5 Best Sights in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Korčula Town is often called "mini-Dubrovnik" for the high fortified walls that surround its stone streets and the circular fortresses jutting out into the sparkling sea. But to constantly compare it to Dubrovnik is to sell it short; Korčula Town is an architectural achievement in its own right and one of the most stunning locations along the Adriatic Coast.

Within tiny Korčula Town, you'll find a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance churches, palaces, and piazzas. These important buildings, as well as the town's fortified walls and towers, were mostly built by the Venetians who ruled the town between the 13th and 15th centuries, the island's golden age. One of the most interesting aspects—and the main physical difference between Korčula and Dubrovnik—is the design of its streets, which are laid out in a fishbone pattern. The main road stretches right through the town like a spine; the streets on the western side are straight to allow a breeze to circulate in summer, while the streets on the eastern side are curved to prevent cold northeastern winds from whistling unimpeded through town in the winter ("medieval air-conditioning" as the tour guides like to say). The other main difference is that while Dubrovnik's Old Town heaves with visitors throughout the summer, Korčula Town is car-free, compact, and relaxed. You can spend a pleasant few hours browsing through its myriad boutiques, then settle in at one of the excellent restaurants along the periphery of town to admire the views of the Adriatic and the Pelješac Peninsula beyond.

Located in a 16th-century stone palace on the main square, this charming museum contains items from all eras of the island's history, from Neolithic stone knives to vessels excavated from Greek and Roman shipwrecks to wooden ship models built in the 1960s. Don't miss the replica of the Lumbarda Psephisma, a striking 4th-century-BC stone tablet that details the establishment of a Greek colony in Lumbarda. There are also quirky objects in the original kitchen in the attic, such as gadgets for making macaroni and kneading bread.

On the main square, the splendid 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, built by several generations of celebrated local stonemasons, is one of the most important buildings on the island. Enter through the beautifully carved Romanesque main portal, which is guarded by Adam and Eve standing underneath twin lions. Inside the cathedral, there are two paintings by Tintoretto. Be sure to climb the bell tower next door; it's steep and awkward, but worthwhile for the views.

The main entrance into the Old Town, the Land Gate is topped by the 15th-century Revelin Tower, housing an exhibition connected with the Moreška sword dance and offering panoramic views. Like the other towers around town, it features a winged lion—the symbol of Venice—and the seal of the Rector of Korčula, as well as a plaque commemorating the coronation of the first Croatian king, Tomislav. Walk up the grand steps to enter the Old Town; the main thoroughfare starts on the other side of the gate and leads all the way to the Berim Tower on the other end of town.

A couple of blocks east of the main square is the place where legendary 13th-century explorer Marco Polo is said to have been born while Korčula was part of the Venetian Empire. The house itself is nearly in ruins but the tower next door is open, offering great views over the Old Town. At the time of writing, the finishing touches were being put on a new museum celebrating the explorer's life.