Did you know that Vrnik Island near Korčula is very famous among celebrities visiting Croatia? It’s a small secluded island in the Škoji archipelago located near the much larger Korčula Island. We are frequent visitors to both of these islands, and we travel there at least a few times a year. Since we are wedding and elopement photographers in Croatia, we documented a few of these on Vrnik Island, which is one of the most famous Korčula wedding venues.
Vrnik Island is one of the archipelago’s most unique and picturesque islands . It’s famous for its historic stone quarries that date back to Roman times, quiet beaches, and overall peaceful atmosphere , Vrnik is a great destination for a day trip from Korčula. It’s a very small island so don’t expect a lot of things to do there, but if you want to enjoy in a peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds, then Vrnik Island is the perfect place to do so.
How to Get to Vrnik Island Similar to nearby Badija Island, Vrnik is easily accessible from Korčula Town or nearby Lumbarda and there are a few most common ways of reaching it:
Taxi Boat: Taxi boats depart from Korčula Town harbor and Lumbarda frequently and the ride to Vrnik lasts about 20 minutes .Private Boat or Kayak: If you want to have freedom when exploring this peaceful oasis, we suggest renting a small boat or kayak and exploring Vrnik at your own pace. Also, some of the kayak tours in Korčula feature this island as part of the tour so booking these is also a good option.Island Tours: Many Korčula island-hopping tours include visits to Vrnik together with nearby Badija and Stupe islands .
The Best Tours featuring Vrnik Island
Things to Do on Vrnik Island As we already mentioned in the introduction, Vrnik is a rather small island and there is not much to do except enjoy a peaceful environment. Here are some of the suggestions on what to do on Vrnik:
1. Explore the Historic Stone Quarries Vrnik has been a famous place since ancient Roman times because of its high-quality limestone . This stone was used in buildings such as Dubrovnik Cathedral and even in some parts of Vienna, the capital of Austria .
Explore old quarries that have been transformed into open-air galleries.Learn all about the stone-cutting tradition that shaped the identity of this small island.
2. Swim in Peaceful Bays Vrnik is most famous as the retreat with many quiet beaches and a clear Adriatic Sea , perfect for swimming and relaxing, especially if you have spent a few days in crowded places such as Korčula Town. Vacation is vacation and we believe you need some time for yourself and that’s one of the things Vrnik Island is great for.
Best Spots: Small bays on the southern side of the island.Why Visit: Vrnik usually has fewer crowds compared to other nearby islands, perfect if you want to enjoy a peaceful beach day.
3. Visit the Art Galleries and Studios In the most recent years, Vrnik has attracted a community of artists and creatives . Their work adds a modern and cultural twist to its historic setting.
Visit small art galleries and workshops located in old quarry buildings.
Explore seasonal exhibitions or events by local artists.
4. Dine by the Sea Although there are not so many bars and restaurants like Korčula Town or Lumbarda, Vrnik still has a few places where you can enjoy dining by the sea. Or, you can pack your own food and have a picnic somewhere on the island.
Vrnik Arts Club: A beautiful place for lunch, coffee, or cocktails by the sea.Enjoy a meal made with locally sourced ingredients in a peaceful setting.
Have a picnic in a secluded place or bay.
5. Walk the Island Trails As you already know and can see from the images in this article, Vrnik is a small island and you’ll need just around 30 minutes to walk around it.
Explore paths of the Vrnik Island , and enjoy scenic views and shady pine groves.
Bring your camera as you’ll be able to take some great photos on Vrnik Island.
Best Time to Visit Vrnik Island Vrnik is a beautiful location all year round. It’s most visited during summer so you can still expect some crowds if visiting in this period. Still, this is nothing compared to the Korčula Island. Here’s what to expect in different periods of the year on Vrnik Island.
May to September: Pleasant weather, great for swimming, all the restaurants and galleries are open.April & October: A quieter period of the year, mild weather, and perfect time for walking and exploring. You can swim in this period too but expect a bit colder sea.Off-Season: The most peaceful time of the year with almost no visitors to Vrnik Island.
Before You Venture to this beautiful island The first time we have ever visited Vrnik Island was during a wedding we were shooting for our Love and Ventures photography project . At this time, we haven’t explored beyond the place where the taxi boat drops you off on the island. We didn’t really know much about the island either. But the next time we visited it, we were astonished by its peace and beauty. We walked all around the island and enjoyed swimming in its bays. If you are staying on Korčula Island and want to spend some time away from the crowds and the noise, Vrnik Island is one of the top destinations for that matter.
Enjoy your stay in Korčula!
