How to get from Hvar to Korcula
Korcula is the place to be if you’re ready for a spot of island hopping, gorgeous sea views, and the chance to try fine wines. But before you unwind with a chilled glass of posip wine, you’ll need to work out how to get from Hvar to Korcula — and that’s where we come in.
Both Hvar and Korcula are Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea, so your only option for the journey is a ferry. However, these are frequent in the spring and summer, meaning you can zip back and forth as much as you want. There aren’t as many crossings during the winter and autumn, so make sure you book ahead and confirm there’s a chance to cross during your stay. But more about the timings later.
Most journeys from Hvar to Korcula depart from Hvar Harbour and arrive at Korcula Ferry Terminal. Make sure you keep a note of these points to ensure the trip to and from your accommodation is just as smooth as the ferry crossings.
Getting to Korcula is simple, and you’ll see stunning views along the way. Scroll down to get the lowdown and become a travel expert in minutes. Let’s go.
Five unmissable sights in Korcula
Korcula is an island just off Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. With over 15,500 inhabitants, it's the second most populated island in the Adriatic, and it's home to quaint Old Town and lots of fine wineries. Here are the highlights:
St. Mark's Cathedral: Located in the center of the Old Town, St. Mark's Cathedral is a 15th-century marvel. This building boasts Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and you can climb the bell tower for a 360° view of the island.
Korcula Wineries: Korcula has the perfect conditions for vineyards, and there are plenty of tourist-friendly wineries to visit. The most notable wines here are Posip and Grk, white wines with a crisp, aromatic finish.
Korcula Old Town: Sometimes dubbed "mini-Dubrovnik," Korcula's Old Town is a maze of historic buildings, cobbled streets, and vibrant restaurants and cafes. The town is enclosed by medieval city walls, which will transport you back in time. Make sure you spend a day exploring these streets!
Banje Beach: Want to sunbathe? Banje Beach is the stop for you. Yes, this is a shingle beach. However, it’s located very near the city, has safe swimming conditions, and lots of restaurants nearby. Ideal if you don’t want to stray too far from the main metropolitan area.
Moreska Sword Dancing: Spain has flamenco, Japan has kabuki, and Croatia has Moreska. Many local tour companies offer the chance to see this 12th-century dance, and it’s not as popular on the mainland. So, book while you’re in Korcula!
How to get from Hvar to Korcula
The fastest route from Dubrovnik to Korcula by ferry takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Since Hvar and Korcula are islands off the Croatian coast, the only route between them is by ferry. There are up to five departures per day in the busy summer season. However, there are not as many departures in the slower months.
The different ferry options include:
Standard Ferry — Standard ferries take 1.5 hours to reach Korcula. They offer A/C and WCs and are slightly more affordable than other options.
High-Speed Ferry — High-speed ferries to Korcula are 20 to 30 minutes faster than standard ferries. These have A/C and WCs but cost about $5 more.
Catamaran Ferry — Amenities on board include A/C and WCs. Pets and bicycles are allowed. Catamarans are two-hulled ships that can navigate ports more easily than large ferries. These also cost around $5 more than standard ferries.
Sorry, road-trippers! You’ll have to ditch the car for this stop. These routes from Hvar to Korcula are passenger-only ferries.
Note that ferries from Hvar to Korcula are weather-dependent. If there’s severe weather, your ride may be canceled. Most companies provide full refunds or allow you to swap to a later date. Check the terms and conditions before booking.
Pro tip: Book your ferry ASAP to secure a spot on your desired travel day. These routes get busy in the summer, and seats sell out fast.
About the ride from Hvar to Korcula
The ride from Hvar to Korcula is 61 km (38.1 miles) in a southeast direction. This takes between 1 hour and 10 minutes and 1 hour and 35 minutes. No matter your route, you’ll be there in under two hours. Perfect if you’re on a short timescale or want to see Korcula on a day trip.
Ferries to Korcula are safe for all guests, including solo female travelers and newbie backpackers. While English-speaking staff aren’t guaranteed, you’re likely to find staff with good English on the boat and at the ferry station.
All ferries come with A/C and toilets, so you’ll have basic amenities for the crossing. There are also comfortable seats and the option to walk around to enjoy the fabulous Adriatic views.
Sights on the way to Korcula include:
Pro tip: Not all seats recline, so bring a pillow if you want to nap.
The best time to travel to Korcula
The best time to visit Korcula is from May to September. The weather is hot and dry, with an average temperature of 27°C/80.6°F. The hottest months are June, July, and August, with highs of 32°C/89.6°F. Make sure you bring SPF and a sun hat!
If you want cooler weather, April, May, September, and October are the best months. The temperature ranges from 17-24°C (62-75°F) in these months, making sightseeing more comfortable.
From November to March, the weather drops to 9-12°C (48.2-52.6°F), with a higher chance of rain. Not ideal for a summer holiday. However, the island is much quieter. Perfect if you want to avoid the June to August crowds.
How many days should I spend in Korcula?
You should spend at least three days in Korcula. With an Old Town, beautiful beaches, and lots of cultural activities, you can easily fill a weekend. If you want to take it slow and aren’t on a strict schedule, four to five days is best for this Adriatic island.
Where to visit after Korcula?
Ready to see more of Croatia? Sail back to the Dalmatian Coast to see more of the country’s old-world architecture and distinct beauty. Korcula to Dubrovnik takes two hours and five minutes via ferry.