The journey to discover Badija Island in Croatia begins. It is an itinerary that requires time and a little patience. The effort, once you reach the destination, will be wiped away by the beauty of this paradisiacal corner of the Adriatic Sea and Croatia.
Badija, which in Croatian is spelled Badija, is part of the Curzonale Islands archipelago, south of Split, and is a destination that attracts numerous travelers and tourists every year thanks to its pristine nature, the clarity of its sea, and its slow pace of life. In fact, you should know that on Badija Island there are no cars and no urban chaos due to traffic or the frenzy to which most tourists are normally accustomed. Only pine and cypress paths, the song of cicadas, a Franciscan convent, and the scent of the Mediterranean scrub.
But how to reach Badija Island, Croatia? Here are some useful tips!
By car, toward the heart of the Adriatic
For those who choose to take the wheel and reach Badija by car, the most direct route involves entering Croatia from the Slovenian border, following the Croatian A1 motorway, which is also the country’s main highway. From there, you must head south toward Split, passing through the beautiful capital Zagreb and, further down, along the scenic curves that border the Adriatic Sea.
After bypassing the city of Split, you arrive at the town of Ploče, the ancient Porto Tolero. This seaside town is the perfect starting point to embark toward Trpanj, a town that, like Badija, belongs to the Curzonale archipelago. From Porto Tolero, ferries depart for the town of Trpanj, operated by the national Jadrolinija company and active year-round. Once you arrive here, you must continue by car to the port of Orebić, from which regular sea shuttles depart for Korčula.
From here, to reach Badija Island, a few taxi boats are available, taking only a few minutes to reach the destination. The taxi boats depart regularly from the harbor of the old town (Korčula Town), especially during the high season. The distance between the two islands is minimal, just over one kilometer, but the change of atmosphere is striking.
Badija by Bus: The Cheapest Alternative
Those who prefer to leave the car at home can opt for the bus. Croatian routes are very efficient and connect the main tourist hubs with numerous daily departures, especially during the peak season.
There are several companies offering daily routes, up to Porto Tolero, from major cities such as Zagreb, Split, or Dubrovnik. Once you reach the port, the route is common to all who have chosen to visit these enchanting Adriatic islands by car. Thus, a sea leg to Trpanj, followed by a bus ride to Orebić, followed by a ferry to Korčula and the beautiful island of Badija.
The total duration depends on the departure city, but generally you should budget for a full day. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially in the summer months when demand rises significantly.
Getting to Badija Island by Plane? The Fastest Route, But Less Direct
Finally, those leaving Italy by plane can certainly enjoy shorter travel times, thanks to several direct flights to the city of Split. Once landed, you will need to continue by bus to Porto Tolero, a journey of about two and a half hours, or rent a car, which at the same time allows you to admire very beautiful natural landscapes. Upon reaching the port, whether by car or by bus, the steps are the same as those outlined above.
Badija isn’t for everyone. It lacks the entertainment of the big tourist islands, nor the bustle of coastal cities. But it has something more precious: the absence of the superfluous. And it is a place that absolutely deserves to be visited. In short, a challenging journey, but one that will reward you with unforgettable memories. Ready? Let’s Travel!
