The Island of Hvar, with its 270 km of coastline, is the longest island of Dalmatia and is located among the islands of Vis, Brac and Korcula. Its paradise beaches, unspoiled nature and millenial history played in favor of Hvar, turning it into one of the most visited and loved places in Croatia by tourists from all over the world.
If you are going to stay in Hvar and you don't know what to do, read our top 10 list of unforgettable activities and unmissable places to visit on the island of Hvar!
1. ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL
Located in the historical centre of Hvar City, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the main attractions for tourists. The original building was built in the XII century, but it has been demolished and rebuilt many times, until 1755 as we can see it now. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen Pope and martyr and houses three poorly decorated naves. The real beauty of this Cathedral is its frontal square: ruled by the color white, it has many bars and restaurants on its stone pavement..
Wherever you are, every road will lead you to this beautiful square!
2. THE FORTRESS
The main panoramic point is Fort Fortica, also called Spanjola. It has a huge historical value for the city, in facts it was built in the XVI century on a 100 m high tall hill under the Venetian rule and then it was used as a shelter in 1571 by the island's inhabitants when they were invaded by the Turkies. Inside the Fortress, you can find an interesting museum, but the real beauty of this place stays in its breathtaking panoramic view extending on the city of Hvar to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
3. FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
The Franciscan Monastery is a place of peace, silence and serenity. It was built during the XV century as a shelter for sailors and then turned into a Monastery. Inside, there is a rich museum which collects coins, amphoraes and books, besides several paintings, among which the most important is "The last dinner".
4. THE THEATRE AND THE ARSENAL
The theatre of Hvar has got a huge historical value: it was opened in 1612 and is one of the oldest theatres in Europe. The Teatre was built on top of the Arsenal, one of the most beautiful buildings in Hvar City., which was used as a storage of boats and other nautical materials. The Theatre hosts the Contemporary Art Gallery and is still active, especially in the tourist season.
5. BEACHES
Don't foget to visit the magnificent island's beaches! There are several beaches because, as mentioned, the coastline extends for 270 kilometres! Three marvellous beaches selected for you nearby Hvar City are Dubovica, Zarace and Milna, three charming bays where you can relax, sunbath and enjoy wonderful sunsets.
6. PAKLENI ISLANDS
Pakleni Islands are a small archipelago consisting of little islands and sea rocks. The meaning of their name is controversial: it literally means "Hellish Islands", but pakelna also means pine. In facts, these islands houses meny pines, used mainly for the construction of boats and buildings. Over a long period of time, the term paklina has been linked to the term pakao (hell) and that's how a linguistic mistake changed the whole meaning of the Islands' name. The main island is Saint Clement, that has a small village built by Egen Meneghello, a pharmacists, in 1848. In the village there is a Greco-Roman amphoraes' museum, which represents the biggest collection of amphoraes in the whole country!
Other beautiful Islands of the Pakleni Archipelago which are worth a visit are Jerolim, Marinkovac and Šćedro, where you can enjoy crystal clear water, cuisine traditions and many activities as water sports.
7. STARI GRAD (OLD TOWN)
Stari Grad is a very ancient town (its name literally means ""Old Town"") founded in 384 b.C.. It's located on the North-West side of the Island in a gulf safe from attacks, so Stari Grad was known as a strategic spot where Adriatic Sea's sailors could stop during their long trips. This town hosts every year music and sport events and is a real jewel of the Island. With its vineyards and its fertile fields it offers to its visitors excellent typical products, among which a delicious wine. Stari Grad is for sure an unmissable place during your stay in Hvar!
8. BRUSJE
If you want to see the authentic side of Hvar, Brusje is made for you. Among gardens, paths and stone walls, the silece reings. This beautiful village has been abandoned since the end of II WW, but the true Island life took place here. Populated since the 15th century by farmers and shepherds, Brusje now has only 150 inhabitants, who are involved in tourism and the production of essential oils, especially of lavender derivatives. The town is famous for its characteristic roofs dating back to the Roman era and for the Mediterranean atmosphere that you can breathe: visiting Brusje is like diving into the authenticity of the past of the Island of Hvar. Here you can visit the Church of St. George, the fish market and the retirement home of Macirovo
9. JELSA
Located in the central area of the island, the town of Jelsa is a gem not to be missed. It has indented coasts and offers its visitors an incredible panorama. It is surrounded by mountains and nature, so much so that it is home to one of the most beautiful parks in Dalmatia, Perivoj. The city has always been inhabited and visited by tourists, presenting monuments and buildings of historical, artistic and cultural interest, as well as its characteristics villae rusticae , houses built across the fields and used for rest and relaxation. Later, the same houses were used by ethnologists and herbalists as a support to carry out their research.
10. VRBOSKA
The beautiful town of Vrboska is the smallest on the whole island of Hvar. It is known as little Venice for its canals and bridges. Its architecture is made up of buildings in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles and the attractions that are worth a visit are the fishermen's museum (which houses a collection of nets, fishing tools and fish processing machinery), the church and fortress of Saint Mary Grace.
What are you waiting for? Book now you stay in Hvar!
Browse our selection of villas in Hvar, like Villa Liza, Villa Mare and Villa Cvita.
