and views are meant to be savoured.

While you’re here, head to one of the island’s only sandy beaches. Unlike most of Croatia’s pebbled coastlines, Lumbarda’s has shallow bays that are soft underfoot and perfect for swimming. If you’re feeling adventurous, head toward the lighthouse area for a little cliff jumping.

Lunch: Farm-to-Table at Eko Škoj

Tucked into a green valley near Žrnovo is Eko Škoj, a family-run restaurant rooted in permaculture. Everything here is grown, produced, or gathered by hand—from the olive oil to the rakija you’ll sip on arrival. The tasting menu is a highlight, changing with the seasons and often harvested to order.

It’s not uncommon to see the chef dart into the garden mid-meal for a sprig of fresh herbs or some ripe vegetables. The setting is quiet, the meal is slow, and the hospitality is unforgettable. 

Evening: Local Wines and Sunset Views

Korčula’s wine scene deserves a full evening. The island has a long tradition of wine-making, with small family wineries producing Grk, Pošip, and Plavac Mali—grape varieties that thrive in this specific climate of sun, sea breezes, and karst soil.

Two of our favourite wineries to visit are Tasovac Und Popić, where the winemakers often pour your glass themselves. A visit to either is more than a tasting—it’s a conversation about heritage, harvests, and home.

If you want to go deeper, book a wine tour with Korčula Wine Tours. Your guide Gaby is a certified sommelier who has built close relationships with the island’s winemakers. She’ll tailor the experience to you, taking you beyond the tasting room to  to hidden lookouts you wouldn’t find on your own.

Night: Cocktails with a View

As the sun begins to fade, head to Cocktail Bar Massimo. This bar is unlike any other—you climb a ladder into a centuries-old turret perched above the sea, and sip your drink with 360° views of the old town and Pelješac peninsula. It’s one of those “only in Korčula” experiences that perfectly caps off the day.

Practical Notes

• Getting Around: A local guide is the easiest way to experience the island’s wine and food scene. But if you’re more independent, renting a scooter or small car is an option too.

• Staying Longer? You probably will. One day only scratches the surface. On your second day, explore Vela Luka on the western side, take a boat to Badija Island, or visit more wineries around Čara Und Smokvica.

• Best Viewpoint: For a panoramic view of Korčula Old Town, head to the shopping centre above town at Ulica Ante Starčevića. It might not look like much, but it offers a truly stunning sunset vantage point.

If you only have one day on Korčula, this itinerary offers a taste of what makes the island unforgettable: living traditions, scenic landscapes, and food and wine with soul. And if you stay longer? Well, that’s the Korčula effect.

Want help planning your island experience? Reach out at sail@anchorcroatia.com and we’ll help you make the most of your time with guided tours or sailing excursions.