Korčula

The central Dalmatian island of Korcula stretches out parallel to the nearby mainland in the direction of west-east. The island is 46.8 km in length, with an average width of 5.3 to 7.8 kilometres and with a surface area of 270 km2, it is the sixth largest island in the Adriatic Sea. It is separated from the Peljesac peninsula by the Peljesac Channel, only 1270 m wide at its narrowest point. The island of Korcula is indented with a series of bays and coves. The climate on the island is very mild, with a Mediterranean character. The mean temperatures are relatively high: the annual temperature is 16.8°C, 9.1°C in the coldest month January, while the hottest month July is 26.9°C

The island of Korcula has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and traces of life in the past have been uncovered at many places on the island. The oldest find were the stone knives from the Neolithic age found on the islet of Badija near Korcula. The richest and best discovered is the Neolithic site Vela spilja (Large Cave) at Vela Luka. The island was inhabited by the Greeks in the 6th century before Christ, first at Vela Luka, and it was also colonized by Knids who called the island Corcyra Melaina (black). Somewhat later on the other side of the island, in the area where Lumbarda is today, Greeks settled from the island of Vis (Issa), founding a separate settlement referred to in the inscription PSEFIZMA originating in the 3rd century before Christ and which was discovered at the end of the 19th century.

The island abounds with natural beauty which is especially attractive, and is worth visiting and getting to know. Near to the city of Korcula is an archipelago of twenty uninhabited islands covered in dense macchia thickets and accessible coastline: on some, the smooth stone slabs along the shore are perfect for sunbathing.