A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bari vs. Korcula for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Bari or Korcula?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bari and Korcula. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Korcula

Korcula is a laid back, historic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bari and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bari or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Bari and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Korcula is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Korcula is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Bari different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Korcula and Bari. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bari or Korcula?

Bari is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

Is the Food Better in Bari or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Korcula has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is a great island for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit Korcula for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Bari and Korcula.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is a great island for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Korcula for the hiking trails. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bari or Korcula?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bari and Korcula both offer plenty of good spots.

Bari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Korcula is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Families?

Both Bari and Korcula are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Korcula is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Couples?

Korcula is a great island for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Korcula is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Plenty of backpackers visit Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Students?

Bari is a great destination for students. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

It's common for students to visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Is Bari or Korcula Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bari and Korcula both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Korcula has a few public transit options. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Bari or Korcula a more walkable city?

Bari is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable port city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

For even more information, also check out Is Bari Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Bari?

How long in Bari or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bari and Korcula. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bari than Korcula. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bari, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

Families should spend more time in Bari than Korcula. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bari, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Korcula than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Korcula that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Korcula if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bari.

One day in Bari or Korcula?

In Bari, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Korcula. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bari or Korcula?

In Bari, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer.

Korcula is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bari or Korcula?

Bari is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Korcula. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bari or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The historic island of Korcula offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bari and Korcula, we can see that Bari is more expensive. And not only is Korcula much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Korcula would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Korcula and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bari than you might in Korcula.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bari Expensive? and Is Korcula Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bari or Korcula?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Bari and Korcula, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bari or Korcula?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bari or Korcula in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bari as well as Korcula. Most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bari is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 25°C (76°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In the summer, Bari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Bari gets 336 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets less rain in July than Korcula. Bari gets 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Bari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

Bari is around the same temperature as Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. Bari usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during autumn. Bari gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bari usually receives less rain than Korcula. Bari gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bari or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Bari during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bari is a little warmer than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bari in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bari often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Bari gets 110 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets less rain in January than Korcula. Bari gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bari and Korcula. Many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bari is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 14°C (58°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during spring. Bari gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bari usually receives less rain than Korcula. Bari gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Korcula and Bari