The Korcula Waterfront Hideaway
Korcula Island, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Following an extensive makeover in 2023, this villa has been artfully split into three apartments – Vista, Terrace and Loft. Each is on a different floor and has a balcony that surveys the bay. An infinity pool is shared among them; a seafront sunbathing platform is mere footsteps away. If you're a bigger group (up to 11), you can book out the entire villa and get the whole lot to yourselves.
Run by neighbouring Taras Lodge, a long-time i-escape favourite, these hideaways come with the full privacy of a self-catering retreat but with the addition of hotel facilities – there’s a beachside restaurant a few hundred metres away, plus watersports equipment to borrow. You’ll spend sunny days kayaking and snorkelling in the sheltered bay or exploring the medieval streets of Korcula Town, then you’ll sip local wines (the island is famous for whites) on your terrace and appreciate all that’s good in life.
Highs
- Come as a couple, family or group – the set-up works for varying party sizes
- All apartments have big terraces for taking in those heavenly bay views
- Everything you need for a summer holiday by the sea is here – restaurant, watersports, pool – and at reasonable prices too
- You're right at the water's edge, and there's a platform down by the sea so you can swim before breakfast or take a sunset dip
- Set away from the bustle of Korcula Town but close enough to nip in for sightseeing or dinner – and far from the crowds
Lows
- Because each floor is self-contained, the whole villa set-up is not good for socialising – there's no indoor space for all to gather
- The shared pool and beach deck aren't large enough for all guests to use at any one time
- The nearest beach is pebbly and can get crowded – not ideal for children
- You'll need to travel by road and boat to get to Korcula
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Apartments / Villa
- 3 apartments for 2-5, or 1 villa for 8-1
- Self-catering (restaurant nearby)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
- Massages available
- Laundry room
Apartments (for 2-5)
The three apartments each occupy one floor of the villa. You get a full kitchen, a living room, a furnished terrace, and one or two bedrooms.
The Vista (sleeps 2) is on the ground floor and is the smallest apartment, aimed at couples. If staying here you can use the BBQ on the terrace, though note that this space isn't shaded. The Terrace (sleeps 4-5) spans the middle floor and is the largest apartment. This is the best option for families as you get two bedrooms – one double, one twin/double – a living room with sofabed, and the largest terrace of the lot. Up top, The Loft (sleeps 2-4) has a sloping roof with Velux windows letting in plenty of light, and also has a sofabed in its living room.
All apartments face the bay and have wide sea views, as well as shared access to the seafront infinity pool, a small stone beach deck, an outdoor shower and a laundry room.
Breakfast isn't included, but your kitchen is stacked with all the necessary equipment (plates, cutlery, pans, pots, toaster, kettle), as well as milk, water, juice, and an arrival snack. The nearest grocery shop is 400m away.
Villa (for 8-11)
If there are more of you, book out the entire villa. It has four bedrooms, three living rooms – two with sofabeds for extra guests – three kitchens, three terraces, and an infinity pool. Facilities also include a laundry room with washing machine and dryer, and a barbecue. Down by the sea is a little sunbathing platform that you can swim off.
The decor throughout has a warm coastal-chic vibe, with bright white and tan shades along with pops of colour from soft furnishings and fabrics. The sun-trap decks are furnished with seating and sunloungers, and one has a very inviting-looking hammock for swaying in the cooling sea breezes.
We think this villa would work particularly well for an extended family travelling together, or for a group of friends, because each floor is a self-contained apartment, so you get some extra privacy. The ground-floor apartment would work well for grandparents, for example, while the middle floor is best for those with kids.
Activities
- Chill on the sunbathing platform down by the sea, or borrow the kayaks (free for guests' use) and explore the bay
- Rent a dinghy (licence required) and explore the nearby Korcula archipelago of 20 islets, rimmed by secluded coves and pebble beaches
- Try windsurfing or kite-surfing in the channel between Peljesac and Korcula; you can rent equipment and book lessons from a base in Viganj
- Spend a day in Korčula Town, wandering medieval alleys to see the Cathedral, City Museum and Marco Polo House, contained within sturdy fortifications
- Korcula is renowned for its quality white wines (Grk and Posip), while the nearby Peljesac peninsula is noted for excellent full-bodied reds (Dingac, Plavac and Mali Plavac). Try a day in each location, visiting local vineyards and wine cellars
Kids
The Korcula Waterfront Hideaway is a good option for families, thanks to its flexible setup and kitchens for self-catering. You have the option of booking one of the larger apartments or renting all three and coming as one big family. The shared swimming pool will be popular with kids, and there are kayaks to borrow. A pebble beach is a short walk away.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Terrace has two bedrooms, one of which can be made up as a twin, as well as a living room with sofabed. The Loft only has one bedroom but its living room also has a sofabed. If you're coming with extended family, book out the whole villa (sleeps up to 11), incorporating all three apartments and the swimming pool.
Cots Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available with advance notice
Baby equipment:
- Baby cots
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities on site:
- Pool
- Beach
- Kayaking
- Swimming
Families Should Know:
The pool is unfenced and has an infinity edge. The rocky beach platform in front of the villa drops directly into the sea, so you can't paddle.
Distances:
- Airport: Approx 2.5 hours' drive from Dubrovnik and 3.5 hours from Split
- Shop: 5 minutes' walk
- Local hospital: 5 minutes' drive
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Korcula Waterfont Hideaway is located on the Bay of Žrnovska Banja, one of the most scenic areas on Korcula island, just 3km west of historic Korcula Town (approximately 8 minutes’ drive).
By Air:
Fly to Dubrovnik or Split.
Road and Sea Transfers:
Private transfers by car and motor boat from Dubrovnik and Split airports (2.5 and 3.5 hours respectively) can be arranged via Tara's Lodge. This is the simplest option as they will know the best routes and timings for your dates.
If you have your own car, you can drive all the way to Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula and take a short (15min) ferry crossing to Domince on Korcula, which is a short drive from the villa. Or you can take the ferry from Split to Vela Luka (on the western side of Korcula) and drive across the island to the villa (40 mins' drive). See ferry links below.
Otherwise, you could arrange your own transfer: bus or taxi to Dubrovnik or Split's ferry port, then catamaran to the island. Someone from Tara's Lodge will collect you at your incoming port, either Korcula Town or Vela Luka (extra cost).
Krilo - passenger catamaran
Jadrolinija - passenger and car ferries
GV Line - passenger catamaran
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Dubrovnik 141.0 km DBV
- Split 205.0 km SPU
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.4 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests