Korcula … An Island Stepping Stone

We arrived at Split in plenty of time for our ferry to the island of Korcula which we are crossing on our drive to Dubrovnik.

We took snacks for the 2.5 hour crossing and sat on a bench outside to enjoy the view.

The port of Vela Luka was built in times past to export wine and oil and is now a car ferry port, but still offers a handsome face to the sea.

We soon found our apartment, above a family run restaurant where we were welcomed with more Rakija and homemade biscuits and after sitting down all morning, walked to the town beach for a bit of sun, a read and a dip and took the water taxi back to beers on our very own sit out terrace.

In the evening as we checked out restaurants, we noticed the attractive sea themed mosaics running round the harbour pavement which celebrate an artists expo in the 1960’s.

We spotted the local makaruni pasta on the menu, handmade scraps of pasta rolled round a needle to make tubes, so I had mine with ragu and J with monkfish while C had ravioli with spinach and truffle.

Although we didn’t realise at the time, this was the point that our trip started moving in an unplanned direction. While getting up in the morning, Chris had a dizzy spell so we delayed our departure so he could take things slowly, and we thought he’d maybe had too much sun the day before. Joanna was our second driver, and having already driven yesterday, was delighted for the opportunity to drive again and we made our way across Korcula island, enjoying the scenery. We made a brief stop at a beach with a cafe and continued to Korcula town where tourist cars have to use the park and ride. We got a great photo from the shuttle which took us to the town gates.

As we walked into the walled town …

… it was apparent that Chris wasn’t feeling great and was also nauseous, but he was sure that an early night would do the trick so we checked in and left him to rest.

Joanna and I went exploring. We wandered round the town …

… through charming squares …

… and along narrow stone alleys which are laid out fishbone-style, with the angled side streets allowing the breeze to pass through and cool the buildings.