Korcula

Korčula from land

Korčula from the water

The scent of pine mingles with salt air on island of Korčula. It's only three hours by ferry from Dubrovnik but a world away. However, we arrived on the other end of the island having taken a ferry from Hvar, and then a bus across the island passing forests of scrub oak and pine, and vineyards.  The island claims being one of several alleged birthplaces of Marco Polo.  The town of Korčula is a mini version of Dubrovnik, with a compact historic quarter encased within stonewalls but in a more picturesque setting jutting out into the sea with water on 3 sides.  One can see the Italian influence but in contrast to Dubrovnik, the architecture is quite rough-hewn and everything is on a decidedly smaller scale. The streets in the old quarter are so narrow that you feel that you could leap from roof to roof, in contrast to the pine-fringed promenade circling the old town lined with restaurants.  Away from town enjoy a swim or sun on the rocks, clothing optional, sorry no sandy beaches.  The harbor is full of small yachts, many chartered from a company called Croatia Yachting, but cruse ships bypass Korčula as too small and not enough glitz.  One could spend months here and never tire of the routine, morning cafe, explore a little, lunch, siesta, take a bit of sun and a swim, then a stroll around town before dinner.

The pine-fringed promenade circling town, lined with restaurants

Sun on the rocks then plunge into the sea

The small harbor caused a bit of musical chairs sort of shuffling

Here's how to make a return visit