How to Plan your Perfect Easter Holiday in Croatia

A Tale of Dubrovnik and Korčula

Croatia, with its crystal-clear Adriatic waters, rich history, and vibrant traditions, is a magnificent destination for your Easter holiday in Croatia. This guide focuses on two of its jewels: the medieval city of Dubrovnik and the enchanting island of Korčula. Here’s how to plan your perfect Easter or spring holiday escape to these Croatian wonders.

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1. Choose Your Base: Dubrovnik or Korčula

Dubrovnik: Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik offers a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It’s perfect for those seeking history, culture, and scenic beauty. Dubrovnik is known to get crowded. Spring is a relatively quiet time to visit Dubrovnik, allowing you to see the sights, walk the city walls, and stumble onto local restaurants. It is easy to day trip from Dubrovnik to Korčula or vice versa.

Korčula: A quieter option, Korčula is known for its dense forests, vineyards, and small villages. It’s ideal for a more relaxed, nature-focused holiday. There is easy access to island hop, whether to Mljet, Hvar, Dubrovnik, the Orebic Peninsula, or beyond.

2. Discover Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Nestled against the shimmering Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mesmerizing tapestry of history and beauty. As you step through the Pile Gate, one of the grand entrances to the Old Town, you’re immediately transported to a bygone era. The stone streets lead through a labyrinth of baroque buildings and marble squares.

Stroll down the Stadtrun, the main thoroughfare. Walk along the ancient city walls, dating back to the 10th century, for breathtaking views of the Adriatic. Explore the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Cathedral. Explore on your own, or take a walking tour to get a local’s perspective. Games of Thrones Walking Tours get great reviews, though we did not have a chance to try this one out.

3. Experience Holy Week and Easter in Dubrovnik

Participate in the unique and solemn Good Friday procession, a tradition that dates back centuries. Attend an Easter Sunday Mass in one of the historic churches for a truly immersive experience.

4. Enjoy a Day Trip to Lokrum Island

Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum offers a tranquil escape with its botanical gardens, monastery, and peacock inhabitants. Take a tour to see highlights of the Game of Thrones on Lokrum Island (aka Qarth).

5. Explore Korčula’s Old Town

Wander through Korčula’s old town, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Visit St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Marco Polo House. There are many places to explore and things to do in Korčula both in old town and throughout the island.

6. Easter in Korčula

Join the locals in their Easter celebrations, which include traditional music and dances. Visit local churches to see the special decorations and festivities.

7. Wine Tasting and Olive Oil Tasting in Korčula

Korčula is famous for its white wines. Visit local wineries for a tasting and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions.

A visit to an Olive Oil producer is a unique experience in Korčula. Don’t miss Jerolim in Vela Luka, a family run olive oil producer. We stumbled on this spot and spent a wonderful afternoon tasting olive oils with fresh bread, olive tapanades, marmalades, liquors made in their distillery, and even trying their essential oils and natural perfumes.

8. Day trip to Mljet

Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik or Korčula lies the verdant island of Mljet, one of Croatia’s most beautiful and unspoiled islands. Mljet, often referred to as the “Green Island” because of its lush forests and verdant landscapes, is an idyllic escape for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Rent a bike or e-bike or join an e-bike tour. Add a hike up to Montokuc for sweeping views of the island. Wrap up the day with a ferry to the Benedictine Monestary, enjoying a coffee or snack in this pristine location.

For a full itinerary for this outing, see our post on Day Trip to Mljet National Park.

9. Hike the Orebić Peninsula

For those who seek adventure amidst natural beauty, hiking the Orebić Peninsula is an experience not to be missed. This picturesque region, located on the Pelješac peninsula opposite Korčula, offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Croatia. The landscape is a stunning combination of rugged hills, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and expansive views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands. Don’t miss a stop to see Monastery of Our Lady of Anđela, easily accessible off the hiking trails.

For more details on this hike, see our post on Hiking Sveti Ilija, Croatia from Nakovana.

Sveti Ilija Mountain: The crown jewel of hiking in Orebić is the ascent of Sveti Ilija Mountain, the highest peak on the Pelješac peninsula. This challenging trail takes you to an altitude of 961 meters, offering panoramic views that are truly rewarding. The hike, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit, winds through pine forests and rocky paths, leading to an awe-inspiring vista over the Dalmatian coast.

10. Plan for Day Trips and Activities

From Dubrovnik, consider a day trip to Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Korčula, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or sailing.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the historical allure of Dubrovnik or embrace the natural beauty of Korčula with side trips to Dubrovnik, an Easter holiday in Croatia promises to be a memorable blend of tradition, culture, and scenic beauty. With careful planning, you can experience the best of both worlds in this Adriatic paradise. If you would like to include Split on your itinerary, check out our posts on 2 days in Split and a day trip to Krka National Park.

