ISLAND OF HVAR

A beacon of good vibes

If you’re planning to visit Hvar, Croatia’s most beautiful island, here’s some first-hand information about transport to the island and experiences not to be missed.

GET TO KNOW HVAR

You’ve probably heard about James Bond, Prince Harry, Beyonce and Jay-Z having a great time on Hvar, but this island is much more than glamorous nights in its biggest town. We bring you some of the best authentic experiences that you won’t find in popular guides, but first of all – a short introduction to the island.

a body of water with boats on it and trees around it

HVAR AT FIRST SIGHT

Fall in love with the turquoise sea, rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife!

The most famous Croatian island is located in Central Dalmatia, only a two-hour ferry ride from the city of Split. It owes its exceptionally rich history and culture to its fantastic location, which makes it an obligatory stop on almost every sea route in the Eastern Adriatic.

Pottery finds in the Markova and Grapčeva Caves suggest that the island of Hvar was inhabited in ancient times. The ancient Greeks established the historic centre of Stari Grad and parcelled out Stari Grad Plain. Both of these sites are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Romans built their country houses here, while the Venetians gave the town its recognisable appearance and culture.

Some of the most famous Croatian writers and poets of the 15th and 16th century came from Hvar. The town is also home to the very first civic theatre in Europe, established in 1612.

Today, the island of Hvar is at the top of the list of leading Croatian tourist destinations. In the summer, the town of Hvar doesn’t sleep, as it attracts numerous celebrities and guests in search of fun. Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska, on the other hand, are ideal for those who appreciate relaxing holidays, culture and local experiences.

Due to its crystal-clear sea, idyllic coves, pine forests, lavender fields and delicious and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, the island of Hvar is the perfect choice for your holiday.

an aerial view of islands

THE BEST REASONS TO VISIT THE ISLAND OF HVAR

  • an island of astonishing beauty with as many as five attractions listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

  • crystal-clear sea and spectacular sea views

  • wonderful beaches surrounded by pine forests and greenery

  • authentic Mediterranean cuisine

  • open-air museum – numerous traces of great civilisations

  • Stari Grad – one of Europe’s oldest towns, founded in 384 BC.

  • Stari Grad Plain - UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • great selection of entertainment options in the town of Hvar, the trendy centre of the island

  • Pakleni Islands excursion site – around twenty islets and cliffs with stunning coves, exotic plants and wonderful sandy beaches

THE ISLAND OF HVAR - CULTURE AND HISTORY

3500-2500 BC The period of prehistoric culture on Hvar according to the pottery finds at Grapčeva and Markova Cave.
385-384 BC Establishment of Pharos on the site of today’s Stari Grad in the period of ancient Greek colonisation. Stari Grad Plain is divided into geometrical parcels bounded by dry stone walls using the ancient Greek Pharos chora land division system.
235 BC Pharos falls under the Illyrian state.
219 BC The island comes under the rule of Ancient Rome, which leaves a rich legacy of Roman country houses here.
996 AD Hvar is seized by the Venetians under the command of the Doge of Venice Pietro II Orseolo.
7th century Slavicisation of the population and introduction of the Croatian language, culture and names during the period of the Neretva Principality.
11th century Hvar is annexed to the medieval Kingdom of Croatia ruled by Petar Krešimir IV, and is later ruled by the Republic of Venice, the Byzantine Empire, and the Kingdom of Croatia and Hungary.
1420-1797 During Venetian rule, Hvar becomes their main harbour and receives its current distinctive appearance. The four Hvar writers Petar Hektorović, Mikša Pelegrinović, Jeronim Bartučević and Hanibal Lucić are responsible for a cultural flowering on the island. The civic theatre in the town of Hvar is established in 1612 and is the first of its kind in Europe.
1797-1918 The island falls under the rule of the Habsburg Monarchy. All the island’s harbours are renovated and a cadastre created. The first weather station in Croatia and the first tourist board in Europe are established, and the area undergoes a minor process of industrialisation.
1945-1991 Hvar is a part of Yugoslavia. Hotels, water supply and sewer system are introduced.
1991 Croatia becomes an independent state, and the island of Hvar is divided into four municipalities: the Town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa and Sućuraj.
2008 Since it represents the best-preserved cadastral plan in the Mediterranean, Stari Grad Plain becomes part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the historic centre of Stari Grad.
2009 The traditional Za križen night procession, Hvar agave lace and klapa multipart singing are all listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in Europe.
2013 The Mediterranean diet is listed on ‪the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and the islands of Brač and Hvar are selected to represent the Mediterranean legacy in Croatian cuisine.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

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