A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pompeii vs. Korcula for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Korcula?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Korcula can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

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.

Pompeii and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Pompeii and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Korcula has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Korcula is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Korcula and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Pompeii different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Korcula is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Beaches?

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

Korcula is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Korcula?

Korcula is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Pompeii or Korcula.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pompeii. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii or Korcula Better for Couples?

Korcula is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii and Korcula are both good destinations for backpackers.

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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

Is Pompeii or Korcula Better for Students?

Both Pompeii and Korcula are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Pompeii and Korcula.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

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.

Is Pompeii or Korcula a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable archeological site. 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 Pompeii Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Korcula?

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

Families should spend more time in Korcula than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Korcula?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Pompeii or Korcula?

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

In Korcula, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Korcula has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Korcula?

Pompeii 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.

Korcula is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Pompeii or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Korcula. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking 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 Pompeii and Korcula, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive? and Is Korcula Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Pompeii during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pompeii is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pompeii. In the summer, Pompeii often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Korcula. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Korcula in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Korcula. Also, most visitors come to Korcula for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Korcula. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Korcula. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Korcula because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Korcula. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Korcula in the Spring?

Both Korcula and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In April, Pompeii is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 13°C (55°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. Pompeii usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Korcula. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Korcula and Pompeii