Island Hopping in Croatia - From Korcula to Dubrovnik ( Part 2)

Vanessa de Vere on 28 March 2018
Arriving in Korcula you will be taken aback by the vegetation, the proliferation of vineyards, olive groves and small villages. Home to the enchanting old town, the island of Korcula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length. It's made up of dense woodlands with numerous pathways ripe for walking, leading you to quiet coves and small sandy beaches which you'll find along the steep southern coast. The northern shore is flatter and pebblier. It's a traditional place, very Croatian where you can still see live folk music and dances being performed. It's a wine-lovers paradise with some of the best wines being produced from pošip grapes, which are only grown here together with the grk grape, which produces quality dry white wine. And it’s cheap, the Pivo (beer) isn't bad either and the Croatians have long since adopted the Italian coffee ethic - it’s hard to find a bad cup of coffee here.

In Korcula we stayed at the very trendy Port 9 apartments in the serene Shell Bay surrounded by olive groves and greenery overlooking the Adriatic Sea; a location that will put you totally into relax mode. The apartments are surrounded by picturesque beaches and serene bays, some with a purpose built bathing platform and ladders, or opt for the pebble and sandy beaches and some water sports. You can explore the picturesque island coastline in a canoe, take out a day boat with a picnic or lounge by the outdoor swimming pool drinking in the views, which are spectacular whilst enjoying a glass of the local Korculan wine and the seafood specialties with a drop of the ever so tasty olive oil.

The newly renovated Port 9 Resort (100-300 m away) has several smaller bars on the beach and you can try the original specialties from the à la carte offered in the Dalmatian tavern. Local Korculan specialties such as fresh oily fish or grilled squid, lamb, makaruni pasta or fish stew with polenta complemented by home-made olive oil and high quality local wines are not to be missed - food heaven. For dessert taste the traditional pastries such as cukarini, klašuni, hroštule, kotonjata or the exquisite rožata. If you'd rather interpret the island cuisine yourself, there is a grocery store located nearby.

From Korcula, a whole new world of exploration opens up and you are in easy reach of some of the smaller islands. I'd recommend a day trip to Mijet National Park, a couple of hours boat ride east. You can also get there by local speed boat which is a bit quicker. I visited Lastovo, a small remote island with numerous secluded bays where you can swim, sunbathe and snorkel, and observe the underwater world close up - its teeming with fish life. You can also do some hiking or cycling along several Island’s trails. Lastovo is one of the remotest islands in Croatia but easily accessible from Korcula. Another choice is a local boat trip is the Skoji Archipelago including Badija, Planjak, Vrnik, Gojak, Baretica, Gubavac, Knezic to name but a few is a mini island paradise just truly spectacular with opportunities to swim in caves and some of the best snorkelling in the Adriatic. Of course, staying on land, a tour of the island by buggy is amusing and fun! Korcula old town is a delight and not to be missed.

Our last stop on our Croatian adventure was just outside Dubrovnik – the catamaran takes you into the port. The Villa Ratac only 20km away from the enchanting old town of Dubrovnik (easily accessible by local bus) and located close to the charming small town of Slano. I would advise staying clear of the mania that is Dubrovnik in the summer months. Get in there early and out by lunchtime.

Villa Ratac is a dwelling dating back to 1999 now fully restored and converted into a prestigious and fascinating villa Located on the Dubrovnik Riviera. It offers a beautiful view over the Lopud and Šipan islands (past of the Elaphiti), the Pelješac peninsula, and the islands of Jakljan and Mljet national park in the distance. This is a great position, you are away from the hub bub of Dubrovnik but can easily get in by bus for the morning to do the old town and perhaps the cable car. If you are a game of thrones fan, then nearby Lokrum Island was a filming location. If like me, you are a foodie then Villa Ratac has an excellent reputation for its food and will fit the bill.

My journal for this trip made up over 40 pages of my trusted Travel Diary – here I’ve included just some of the highlights. This is a potentially actioned packed trip with the option of doing nothing as and when pleases. IT works as a family holiday or for couples giving you and your family freedom to be as active or laid back as needs be, and the opportunity to explore local culture and cuisine whilst avoiding the more touristy locations in Croatia and focusing on the real land and people of 718 islands.

If you'd like to know more or just chat about Croatia and her islands, give me a call.

There is nothing like sharing a travel story or two!