Korčula (town)

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Korcula Town, Croatia

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42°57.82′N, 17°08.41′E
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Photo gallery
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Local chartlet

The port of Korcula Town, the main harbour of Korcula Island in Croatia, lies at the extreme NE tip of the island, separated from the long Peljesac Peninsula on the mainland by a one mile-wide channel. Clustered around an old walled town on an easily defended peninsula - like so many of the mediaeval Croatian towns - its old stone houses bear numerous testimonies to the skills of the Korcula stone masons during the period of Venetian rule. Several towers and sections of the former town walls remain on the W side of the peninsula and the land entrance to it is dominated by the Veliki Revelin, a 14th century tower originally accessed via a wooden drawbridge. Visiting yachts normally berth in the ACI-operated Marina Korcula behind a breakwater immediately S of the peninsula, on the quay of the small harbour on the W side of the town or in the sheltered anchorage of U. Luka half a mile S. Shelter in the marina (which gets very busy in July and August) is good in all but very strong SE winds, when the W harbour or the anchorage are better bets.

Korcula Town and marina from SE
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Korcula Town from W
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Charts

British Admiralty
1574
683
Croatian charts
MK22
Imray
M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)

Local Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

There are no dangers in the approach to Korcula Town from W. Note, however, that in the approach from E there are several islets and shoals and careful attention to the chart is needed.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Korcula Town is a year-round port of entry.

Berthing options

Yachts can moor to the W quay using their anchors
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There are two main berthing options:

1. Marina Korcula

Marina Korcula is situated immediately S of the old town and is partially sheltered from E winds by a long breakwater. The marina, which is open all year round, provides 159 berths for yachts of up to 40 metres (by advance arrangement) in depths of up to 6.0 metres. Shelter is good in all except strong SE winds, which cause an unpleasant swell in the marina. The marina quickly fills up during the busy months of July and August. Click on the link for full details.

2. Town quay

With fresh to strong winds from NE round to SE, the quay on the NW side of Korcula old town offers much better shelter. Ferries and tripper boats use the outer section, but the small, recessed section next to the old tower of the town walls can be used by visiting yachts. There is room for 6-8 yachts to moor bows or stern-to using their anchors and taking lines ashore to the stainless steel staples along the quay.

Depths inside the recessed section are around 3.0 metres (at wall 2.2 m), out of it towards the beach of the S depths are 4.0 metres (at wall 3.0 metres). Holding is good in sand and weed. Shelter is good with S or E winds, but the quay is completely open from W round to N. There is a water pipe on the quay, but no electricity. Berthing fee 27 kn/m + water and garbage 7 kn/m. (Aug 2014)

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Uvala Luka quay is usually packed with tripper boats
Click for larger view

U. Luka World icon.png 42°57.18′N, 17°08.71′E
U. Luka is a popular anchorage in a long inlet immediately S of Korcula Town. It is close enough to walk into the town and is therefore a much cheaper alternative to Marina Korcula. In the approach from E, note the shoal patch around 400 metres NE of the headland on the E side of the inlet. Anchor wherever you can find space. In the outer part (N of the tiny islet) anchor in 10 - 12 metres, being careful to avoid the pipeline that runs along the W side. In the inner part (S of the islet) anchor in 5.0 metres, being careful to avoid the small mooring buoys near the islet. Be sure to pass W of the islet (5.0 metres) and not E (1.0 metre). There is a long quay on the W side of the inlet, where depths are 2.0 - 2.5 metres, but this is usually chock full of tripper boats (see photo). Holding throughout the inlet is excellent in mud. Shelter is good in all but very strong N winds. There are restaurants and café/bars ashore.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Basic engine and other repair facilities in the marina.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth in a small inlet on E side of bay 500 metres S of harbour (0600 - 2200). Depths of only 1.8 metres alongside. Water and electricity in the marina only.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Veliki Revelin, the land entrance to the old town
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The cathedral has wonderful views from its bell tower
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The streets of the old town from the cathedral bell tower
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The old town is fascinating to explore, its narrow, mediaeval streets lined with old stone houses dating back to the early Venetian occupation, many of them bearing beautiful ornamentation from the island’s master stone masons. The best preserved section of the old town walls is on the W side, where three of the walls’ defensive towers still stand. The old town itself is entered through the Veliki Revelin, a 14th century tower originally accessed via a wooden drawbridge. The cathedral square is dominated by the impressive 15th century St Mark’s Cathedral, with a finely sculpted entrance and soaring bell tower (the very narrow stairs of which can be climbed for a fee of 20 kuna). The interior (a charge is made) contains some further fine stone sculptures and a painting by the Venetian master Tintoretto. It is worth whiling away an hour or two in the Town Museum, sited in a 16th century palace opposite the cathedral, which contains displays on Korcula’s stone masonry and shipbuilding activities as well as archaeological finds.

The Moreska, a traditional dance that has been performed in Korcula since the Middle Ages, is a local institution. With spectacular swordplay, it depicts the battles between its protagonist, the Red King, and antagonist, the Black King. The Moreska is performed every week during tourist season, usually on Monday nights, as well as on certain holidays. Tickets can be purchased at a variety of booths and newsagents throughout the city.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Several supermarkets, butchers and other provisions shops in the town. Fruit and vegetable market. Several shops sell the excellent local wines.

Eateries

Numerous restaurants and café/bars in the town.

Internet/WiFi

Several internet cafes.

Laundry

Laundry service in Marina Korcula.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Near the harbour and in the marina.

Transport

  • Frequent daily ferries to Orebic on mainland.
  • Occasional ferries to Ancona in Italy (July to September only).
  • Daily buses to Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
  • Local buses to Vela Luka and other local destinations.

Routes/Passages To/From

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

  • The marina is not a pleasant place to be in strong E winds; the anchorage of U. Luka is a much better option in these conditions. --Athene of Lymington

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington


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