Distance 84 km (52.5 miles) | |
Price range US$11-US$15 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h 5m-3h 25m | |
Earliest Departure 12:00 | |
Latest Departure 14:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Taking a ferry is the fastest and easiest way to travel from Dubrovnik to Korcula. The number of ferries are limited depending on the time of year you go, so plan accordingly. It's best to visit Korcula between May and September; if you decide to go outside of those months, pack a few jackets. Korcula is less crowded than other Croatian islands and is great for wine lovers. It also is an excellent town for shopping and sightseeing. Bring your camera as there are plenty of incredible views atop the hills of Korcula.
Fastest bus: 3h 25m
Cheapest bus: US$15
Dubrovnik is a world-class destination. It offers lots of incredible architecture, a rich history, and a fantastic location on the Adriatic Sea.
When you’re ready to move on from all that, try the island of Korcula. With an Old Town that’s on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, it is the perfect choice to keep those classic Mediterranean vibes going. Wind your way through its narrow alleyways and ancient buildings topped by terra cotta roofs. It’s brimming with character and history.
When you’re done exploring the town, you have a ton of natural attractions to keep you busy. Korcula is one of Croatia’s most popular diving and snorkeling destinations. Plus, local wineries bring in cultured tourists in search of the finer things in life.
The most convenient route between these two historic gems is by high-speed ferry. They will get you from Point A to Point B and allow you to admire the gorgeous islands and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
Whether you’re staying for a few days, a week, or even a month, Korcula’s charm will have you smitten the entire length of your stay.
Picture an ideal Mediterranean Island, and you’ll get an idea of what Korcula is like. Here are some of the unmissable things to do there:
Explore the Old Town. As you wander through stone buildings, you’ll quickly see why UNESCO has this medieval gem on its radar. Starting with the towering St. Mark’s Cathedral, the town’s charm is on full blast around every corner.
Pick from your choice of beaches. Pupnatska Luka, Bilin Zal Beach, and Vaja Bay boast crystal clear waters and Croatia’s characteristic pebble beaches. If you insist on sunbathing on sand alone, you can spend time at Vela Przina or nearby Proizd Island. Whether on sand or stone, your beach day is guaranteed to be scenic.
Go diving or snorkeling. If you find the water too tempting to resist, you can take the plunge in many places around Korcula. Vrnik and Majsan Islands offer underwater caves and tunnels, while snorkelers will prefer the clear, calm waters of Przina Beach and Badija Island.
Sample the local wines. Korcula boasts a distinctive collection of wineries. Pošip wine, made from unique local grapes, is worth a try. A trip to a winery will allow you to taste both the landscape and culture.
The journey between Dubrovnik and Korcula is a scenic tour in its own right.
You will pass by sun-drenched islets and weathered shorelines contrasting against the striking blue of the Adriatic Sea.
You’ll also see the occasional village on the mainland and nearby islands. And when your ferry reaches the island of Mljet, you will even catch sight of the unspoiled natural beauty of Mljet National Park.
Upon reaching the Peljesac Peninsula, you’re close to Korcula Island. The ferry terminal is in the Old Town, on the northeast corner of the island. As your ferry pulls up to the imposing stone settlement, it will be obvious you are in for a memorable experience.
High-speed ferries are the main players between Dubrovnik and Korcula. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when choosing one:
The ride takes a little over two hours from dock to dock.
This route is seasonal, generally from May through September.
The schedule and frequency of the ferries vary depending on the operator.
Catamaran ferries have air conditioning and restrooms—both a bonus in warmer weather.
Private speedboat ferries are smaller, often open-air boats, so be prepared to be immersed in the elements. Note that in bad weather, these boats won’t run.
These are private transfers that have limited seating and a much higher cost. But you will have the convenience of privacy and schedule. Amenities include snacks and even WiFi for the 3-hour trip.
If you’re coming from the airport in Dubrovnik (DBV), you can arrange to be picked up, taken to the ferry, and then driven directly to your hotel in Korcula.
The luggage restrictions are usually one 20 kg bag and one handbag per passenger, with modest fees for additional bags.
The upside of this option is that you won’t have to worry about a thing, as all transportation is handled for you.
Ferries departing Dubrovnik for Korcula leave from the Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal (Port Gruz). You will find it just down the road from the bus station on an inlet in the northern section of the city.
Pro tip: Note that this is not in the touristy film location section of Dubrovnik.
If you take the shuttle van + ferry option, you’ll likely leave from Orebic Port. Since you’re going to be picked up at the airport anyway, you won’t have to worry about getting there.
As your ferry pulls into port, take in the scene of the ancient fortifications. You might just wonder if you’ve wandered into a movie set. No doubt, Korcula’s Old Town will amaze you.
With the ferry terminal located right on the Old Town harborfront, you can start exploring as soon as you disembark.
Bus services are available if your interests or accommodations require you to venture beyond the town.
The ferry to Korcula arrives at the Korcula Ferry Terminal. This is located on the east side of the Old Town, just outside the Town Gate. From here, you are within easy walking distance of all the Old Town’s sights. You’re also just a short taxi or bus ride away from everything else in the Korcula Town area.
The shuttle van + ferry option will bring you to the Domince Car Ferry Terminal. From there, you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodations.
The best time to visit Korcula is between May and September. Ferry service is regular, and the weather is warm enough not to need a jacket.
June through August is the peak season, with higher temperatures and crowds to match.
The shoulder months of May and September offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and better value pricing. Days are generally dry and sunny, promising ideal weather for exploring the vineyards or a day at the beach.
The island hosts events throughout the year, though the most famous — the Moreska sword dance — takes place in the summer.
Korcula’s beaches and water sports are the main draws during the heat of summer. During cooler months, hiking and cycling are popular activities.
If your sole interest is to explore Korcula’s Old Town, you could theoretically see everything you need to in one day. But a trip to Korcula offers so much more than just the historic center.
If you want to relax, take in a vineyard, or indulge in a few beach days, you’ll need more time. Four to seven days is a much more practical — and unhurried — itinerary to enjoy it.
Calling all travelers! Croatia wants visitors back. Entering Croatia is easy since you can choose from several methods to prove that you’re COVID-19 negative.
Heading to Croatia but don’t know how to get around? We break down all the options – from flights and ferries to buses and private transfers.
A great insider’s guide on how to do Dubrovnik by night. Recommendations for live music, cultural activities, and pub crawls will get you started!
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.
