Island of Hvar

With 3,500 inhabitants, Hvar is the largest town on the island. It is surrounded by walls, and the town’s historic center dating from the 15th Century has been well preserved. Its main square, the so-called “Pjaca,” is the largest town square on the Croatian coast, and the oldest town theater in Europe, built in 1612, is located on its eastern side. Along with Dubrovnik, Hvar is the most attractive tourist town of the Adriatic.

Located to the south of the town of Hvar, the Pakleni islands are a small attractive limestone archipelago. The islands abound with stunning well-hidden bays and beaches, most of which can be accessed only by boats. The Palmizana island’s sandy beach is especially attractive. Palmizana also has an ACI marina. Guests can easily reach the islands by taxi boats from the center of the town of Hvar.

Starigrad is the oldest town on the island and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded by the Ionian Greeks from the island of Pharos in 385 BC , when they started to colonize the island of Hvar. Take a walk along Starigrad’s waterfront, as well as the Starigrad plain where the Greek division of land into plots 2500 years ago is still retained – one of the few examples of its kind in the world. Visit the most significant architectural monument in Starigrad, the fortified palace of Tvrdalj, a Renaissance palace which was the home of the poet Petar Hektorović.

Vrboska was established in the mid-15th century. It is located in a very deep and narrow bay, surrounded by pinewoods with a beautiful and warm beach. Take a walk along the Vrboska waterfront and you will have the impression of being on one of the Venetian canals. Visit the three-ship St. Lawrence’s church with five marble portals and artwork by local and Venetian artists. Don’t miss the unique Renaissance church-fortress of St. Maria – an extremely rare monument of its kind in Dalmatia.

Humac is a village located on top of the island. It was founded in the 15th century as a shepherd’s dwelling place. One can enjoy stunning views of the island of Brac and the mainland to the north, and of the island of Korcula and the Peljesac peninsula to the south. Large lavender fields have recently been planted around the village.

Humac tavern: a lonely tavern in the small deserted village of Humac on top of the island, with stunning views of the island of Brac and the town of Makarska on the mainland. Try the fantastic prosciutto which melts in your mouth, cheese in oil with local marinated herbs, as well as the local wine. One has to call ahead for special orders, such as octopus or meat under a baking dish. The hosts grwo their own vegetables in their organic garden.

If you would like to go for a swim on a quiet and protected beach surrounded by interesting rocks and forest on one side, and a long reef on the other, and after that have a wonderful meal at affordable prices – make sure you visit Zaraće and its “Gego” restaurant located on the beach.

Zaraće is a small village, 7 kms. away from the town of Hvar, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, century plants and the sea. One can enjoy a view of the Moon coming from the sea during certain summer nights. We recommend the local carob brandy, octopus salad, stewed scampi and mussels, as well as pancakes with ice-cream for desert.

Jelsa is an excellent choice for a one-day excursion. It was established as a port for the old village of Pitve, located up the hill. Today, Jelsa is the second largest town on the island of Hvar. It is surrounded by pine forrests, and abounds with numerous beaches, cafes and restaurants. Walk around its miniature square and the surrounding narrow streets, large park, as well as take a walk along the shore, have a cup of coffee, or an ice cream. Finish the day by having dinner at the Nono tavern.

Nono tavern is located in a narrow steep street, Banski dolac, behind the town church. It is an example of both traditional and innovative interior, where guests can enjoy Mediterranean and other delicious dishes. Local wine, olive oil and vegetables are available regularly. We recommend the Bifsteak Tartare, Omelette with Scampi, grilled fish, veal and DIVLJAC. Nono tavern is open every day during the season (April 15-October 15) from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, and only on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter months (October 15-April 15).

Pitve is a picturesque village, with less than 100 inhabitants, half way between Jelsa and Zavala. It is surrounded by vineyards, and has preserved its centuries-old rural structure with narrow streets, small squares and patios. From the upper part of the village, guests can enjoy wide views of Jelsa, the Hvar channel, the island of Brač and Biokovo mountain. Have a drink or a meal at the Duboković tavern.

Sveta Nedjelja is an ideal place for a half-day excursion. It is located on a cliff under the Sveti Nikola mountain top (626 meters), and surrounded by steep vineyards and olive groves which are difficult to reach. Sveta Nedjelja is located in one of the supreme wine-growing areas on the island and the entire country. Visit the cave above the village, and make sure you taste the local red wine, Mali plavac, at the Plenkovic winery.

Cave above Sveta Nedelja: Make additional effort and undertake the two-hour adventure by climbing to the cave above the village of Sveta Nedjelja in which are hidden the remains of an Augustinian monastery. Start at the Sv. Nedjelja church, and follow the narrow but marked path. After about 30 minutes, 40 at the most, you will reach the hidden stone doors, overgrown with gnarled roots, behind which a real surprise awaits you.

Plenković winery: Zlatan Plenković is one of the most famous and largest Croatian wine producers. His wines are aged in a cave cellar 70 meters underground, at a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. The vineyards on southern slopes of the island of Hvar, between Milna, Sv. Nedjelja and Zavala are cultivated manually, without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides. The Plenković winery is located in the small village of Sveta Nedjelja, and all wines can be tasted at the winery and at the local “Bilo idro” restaurant, located by the sea.

Hvar is certainly the only island in the world which hosts three really unique Easter processions. A large one and two smaller ones.

The large procession “Following the Cross” consists of six separate pilgrims’ groups which depart simultaneously from six different churces ( Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj, Vrboska). During the night, each group of pilgrims visits the five other churches and returns to its own church . The procession begins after the evening mass on Holy Thursday, and lasts until early morning hours on Good Friday.

The first small procession takes place in the villages of Zastražišće, Poljice and Vela Stiniva, and begins at 6:00 a.m. on Good Friday.

The second small procession starts from the church in Sveta Nedjelja, takes the group to the cave above the village, then to the village of Jagodna, and returns to the church in Sveta Nedjelja. The processions starts at 3:00 a.m. on Good Friday.