The Best Beaches on the Island of Korcula, Croatia

Banje Beach, a short strip of pebbles and sand, is Korcula’s most popular beach and, given its sheltered location in front of the town’s marina, one of the most accessible. The beach is surrounded by bars and restaurants, while the four-star Korsal and Marko Polo hotels are just a short stroll away. Visit Banje Beach during the week, as weekends see both locals and tourists flock here.

Love soft sand between your toes? Spend the day at Bilin Zal Beach. Don’t be put off by the rocks and pebbles that greet you, just head straight for the water. You’ll find the beach in a sheltered bay in the far east of the island, just a short walk from Lumbarda. Hotel Lumbarda is a classic choice for travellers, but you can also try Hotel Borik for a boutique stay in the nearby town.

Order the seafood grill and a glass of wine at Konoba Dubrava restaurant and enjoy superb views over Bacva Beach as you wine and dine on the terrace. After lunch, head down to the small, sheltered bay, where you’ll find a mixture of sand and pebbles underfoot. The view from the beach is beautiful, and you can wade into the water to quickly cool off when things heat up. Bacva Beach is slightly secluded and light on hotels – stay in Pupnat or make the journey down from Korcula town for the day.

You’ll spy the turquoise waters of the Adriatic when you reach the viewpoint overlooking Zitna Beach. Follow the steps down to the seafront and you’ll see how the narrow bay widens as it stretches past the rocks. The beach, on the southern side of Korcula island, is a short stroll away from the fishing village of Zavalatica, where you can spend the night in a seafront apartment overlooking the marina.

You’ll be in awe of the view at Pupnatska Luka Beach, on the southern side of the island. A long strip of sand and pebbles curves around the bay, where translucent waters slowly darken as they stretch beyond the rocks to merge with the Adriatic. Set up your umbrella for the day, or seek shelter from the fierce Croatian sun in one of the shaded beach bars that line the shore. This part of Korcula is remote, but head west and you’ll find rustic homestays and apartments in Zavalatica.

There’s not much at all to be found at Orlandusa Beach, on the southeastern side of Korcula, which is ideal if you’d like a little isolation. The roads are rough but the rewards are beautiful for those willing to brave the journey; stop on the road nearby and walk the final stretch to the pebble beach. Bring your own supplies and don’t forget your underwater camera and snorkelling gear, as the water in summer is the clearest and cleanest in Korcula. There are a few isolated homestays near the coast, but you’ll be best staying in either Korcula or Lumbarda.

The southeastern shores of Korcula are home to some of the best beaches on the island – but, like all unspoilt destinations, are never easy to reach. Pavja Luka is an adventure to find; you’ll need to navigate a steep and rocky path down to an isolated bay where you can spend the day basking in the sun. Swim and snorkel in the sheltered waters, and be sure to bring your own refreshments, as there are no beach bars, restaurants or hotels nearby.