Where to stay in Korčula town

Quality five-star representing the pinnacle of luxury in Korčula, located in a beautifully renovated 18th-century bishop’s palace and five medieval cottages, in the heart of the Old Town. Suites are named after stages on the Silk Road travelled by alleged Korčula native Marco Polo: Venice comes with a Venetian red ceiling and theatrically large chairs that look like something from Alice in Wonderland; Arabia is hung with flowing fabrics to give it the feel of a nomad’s tent in the middle of the desert. A recurring theme throughout the hotel is provided by the cushion-piled divans and geometric-patterned wooden screens evocative of interiors from the Middle East to the Far East. All the suites have sleek modern kitchens, espresso machines, free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, although sensitive restoration has left much of the building’s original stonework and wooden beaming untouched. As well as being home to the swish LD restaurant, the Lešić-Dimitri also features a spa with a team of Thai therapists. This is pure honeymoon material – without the crowds of Dubrovnik. A member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux association.

This landmark opened in 1912, but in 2015, the hotel group HTP Korčula refurbished the place, investing new live into what was once a rather drab setting. Behind its pristine, palm-lined exterior lie 22 newly-refurbed rooms, and a charming terrace area. Locals use the café as a meeting place - as you should too.

The four-star, three-floor Marko Polo owned by luxury hotel consortium HTP Korčula, offers a sea view from most of its 100 rooms. A two-phase renovation in the mid-2000s, which took it ahead of its disappointing surrounding properties, saw new bathrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and sauna.

Eight kilometres out from Korčula, this family-run site occupies an idyllic spot just east of the village of Kneža. It is shaded by olive, fig and carob trees, and near to a shingle beach.

A 50-pitch site just over five kilometres from Korčula on the Račišće road, Vrbovica is set right beside the sea and has access to a beach and a pier for tethering small boats.

This large campsite is situated in an enclosed bay 3km (30 minutes’ walk) from the Old Town. Pitches are set out amid dense shrubbery and trees, providing plenty of shade. It’s certainly the best-equipped site in the area, with a shop, pizzeria and snack bar on site as well as the usual amenities. There’s a small sandy beach at the bottom of the site but it’s not the cleanest place for swimming – you’re better off taking the bus to Lumbarda or the boat to Badija. 

A short walk along the coastal path from the Old Town, the Korsal offers a chic, intimate, four-star alternative to the more packagey hotels that lie further out in the same direction. Thought and creativity has gone into the citrus-fruit colour combinations of the room interiors, which come with wood floors and contemporary furnishings. Breakfast on the terrace comes with invigourating views of Pelješac peninsula across the channel. 

Five kilometres west of Korčula in the small seaside settlement of Žrnovska Banja, this is a small family-run site with room only for about 40 guests, with pitches shaded by Mediterranean vegetation. The camp offers some excellent maritime views; the shoreline is only a few metres way and several pebbly beaches are a short walk away. Bicycle and boat hire are available, and there’s a shop and restaurant in the village.

In the heart of Korčula town, just a few steps away from historic centre and ferry port, a 100-year-old stone façade hides five modern apartments. Each has a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, and a bedroom that can accommodate up to four people, plus an internet connection. More than this, Royal Apartments offer a direct view of the sea that is right across the street. Since you are in the centre of the town, everything important happens right beneath your window. This is also the ideal starting point for any exploration of the island.