Badija Island is a beautiful little island near Korcula, Croatia, that is definitely worth exploring. Badija Island is easily visited from Korcula and it will quickly became one of your favourite things to do in Korcula. It is situated in the Adriatic Sea and is part of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage.
Why Visit Badija Island?
Badija is home to a 14th-century Franciscan monastery, which is one of the main attractions on the island. The monastery features Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles and is surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can explore the monastery and its surrounding grounds, taking in the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
In addition to the monastery, Badija is also home to several sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. The beaches are surrounded by crystal-clear waters and offer stunning views of the island’s coastline. Visitors can also explore the island’s lush forests and rolling hills, taking in the local flora and fauna.
Visit friendly deer
There are few places in the world where the guest-tourist has such a welcoming committee as on the islet of Badija in the Korčula bay. As soon as you step off the boat onto the island, you will be surrounded by fallow deer! Tame, cuddly, curious and (only apparently) hungry hover around visitors and hope for some kind of carrot or apple.
Surrounded by deer that eat out of his hand, in Badija one really feels like in a fairy tale. They are a little harder to touch and pet, but if you give them a bite, they will come close to you and take food directly from your hand. You will only be interesting to them until a new boat or a new guest arrives with a treat in hand, when they will rush to convince these new guests that they are really hungry…
Red deer have lived in Badija since 1958, when two pairs were brought from Brijuni island. During the summer, Badija is easy to visit by excursion taxi boats that regularly depart from Korčula, Lumbarda and Orebić. In the immediate vicinity of the pier, there is a café-restaurant in the summer, and in the season it is also possible to rent sunbeds and use the showers, so that you can spend the whole day relaxed among the deer on the magical beaches.
How Long Should You Visit?
The amount of time you should spend on Badija Island depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do on the island. Here are some factors to consider:
- Activities: Badija Island has a lot to offer, including hiking trails, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island’s historic sites. If you plan to do all of these activities, you may want to spend a full day on the island.
- Relaxation: If you want to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the island’s natural beauty, a few hours may be enough.
- Schedule: If you have limited time in Korcula, you may only be able to spend a few hours on Badija Island.
In general, most visitors spend a few hours to a full day on Badija Island. This gives you enough time to explore the island and enjoy its many attractions, without feeling rushed. If you have the time, spending a full day on the island will give you plenty of time to see everything and fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
How To Get To Badija Island From Korcula?
Badija Island is located near Korcula in Croatia, and it can be easily reached by boat. Here are a few options to get to Badija Island from Korcula:
- Take a Water Taxi: You can take a water taxi from Korcula town to Badija Island. You can find water taxis at the pier in Korcula town. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Book a Boat Tour: There are many boat tours that operate from Korcula town to Badija Island. These tours include a visit to the island as well as stops at other nearby islands. The cost of the tour varies depending on the operator and the duration of the tour.
- Rent a Boat: You can also rent a boat in Korcula and drive it yourself to Badija Island. There are many rental companies in Korcula town that offer boat rental services. The cost of the rental depends on the type of boat and the duration of the rental.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
