Discover the «Black Corfu» of Croatia, one of the 12 most beautiful islands in Europe according to Lonely Planet.
One of the emblematic features of Europe is its geographic wealth, and this of course holds true for its beautiful islands, most of which are clustered in the Mediterranean.
Recently, the best of them were spotlighted by the travel outletLonely Planet, with Korčula, the so-called «Black Corfu», taking the top spot on the list. This lush green island lies a breath away from Greece, on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.
The «Black Corfu» of Croatia
The well-preserved medieval towns and villages of the island are filled with historic architecture, from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces of Korčula Town to simple stone country cottages and rural farmhouses. It is a place made for hiking or cycling, for small wineries and olive mills, and for country roads bordered by lush meadows.
Be sure to see the Church of St. Mark, the house of Marco Polo (it is rumored that the island is the birthplace of the great explorer) and the town museum which is housed in a palace.
Historically, the name of Korčula derived as a paraphrase of the toponym from the years of Greek hegemony over the island. The Cnidians were the first Greek tribe to colonize Korčula in the 6th century BC, naming the colony Melaina Korkyra (Black Corfu) in honor of their place of origin.
And why black? Because in contrast with well-known Corfu, the verdant landscape of the island, with dense conifer forests, lent it a dark green hue, especially from afar.
Source: Reader.gr
