Korcula What Is Known For

Early summer (May to July) is the prime sailing season in the Croatian islands (calmer conditions prevail in mid-summer), and the countless coves and bays in these waters attract cruising sailors from all across Europe. Both bareboat and chartered yachts are available, and from Korcula it's easy sailing to the islands of Hvar (which boasts the most sunshine of any Croatian island), Brac (with perhaps the Adriatic's best beach), Vis (where divers can explore a half-dozen shipwrecks) and nearby Bisevo (which has its own "Blue Grotto" sea cave).

Croatia is surf-and-turf country, with seafood and meat headlining most menus. On the Dalmatian islands, however, it would be a crime to miss such Mediterranean-influenced fish courses as brodet (a spicy fish-and-rice stew), lobsters, squid risotto, and zkampa (yes, scampi). For a trio of dry white wines, look for Grk, Posip, and Rukatac.

Sometimes called "the Madeira of the Adriatic," Hvar is an island of vineyards and lavender fields—and a town that still mirrors its Venetian past, including one of the oldest theaters in Europe. The architecture, some dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, is striking, and the views of neighboring islands from the fortress atop the old are unforgettable. Hvar isn't exactly a daytrip from Korcula, but it's worth the journey