Holiday Home Gradina, Island of Korčula

We really enjoyed our stay, especially because of the beautiful natural surroundings and the exceptional peace and quiet. The apartment is located directly by the beach, which was almost completely empty during our stay. We really appreciated the privacy, silence, and the fact that there were very few tourists around. For anyone looking for a peaceful place away from busy tourist areas, the location is very pleasant. The apartment also has a beautiful, very large terrace, which is tastefully furnished and fully shaded, making it a perfect place to relax even during the hottest part of the day. The entire apartment is stylishly and thoughtfully decorated, with many small details that make it feel especially cosy and welcoming. A real highlight is the brand-new, beautiful and modern bathroom, which adds an extra touch of comfort and quality to the apartment.

Access to the apartment is via a very narrow, unpaved road. This may be challenging for guests arriving in a larger car or for less experienced drivers. One downside was that we felt as we were staying in a marina, as many catamarans and sailing boats were parked directly opposite the apartment throughout our entire stay. This significantly affected both the view, which was not as stunning as it appeared in the photos on booking, and the overall experience of swimming in the sea. We also missed some basic information from the host about the apartment, for example where to dispose of the rubbish. There were no spare rubbish bags, and not enough toilet paper was provided. These are small things, but they would have made the stay more convenient. On the other hand, we appreciated that there were plenty of dishwasher tablets, dishwashing liquid, and other useful household supplies available. The kitchen was very well equipped overall and had almost everything we needed. The only minor issue was that the knives were very blunt. Communication with the host was somewhat difficult. Messages sent through Booking.com went unanswered, and when we arrived at around 9 p.m., it was quite difficult to find the owner because she did not answer the phone and the house does not have a visible street number.

We really enjoyed the outdoor terrace—the view was absolutely breathtaking. The peaceful mornings and stunning sunsets alone were worth the 8-hour drive to get there. We received a very warm welcome upon arrival, and our entire stay was smooth and enjoyable with no issues at all.

the road leading to the house can be challenging if you're not used to driving on narrow local roads. It is technically a two-way road, but it is only wide enough for one car in many places, and it is the only way to reach the property. That said, once you arrive, you'll find that the journey is absolutely worth it.