A trip to the land of deer – Badija
April 12, 2009
If you are visiting Korcula and have some extra time you may want to consider taking a 15 minute taxi boat ride to the nearby island of Badiija. It cover the area one square km and is covered by dense maquis pine and cypress trees. The boat runs several times in the morning and in the afternoon. This one day trip is an excellent way to escape tourist crowds and packed beaches. Badija does not have any sleeping accommodations. Tourist visiting the island arrive there by boat or anchor their yachts in a lagoon close to the main sea port. There is only one bistro on the island and not far from it, near the main port where most people spend their time, you will find an old convent built in the 15th century.
A narrow path cutting through thick pine bushes will take you from the main port to the northern part of the island where stunning beauty abounds. A ten minute walk is all it takes to get to it. Beautiful white pebble beaches washed by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic take a breath away. There you will find a perfect spot on the beach just for you to enjoy. Most likely, you won’t even have neighbors and if you do they will be far enough so your privacy isn’t spoiled.
No crowds, no noise, no packed beacher here. All you can hear is sea waves lightly brushing the beach and crickets singing their summer tunes in the pine woods behind you. This untouched beauty of the beaches caressed by the crystal clear water of the sea, and aromatic trees and shrubs create an unforgettable pleasure. Farther to the north is the island’s rough and somewhat inaccessible coastline full of cliffs, pits and rocks, a favorite spot for nudists and sunbathing and swinmming with mother nature.
A sight of scattered deer freely walking around on this tiny island makes it a fascinating place to explore. These gracious animals with antlers combing the summer breeze are used to human presence and will, almost without any fear, come close to you. Their big eyes will be searching for food you may have for them. They will eat from your hands but won’t let you touch them. They can be fed with fruit but not bread or other food humans cosume.
If you plan to spend some more time on this part of the island, it is a good idea to bring some food and water. The nearest place where you can get a refreshment is at the Badija’s only bistro, a 10-15 minute walk back to the port. Just relax and enjoy in the sun the magic of it all. And remember, if you hear something sneaking around in the bushes, it is more likely a snoopy deer than a tourist searching for a private piece of Badija.
