A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Rijeka vs. Korcula for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Rijeka 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 Rijeka and Korcula can help you decide which place is right for you.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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.

Rijeka and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
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
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Rijeka or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Rijeka 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 Rijeka is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Korcula is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Rijeka different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rijeka
Korcula

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rijeka. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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 Rijeka or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rijeka
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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 Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Rijeka or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka
Korcula

Rijeka is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Rijeka know how to have a good time. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rijeka
Korcula

Korcula is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Rijeka or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Rijeka
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Rijeka or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Rijeka
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Rijeka or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Rijeka
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Rijeka or Korcula?

Rijeka
Korcula

Both Rijeka and Korcula are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Rijeka to go shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

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

Is Rijeka or Korcula Better for Families?

Rijeka
Korcula

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

Rijeka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Korcula is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Rijeka or Korcula Better for Couples?

Rijeka
Korcula

Korcula is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Korcula is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.


Is Rijeka or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rijeka
Korcula

Both Rijeka and Korcula are good destinations for backpackers.

Rijeka is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka or Korcula Better for Students?

Rijeka
Korcula

Rijeka and Korcula are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Rijeka is a good town to visit for students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

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

Rijeka
Korcula

Both Rijeka and Korcula offer good public transit options.

Rijeka has a few public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

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


Is Rijeka or Korcula a more walkable city?

Rijeka
Korcula

Rijeka and Korcula both are good when exploring on foot.

Rijeka is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the city 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 Rijeka Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Rijeka?

How long in Rijeka or Korcula?

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

Families should spend more time in Korcula than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka or Korcula? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rijeka 1-2 
    Korcula 2-3

One day in Rijeka or Korcula?

In Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Rijeka or Korcula?

In Rijeka, 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka or Korcula?

Rijeka 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 Rijeka or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 scenic 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Croatia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula or Rijeka?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rijeka is $101, while the average daily cost in Korcula is $96. 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 Rijeka and Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rijeka $54
    Korcula $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rijeka $108
    Korcula $124
Compare Hotels in Rijeka and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Rijeka 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 Rijeka


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: Rijeka Hotel Prices and Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rijeka $17
    Korcula $1.50

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: $204

Is it cheaper to fly into Rijeka or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula and Rijeka 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
    Rijeka $36
    Korcula $30

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: $227
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $320

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rijeka $9.48
    Korcula $12

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $43
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $92
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $121
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $234
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $448
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $629

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: $65
  • Small-Group Lumbarda Sunset and Evening Kayaking Experience: $65
  • 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
    Rijeka $17
    Korcula $10

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: $30
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $91
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $104
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $110
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $130
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $145
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $185


When comparing the travel costs between Rijeka and Korcula, we can see that Rijeka is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Rijeka or Korcula?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Rijeka 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka or Korcula in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rijeka and Korcula. Many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Korcula in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rijeka is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Rijeka average around 24°C (75°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rijeka usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during summer. Rijeka gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rijeka usually receives more rain than Korcula. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Rijeka or Korcula in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rijeka as well as Korcula. Many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Korcula for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Rijeka is cooler than Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. In the autumn, Rijeka often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Rijeka gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

Rijeka usually gets more rain in October than Korcula. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Rijeka or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Rijeka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Korcula because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Rijeka is much colder than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rijeka in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Rijeka usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during winter. Rijeka gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rijeka usually receives less rain than Korcula. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Rijeka or Korcula in the Spring?

Both Korcula and Rijeka during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In April, Rijeka is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Rijeka average around 13°C (56°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

Rijeka usually gets more rain in April than Korcula. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Rijeka

Rijeka Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)