Hvar is the longest and the sunniest Croatian island and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is located in Adriatic Sea as a part of the central Dalmatian archipelago. Hvar Island is administratively part of the Split-Dalmatia County. The island has four municipalities, Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa and Sućuraj. Being situated in the center of the Adriatic sailing routes, it became an important base for commanding trade along the Adriatic Sea, through Italy and in the wider Mediterranean. Hvar has been inhabited since prehistoric times, originally by a Neolithic people and later by the Illyrians. The ancient Greeks founded the colony of Pharos in 384 BC on the site of today’s Stari Grad, making it one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Economy of the island Hvar is based on tourism, farming, fishing, viticulture, olive growing and especially on cultivation of rosemary and lavender. During the summer you can see lavender blooming all over the island. Hvar is often called the “island of lavender”. In many places you can buy bundle of lavender, lavender soap or lavender aromatic oils in beautifully painted glass bottles long lasting scent that will remind you of the lovely time you have spent on this beautiful island. Island Hvar is also known as one of the two most famous winemaking zones in Croatia. Vineyards located on the southern side of the island are famous for red wines produced from the Plavac Mali grape. The central plain between Stari Grad and Jelsa is famous for its white wines. The island Hvar is famous for its pleasant, very mild Mediterranean climate. As the sunniest spot in all of Europe with over 2715 hours of sunlight in an average year, the Croatian island of Hvar is one of the most attractive tourist centers in Europe. It is the popular destination among tourists listed in the top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Regardless if you will visit island Hvar for only one day tour or spend your entire vacation, you will surely want to come back again and again.
TOWN HVAR The city of Hvar is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, and mundane, tourist present. It is the main tourist center of the Hvar island. Harbor in the Hvar town is one of the busiest and most popular harbors on the Adriatic. Yachts of all sizes from all around the world are attracted to this harbor. St Stephen’s Square in the town of Hvar is among the most beautiful and one of the largest old squares in Dalmatia. The square measures 4500 square meters and it is open to the sea. At one end of this square dominates Cathedral of St. Stephen which was built during the 16th and 17th centuries. The bell tower of this cathedral is four-stories high, with each level more elaborately decorated than the last. The cathedral was built over a previously existing cathedral that was destroyed by the Turks. Parts of this older cathedral can be seen inside the church, but most of the interior was rebuilt. Climb up through the narrow streets northwest of St Stephen’s square to the Fortica fortress whose walls encompass parts of the city. Fortica was built on the site of a medieval castle to defend the town from the Turks. Inside of the fortress you can find a tiny collection of ancient amphorae recovered from the seabed. It is worth to climb up to this fortress to enjoy in the magnificent view over the harbor and Pakleni islands situated just in front. There is also lovely cafe at the top so take a break and enjoy a coffee or some refreshing drink. Beside stunning cultural heritage here in Hvar you can also find a lot of places for party and enjoying in music. The spot to catch the sunset to the sound of techno and house music, Hula-Hula is known for its après-beach party (4pm to 9pm), where all of young trendy Hvar seems to descend for sundowner cocktails. The spot to catch the sunset to the sound of techno and house music, Hula-Hula is known for its après-beach parties. Famous club Carpe diem you can find on the waterfront of this town and in bay Stipanska on one of the Pakleni Islands. Do not miss go dancing at Carpe diem. The DJs are usually on the international circuit and the energy is high. There is also club Veneranda, one of Europe’s leading open- air party venues.
PAKLENI ISLANDS If you are in the middle Dalmatia and wondering what is worth of visiting outside the city crowd, Pakleni Islands are the best choice. These islands are located at the southwest coast of the Hvar island, opposite the entrance to the harbor of town Hvar. The Pakleni Islands are the most attractive and most visited spot. Tour to the most beautiful group of islands on this area is something to remember. By renting a boat you can escape into the hidden coves of the islands covered with forest and surrounded with crystal clear water. Or join us on scheduled excursion or private tour and enjoy in this amazing place of island Hvar. It consists of many islands, the closest island to the Hvar town is Jerolim. It is named after a church that no longer exist. Nearby is the other island of Marinkovac where is known bay Stipanska where you can enjoy in great bech and club Carpe diem. Spend your day under their motto “Good and healthy food and drink / relax / spa / sport” or simply enjoy in high-quality events. The largest Pakleni island is St. Klement most famous for beautiful Palmizana bay. There is a large, well- protected yacht marina at Palmizana. Palmizana has been a favorite getaway for Hvar islanders since the turn of the 20th century when a Professor Eugen Meneghello built a summer house and inn there. Brave explorers, the three Meneghello brothers, sought to find a new home away from their Venetian lagoon. One chose Boka as his new homeland, one went to Split, and the third Matteo discovered the fragrant and warm island of Hvar. In the first decades of the 20th century, Professor Eugen Meneghello, one of Matteo’s heirs, started an organized forestation of plants and many exotic specimens, creating what has now become an exemplary botanical garden of his great estate. In the house built in 1820, he opened a guesthouse, which he called Palmizana Palace. Eugen’s son, Juraj Toto Meneghello continued in the family tradition of hospitality. A tradition built over a century of selfless hardship, turning the arid island stone into one of the finest and richest exotic gardens in the Adriatic. Palmizana is an ideal holiday resort for anyone who desires high class tourism, who wishes for something unique: a different kind of holiday, harmony with nature, quietness…
STARI GRAD Stari Grad and Jelsa, the island’s two other towns, are emerging as popular alternatives thanks to their quieter, more discerning charms. Stari Grad is a nice place with its medieval renaissance classicism and also architecture with older building spreading across the Southern part of the bay and the newer to the North. It is the oldest settlement in Croatia and one of the oldest settlements in Europe founded by the ancient Greeks in 385/384 BC. The Greek town remained buried under the present day Stari Grad and only some fragmental architectural remains indicate its original structure, such as some parts of the 11 meter long Greek Walls, called Cyclopean Walls These walls are a part of the north city wall, while the east walls are just visible behind the church of St. John. This church is the oldest and most important monuments of Stari Grad, it has been in use continually from ancient times. Tvrdalj is the fortified mansion of Petar Hektorovic, the poet (1487-1572). His mansion is the central patrician building of the town. The design of the mansion was the Petar’s own idea, and just as he made a distinctive and realistic impact on Croatian Renaissance literature, he also made an impact on Stari Grad and the architecture of the town. Modern development is limited by the sea on one side and Unesco Heritage field site on the other, so city is slowly spreading in the northern direction.
