23 Nov 10 incredible things to do on Hvar Island, Croatia’s Island Paradise
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Hvar island? Is it Hvar town with its trendy clubs and luxurious hotels? Or maybe the famous lavender fields? These two are definitely Hvar’s trademarks but there is a lot more to be discovered on this 70km long island filled with quaint villages, green fields and pine covered hills.
Ready to explore Hvar Island?
- Franciscan Monastery
A walk along the southern promenade of Hvar town leads directly to the picturesque Franciscan monastery. It is located directly on a beautiful pebble beach and was once a haven for sailors. If you like, you can also visit the monastery from the inside. There is a museum that exhibits paintings and relics.
- Take a wine tour of Hvar’s best wineries.
When God created Paradise, he was thinking of the southern side of the island of Hvar. Lush green vineyards sloping down into an azure Adriatic. Highly concentrated Plavac Mali reds, related to Zinfandel itself, the perfect accompaniment to a day relaxing in the clear waters of the Adriatic sea
- Jelsa
The lovely resort Jelsa is one of the most beautiful villages on Hvar Island. Beach addicts will get their money’s worth, because in addition to the picturesque waterfront, the old town and the beautiful marina they will find some wonderful beaches and bays. Due to its central location, you can also do a lot of excursions on Hvar and from this spot discover some of the best attractions of the island.
- Stari Grad
While visiting Stari Grad Hvar you will discover many beautiful and interesting attractions. This historic old town was founded as early as 384 BC and is therefore one of the oldest cities in Croatia. During a city walk you will enjoy ancient Dalmatian stone houses, visit the beautiful church of St. Stephen, the Tvrdalj Castle and enjoy a cup of coffee on the picturesque waterfront or at the marvelous Trg Skor Square.
- Pakleni otoci
Directly in front of Hvar town are about 20 smaller islands and islets of unique beauty: the Pakleni Islands. The most popular islands are Sveti Klement, Borovac, Planikovac, Marinkovac and Jerolim. Especially in summer, the Pakleni Islands are a famous destination for beach tourists and boaters who want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Hvar’s offshore islands. Due to their great location and their beauty, they are certainly among the most beautiful attractions in Hvar and a boat trip is highly recommended.
- Španjola fortress (HVAR FORT)
Hands down the most picturesque view of Hvar is from high above the town at the Španjola Fortress (Hvar fort, or Fortica). Overlooking the red roofs and white-washed walls of the old town, with the glistening turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands in the distance, this view will forever be etched in our memory. The current fortress was constructed in the 13th century, on the site of a former Byzantine citadel dating to the 6th century. In 1571, the Fortress acted as shelter from the local citizens after the Turkish attacked and burned down the town to the ground. Fortunately, the Fortress is now a far safer place to be, and now houses a small museum showing a collection of historical artefacts found on the seabed around Hvar.
- Explore an abandoned village
There is no better place to discover what the authentic Dalmatian life used to be like than in an old village. The abandoned stone village of Malo Grablje is definitely worth a visit. It is not completely empty though, as there is a lovely tavern hidden between the ruins, called Konoba Stori Mlin, where you can enjoy fresh, local dishes.
- The beautiful beaches
Our personal favorites are Dubovica beach (located off the road to Sveta Nedjelja) and Lucisca beach, not for from Sveta Nedjelja on the southern side of Hvar island. Or join the jet set at the glamarous Bonj Les Bains Beach Club and enjoy direct access to the beach from your own private cabanna.
- Island Hvar gastronomy
The cuisine of the island of Hvar came out of decades of exploring tastes of different cultures and combining them with aromatic spices growing wild on the island. It proved satisfactory even to the most demanding gourmets. Every tavern and every restaurant on the island have a rich variety of fish made according to traditional indigenous recipes: grilled quality fish with homemade olive oil, grouper brodetto, well-known gregada of Hvar, octopus baked under a baking lid, cuttlefish risotto, salads made of spider crab, lobster or scampi with capers and olives.
- Night life
For the second time around the island of Hvar has been voted no. 1 island in Europe according to Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It doesn’t come as a surprise, since the island boasts picturesque landscapes, clear waters and centuries old traditions and heritage. When speaking about Hvar, we can say that the island offers something for everyone. Younger or older crowds, the island tailors to everyone!
Some of the Hvar clubs and bars include:
Hula Hula Hvar
Located just 15 min away from the city center of Hvar, Hula Hula is perfect for day time partying on the beach. Sip on tasty cocktails and lounge on one of the sunbeds whilst the sun sets into the sea. Later enjoy fantastic live music or DJ mixes and dance into the night. Dubbed as one of the best places for day time relaxation, Hula Hula also offers VIP tables and open-air massage pavilion.
Carpe Diem
One of the hot spots in Hvar town and a place where you can experience exclusive Hvar clubbing. Known to have hosted numerous celebrities, this luxurious venue is a must-visit whilst on your vacation on Hvar island. Experience the true Carpe Diem spirit when the sun goes down and later hop on a boat just 10 min away to Jerolim, one of the Paklinski islands to continue partying until the early morning hours at the exclusive Carpe Diem Beach.
Kiva Bar
The perfect little club in the city center, just off the main promenade in Hvar town. Chic and exclusive, it is the place to have a good time and feel the real atmosphere of Hvar. This iconic Hvar bar is simply unavoidable! Numerous tourists of all ages mingle together with the locals in this lively and unpretentious bar, paired with great beats from the DJ. Feel the positive vibes and enjoy an overall fantastic atmosphere at Kiva, a place that you will want to return to in the next years to come.
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