Račišće

Račišće is a small coastal village on the northern side of Korčula, about 12 kilometres west of Korčula Town, reached by road through Žrnovska Banja, Vrbovica and Kneže. The settlement was founded in the late 17th century by families who had fled the Makarska coast and Herzegovina, and it later developed a strong maritime tradition. The village bay has its own pebbly Račišće beach, suitable for families and accessible by car, while the better-known coves of Vaja and Samograd are reached on foot outside the built-up area. Two churches mark the religious heritage of the village: the older Church of Our Lady of Help and the parish Church of St Nicholas, patron saint of seafarers. The harbour remains the natural focus of Račišće, reinforced by the local “Harbour of Salvation” tradition. Short distances make Kneže and Korčula Town easy companions to a visit while Račišće keeps a quieter, more residential coastal atmosphere.

Račišće was founded in the late 17th century by refugees arriving from the Makarska coast and Herzegovina, setting it apart from Korčula’s older medieval settlements. Its sheltered bay on the island’s northern shore encouraged a maritime way of life, and local history is closely associated with captains and seafarers. The village centre gathers around the harbour and the parish Church of St Nicholas, while the older Church of Our Lady of Help adds another layer of religious heritage. Račišće lies about 12 kilometres by road from Korčula Town, on a route passing Žrnovska Banja, Vrbovica and Kneže. That geography keeps the village well connected to the island’s main town while preserving a clearly distinct coastal identity.