Korcula Island Croatia (Korcula Town)

Korcula Island (Croatia) is located in central Dalmatia (Adriatic Sea) and has total area approx 279 km2 (108 mi2). By population (around 16,000), the island is ranked Croatia's 2nd most populous (after Krk Island). Unlike Krk, Korcula is not connected to mainland Croatia via bridge. It is separated by a narrow strait with width varying between 0,9-3 km (3000-9800 ft) . The island stretches east-to-west, has average length 47 km (29 mi) and width 8 km (5 mi). By land area, it is ranked Adriatic Sea's 6th largest. Its highest elevation point (Mt Klupca) is 568 m / 1864 ft).

The island's main (largest) towns are Korcula, Vela Luka and Blato. The scenery is marked by extensive pine forests. The main road connects all settlements excepting Racisce. Ferries connect Korcula Town with mainland Croatia (Orebic and Drvenik), and also Vela Luka with Split and Lastovo Island. Fast catamarans connect with Split and the islands Hvar and Lastovo. Adriatic Lines ferries connect Korcula (via Hvar) to Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Rijeka. Direct ferries during the serve the routes to Italy's ports Ancona and Bari.

The annual Korkyra Baroque Festival is an international event. Held in September, it showcases a selection of the leading ensembles and soloists in the world specializing in Baroque music. Among the participants are Le Parlament de Musique (France), Academy of Ancient Music (UK), Red Priest (UK), Currende and Erik Van Nevel (Belgium), La Venexiana (Italy), Croatian Baroque Ensemble (Croatia). Along with the high artistic credentials of the festival, this renowned musical event also promotes Korcula's cultural monuments and the whole town as a unique architectural treasure.

Korcula Island was officially founded by the Greeks in the 12th century BC. It was first settled by the Illyrians in the 10th century BC. The Greek colony (Melaina Korkyra) was founded in the 6th century BC. The Romans took the island from the Illyrians and added it to their Illyricum province. In 10 AD, the province was split into Pannonia and Dalmatia (which also included Korcula).

In the 6th century AD, the island became part of the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD). Under the Venetian Republic (697-1797), Korcula was a primary supplier of timber for Venice's wooden walls and also a naval port. In 1797, the island was given to the Habsburg Empire (1526-1804). In 1815, the island was given to the Austrian Empire (1804-1867) and in 1867 became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918).

Korcula Island Croatia cruise terminal