Island Hvar, the aromatic seaside place- the detailed guide to the prettiest island

01.12.2018.

Island Hvar is known as one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia with its unique places. Literally feeling here the fragnance of lavender or other flowers makes it so attractive as an aromatic seaside place. Being very popular in Croatia, it’s a fantastic destination just like the neighbouring island Brač– very artistic thanks to its stone. If you’re about the hiking adventures near Croatian seaside, Omiš is the right place. Alternatively, you can cope to more challenging hikes at Mosor mountain with fabulous views of Split.

Stari grad or Old Town is one of the oldest european towns. Honestly, one of most beautiful places I saw at the seaside. Town Hvar is the administrative centre of the island, Vrboska is a picturesque place called „Little Venice“. Jelsa is its first neighbor also permeated with canals and many nice coves between these two places decorate the way.

Villages between cannot be ignored, and on the south of Hvar are bestowed the most exquisite beaches. Sućuraj is the most eastern place serving as another ferry port. 

Stari Grad
Except being the ferry port, Stari grad overwhelms by the labyrinth of cobblestone streets. As I was told the first time there that it’s nothing special, the surpise was even more significant.

The canals are the central point everywhere on Hvar. Labyrinth of elegance- that’s what it is Stari grad. Seeing the traces of history put together with art unexpectedly will make you see the world in more consistent way.

Along the seaside there is a beautiful round building which I thought was a lighthouse, but it’s an old windmill. From there to the other coast there’s a view of panoramic forest and complex of hotels.

The town is encircled with the streets that took names of the famous poets and other significant personalities of the time. Balconies bathed in the flowers stand amongst hystorical squares and carved details on the vases, buildings, streets. Artistic vessels with flowers spread along the town.

The archeological sites at Hvar island

The list of the archeological sites near Stari grad can be seen on a table in the central park. There are many of them and the town itself will speak its own story.

The roman mosaics can also be seen in the town, but unfortunately only during the summer time as it’s private property. Starogradsko polje or Stari grad field is a long valley between Stari grad and Vrboska, known for its fertility and greek ruins. It’s also worth to see the Palace Biankini, today the Museum of Stari grad which contains impressive maritime collection.

Stari grad will make you forget today, past and the future and will lead you to the world of magic. With package of dalmatian songs Stari grad will give you the soul of simple being, will help you catch the moments and romantics if you want that.

Tvrdalj Petra Hektorovića

Tvrdalj is the castle built in 16th century by Petar Hektorović, the poet whose name is used by many ferries connecting Split with the islands. Thus this name became the symbol of Dalmatia. The castle itself is the image from postcards, picturesque walk in ancient garden with pond and views of its own. Something so authentic I haven’t seen in a while. The palace speaks by itself of Stari grad, of one special world taken in time. Inscriptions in latin and croatian language prove this fact.

The courtyard is the place to welcome birds and pidgeons (as it says sign on the entrance), some plants and the soul of the town. The view towards the church of St.Roko with its bells contribues to the impression. In front of the castle there is another little piscine giving it even greater influence and romantic spirit. The flower sculpture again just improves this vision.

Gastronomic offer in Stari Grad, island Hvar

The rich offer of the shops and gastronomic enjoyment include various taverns among caffe Antika in antique style, delicatessen shop „Za pod zub“ with local products which include the special kinds of artisanal vegan ice cream, spanish restaurant and cocktail place La Gitana.

Vrboska
Vrboska is quite a surprise in the image of the island. Bridges with the canals, little palm island, promenade within the forrest all along the hotel Senses resort with its wonderful beach and shadow everywhere. Even bigger surprise is the fact that Vrboska shares the origin of its name with the nearby village Vrbanj. Vrboska offers even more: fisherman’s museum, church fortress, nudist beach, marina- are only some of that.
Taking a bycicle route from Vrboska to Vrbanj I discovered an interesting farm named Artfarm. It’s a place where concerts of international performers can be heard and local paintings can be found.
Beautiful promenade connects Vrboska with adjacent Jelsa, which is important specially for bikers.
Vrboska will remind you that important things are always nearby, how surprises are hidden part of every expectations. It will remind you to relax and be ready to accept today.

Jelsa

Jelsa speaks its story with donkeys, blue windows, dalmatian music, welcoming benches and exquisite scents throughout every part of the year. In spring the yasmin will roule through the air, during the summer it’s lavander from the traders, in autumn it’s olives and in winter lemons. The variety of entertainment is present in numerous caffes, cocktail bars and similar wonders of summer life. Mojito cocktail bar is the leading place of such purpose and it’s stunning the panorama of mojito cocktails in the offer.

Summer events include the wine fest at the end of August when the whole town dance and everyone you know will come in the town. It’s like coming back in the time of high school.

Towards the beach Grebišće, little outside of Jelsa, we can find also an alternative centre of education and permaculture named Ka Boom.

Hvar

Hvar is the centre of the island, the centre of night life in the summer. The fortress view towards the Pakleni islands is the most amazing what you can experience from the town.

Beside the cathedral, one of the oldest theatre takes place on the large square.

With many tiny streets and stairs Hvar is a place to wonder. Museum of agava with the benedictine monastery is something very unique that Hvar offers. Numerous restaurants with pleasant visual appearance hide between these streets as well as nice little shops. Even if you’re not into the night life, visiting Carpe Diem beach bar is a lovely experience. It’s a stunning day trip with the embrace of clear waters and fabulous decorations. Taking place at Sustipan island (one of the Pakleni islands) the boat goes regularly and costs 10€ for the return ticket.

Zavala & the south of Hvar- stunning beaches

Zavala, Ivan Dolac and island Šćedro (a place without the electricity and water) offer the pristine ambient to discover true nature, clear beaches and not so known side of Hvar. They are situated within the community of Jelsa and here you can enjoy the view towards Korčula, Vis and even Dubrovnik. Zavala possesses a seaside promenade, few caves, a camping place, artistic appearance and the most beautiful sea on Hvar.

Sveta Nedjelja is also a picturesque village and its Jagodna beach just fabulous. Another reason to visit are its hiking opportunities.