A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Girona vs. Korcula for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Girona 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 Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Korcula

Korcula is a scenic, laid back, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Girona and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Girona or Korcula?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Korcula than Girona, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Korcula is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Korcula is more touristy than Girona and is known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. Also, Korcula is famous for St Mark's Cathedral. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Girona different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona
Korcula

Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona
Korcula

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Korcula can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Girona
Korcula

Both Girona and Korcula are respectable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Girona specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Korcula. 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 Girona or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Girona
Korcula

Korcula is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Girona or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Girona
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Girona or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Girona
Korcula

Girona is renowned for its old town. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Girona or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Girona
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona is not a hiking destination.

Korcula is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Girona is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Korcula?

Girona
Korcula

Girona is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Korcula has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Girona or Korcula Better for Families?

Girona
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Korcula is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Korcula Better for Couples?

Girona
Korcula

Girona and Korcula both very good destinations for a couple.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Korcula makes for a fun place to visit for 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.


Is Girona or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona
Korcula

Both Girona and Korcula are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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.

Is Girona or Korcula Better for Students?

Girona
Korcula

Girona and Korcula are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Plenty of students visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

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

Girona
Korcula

Both Girona and Korcula offer notable public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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


Is Girona or Korcula a more walkable city?

Girona
Korcula

Girona is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable 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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Girona?

How long in Girona or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Girona and Korcula. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Korcula than in Girona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Girona, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona 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 Girona.


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

One day in Girona or Korcula?

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Girona or Korcula?

In Girona, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona 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 Girona or Korcula?

Girona 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.

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 Girona or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula or Girona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Girona is €140, 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 Girona and Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Girona and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Girona 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 Girona


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: Girona Hotel Prices and Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Girona 49
    Korcula 1.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196

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 Girona or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula and Girona 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
    Girona 41
    Korcula 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

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

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

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.
    Girona 24
    Korcula 11

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
  • Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31

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
    Girona 9.69
    Korcula 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

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

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149

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 Girona and Korcula, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive? and Is Korcula Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Girona or Korcula?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Korcula in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Korcula. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Girona is cooler than Korcula in the summer. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Girona usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives more rain than Korcula. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Girona 24°C (75°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Girona or Korcula in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Girona as well as Korcula. The autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In the autumn, Girona is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Girona in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Korcula averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. In the autumn, Girona often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Korcula. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Girona 16°C (61°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Girona or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Girona is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 8°C (46°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Korcula. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Girona 8°C (46°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Girona or Korcula in the Spring?

Both Korcula and Girona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Girona is cooler than Korcula in the spring. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Girona often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in April than Korcula. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Girona 13°C (55°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Girona

Girona Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)