Discover Badija Island: A tranquil day trip from Korčula
- by croatiaweek
- in Travel
Badija
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Badija Island near Korcula is the perfect destination. This small, uninhabited island is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Badija is the largest of 19 islands, islets, and rocks surrounding the island of Korčula and is formally the largest islet in Croatia. However, it falls short of official island status by only 0.03 square kilometres.
Despite falling just shy of island status, Badija still offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty and tranquility and remains a relatively hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Badija is easily accessible from Korčula town, just a short 15-minute boat ride away. From morning until late afternoon, a taxi boats depart every 30 minutes or so from Korčula town’s harbour.
The island is covered in lush vegetation, with dense pine forests and the crystal clear waters that surround the island are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers.
Make sure you take a stroll around the island to find the best place to swim as there are some beautiful spots which are short walk from where the taxi boat docks.
One of the most notable attractions on Badija Island is the 14th-century Franciscan monastery. This magnificent building, with its towering bell tower and stone arches, is a sight to behold. The monastery was once home to a community of Franciscan monks, who dedicated their lives to prayer and contemplation. Visitors can explore the monastery and its stunning gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline.
The 14th-century Franciscan monastery
In addition to the monastery, the island is also home to a small museum that showcases the island’s rich history and culture. The museum features exhibits on the island’s flora and fauna, as well as its ancient Greek and Roman history.
Visitors to the island can also get the chance to see red deer up close. Red deer have lived on Badija since 1958, when two pairs were brought from Brijuni. There are thought to be around a dozen deer today on the island, of different ages and sizes.
When planning your visit, it’s important to note that the best time to spot the island’s resident deer is in the morning, as they tend to retreat to the island’s vegetation as the sun gets stronger.
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For those looking to escape the crowds, Badija Island is the perfect destination. The island has only a handful of visitors at any given time, allowing for a peaceful and serene atmosphere. You can spend your day walking through the island’s rugged terrain, exploring the hidden coves and beaches, or simply relaxing.
There is one small restaurant on the island, and although it has a limited menu, the food is good and the restaurant offers a beautiful view of the sea.
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Renowned Croatian skiing coach, Ante Kostelić, used the island as a training location every summer where trained his children, Janica and Ivica. Kostelic, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest skiing coaches of all time, recognised the unique qualities of Badija Island as an ideal location for his training sessions.
The island’s peaceful surroundings, natural beauty, and serene atmosphere provided an ideal environment for the rigorous training that was required to develop his children’s skiing abilities. Janica and Ivica Kostelic went on to achieve remarkable success in the world of skiing, winning numerous Olympic and World Championship medals between them.
Badija Island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and makes for a great day trip if you are spending time on Korčula island.
