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

Should you visit Lucca or Korcula?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lucca and Korcula can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. 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 nightlife.

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.

Lucca and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucca or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Lucca and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Korcula has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Korcula is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Lucca is known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Lucca different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucca 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 Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

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 Lucca or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Lucca is an experience not to be missed. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Korcula. 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 Lucca or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

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

Lucca has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

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 Lucca or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucca or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is well known for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Korcula attract visitors from all over. 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.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Lucca or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Lucca 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 Lucca is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

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 Lucca or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca 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.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Korcula?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Korcula and Lucca.

Many visitors go to Lucca to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

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

Is Lucca or Korcula Better for Families?

Korcula is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca 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.

Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

Is Lucca or Korcula Better for Couples?

Both Lucca and Korcula are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

Korcula is a great city 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.

Is Lucca or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca and Korcula are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lucca is a good city to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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 Lucca or Korcula Better for Students?

Korcula is a island with good options for students. However, Lucca 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.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Korcula is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Korcula, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Lucca or Korcula a more walkable city?

Lucca 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.

Lucca is a very walkable city. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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 Lucca Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Korcula?

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

Families should spend more time in Korcula than Lucca. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Korcula than Lucca 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.

One day in Lucca or Korcula?

In Lucca, you'll find nightlife 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.

In Korcula, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lucca or Korcula?

In Lucca, 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 Lucca has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lucca or Korcula?

Lucca 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.

Korcula is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Korcula. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lucca or Korcula?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the laid back destination of Korcula. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical 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 Lucca and Korcula, we can see that Lucca 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 Lucca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucca 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 Lucca Expensive? and Is Korcula Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucca or Korcula?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Lucca 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.