Municipality of Blato – Culture, trails and coves on Korčula
Accommodation in Municipality of Blato
Blato lies in the centre of the island of Korčula. In the municipality, special insights into local traditions meet marked hiking trails, an extensive cycling network and waterside destinations. The location of accommodation also provides a guide: it is found in the surrounding coves, which stretch for 40 km along the northern and southern sides of the island. This lets you consider whether to focus your stay more on the town, outdoor activities or the coves.
Culture and traditions in Blato
The Church of All Saints is one of Blato’s defining cultural landmarks. It is mentioned in documents from the 14th century and houses an altarpiece depicting All Saints and the Madonna and Child by Girolamo da Santacroce. The church also preserves the relics of Saint Vincenca. Every year on 28 April, these are carried through the town in a procession. During Blato Summer, the Kumpanjija performs every week in the square in front of the church.
Another way to explore local history is to visit the Barilo Ethno House. Its ethnographic collection includes agricultural tools, traditional clothing, kitchen utensils, handicrafts, fishing equipment and everyday items made of stone. This offers an insight into different aspects of daily life rather than just one subject area. Barilo also offers tastings of homemade liqueurs, rakija, arancini, roasted almonds and dried figs; the products are prepared according to traditional recipes.
The local dialect, Govor Blata na Korčuli, is also part of the cultural heritage: it is registered as intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia under number Z-7801. Those interested in older history can visit Kopila, an archaeological site with the remains of a Hellenistic necropolis. Cultural interests can thus span language, everyday objects, art and archaeology.
Hiking and cycling
For active days, the Municipality of Blato has more than 140 km of signposted cycling routes. The marked hiking network comprises six trails: Lungo Mare, Belvedere, Tragom povijesti, Sudbinska luka, Korčula na dlanu and Put Blažene M. Petković. The Belvedere Trail is 4.5 km long and runs from Prižba via Sv. Marko to Prišćapac. Its stated length and named places along the way give you specific points of reference when choosing a hike.
Another trail, Putem Blaženice Marije Petković, follows the route that Marija Propetog Isusa Petković took to Prižba and Ratak. The six marked hiking trails and this route offer different historical and geographical points of reference, without limiting your excursions to a single way of getting around. Areas within the Natura 2000 ecological network are also located in the municipality.
Coves and waterside experiences
Prišćapac is a tourist resort with a pebble beach and additional tourist facilities. The Prišćapac peninsula is also home to a diving centre whose professional staff organise diving trips and courses. Along Blato’s southern coast, small islands are popular, secluded destinations for kayaking and motorboat trips. If you want to plan your stay around water activities, these are specific aspects to consider when choosing an area.
Annual festivals and getting there
Every year in Blato, on All Saints’ Day, Lumblija prepared according to traditional recipes is blessed and offered for tasting in the main square, Plokata. The traditional “Days of Lumblija” event is also held. Blato Week takes place annually from 23 to 28 April and includes concerts, exhibitions, religious processions and folklore performances. These dates give those interested in culture and traditions specific occasions to keep in mind when planning a trip.
Blato can be reached by car after arriving by car ferry at the ferry port of Vela Luka, which is 7 km from Blato. From there, you can weigh up whether culture, hiking and cycling trails, or waterside experiences are most important for your trip.
More local pages: Brna, Prigradica, Prizba, Blato.
Go to the main travel overview: Korcula.
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