Hvar

Things to do in Hvar

Travelers from all over the world put together a list of the top 10 islands in the world, from natural and wild to those glamorous. That list featured the island of Hvar, also!

For Hvar writes that is top spot among rich, and boasts aromatic lavender fields, olive groves, pine forests, wild beaches, clear water and a paradise for owners of luxury yachts.

The island’s capital, Old Town Hvar, is one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved historic towns, and also one of its most glamorous with paparazzi roving the Riva to see who is transiting from which yacht to which club.

Hvar is hot now and I don’t mean the temperature. From yachters to movie stars, everyone comes to Hvar.

Consequently, it is one of the most expensive towns in Croatia.

The other settlements offer complete contrasts to Stari Grad / Old Town.  Jelsa, and Vrboska boasting old stone houses and a lazy, village feel. East of Jelsa, the island narrows to a long, thin mountainous strip of land that extends all the way to isolated Sucuraj, which is linked to Drvenik on the mainland by regular ferry.

With ferries, high-speed catamarans & yachts, getting to Hvar can be as fast, leisurely, exciting or economical as you’d like it to be.  Anyway, when you search for a transport option look at the Vollo.

What to see in Hvar

Fortress

On the hill above the Old Town of Hvar was built Fortress (Spanjola).  It was built in the middle of the 16th century. The fortress isn’t the only thing which will you delight, you’ll also enjoy the beautiful view of the Old Town of Hvar, its surroundings, as well as to nearby islands.

The Cathedral

Together with Bishop’s Palace, Cathedral in Old Town encloses the east side of the biggest square in Dalmatia – Hvar’s Pjaca (St Stephen).

The Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscan monastery was founded in 1461. Inside the monastery, except silence and tranquillity, you can enjoy in monastery’s rich museum.

The Theatre

Hvar theatre (and Arsenal) is one of the first municipal theatres in Europe and was founded in 1612.  The theatre’s exterior is mostly preserved in its original form and the internal architecture of the 19th century.

The Benedictine Monastery

The Benedictine monastery is in Hvar since 1664, when, from Pag to Hvar, came two nuns to the monastery.  With spiritual influence which the monastery for centuries signs in this area, today is especially known throughout the world for its agave lace.

What to do in Hvar

Ride a bicycle is an unforgettable experience

You can drive a bicycle alone or go on an organized tour through Hvar. However, if you drive your bicycle uphill from the Old Town to the picturesque village Brusje you’ll enjoy in the beautiful view of the whole island and the nearby islands. After that, you can take an easy ride down to the Old Town and Jelsa through fragrant fields of lavender. This way you’ll experience the authentic island atmosphere and be more than happy at the end of your journey.

Hiking and walking tours

During the hiking tours on Hvar, you’ll experience the atmosphere of an ancient village, framed by vineyards, dramatic coastal scenery, and shady groves of olive…

SUP board (stand up paddle board) – Hvar town

The magnificent way of enjoying the sea is definitely stand up paddling. It requires no previous experience and can be enjoyed by people of all ages!

Flyboard Hvar – Make the most of your summer

If you want to experience the feeling of flying such as Iron Man or swimming like a dolphin then flyboarding is the perfect thing for you. Flyboard is a water jet pack that is attached to your feet! Surf the sky! Swim like a dolphin!

Cruise around the Pakleni Islands

The legend says that the Pakleni Islands incurred as a result of the secret love between the sea god Poseidon and a nymph. Even today all admire the beauty of the small islands that surround the town of Hvar. Spend a day away from the crowds, enjoy the sun and peace of the hidden coves, swim in the clear blue sea and relax in the unspoiled nature of Pakleni Islands.

Kayaking on the Pakleni Islands – excursions from the town of Hvar

Explore Pakleni Islands, bay by bay. Surprises await you in each bay, and above and below the surface! Each bay is a microcosm – a miracle of nature – a story in itself.

Take a tour and go to taste wine

Meet the winemaker whose wines have been called a benchmark for the future millennium by the respected wine magazine ‘La Revue du Vin de France’.

The “must do” in Hvar is to taste, first and only eco wines from Croatia which are specially monitored in the vineyards of southern hills of Hvar that won both the Paris World Wine Contest and Decanter World Wine Awards in London.

Meet Croatia’s leading ”garage“ winemaker and taste wines which are now one of the most expensive in Croatia. Don’t forget that in each bottle of wine is around 2700 hours of sun. Cheers!

Visit Stari Grad Plain – UNESCO cultural heritage

Because of its unmeasurable archaeological value, Stari Grad Plain is since 2008 inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site.

Red rocks, the masterpiece of nature

If you go by boat from Hvar to the Sveta Nedjelja, after the bay Dubovica and Piscena you will come across a natural phenomenon of red rocks vertically rock that drops steeply into the sea.

Grapceva cave – Humac, Island of Hvar

On the south side of the island is a Grapceva cave which is the most important prehistoric site in the Adriatic. In it were found first sign of culture from the 4th millennium BC. It is interesting that right in Grapceva cave, on the fragments of one vessel found the oldest depiction of a ship in Europe.

Vela Garska, Hvar or Vodnjak, Pakleni Islands – Dive Site

Near the town is Vela Garska. An underwater exploration around this bay is a real pleasure and an unforgettable experience, and the main attraction of the site is an underwater cave that can host up to 5 divers. The location is perfect for diving beginners.

In the far western part of Pakleni islands is anchored islet Vodnjak, to the west is an attractive diving location well known Sika. Sika forms several vertical rocks covered in thick layers marvelous red gorgonians and rich in fish and shellfish.

The most famous rock cliffs Kampanel is definitely a ‘must see’ destination for lovers of the underwater world.

Don’t miss gastronomy of Hvar

Good food (or how island’s people said “spiza”) is an integral part of the tradition of Hvar – healthy, light, mostly cooked (primarily fish), seasoned with olive oil and spices that grow in the area and with that good food drink magnificent wine – this is the experience of islanders recipe for long life and a healthy charisma.

Local specialties such as broth – fish soup with potatoes and onions, octopus salad, black risotto, risotto with seafood, lobster and lobster with pasta and eggplant and pepper are just some of the pleasures of the curious palate.

Experience the nightlife of Hvar

Most of the partygoers usually go in bars before they go to the Night Clubs.

When night falls, Hvar wakes up and shows his true face.

The nightlife around the harbor is famous throughout Croatia and beyond and constantly compares to Ibiza or St. Tropez. The atmosphere remains always pleasantly relaxed.