Croatia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, with some of the country's spots becoming unbearably overcrowded. One of those places is Dubrovnik. The city is fantastic, but there are everything from crystal clear waters to historic ruins, but visiting it often involves roaming the army of people.
With that in mind, travel experts have come up with an alternative for those looking for a quiet escape. Its alternative is Korcula, a small Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. This is said to be a peaceful retreat with great food, quiet beaches and a rich history, without overwhelming crowds.
Jiayi Wang, a travel expert who blogs the Nomad's diary, told Express:
Located just off the coast of Dalmatian, Korcula is about 112km (60 nautical miles) from Dubrovnik.
The high-speed ferries run regularly in the summer and take about 2 hours.
Dubrovnik recently found 27.4 tourists per local population to be Europe's most overcrowded destination, according to a Holidu survey using Euromonitor International Data.
Korcula offers a very different experience. The island is home to historic villages, olive groves, vineyards and peaceful coves.
The main town of Korcula is known for its medieval walls, narrow stone streets and Venetian architecture.
There's no shortage of things to do. Visitors can explore the old town, climb the bell tower of St. Mark's Cathedral, and enjoy fresh seafood along the seaside promenade.
The island is also perfect for kayaking and hiking. Boat trips can quiet nearby islands like Vrnik, or hidden beaches such as Pupnatska Luka, VelaPrzina, Prozd.
Food is another highlight. The island is known for its fresh seafood, including grilled fish, octopus salad, black risotto made with squid ink, and traditional meat dishes such as Peka.
Visitors can also try local wine and olive oil from the small family farm. The prices are much lower than Dubrovnik and Hvar.
The island has many hotels, guest houses and restaurants, many of which are open all year round.
Transportation between towns is easy, with buses and taxis running regularly.
