The island of Hvar is firmly on the Croatian tourist circuit as one of the most visited of the many Adriatic islands that dot the Dalmatian coast. Its reputation as a posh destination for Hollywood stars and international jet-setters has attracted a lot of media attention and increasingly high prices, but more recently the fact that Hvar is also a draw for rowdy revelers has earned it. a less glamorous position like a party island. That said, most of the parties happen in the city of Hvar and the island has much more to offer than open-air discos and champagne breakfasts. Here’s a guide to the best things to see and do on Croatia’s sunniest island.
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Explore the medieval old town of Hvar city
Direction
St. Stephen’s Square, 21450, Hvar, CroatiaGet directions
Telephone
+385 21 742 160
Web
Visit the website
Built between the 15th and 17th centuries by the Venetians, the medieval streets and buildings of the walled old town can be easily explored on foot thanks to the fact that it is a car-free zone. On its medieval horizon rises the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Esteban, which also dominates one end of the main square or “pjaca”. At the other extreme is another imposing building: the end of the 16th century Arsenal that once was used by the military in Venice and now houses a gallery of contemporary art and the oldest theater in Europe (which opened in 1612 ). Perched on a hill overlooking the old town is the 16th century Fortica, also called the Spanish Fortress. The challenging climb is worth it alone for the panoramic views of the city, seascapes, and views of nearby islands.
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Go to the beach
During the summer months, sun-loving beachgoers descend on the island’s most popular beachside spots. Just outside the town of Hvar, Mekićevica has a beautiful pebble beach, and the sandy shoreline hidden in a sheltered cove in Milna is less than four miles from the town of Hvar. A little further east is Zaraće, where two coves hide neat pebble beaches, and picturesque Dubovica, from where a steep path leads to a bay with turquoise waters. There are also several clothing-optional beaches to choose from, with the most popular probably being the deserted island of Zečevo, which is just a short taxi ride from the port of Jelsa.
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Stroll down the lanes of Stari Grad
Direction
Ul. Braće Biankini 4, 21460, Stari Grad, CroatiaGet directions
Telephone
+385 21 766 324
Web
Visit the website
Hidden in a long and narrow bay, Stari Grad is the oldest city in Croatia, having been colonized by the Greeks in 384 BC. C. The beautiful Biankini Palace houses the city museum where Greek vestiges such as coins, ceramics and stone are exhibited. Tvrdalj Castle is another popular tourist attraction that was once the summer residence of Petar Hektorović a 16th poet -Century. The atmosphere is calm and romantic thanks to architectural details such as the charming walled garden, a fish pond enclosed in a vaulted gallery, and an old dovecote.
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Taste the local food
Visit one of the many traditional restaurants on the island called “konoba” to sample authentic local cuisine served in a rustic setting. This is a slow food experience, where local specialties are prepared home-style and seafood dishes like grilled fish, clams, octopus, and mussels dominate the menu. The island’s star dish is “gregada”, a stew made of fish, potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley and olive oil.
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Taste the excellent local wine
Thanks to Hvar’s sunny climate, there are many vineyards here that produce some of the best Croatian wines. In addition to ‘Plavac Mali’, a red that is a fast favorite along the Croatian coast, the island also has its own white varieties, such as the dried ‘Bogdanusa’ and the more fruity ‘Prč’. Visit one of the many wineries in the western part of the island to taste them all, or join a wine tour to meet local winemakers and learn more about Hvar’s wine industry.
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Tome un bote para cruzar Stijene (Red Rocks)
Just five miles east of Hvar town is this popular natural landmark and one of the most magical places on the island for swimming. This is a stunning cliff face made of layers of red-stained limestone carved with vertical gaps that drop dramatically into the sea. The only way to get there is by boat from Hvar town, which makes getting here part of the adventure.
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Sail to the Pakleni Islands
Direction
Sveti Klement, 21450, Hvar, CroatiaGet directions
Visible from the coast of Hvar town are some forested islands that can be easily reached by boat or as part of the many excursions organized by local travel agencies. Visitors can explore the islands’ many secluded coves and beaches and spend a day swimming or snorkeling in their crystal clear waters. Sveti Klement is the largest of these islands, while Marinkovac has the best pebble beaches at Zdrilca and Stipanska, where the trendy Carpe Diem Beach Club is located. Jerolim is reserved for those who like to bathe in the hobby and, according to CNN Travel, it is among the best nude beaches in the world.
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Take a trip back in time at Humac
The island of Hvar has its fair share of ghost towns left behind by former inhabitants who eventually moved to larger cities or even abroad. Tiny, charming Humac is a good example: first inhabited in the 17th century, shepherds and farmers once lived here, tending their sheep fields, vineyards and lavender. Now uninhabited for over a century, today Humac is a kind of open-air museum that offers a glimpse into the past. Its centuries-old stone houses, as well as a church and a local ‘tavern’, remain open during the tourist season. At 1,150 feet above sea level, the panoramic views from here are of terraced vineyards and seascapes.
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Stroll through the lavender fields
One of Hvar’s nicknames is the ‘lavender island’ due to its vast fields of lavender that can rival those of Provence. Early summer is when the flowering season reaches its peak and the entire island is scented by the heady fragrance of the plant. Visit the area around the small town of Velo Grablje (eight miles east of Hvar town) for a complete experience. The annual lavender festival is held here every June as well.
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Tour the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plains
Direction
21460, Stari Grad, CroatiaGet directions
Web
Visit the website
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating example of an ancient Greek land parcel system called “chora” dating back to the 4th century BC. The plains cover an area of 3400 acres between the cities of Stari Grad and Vrboska, and are divided into a system of geometric parcels and bordered by dry stone walls. These are agricultural lands that were cultivated by the ancient Greeks, and today grapes, olives, and figs are still grown. The best way to explore the area is by bike or on foot, thanks to the many walking and biking trails.
