Posted by The island of Hvar, Croatia, is a popular destination for tourists seeking beautiful beaches, rich history and a lively atmosphere. Hvar is located in the Adriatic Sea and is the longest and sunniest of the Croatian islands. With a population of around 11-000, the island is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and experience the Mediterranean lifestyle.
This article presents the many sights, attractions and activities that make Hvar a must-see for travellers.
Tours to Hvar: There are many day tours by boat to Hvar, for example from Split. Many including the famous Blue Grotto: Bookable on the great website Getyourguide.
Arrival in Hvar
Hvar is accessible by ferry from several towns on the Croatian coast, including Split, Dubrovnik and Korcula. Journey times vary depending on the port of departure, but most ferries take around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can join a tour to reach the island.
Once in Hvar, the best way to explore the island is on foot or by bike. Hvar town is small enough to explore on foot, and there are several bike rentals to explore the island’s picturesque landscape.
Sights Hvar
Hvar Town
Hvar Town is a major tourist destination on the island, and for good reason. The charming old town offers winding streets, beautiful Renaissance buildings and stunning views of the sea. The town’s main square, St. Stephen’s Square, is a lively centre with numerous cafés, bars and restaurants. Hvar Town also has some historical sights to offer, including the 16th century Hvar Cathedral and the impressive Fortika Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands.
Pakleni Islands
Off the coast of Hvar Town are the Pakleni Islands, a small uninhabited group of islands known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning nature. Visitors can take boat trips to the Pakleni Islands for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Starigrad
Starigrad, located in the north of the island, is one of the oldest towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming old town has narrow streets and old stone houses, and the surrounding landscape is characterised by vineyards and olive groves.
Lavender fields:
Hvar is famous for its fragrant lavender fields, which bloom in summer and make a great photo backdrop. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fields or visit one of the island’s lavender farms to learn more about the cultivation and harvesting of this popular plant.
Beaches Hvar:
Hvar has many beautiful beaches, from secluded coves to popular sandy beaches. The most popular beaches include Dubovice beach, with its crystal clear waters and pebble beach, and Zlatni Rat beach, a long sandy beach popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. Nightlife
Hvar is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs and live music venues dotted around the town. The most famous nightlife hotspot is Carpe Diem, a club on an island just a short boat ride from Hvar Town.
Food and wine Hvar
Croatian cuisine is renowned for its fresh Mediterranean flavours, and Hvar is no exception. Visitors can enjoy locally caught seafood, fresh salads and hearty meat dishes, accompanied by a variety of local wines, including the island’s famous red wine Pravac He Mali.
Hvar Town
Hvar Town is the largest settlement on the island of Hvar and is located on the west coast of the island. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful architecture, lovely beaches and lively atmosphere.
The town’s main square, St Stephen’s Square, is a hub of activity, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shops. This is also the location of Hvar Cathedral, dating from the 16th century and one of the town’s most famous landmarks.
Tours to Hvar: There are many day tours by boat to Hvar, for example from Split. Many including the famous Blue Grotto: Bookable on the great website Getyourguide.
One of Hvar’s most popular attractions is the impressive Fortika Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the town and offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The fortress was built in the 16th century to protect the town from pirates and invaders, and still shines in its former glory today.
The town is also home to several historical sites, including the Franciscan Monastery and Museum, which houses a collection of artworks and artefacts, and the Hvar Public Theatre, one of the oldest public theatres in Europe.
Hvar Town is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and nightclubs spread throughout the town. The most famous nightlife hotspot is Carpe Diem, a club on an island just a short boat ride from the town.
In addition to its cultural and entertainment offerings, Hvar Town is also known for its beautiful beaches. The town has many small, secluded beaches, but also larger and more popular beaches such as the pebble beaches of Isla Jerolim and the sandy beaches of Bongis-les-Bains.
All in all, with its combination of history, culture, nightlife and stunning natural beauty, Hvar Town is a must-see for anyone visiting Hvar.
Stari Grad, Island of Hvar
Stari Grad is a historic town on the north coast of the island of Hvar in Croatia. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and has a rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The town was founded in the 4th century BC. It was founded by the ancient Greeks and was originally called Pharos. It later became an important Roman settlement and was a centre for trade and commerce in the Middle Ages. Stari Grad was also an important centre of the Croatian Renaissance in the 16th century, and many prominent artists and intellectuals lived in the town. The historical centre of Stari Grad is well preserved and a popular destination for tourists interested in history and culture. The town’s most famous landmark is Tvrdari Castle, a fortified mansion built in the 16th century by the Croatian poet and aristocrat Petar Hektorovich. The castle is now a museum and can be visited by tourists. It offers an insight into Croatian life and the Renaissance period.
