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

Should you visit Marrakech or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Marrakech 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.

Marrakech

Marrakech is a high-energy, fascinating, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Marrakech and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marrakech or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marrakech. Although Marrakech and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Marrakech has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marrakech is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Korcula is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Marrakech is more touristy than Korcula and is popular for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. It is also home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting.

How is Marrakech different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marrakech 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 Marrakech. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.

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 Marrakech or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Marrakech has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Korcula makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Marrakech or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

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

Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.

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 Marrakech or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marrakech 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.

Marrakech is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marrakech or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Marrakech is not a beach destination.

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.

Marrakech is not a beach destination.

Is Marrakech or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Marrakech 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 Marrakech is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

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 Marrakech or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Marrakech is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marrakech or Korcula?

Marrakech is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marrakech make it a world-class shopping destination. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.

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

Is Marrakech or Korcula Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Marrakech or Korcula.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marrakech. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.

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 Marrakech or Korcula Better for Couples?

Marrakech is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Marrakech is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.

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 Marrakech or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marrakech is renowned for backpackers. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Marrakech. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.

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 Marrakech or Korcula Better for Students?

Korcula is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Marrakech is not popular with students.

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

Korcula is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.

Is Marrakech or Korcula a more walkable city?

Marrakech 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.

Marrakech is a very walkable city. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.

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 Marrakech Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Marrakech?

How long in Marrakech or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marrakech and Korcula. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than in Korcula. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marrakech, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

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

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

One day in Marrakech or Korcula?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Korcula. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marrakech or Korcula?

Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and food around the laid back destination of Korcula. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marrakech or Korcula?

Marrakech is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marrakech has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back island of Korcula. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marrakech or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marrakech. Because Marrakech is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Korcula is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, 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 Marrakech and Korcula, we can see that Korcula is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marrakech is in Africa and Korcula is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Marrakech would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marrakech 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 Korcula would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Korcula than you might in Marrakech.

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

Which is Bigger, Marrakech or Korcula?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Marrakech 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.