A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Korcula for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Calais or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Calais or Korcula? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Calais and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Calais or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Calais and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Korcula has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Korcula is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Korcula is more touristy than Calais and is known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais
Korcula

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Korcula.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Korcula is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Calais or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Korcula is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Korcula

Calais is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive 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 Calais or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Korcula has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Calais or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Korcula is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Calais or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Calais or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Korcula. 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Korcula?

Calais
Korcula

Shopping is a popular activity in both Korcula and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Korcula. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Calais or Korcula Better for Families?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Korcula is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Calais or Korcula Better for Couples?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.


Is Calais or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Korcula Better for Students?

Calais
Korcula

Korcula is a popular place for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Korcula is popular with students. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Calais
Korcula

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Korcula.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.


Is Calais or Korcula a more walkable city?

Calais
Korcula

Calais and Korcula both are good when exploring on foot.

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Korcula is somewhat walkable. 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 Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Calais?

How long in Calais or Korcula?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Korcula than Calais. 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 Korcula than Calais 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 Korcula.


  • How many days in Calais or Korcula? Ideal Length of Stay
    Calais 1-3 
    Korcula 2-3

One day in Calais or Korcula?

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Korcula. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Calais or Korcula?

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

Korcula is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Calais or Korcula?

Calais is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Korcula. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula or Calais?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, while the average daily cost in Korcula is €90. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Calais and Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Calais and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Calais or Korcula? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Calais


Hotels in Korcula


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calais Hotel Prices and Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    Korcula 1.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26
  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Calais or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula and Calais change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Calais 35
    Korcula 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calais 8.92
    Korcula 11

Tours and Activities in Korcula

Here are a few actual costs in Korcula for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Semi-Submarine Tour: $21
  • Private Korcula Eco Tour with Guide: $27
  • Korčula: 3 Island Hop-on Hop-off Tour Daily Ticket: $32
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • Small-Group Lumbarda Sunset and Evening Kayaking Experience: $66
  • Lumbarda: Half-Day Kayaking and History Tour: $66
  • Lumbarda: Sunset Kayak Tour: $66
  • Korčula for Early Risers and Coffee Lovers Private Walking Tour: $70
  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • Korčula & Pelješac: Wine & Culture Experience from Dubrovnik: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Calais 12
    Korcula 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calais and Korcula, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Korcula Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Calais or Korcula?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Korcula?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Calais or Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Calais is generally much colder than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Korcula. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Calais or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Korcula because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Calais is cooler than Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Korcula. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Calais or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Korcula. The winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Korcula. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Calais or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Korcula. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Korcula. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Calais

Calais Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)