Awesome Adventure 2016: Mlini Beach and Korcula

After reading some of the tourist info, we decided that it was worthwhile chancing a trip by water taxi to Mlini Beach on Monday. We had a late start and walked out past the taxi rank, hoping to see more of the countryside before heading to the beach. We didn't have any luck at finding a lavendar farm but did walk through a small olive grove. Sophie and Will had a mid-morning ice cream and John and I had a locally made lemonade before catching a small boat to Mlini. The water taxis travel across to the Paklinski Islands (including Mlini Beach) between 10am and 1pm, returning any time between 4pm and 7pm. The beach was pebbly but the water quality was superb. It looked as though we could stand when it was several meters deep. The pom frites (potato chips) were a ridiculous price at $8 for a tiny bowl - so, we mostly filled up on the bread, cheese and salami that we had packed. We had dinner at a pizza restaurant on our return to Hvar, then packed our bags.

We left Hvar on Tuesday morning, with an early (8am) cab to the ferry terminal and a boat ride to Korcula. Even though Korcula is also quite touristy, our first impressions are that it will be a lot more relaxing than Hvar. Hvar has huge contrasts from the large groups of backpackers to the 'rich and famous' with their $1.5m/week yachts. Korcula seems to be more of a family-orientated island, with more of an Italian influence. Korcula claims to be the birth place of Marco Polo and there is a Marco Polo 'museum' here but it sounds as though Venice has the same claim to fame. Our host met us from the ferry and recommended a cafe (probably a friend's business) as a base until our room was available. Sophie and Will were tired and had a restful arvo, while John and I took turns at looking around town. Our apartment covers four floors. Sophie and Will have always wanted a house with stairs but with four sets, they are starting to change their minds. It looks as though the apartment may have been built into an old stair well but is very comfortable. We are in the main town so with dinner noises outside, we are adjusting to staying up late and sleeping in.