Blato draws attention to sacred sites and living traditions. Places to visit in the town include the parish church, the square in front of it, the loggia, the Barilo Ethnographic House and the sanctuary of Blessed Marija Petković. Two specific highlights to help plan your visit are the sanctuary and Kumpanjija performances: the sanctuary offers a religious and cultural site to visit, while the performance dates add a seasonal dimension.
Sanctuary and Kumpanjija in Blato
The tomb of Blessed Marija Propetog Petković is located in a stone sarcophagus at her sanctuary in Blato. A small museum is dedicated to her life and work. The sanctuary is open year-round; confirm opening hours before your trip if you plan to visit.
The Kumpanjija sword dance is a traditional dance form from Blato, accompanied by drum and bagpipes. In summer, a performance is held every week in the square in front of the parish church; the annual main performance takes place on 28 April. These two dates differ: the weekly performances are part of the summer season, while 28 April stands out as the main date. Check the performance schedule for your travel dates.
Culture in the wider destination of Općina Blato
In the wider destination of Općina Blato, the All Saints Parish Church in Blato offers further points of historical interest. It is mentioned in documents from the 14th century and preserves the relics of Saint Vincenca. Every year on 28 April, these are carried through the town in a procession. The church also houses a panel painting depicting All Saints and the Madonna and Child, by Girolamo da Santacroce.
The Barilo Ethnographic House is also part of the cultural offering in the wider destination of Općina Blato. Its ethnographic collection includes agricultural tools, traditional clothing, kitchen utensils, handicrafts, fishing equipment and stone objects. Tastings are also offered of homemade liqueurs, rakija, arancini, roasted almonds and dried figs, prepared according to traditional recipes. If you plan to attend a tasting, check in advance what is currently available.
The events calendar brings together different traditions. Blato Week takes place every year from 23 to 28 April and includes concerts, exhibitions, religious processions and folklore performances. Every year on All Saints’ Day, lumblija prepared according to tradition is blessed and offered for tasting in the main square, Plokata; the “Days of Lumblija” event is also organised. 28 April is also the main date for Kumpanjija. Check programmes and specific performance dates before your trip.
Trails and coastal places in Općina Blato
The wider destination of Općina Blato has six marked hiking trails: Lungo Mare, Belvedere, Tragom povijesti, Sudbinska luka, Korčula na dlanu and Put Blažene M. Petković. The Belvedere trail covers 4.5 kilometres from Prižba via Sv. Marko to Prišćapac. The municipality also has more than 140 kilometres of signposted cycling routes. Check signage and trail conditions before setting out.
Prišćapac is a tourist resort in the wider destination of Općina Blato, with a pebble beach and additional tourist services. On the Prišćapac peninsula, staff at a diving centre organise diving excursions and courses; ask the centre directly about current offers. The small islands along Blato’s southern coast are also described as popular, secluded destinations for kayaking and motorboat trips.
Accommodation and getting there
In the wider destination of Općina Blato, Blato lies in the centre of the island of Korčula. Accommodation is located in the surrounding bays, which stretch for 40 kilometres along the northern and southern sides of the island. When searching, it is therefore helpful to distinguish Blato as a town location from the bays as a wider area for accommodation.
After arriving by car ferry at the ferry port of Vela Luka, you can reach Blato by car; Vela Luka is seven kilometres from Blato. If you are planning this journey, check the ferry timetable for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Brna, Prizba, Prigradica.
View the wider travel guide: Općina Blato.
