Korcula: Archipelago, Island Trails and Culture

The coastlines of the islands near the town of Korčula are accessible. Ošjak has a circular trail; the Lastovo Islands Nature Park has more than 200 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails in total. On Mljet, two lakes in a karst landscape are among its distinctive natural features. Those seeking culture can visit, among other sites, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on the island of Sveti Marija in Veliko jezero in Mljet National Park.

The page also covers places and experiences at other specifically named locations, such as Dubrovnik, Cavtat, Konavle and the Neretva. Find the subregions under Općina Vela Luka, Općina Blato and Općina Korčula.

The archipelago near Korčula is ideal for travellers who want to explore uninhabited islands and maquis. On Ošjak, the hiking trail goes all the way around the island. The Lastovo Islands Nature Park has hiking and cycling trails with a total length of more than 200 kilometres. A total of 145 bird species have been recorded across the archipelago. Rača Cave on Lastovo is 70 metres long and is both a geomorphological natural monument and an important archaeological site.

Mljet National Park offers a different focus: it is the oldest marine protected area in the Mediterranean. Veliko jezero and Malo jezero form a rare geological and oceanographic phenomenon in the karst landscape. The park also has a marked forest trail from the Small Lake to Pomena. These details offer different starting points for planning a trip: a circular island trail, longer hiking and cycling routes, or a marked path between a lake and a town.

In Dubrovnik, the historic Stradun combines an urban setting with a popular promenade used by tourists. The Sponza Palace houses the Dubrovnik Archive, which preserves historical documents from Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas. From the summit of Minčeta Fortress, you can enjoy views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding landscape. In Konavle, Sokol Fortress offers views across the entire region; on the way up, you can experience the sophisticated defensive system of the historic Republic of Dubrovnik.

Cavtat offers another way to discover regional history. Its old town is the ancient Epidaurum and was laid out according to a town plan in the Middle Ages. The Račić Family Mausoleum was built in 1921 on the site of the 15th-century Chapel of St. Rok. Those interested in living traditions can attend folklore events in Čilipi: they take place every Sunday from Easter to the end of October and showcase the customs and traditions of Konavle. The Lastovo Carnival is celebrated every year with elaborate costumes and masks, preserving an oral tradition.

A traditional boat trip takes you through the narrow canals and branches of the Neretva. The host shows how people in the Neretva fish and grow citrus fruits. The trip also includes regional specialities and Neretva wine served from wooden jugs. It combines landscape views with an insight into local livelihoods and cuisine, without reducing the experience to any one of these aspects.

The best way to get there can also vary by island: the Lastovo Islands can only be reached by ferry, catamaran or seaplane. Bear this limited choice of transport in mind when planning a stay there. To compare other destinations, you can also visit the pages for Šibenik-Knin County, Virovitica-Podravina County, Kvarner Bay, Varaždin County and Zadar County.

What trails are there on Ošjak?

A hiking trail goes all the way around the wooded, uninhabited island of Ošjak.

How do you get to the Lastovo Islands?

They can only be reached by ferry, catamaran or seaplane.

When do the folklore events in Čilipi take place?

They take place every Sunday from Easter to the end of October and showcase the customs and traditions of Konavle.

For the main travel overview: Croatia.