The island of Korčula - Marco Polo's birthplace

Marco Polo, the biggest explorer and traveler ever born, was the man who traveled from Europe to China and who brought the first the colors and scents of the East to Europe. Also, he was a writer who wrote a book "Il Milione". Wheather an explorer or a good storyteller, the name of Marco Polo will always be connected with adventure, travels and - the island of Korčula his birthplace. Let's see why.

Korčula, the island and the city, is located in the Adriatic Sea and it belongs to Croatia. Back in days, Korčula* was a part of many other countries, kingdoms, empires. Among them, it was a part of the Republic of Venice, the country of Marco Polo's origins. According to some sources, Marco Polo was born in Venice**, according to others it was in Korčula. If you come to the Korčula Island, your first stop should be the city of Korčula. This small and old fisherman town is full of history. While walking down the narrow streets, touching the stones and old town protection walls, you will encounter the Depolo street, a narrow street with many stairs. Well-preserved buildings will show you all historical layers and traces of all conquerors of this island. One house in this street is special, having a small notice stating "The house of Marco Polo*". This is the landmark of the city of Korčula, but besides that house, Korčula** **offers much more.

Korčula

Korčula is an island that belongs to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and it is the second most populated island in Croatia. Korčula is very easily approachable from Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. It's the sixth largest Adriatic island with approx. 15.000 citizens and three major towns - Korčula, Vela Luka and Blato Korčula. They all** have have so much to offer: historical sights, beaches, nice and dense forests and inevitable wine and food. Melaina Korkyra (Greek: Μέλαινα Κόρκυρα, "Black Corcyra") is a Greek name for Korčula. According to the linguists and historians, Korčula got this name for its dense "dark/black" forest. Opposite to the black color, the white wine from Korčula is one of the best products of the island. Besides the beaches and summer adventures on the open sea, if visiting Korčula in September don't miss to listen to some baroque music on the Korkyra Baroque Festival.**

Not just because it's Marco Polo's birthplace but because of its rare beauty and magnificent nature, you should visit Korčula, the island where the locals will make you feel at home. This is the island where you can relax your body and soul, since it is a perfect place for families and people who love a relaxing and quiet vacation.