Dubrovnik Day Trip: Vjetrenica Cave and Korcula Review

Looking for something different when visiting Dubrovnik? Well, you see, so too was I! After spending a bit of time wandering around the charming, but certainly touristy, Old Town, I started hunting for experiences that would get me away from the crowds. The ‘From Dubrovnik Vjetrenica Cave and Korcula Day Trip’ almost seemed to be just the ticket. So, that is why I jumped at the opportunity and I want to share all about my time!

What To Expect From the Vjetrenica Cave Visit

The Vjetrenica Cave? That is quite a cool and really mysterious spot! It’s one of the biggest and very important caves in Bosnia and Herzegovina, plus, you know, it’s rather close to Dubrovnik, too. The thing is, the name “Vjetrenica” more or less means “wind cave,” which should give you just a bit of a clue about what’s waiting for you. You’ll find cold air currents inside. Even on a fairly hot day, it is pretty amazing to step inside and, seemingly instantly, feel the temp drop quite a bit.

The cool air thing? Basically, that is due to a rather specific microclimate inside. The cave is really huge and is known for some creatures that you might only find there. I actually found myself hoping I would see an Olm. These small, almost ghostly-white amphibians are rather unique to these sorts of environments, you see. While I really didn’t spot an Olm, wandering in the semi-darkness and listening to the tour guide gave me quite the sense of being someplace ancient and protected.

That first step in the cave will leave you reaching for an extra layer, yet, the tour is not super long, perhaps around 45 minutes. It moves at quite a good speed, too, yet allows enough chance to take a gander around and grab a photo. You see, the paths can be a little slippery because it’s a cave, alright. So, it’s worth having really sensible shoes.

Exploring the Island of Korcula

Next up? That would be the pretty island of Korcula. The trip over from the mainland is on a fast ferry, so you do get to make the most of your visit. Korcula is apparently known for its thick woods, beach spots and historic villages. The town of Korcula, which you get to have a wander around, too, is often called “Little Dubrovnik” because it has those beautiful walls and rather similar architecture. What I was really interested in was whether it had that same crush of people. Happily, that isn’t exactly the case.

Once there, what should you do? You could consider wandering the Old Town’s little streets. I found so many cute places selling lace and artwork, so too, did I happen upon tiny cafes tucked away down winding paths. The Old Town actually feels like a miniature version of Dubrovnik, just, you know, a bit less packed.

Arguably, what is Korcula most well known for? Well, some say it is the claimed birthplace of Marco Polo, too. You can actually visit his supposed house. There is a small entry fee to scale to the top of the tower, and the views are rather stunning. In that respect, it could be worth it just for the pictures, actually. The tiny museum is quite interesting. Anyway, I have found the history there is very interesting.

Then there is the St. Mark’s Cathedral to think about, alright. I really would advise taking some time to have a little look around there and seemingly breathe it all in. Its really beautiful stone work and artwork are something to marvel over. Seemingly, from there, just walking by the coast delivers up really stunning scenes of the sea and tiny islands nearby. Is it rather nice? Absolutely, too!

Lunchtime and Local Food

A really great perk about day trips? That tends to be the included food! This one does involve having lunch at a local restaurant, and in this case, I can report that the food was quite yummy. I had some grilled fish with veggies. Honestly, so simple, yet very, very tasty.

Korcula is very well known for its specific dishes, alright. Peka is just one, yet, more or less requires orders many hours in advance. It usually features either lamb or octopus cooked in a covered pot buried under hot embers, arguably creating an unbelievably tender meal. Then, there are makaruni, you see, these are seemingly hand-rolled pasta served usually with a beef sauce.

Another suggestion? Arguably try some Grk wine, a grape only grown on Korcula. It goes with seafood well, so you know. When it comes to dessert, I recommend trying cukarini. These are sweet, citrusy biscuits! As a matter of fact, you’ll find them at little bakeries. If you like, it’s easy to find good food on the island.

What’s Great About a Guided Tour?

Taking the ‘From Dubrovnik’ tour really has the perk of someone dealing with all the logistics, too. Ferry schedules, entrance fees, lunch bookings… that, anyway, can really add up to cause quite the headache if trying to figure things out by yourself. Instead, someone else can take care of that! It could be good if you want quite the laid-back day out. In that case, going with a tour operator seems really well worth the cost.

With it being a guided tour? What is so fantastic is getting some details and stories about what you see, so too, I learned quite a lot. The guide was full of stories about Korcula and the cave, like what, you know, it meant it to those living there many moons ago. The added information definitely made my time there far better.

The thing is, everything runs really smoothly and to a timeline, you see. I found it just as nice to basically be free to, arguably, simply relax and admire it all without seemingly having to worry. The itinerary keeps to a great schedule, allowing ample time to wander without it ever feeling like things were very rushed.

Final Thoughts: Is the Day Trip Worth It?

The ‘From Dubrovnik Vjetrenica Cave and Korcula Day Trip’? I’d rate it fairly highly. If you’re after something just a bit different from what you’ve seen already in Dubrovnik, then anyway, this option really does deliver! Vjetrenica Cave is just quite a cool experience (literally, too!). That makes it somewhat unique, and seeing the pretty town of Korcula is so pleasant.

As a matter of fact, if you are cool with an organised tour, then yes, without a doubt, it seems quite well worth the spend. You get to visit two very cool destinations in just a day without the headache of travel stuff. Really take it as something fun and informative, it could well be for you.