HVAR ISLAND

The Island of Hvar is the most famous among the Croatian Dalmatian islands. Scientists flock to Hvar Island because of its nautical, strategic position, while travelers are attracted to the islands rich culture and tradition, historical monuments, Mediterranean natural attractions, picturesque architecture and nightlife. Hvar Island also boasts its mild climate that provides guests with pleasant summers and warm winters.

Hvar is an island off the Dalmatian coast between the islands of Korcula and Brac. The island is well known for its warm sunny climate and its long history of lavender and rosemary oil production.

The island of Hvar continues its 140-year of organized tourism, making it reach the top 10 of the worlds most beautiful islands. It is separated from the mainland, making it easier for the people of Hvar Island to protect its ancient forest of olive trees, vast fields of lavender and well-kept vineyards. Hvar Island boasts its excellent, homemade wines and olives.

Hvar Island has a wide range of activities to offer, from having fun in the sun on the sandy beaches around Jelsa to sightseeing in the ancient town of Stari Grad, which preserves its centuries-old architecture mixed with modern tourist facilities. The lavender fields near Bogomolje, Gdinj and Zastrazisce as well as the peaceful secluded bays in Sucuraj offers a relaxing experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Nature lovers will appreciate a boat excursion to the Pakleni Islands or a visit to the south cliffs of Sveta Nedilja, Ivan Dolac or Milna. For those who just want to relax, a trip to the little Venice in Vrboska or at the cosmopolitan Hvar town can make your trip to the island of Hvar an unforgettable vacation.

Hvar town, located on the south-western coast of the island has many historical buildings including the cathedral, the Franciscan monastery, Hvar theatre and a 16th century fortress which stands above the town. The town is famously beautiful and known to attract wealthy celebrities from around the world.

One of the main attractions on the island is the Napolijun building, named after the French emperor, which is erected on top of the medieval church of St Nicholas. This building has been a lookout point until the war in Yugoslavia in the early 90’s and now it houses the astronomical observatory of the geodesic faculty of Zagreb University. The Pjaca has, maybe, the biggest and most picturesque town square in Croatia. It has a Renaissance arch and nearby is a small port and several vineyards.

There are many accommodation options such as private apartments, hotels, and even camping. For the budget traveler private accommodations are the way to go. Camping can be nice as well, but only in the summer and spring months when the weather is warm.

There are many great restaurants in Hvar from places that have general tourist menus to ones that feature local specialties, such as Hvar cakes, especially the pepper cakes from Stari Grad.

Wine from Hvar and other Dalmatian areas were exported to France and then to Hungary from 1870 until around 1894, when phylloxera devastated most of the Dalmatian vineyards. Then, in the first decades of the 20th century large numbers of islanders emigrated to North and South America. People from Hvar became the pioneers of wine growing in California and still participate a great deal in the production of wine in Napa Valley. There are still some smaller wineries on the island and many of the smaller restaurants carry wine from them.

Of the many historical buildings in the town, The Loggia and its Clock Tower are a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. Above Hvar town stands a large 16th-century fortress which was once was a medieval castle. From here there are beautiful views of the Pakleni Islands and the island of Vis.

In the centre of Hvar town is St. Stephen's Square which dates from the 13th century. The square is edged with restaurants, cafes, and galleries and is the centre of activity in the town. At one end of the square is St. Stephen's Cathedral, at the other end is a small harbour and in the centre is a 16th century well which was reconstructed in the late 18th century.