Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea near the coast of Dalmatia, located between the islands of Brač, Vis, and Korčula. About 68 km long, with a high ridge of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, the island of Hvar differs from its neighbouring islands in its fertile meadows and freshwater springs. The slopes are covered with coniferous forests, vineyards, olive plantations, fruit trees and lavender fields. This is what Wikipedia officially states. And now I will tell you about this amazing place in my own words. And the first thing I will say... Hvar is simply paradise!
The island is decorated with old tenement houses and summer residences in the Renaissance style, built once by representatives of the Croatian nobility. Architecture combined with endless lavender fields and pine forests make Hvar one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
The first thing that catches your eye is the huge number of narrow streets and ancient architecture. Just look at this beauty! Also, the city will make you fall in love with a huge number of colourful trees, palm trees, and flowers.
By the way, this is the longest island in Croatia and one of the sunniest islands on the entire Adriatic coast (349 sunny days per year). The largest cities on the island: Hvar, Elsa, Starigrad. The nearest airport is located in the city of Split, only 60 km from Hvar. You can get to the island by catamaran or water taxi.
I will say right away that we came here only for a few days and spent the whole time exclusively in the city of Hvar. In order to feel comfortable here, the best option would be to travel in a car. You can either rent it at the appropriate centres or bring your own car. I wanted a lazy vacation this time, so I just chose a hotel near the beach and didn't think about travelling around the island.
However, I have collected information for those who want to visit the island and see something interesting. Also, it will be a good selection for me personally to organize a more interesting vacation next time.
Interesting places on the island of Hvar
Walking through the city of Hvar, the tourist centre of the island, you will be enchanted by the main square of the city - the Piazza. Do not miss the opportunity to admire the sunset from the Arsenal building, which was once a shipyard for military galleys, and in 1612 became the first public theatre in Europe.
The square is decorated with the bell tower of the 200-year-old cathedral, and the military fortress Fortitsa, also known as Štpanyol, stands proudly above it. The fortress walls offer a beautiful view of both the city square and the neighbouring islands.
The island of Hvar will inspire you with historical monuments in Suchurae, beaches equipped for children in Zavala and Milne, cliffs in the northern part of the island, an ideal place for adventure seekers, as well as numerous bays and bays.
Entertainment on the island of Hvar
One of the most unforgettable events of the summer is the Summer Festival in the city of Hvar, which takes place during 3 summer months and is accompanied by concerts, performances by folklore ensembles and theatrical performances. The Wine Festival, held at the end of August in the city of Elsa, as well as the Fishing Nights Festival in the town of Vrboska, where you can taste traditional fish and seafood dishes, are particularly popular among tourists.
Nightlife on the island of Hvar is also diverse. Lovers of night entertainment can go to the city of Hvar, where the Carpe Diem nightclub operates, as well as the large Veneranda entertainment complex with a cinema, disco and bar. You can also visit the Vertigo nightclub in Elsa.
Beaches of the island of Hvar
Of course, most tourists choose to rest on the island of Hvar because of its beautiful beaches. Most of the beaches in Hvar are pebbly. But there are also several excellent sandy beaches, for example, Dubovica near the town of Milna or the sandy beach in the town of Holy Week in the southern part of the island. Amfora and Hula Hula beaches, located within the city of Hvar, rocky beach Bocic near Elsa, and pebbly beach Soline near Vrbosk are popular among tourists.
Nudist beaches are mainly located on nearby islands. The most famous of them are Palmizana and Jerolim beaches on the Pakleni Islands, which can be reached by water taxi.
The island of Hvar is also a place for active recreation, there are sports clubs on the beaches and in hotels, there are several yacht clubs and diving centres, and lots of entertainment for children.