We’re in Korcula right now for a few days and plan to take the hop on/off ferry to Lumbarda, returnung to Korcula town later in the day..
This same boat also offers hop on/off to a couple additional small nearby islands for a few euros more. So my question is (on the off chance someone sees this in time) - Has anyone visited those islands on the hop on/ off out of Korcula and if so, which are most worthwhile? We probably wouldn’t hop off at all of them.
I know that Vrnik is on that route. It has one cafe, one church but closed only opened on holy days, and some homes. Only about 10 people live there year round, if that many. A few more come in the summer. The beach is very small near the pier. There are no changing or bathroom facilities unless you ask at the cafe. The water, of course, is clear, etc, but there are many sea urchins so wear water shoes. You would be able to see them.
We have 2 family houses there, right next to the cafe so I have been there numerous times.
BUT, now that I am typing it out, it doesn’t sound too appealing. Oh well, for a quick swim and some Sun bathing it is fine.
We haven’t been to any of the others.
I enjoyed Badija a lot. It’s got enough area that you can find a little stretch to yourself, with nice shaded spaces in the pine trees. The water is crystal clear and the view is amazing. At the dock, there are a bunch of docile black deer that come up to you for pets and treats. Recommend.
Stupe island is not worth it generally. It is basically ONLY the expensive Moro restaurant. The swimming area rents chairs and blasts music, but on the plus side has some excellent snorkeling. Rich folks in fancy catamarans hang out offshore and come in for drinks. It felt like I was cosplaying as a millionaire, which is not my jam. The taxi companies won’t come out there on a regular schedule, so when you’re ready to leave you have to call them for a pickup.
I know you asked about the islands, but if you’re stopping at the wineries outside Lumbarda town I gotta throw a recommendation for Sabulum winery. Very nice wine, tasty food, stunning views and terrific owners.
We spent a day on the boat and got off at each stop. I didn't make notes on exactly what we did. I agree that Badijia was nice with the deer and just walking around. At another stop there was a tiny town and we walked along the shore a bit. Other people walked further, probably looking for secluded beaches. We didn't want to swim. We stopped to sit on a bench to admire the view and ended up watching an elderly man fishing from his small boat and then he docked in front of us. His wife and dog came out of the house to greet him and get the fish he had caught. It was charming and a wonderful memory. We walked around Lumbarda a bit, trying to find wine tasting but were confused and ended up having a drink at a bar by the dock. Overall, it was a very nice relaxing day.
Thanks everyone. We took your advice and stopped at Bidija Island. It was a perfect stop! It took an hour to hike the level seaside path all around. Had we wanted to swim, there were several nice spots. And the little group of black deer showed up.
We skipped Vrnik Island and stayed on the boat to Lumbarda. As there wasn’t much to see in town, we followed a loop trail (part of Hike 23 in the Korcula hiking and biking brochure). Past a lovely church, vineyards and gardens, and half of the hike on a paved path along the shore. There’s a beautiful sandy beach along the way “Bilin Zal”.
So after a refreshing swim we returned to Korcuka. The whole trip cost only 20 euros each, a really great way to spend a day.
