Badija Island is located just a short ride from Korčula Town, a famous location on the island of the same name. I still remember a picture that my parents had and that was made back in the 80s, soon after they were married. Whenever I asked them where this picture was taken, they would say Badija Island, and at that time that place meant nothing to me. Fast forward some 30 years and I experienced this unique island myself. Beautiful place, I have to admit, especially if you’re looking for a day trip idea from Korčula Town. This article will be a story about this small island.
Badija is one of the most beautiful and peaceful islands in the Korčula archipelago . It’s famous for its nature, clear Adriatic sea, and historical Franciscan monastery located on it. Badija is the perfect place for a day trip, swimming, trekking, and wildlife observation . If you are visiting or staying in Korčula, put the Badija on your bucket list of places to visit and spend a few hours in its embrace.
How to Get to Badija Island Badija Island is located very close to Korčula and it’s easily accessible from it by boat:
Taxi Boat: Frequent taxi boats depart from Korčula Town harbor , and sail for 10-15 minutes before they reach Badija. This is a great way of reaching this small island.Private Boat Rental: If you want to explore at your own pace or do it in an active way, renting a small boat or kayak are great option for you.Guided Tours: Some island-hopping tours and Korčula kayak tours include visit to Badija along with other nearby islands like Vrnik, another famous nearby destination .
Tours that feature Badija Island
Things to Do on Badija Island Badija is a peaceful oasis and don’t expect a lot of things to do there. However, it’s a great place for relaxation and unwinding from the crowds that are characteristic for Korčula Town. Badija has many beautiful beaches too, so if you’re looking to spend a day on the beach, this island is a great option. Here’s what else to do while on Badija Island.
1. Visit the Historic Franciscan Monastery A 15th-century Franciscan monastery is one of the main landmarks of Badija Island. It’s an impressive stone monastery surrounded by pine forests. The Badija monastery complex includes:
A beautiful cloister and courtyard
A small museum showcasing religious artifacts
A picturesque church with beautiful sea views
2. Swim in Crystal-Clear Adriatic Sea Croatian Islands have some of the clearest seas you’ll ever experience and Badija is no exception. This small island near Korčula is a perfect location for swimming and snorkeling.
Best Spots: Small rocky beaches and bays around the islandWhat to Expect: Uncrowded swimming areas with calm and transparent sea .
3. Walk Around the Island The walking trail circles the entire Badija Island (about 4 km in length ) and provides an opportunity to enjoy the nature of this place or to find the best secluded swimming location.
Duration: Cca. 1-1.5 hours of walking at a relaxed paceWhat You’ll See: Dense pine forests, scenic coastline, and wild deer roaming freely
4. Spot the Friendly Deer One of the most unique things you’ll encounter on Badija Island is its population of wild deer , which are accustomed to visitors and usually can be found near the monastery.
Fun Fact: The deer were introduced to the island by monks and have become one of the most recognizable features of Badija.
5. Have a Picnic by the Sea There are no restaurants or cafes on Badija Island so you’re on your own when it comes to food and drinks. Bringing your own snacks and having a picnic is a great way to enjoy this peaceful place.
Best Spots For Picnic on Badija: Find a nice shaded spot under the pines or enjoy a meal on the coastline.
Best Time to Visit Badija Island Any time is good enough for visiting Badija. However, during the winter months, the taxi boats are not as frequent as during summer, but you still have a chance to go to the island. Here’s what to expect out of each season on Badija Island:
Spring & Summer (May – September): swimming, trekking, and exploring . This is the period in which Badija is most visited and expect at least some crowds during the summer months.Autumn (October – November): Autumn in Croatia brings a quieter atmosphere and pleasant weather perfect for walking around the island.Winter (December – February): There are almost no visitors to Badija in this period and you have a chance to enjoy the most peaceful atmosphere in the whole year.
Before You Venture from Korčula to Badija So, did you like what you read and saw in this article about Badija Island ? It’s so close to Korčula Town and it would be a shame not to include it in your travel plans for this area. Visit to Badija won’t take much of your time, but we’re sure you’ll make some nice memories on this small, but beautiful island. So next time you get tired of the usual summer crowds in Croatia and want to have some peaceful moments far from everyone, know that Badija is one of the places near Korčula where you can find just that.
Enjoy your stay on Korčula Island!
