Korčula Island

Our next island stop was in the historic port of Korčula, on the island of the same name. Tourism is its main industry followed closely by wine (seeing a theme here? We are on a wine cruise after all). The town sits on a tiny outcrop and seems to float on the surrounding clear, blue water. We had to wait for port clearance, so dropped anchor in a secluded bay to the south. This gave us time to swim in the ocean … the water was a little bracing but also invigorating. Around lunchtime the port authorities gave us permission to dock, so we made our way towards town. We had the prime spot, against the harbour wall, beneath a massive fort tower. Alistair was very excited to see there were walls to explore but had to deal with some disappointment after he found out that Napoleon had redesigned them to be ineffective (halved their height and removed whole sections).

Korčula is a ‘mini-Dubrovnik’ but in reverse. Instead of being bowl shaped with a main thoroughfare at the low point, Korčula’s main street is on the hill crest and the fishbone, stepped alleyways descend from it. We set ourselves the challenge of walking most of them. One benefit of Napoleon’s redesign is that the town has wide, waterside piazzas filled with restaurants offering fantastic views. A strong wind picked up mid-afternoon, which made our late-afternoon wine-tasting experience at a local tavern slightly uncomfortable, as we were sitting outdoors in one of the little alleys that was somewhat wind tunnellish. The evening ended with a group dinner at a nearby local restaurant (transport provided by the island’s tired ‘party bus’), for a meal of local cheeses, cured meats and figs, homemade pasta and a light pastry dessert. It was, of course, accompanied by local wines of which the island is famous.

We are getting to know our fellow passengers well. We have medical personnel, lawyers, artists, military, educators, renovators/developers and the retired on board. The mix of personalities, passions and professions makes for very enjoyable conversations, frequently assisted by the bar’s local libations.