BADIJA

Badija Island is a stunning oasis located off the coast of Croatia, just a short boat ride away from the bustling city of Korcula. This small island is an idyllic escape for those looking for a tranquil getaway with breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of activities to enjoy.

The island boasts a beautiful pebble beach, surrounded by crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is not very crowded, making it a perfect spot for some peaceful sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the island’s walking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding Adriatic Sea and the mainland.

Badija Island is also home to a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, which is a must-visit for history buffs. The monastery is home to a small museum that showcases artifacts and religious items from the island’s rich history. Visitors can also explore the monastery’s beautiful gardens, which are filled with fragrant flowers and lush greenery.

One of the most popular activities on Badija Island is kayaking. Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the island’s stunning coastline and hidden coves at their leisure. The island also has a small restaurant that serves fresh seafood, local wine, and other traditional Croatian dishes, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

The island’s peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for yoga and meditation retreats. There are several yoga and wellness centers on the island that offer classes and workshops in mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Visitors can also indulge in relaxing spa treatments that use natural, locally sourced ingredients.

In conclusion, Badija Island is a hidden gem in the Adriatic Sea, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and soak up the natural beauty of Croatia. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and abundance of activities, Badija Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating vacation. 

WHAT TO DO

Visit the monastery

Climb up to the St. Catherine Chapel (10 min)

• Walk or Run arround the  Island on a very attractive trail (20 – 45 min)
• Beaches (pebble & rocks) are all around . Very popular ist the pebble beach on the east side of the island.
• Visit the former sports facilities.

There is a Restaurant close next to the peers. 

VRNIK

Vrnik Island is a small and idyllic island located off the coast of Croatia, near the town of Lumbarda. Despite its small size, this island is a hidden gem that boasts stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.

The island is home to a small village that was once a bustling center of stone cutting and shipping in the 19th century. Today, the village is a peaceful retreat, with only a handful of residents and a handful of traditional houses and buildings.

One of the most notable features of Vrnik Island is its beautiful beaches. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and has several small coves and bays that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The beaches are often quiet and secluded, providing a peaceful escape from the crowds of nearby cities and towns.

Vrnik Island is also home to several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and countryside. Visitors can explore the island's rugged terrain and discover hidden coves and rocky cliffs that are home to a variety of flora and fauna.

The island is also known for its cultural heritage, with several historic landmarks and monuments scattered throughout the island. The most notable of these is the Church of St. Mary, a small chapel that dates back to the 15th century. The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is adorned with intricate stonework and frescoes.

In conclusion, Vrnik Island is a peaceful and beautiful retreat that offers visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Croatia. Whether you're looking for a quiet beach getaway or an adventurous hiking excursion, Vrnik Island has something to offer for everyone. 

WHAT TO DO

• Walking along the seaside throug the pitouresque village and to the old abandoned quarries. Next to the Taxi peer you find a nice pebble beach and throughout the island are many swimming spots.
• There is no grocery store on the small Island but during the Summerseason you will find a small Cafe/Fastfood.
• Visit Arts Club Vrnik along with the restaurant, gallery & museum

QUARRIES

There are 29 local quarries on the island.

Korčulans were skilfully working and selling their stone all over the Adriatic area.

The high quality limestone from Korčula is incorporated in some of the best known buildings in the world such as the Haggia Sophia in Istanbul, the parliament in Vienna, the Town Hall in Stockholm as well.

The most beautiful of the public and private buildings in Dalmatian towns such as Dubrovnik, Hvar, Kotor are also built from it.

FAMOUS SCULPTORS

This millenium-long tradition has brought to the stage of contemporary Croatian culture the greatest sculptor Frano Kršinić and many other from Korčula island:

Radica, Pallavicini, Trpimir Ivančević, the brothers Ivo and Lujo Lozica, Stecca, Radovanović, Jurjević-Knez, Duhović

and so on.

OUR LADY OF SUCCOUR

Next to the former local school on the coast, there is the new church of Our Lady of Succour from 1856.

In front of one of the quarries on the northern coast, there is the old church of Our Lady of Succour from 1674.

The 2 most popular sandy beaches on the whole Island are Bilin Žal and Pržina. Both are attractive and because of its shallow waters and very interestin gastronomic offers.

The most attractive Islet among the Skoji-Island group with in Summer 2017 new opened fine bar&restaurant "Moro Beach" .  Great spot for chilling out, snorkelling and swimming. 

Orebić, on the southern coast of the Pelješac Peninsula, has a strip of lovely little beaches, some sandy and some shingly, bordered by groves of tamarisk and pine. Only 2.5km across the water from Korčula Town, it makes a perfect day trip or an alternative base. After lazing on the beach, you can take advantage of some excellent hiking up and around Mt Ilija (961m) or poke around a couple of churches and museums. Mt Ilija protects the town from harsh northern winds, allowing vegetation to flourish. The temperature is usually a few degrees warmer than Korčula; spring arrives early and summer leaves late.

WHAT TO DO

• Walk along the waterfront to Trstenica Beach passing by the famous captain's villas
• Visit the maritime museum
• Take a swim, basiceally the whole place has many beach parts
• Climb up to the monastery OUR LADY OF ANGELS, enjoy one of the best views overlooking Korčula Island
• Climb up to the St. Ilija summit, the highest summit on Pelješac peninsula 961m high, duration 2,5 - 3h.

Korčula Town is the homeport of the Taxi Cat(amaran) and a stunner. Ringed by imposing defence walls, this coastal citadel is full of history, with marble streets rich in Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

Its fascinating fishbone layout was cleverly designed for the comfort and safety of its inhabitants: western streets were built straight in order to open the city to the refreshing summer maestral(strong, steady westerly wind), while the eastern streets were curved to minimise the force of the winter bura (cold, northeasterly wind).

The town cradles a harbour, overlooked by round defensive towers and a compact cluster of red-roofed houses. There are rustling palms all around and several beaches are an easy walk away.

WHAT TO DO

Visit the cathedral

Have a walk i the old town

Visit Marco Polo's house of birth

Take the Taxi Cat to the surrounding islands and  islets.

Take a ride with the semiSubmarine

Buy sweets at the famous pastry shop CUKARIN