Korčula

The bell tower, while not particularly tall on its own, sits at the highest point of Korčula's old town and offers spectacular views of the city's red-tile roofs and of ships in the blue water. Better than the Marco Polo tower, which is shorter. Steps only, no elevator. To visit the interior of the cathedral is a separate admission fee and nothing special.

Tourists can visit what the town claims is the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo (Venice, Constantinople, and Korčula all claim this; "Marco Polo's House" was built at least a century after he died!)

Good overview of the island's and town's history: Includes exhibits on limestone carving, Korčula's shipbuilding industry, and an example merchant's house from old times. Ask how to use your smartphone as a free audio guide. Outside, in the square, notice the limestone post with chains that used to be used to punish criminals.

Climb an avenue of 102 steps, lined with regal cypress trees, to reach the hilltop chapel of Sveti Atun. Entrance to the chapel itself is usually locked but windows allow you to clearly look into the interior at all hours. Views from the hilltop are good, but the cypress staircase is really the highlight of this destination.

High up, in the interior of the island, is this nature preserve of massive limestone rock formations and chasms. It's a bit tricky and a lot of fun to climb on them. No equipment needed except good shoes. Legend tells of fairies living here.

Moreška is sword dance that stages a battle over the fate of a young maiden. Korčula is the only place where this Moorish dance remains in the world, and Korčulans take it seriously! About 16 guys really go at each other with real swords: sparks fly and sometimes a dancer gets hurt but they nevertheless stick it out because the dance is so tightly choreographed. Almost as impressive is the woman who narrates the story before the show fluently in five different languages.