Travel Tips

Weather in April

April in both Dubrovnik and Korčula is a beautiful time to visit, with the onset of spring bringing milder temperatures and more sunshine. While it’s not yet warm enough for typical beach activities like swimming, the weather is ideal for exploring the cities, hiking, and enjoying outdoor cafés. The lesser crowds compared to the peak summer months also make it a great time for a more relaxed experience.

• Temperature: April in Dubrovnik and Korcula marks the beginning of spring. The average temperatures range from lows of around 10°C (50°F) to highs of 16°C (61°F). It’s comfortably cool, making it pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Rainfall: There’s a moderate amount of rainfall in April, with an average of 104 mm. It’s advisable to carry a light raincoat or umbrella. We spent 2 weeks in this area this past April, and had 12 days of sun of 14. We did have 2 days of very rough windy weather, but this provided a great excuse to explore Korcula island.
• Sunshine: The days start getting longer and sunnier. On average, there are about 6 hours of sunshine per day, allowing ample time for exploring.
• Sea Temperature: The sea temperature in April is still quite cool, around 15°C (59°F), which is generally considered too cold for swimming for most people.

Getting to Dubrovnik/Korčula

Reaching your Easter holiday in Croatia is easy and scenic. Dubrovnik is well-connected and accessible through various means of transport. The most common way for international visitors is by air, with Dubrovnik Airport located just 20 kilometers from the city center. It serves numerous airlines offering direct and connecting flights from major cities across Europe and beyond.

Upon arrival, a short bus or taxi ride will get you into the heart of Dubrovnik. Alternatively, for those who prefer the romance of the rails, although Dubrovnik doesn’t have a train station, you can travel by train to Split or Ploče and then continue by bus to Dubrovnik. This offers a chance to enjoy Croatia’s scenic landscapes along the way. Driving to Dubrovnik is another option, with well-maintained roads and spectacular coastal views accompanying your journey. Lastly, arriving by sea on a ferry from other Croatian ports or even from Italy is a magical experience, offering a first glimpse of Dubrovnik’s famed walls rising from the azure Adriatic.

Lodging

Dubrovnik: accommodation options cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets. For those seeking luxury, the city boasts several five-star hotels, many offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town. We enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Hotel Imperial Palace, with its central old town location, indoor pool, saunas, and fitness facilities. If you prefer a quieter location, though with each transfers into old town, the Sun Gardens Dubrovnik may be a good alternative for you.

For a more immersive experience, consider staying in one of the boutique hotels or guesthouses nestled within the Old Town’s walls.Many apartments, such as this one here, offer cozy, comfortable accommodations with easy access to the city’s attractions.

Korčula: Over on the island of Korčula, the lodging scene is a mix of elegant hotels, quaint guesthouses, and private holiday rentals. The options range from high-end hotels with beautiful sea views and excellent facilities to charming family-run pensions in the heart of Korčula’s old town, offering a more personalized experience. This early in the season, we’d recommend staying in or near old town, ensuring you have plenty of options for restaurants near-by.

The Lesic Dimitri Palace has one of the top locations in old town. These apartments, inspired by the cultures of Marco Polo’s Silk Road travels, would make a great location for a long weekend or week or exploring Korcula and the surrounding islands. The Loft in Ismaelli Palace is just steps from St. Mark’s Cathedral, a perfect spot to enjoy the Holy Week festivities.

Island Hopping

Embarking on an island-hopping adventure from Dubrovnik is a fantastic way to experience the diversity and beauty of the Croatian islands. Regular catamaran and ferry services connect Korcula and Mljet islands to Dubrovnik, making it easy to plan day trips or longer stays. For a more personalized experience, chartering a private boat allows for a tailored itinerary, giving you the freedom to discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming coastal villages at your own pace. Each island has its unique charm and story, making island hopping an unforgettable part of your Croatian adventure.

For all of your bike, e-bike, and scooter needs, we recommend reserving in advance with BikeBookings (BikeBookings Dubrovnik and BikeBookings Korcula). For your car rental needs, we recommend reserving through Rentalcars.com.

Croatia Ferries has a great overview of the various ferry schedules (you can book directly here or on the individual ferry sites such as the TP Line).

Tours

If you are interested in day tours, we’d suggest looking at the following ones:

• Dubrovnik cable car and walking tour
• Game of Thrones Lokrum Island tour
• Korcula old town tour
• Mljet e-bike tour
• Korcula e-bike tour

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