Hvar [Central Dalmatian islands ]

General information

• Geographical position: Middle Dalmatia
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Average summer temperature: 26° C
• Average winter temperature: 7° C

Gastronomy

The wine on Hvar is something worth talking about. One of the most famous wines is Bogdanusa, a delicious white wine that compliments all seafood dishes. There are many others such as Ivan Dolac, Zlatan plavac and Dobrogost. Hvar cuisine is like Dalmatian cuisine in general, light, prepared with very little oil, seasoned with plenty of marjoram and basil. Gregada is a well known seafood dish in which several different types of fish are prepared with potatoes. Dessert choices include gingerbread cookies and “Cvit”, a dry cake made with aniseed.

Sport

Sailing is one of the main sports activities and will satisfy your need for sports and adventure however it will also satisfy your need to enjoy nature while you are on vacation because of the view it provides. For those of you that prefer underwater activities there are plenty of diving locations to choose from and you can find our more information at local diving centers. As a test of endurance we also recommend windsurfing on the island of Brac.

Fun and night life

Everyone knows about the wild parties on the island of Hvar however it is difficult to put into words just how much fun these parties are. The fun here never stops since it starts on the beach and continues with after-beach parties which are organized by the local cafes, and after taking a break for a light dinner the party continues until the morning and culminates at an outdoor disco club. All this takes place in the town of Hvar leaving the other places on the island free for those in search of a more peaceful holiday. While you are in the city of Hvar don’t be surprised if you run into someone famous because more and more jetsetters are choosing the island of Hvar as their holiday destination.

How to get there?

Beaches

The island itself has mainly rock and pebble beaches, while on the nearby island of Scedro one can also find sand beaches. Sand beaches can also be found on the islands known as Pakleni otoci. In larger places such as Stari Grad and Hvar, surrounding the hotel complexes, the beaches are mainly concrete terraces with deck chairs and well maintained entry points into the water.

What to see?

The oldest European theatre - Hvar

The town of Hvar has several Renaissance and Baroque palaces which today create the perfect setting for trendy summer vacations. More and more jetsetters are choosing to dock their sailboats and yachts in Hvar on the island of Hvar. However, don’t let the glamour overwhelm you; try and find out a thing or two about Hvar. Hvar has the oldest theater in Europe, established in the 16th century, which makes it a sight worth seeing as you stroll through the town.

Tvrdalj-Stari Grad

Tvrdalj is one of the most famous buildings in Stari Grad, built in the 16th century. It belongs to the Hektorovic family, the most famous descendant of which is Petar Hektorovic, one of Croatia's most significant writers. The concept of the Tvrdalj is interesting, since it was intended to illustrate life on the planet and has a pool with fish along with a specific area for birds. It is a somewhat unusual example of a fortified Renaissance villa and is a combination of a castle and a summer residence.

Scedro Island

The island of Scedro is one nautical mile south of the island of Hvar. This small island once had two settlements, while in 2006, there was only one person inhabiting the island – a woman. Today we recommend visiting the island for the peace and quiet one can enjoy in the shade of the dense pine forest and beautiful, romantic sunsets. The remains of a Dominican convent make the romantic atmosphere complete and the perfect getaway from noise and civilization.

Pakleni otoci - islands

The islands are situated in front of the southwestern coast of the island of Hvar and are surrounded by strong currents which don’t allow most boats to pass. This also means that the sea surrounding the islands is crystal clear with sand and pebble beaches. Sailors will find a well protected dock in Palmizana, at the Zdrilica cove as well as in Soline.

Where to go on a trip?

Dubrovnik

The medieval city – the pearl of southern Dalmatia listed on UNESCO’s international register of monumental heritage. This is a city with a long tourist tradition, ready to fulfill the most excessive demands of its visitors. It is the city of museums and festivals, taverns and restaurants, tame Mediterranean climate and beautiful scenery which truly confirm the statement made by the Irish writer Bernard Shaw: "Those looking for heaven on earth, must come to Dubrovnik." Isn’t that reason enough to visit Dubrovnik and see for yourself?

Modra Spilja (Blue Grotto) - the island of Bisevo

The island of Bisevo is located 5 kilometers southwest of the island of Vis and is an interesting destination for an excursion since you will witness an incredible sight, a natural phenomenon known as Modra Spilja. On sunny days, the sun’s rays enter through the underwater entrance of the cave and create a fantastic combination of colors - blue and silver. Suffice it to say, swimming in Modra Spilja is a truly memorable experience.

The island of Korcula

The fairy-tale like island of Korcula was presumably the home of the beautiful Kerkyra, a heroine in Greek mythology, which is how the island got its name and was supposedly chosen by Poseidon the God of the Sea. The international traveler, Marco Polo also had a home on Korcula. Take a stroll through Korcula and familiarize yourself with the historical heritage which can be seen in the performance of a knight’s game known as Moreska, in which knights in red and black costumes fight to win the affection of the lady. You will believe that it is possible to travel back in time. Visit Vela Luka, situated in a deep cove and have a glass of Posip, Plavac or Admiral, wines which contain the sun of Korcula.

Vis

Vis is the farthest settled island from the mainland, and the main towns on the island are Vis and Komiza. The ancient city of Vis has a naturally protected port, while the former fishing town of Komiza has developed into a picturesque place. The coast of the island of Vis is well indented with many hidden coves and beaches such as Gusarica, Nova Posta or Velo zalo. Near the island of Vis is the small island of Bisevo, known for Modra Spilja (Blue Grotto) which is an ideal excursion by boat. Vis is also loved by sailors due to the many coves which are perfect for dropping anchor while the peace and quiet draws those in search of a peaceful and relaxing holiday.