Korčula Island Running Options

Korčula is a long island known for its sandy beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. A good part of the interior is dense forest. There’s some nice waterfront running on the island’s namesake village, and Vela Luka.

Korčula. ~4.7 km along the water. MAP. Attractive older village on the island’s northeastern end. We recommend exploring the pedestrianized older center on foot, and then enjoying the waterfront road/path. From the center, head east around the Uvala Luka bay for ~3 km, or west to Medvinjak Beach for 1.5 km.

• For more and some to get the heart rate going, there are narrow, mainly car-free roads and paths above the town leading to the Forteca Svetog Vlaha (fortress) and to Naplov — a park/viewpoint.

Kočje Nature Preserve. Inland nature preserve located in a dense pine forest. Several km of trails that are nice for running. Good shade option on a hot day!  There’s a kiosk at the preserve’s entrance with a map.

Vela Luka. This is an attractive, small town on the western side of Korčula, known for its wide bay, numerous indented coves, historic sites, and Hom mountain, which looms above. Some great running options:

• Waterfront. There’s a lovely road/path along the water, fairly free of traffic, that makes for a ~4 km flat out and back with some nice views. Just west of town, there’s work going on along Bobovišća, which we anticipate could eventually add to the route.  MAP
• Run to the Summit of Mt. Hom. A challenging run/hike to the 360m summit of this mountain which sits above the southern end of Vela Luka. There are two options: the shorter but steeper path, ascending 320m over 2.2 km, and the road, which climbs 360m over 5.8 km. Mix and match the two! Good views from the summit. PATH MAP    ROAD MAP
• Historic sites north of town. North of Vela Luka and toward the northern coast is a series quiet paths and trails that lead to numerous archaeological sites and other historic sites. There are some mapped walks/hikes that can be done in this area.