There are other historical sights in the town such as St. Stephen’s Church, the Dominican Monastery and the ruins of the Roman aqueduct. Visitors to Starigrad can take a guided tour of the town and learn more about its rich history and architecture. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, Stari Grad is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several hiking trails and nature reserves near the town, including the Kaval Peninsula Nature Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Stari Grad Plain, known for its ancient agricultural terraces.
All in all, Stari Grad offers a unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty and is a must-see for any visitor to Hvar.
Lavender Hvar
The lavender fields of Hvar are one of the island’s landmarks, known for their fragrant purple flowers and stunning natural beauty. The cultivation of lavender has a long tradition on Hvar, and the plant has played an important role in the island’s economy and culture for centuries.
The best time to visit the lavender fields on Hvar are the months of June and July, when the plants are in full bloom and the fields are covered with purple flowers. The most famous lavender fields are in the interior of the island, around the villages of Velo Grablje and Gdinj. The lavender fields cover large parts of the landscape and are a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of Hvar.
Visitors to the lavender fields can take guided tours of the fields and learn about the cultivation and harvesting of this popular plant. The tours usually include visits to local farms and distilleries, where visitors can see how the lavender is processed and turned into essential oils, soaps and other products.
Besides its commercial use, lavender also plays an important role in Hvar’s cultural history. The plant has been used in traditional medicine, cooking and even as a natural insect repellent. Every year, lavender festivals are held on the island to celebrate the cultural and economic importance of the plant.
Overall, the lavender fields of Hvar are a must-see for anyone visiting the island. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this stunning Mediterranean destination.
Wine Hvar
Viticulture is an important part of Hvar’s cultural and economic heritage, and the island has a long tradition of producing high quality wines. The mild Mediterranean climate, fertile soils and hillside vineyards make Hvar an ideal place for growing grapes, and the island’s wineries produce a range of excellent red and white wines.
Hvar’s most popular wines include Plavac Mali, a full-bodied red wine made from the local grape variety of the same name, and the fresh, aromatic white wine made from the Bogdanusa grape. There is the Bogdanusa. Other notable Harr wines are Dobričić, a red wine with fruity notes, and Josip, a white wine with a floral bouquet.
Visitors to Hvar can take guided tours of the island’s wineries and vineyards, learn about the history and techniques of winemaking and taste some of the island’s best vintages. Many of the wineries offer wine tastings and knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide information and answer questions.
The town of Jelas on the north side of the island is known as the ‘wine capital’ of Hvar and has several wineries and vineyards. Every year in August, a wine festival is held here, celebrating the island’s winemaking traditions and giving visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of local wines.
All in all, Hvar’s wine industry is a testament to the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage, and a visit to one of Hvar’s wineries is a testament to one’s interest in the island’s history, culture and culinary traditions. A must for some.
Tours to Hvar: There are many day tours by boat to Hvar, for example from Split. Many including the famous Blue Grotto: Bookable on the great website Getyourguide.
Hvar beaches
Hvar has some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, with crystal clear waters and stunning natural scenery. Here are some of the best beaches to check out when visiting Hvar.
Dubovice Beach:
Dubovica beach is located on the southern side of the island and is one of Hvar’s most popular beaches. The beach is located in a sheltered bay surrounded by rocky cliffs, and the crystal clear blue waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Zlatni Rat beach:
Located on the neighbouring island of Brac, Zlatni Rat beach is a stunning natural wonder and one of Croatia’s most famous beaches. Known for its peculiar shapes resembling horns and tongues, the beach is a popular destination for windsurfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
Mekicevica beach:
Located on the eastern side of the island, Mekicevitsa beach is a secluded and quiet place with calm waters and beautiful scenery. The beach can only be reached by boat or a long walk, making it the perfect place for those looking for a quiet and intimate holiday.
Pakleni Islands:
The Pakleni Islands are a group of small islands off the coast of Hvar. There are several secluded beaches and coves on the islands, including Palmizana beach, a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.
Stipanska beach:
Located on the northern side of the island, Stipanska beach is a small, secluded spot with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach is only accessible by boat and is therefore perfect for those who want a quiet and peaceful holiday.
