Kneža
Located just 9 kilometers away from Korcula Town, Kneža (or Kneže) spreads along the picturesque north-facing bay sheltered by two small islets, Vela and Mala Kneža. The village is also just 4 kilometers downhill from Pupnat and another 3 km along the coastal road from Racisce village.
Things to do in Kneža
If you are staying in the village or just coming to visit for a few hours or a day, this is my recommendation for things to do:
The village has a tiny historical center with just a few family houses as well as a stretch of newly built villas nestled along the bay overlooking an amazing seascape. Explore the village, walk along the bay and have a drink in the cafe that is situated right at the seashore. If you are visiting with children, there is a lovely small playground right in the center of the village.
Hiking & Cycling around Kneža
There are numerous old trails that cross the area around the village and its vineyards and olive groves. Kneza is a good starting point for various hiking and cycling routes among the local countryside, its small vineyards, and olive groves. Just one of the routes that I do regularly here is to walk or cycle up the hill to Pupnat. The hike offers amazing views over the village, channel, and surrounding hills (all photos on this page are taken on that hike). Another lovely hike or cycle is to Racisce, the neighboring village, that partly leads along the asphalted, coastal road and partly by local paths among the olive groves.
Beaches nearby
The nearest beach to the village is just there, on the western side of the bay, the Kneza beach (below photo). Further away are Vaja (5 km) and Samograd (6.5 km) while Pupnatska Luka (8 km) is on the south side of the island. Kneza beach is within the walking distance while others are further away. The best transport to use is a scooter as well as a car. The alternative is a taxi as there is no local transport connecting these places except a bus that connects the village with Korcula town and Racisce.
Weather
Here is the current weather forecast:
Where to Eat
Local restaurants
Two small tapas/grill/konoba restaurants Bistro Fortuna and Bistro Dalmatino are both situated very central and right at the coast, featuring uninterrupted views over the bay. Both are offering a variety of traditional local meat, fish, and pasta dishes as well as local beers and wines. They also serve coffee and other hot drinks. Both are family-run, perfect places to enjoy alfresco meals.
Where to Stay
If you like to stay in Kneza there are enough options to choose from – dozens of villas in the village offer comfortable apartments majority of them with sea views (like this one here). Several small traditional cottages are on offer too (like this one); check what else is available
Popular Routes: Split to Korcula, Korcula to Split, Dubrovnik to Korcula, Korcula to Dubrovnik
Shopping
The nearest well-equipped village shop is in Racisce, about 3 km away, where you can get the basic food and drinks including fresh fruit & veg and fresh dairy produce. The alternative is shops nearer to Korcula Town, such as Tommy (difficult to find a parking place in the high season) and Plodine (easier to get parking slot). Both are about 9 km away from the village.
Getting here
Local buses are not frequent, they run just several times a day from Korcula town and from Racisce. At the present, they run to Korcula town at 6:15, 11:40, 19:40 and go back to Kneze at 05:45, 11:10 & 19:10. The bus ride lasts for about 17 minutes. You can check and book your ticket here.
If you are not driving, hiring a scooter is a good option, or take a taxi (200 HRK one way) from/to Korcula Town. See also a detailed page on how to get to the island.
