What to see?
Pakleni islands
The group of 20 islands and rocks spreading in front of the Hvar town is called Pakleni islands (Paklinski), and it is a unique and most recognisable natural beauty of Hvar. Once without any vegetation, just barely covered with aromatic herbs and few cultivated fields ( there was a corn crops) and with a small settlement Vloka, today it represent very popular Hvar tourist excursion resort, well known around a world, specially among sailsman.
The naturist lovers have found their space under the sun in Pakleni island also (see map), and besides a restaurants offer, there are also beach bars for those who want to party during the day. Excursion boats are sailing all day between diferent spots on Pakleni islands and Hvar harbour (Usually in front of Arsenal in Hvar).
Fortress Fortica (Španjola)
Hvar cathedral
Hvar theatre (and Arsenal)
Franciscan monastery
Benedictian convent
Besides mainly a spiritual character which this convent gives to this area, today it is well known for its lace made from agava tree - this is endemic and only made here, knowledge being traditionally passed to next generations for almost 130 years.
Stari Grad
Fishpond of Petar Hektorović
This renesans poet has been building it for all of his long life, and for him it was as much important as it was his own poetry. In this building he has achieved his idea of microcosmos - small isolated world, where all living godly creatures have their space for living - fish, birds, plants and people (him, his friends, his holly vife, travelers, poor people).
The fortress is also a stone book - Hektorovic has carved in stone more than 20 writings on Latin and Italian language (on Italian only one - his life moto - Fede e realta o quanto e bella! - How beutiful is the faith and reality!), and also on Croatian language.
St. Stjepan Square
Church of St. Stjepan
is a baroque building. The work on building has started in year 1605 after the old cathedral and bishops convent were destroyed. The main portal and possibly the face of the church have been built by famous master from Korcula Ivan Pomenić, the person who built todays cathedral in city of Hvar.The Stari Grad field (HORA)
Today it is invaded by alep pine tree, which is slowly progessing to the edges of settlement. The Stari Grad field has been under protection of UNESCO together with a old town of Stari Grad.
What to do in Jelsa
Island of Hvar photos
Photos of Hvar island - photogallery
Every text description of Hvar island becomes just a feeble attempt to copy a masterpiece of some famous painter. Here are the few photos of Hvar which might help to "get the picture", but not entirelly, personal experience is all that remains.
Hvar nightlife
Stari Grad and Vrboska, are more quiet places, as well as the rest of the places on the Island.
Summer night life in town Hvar is one of „the richest on the Adriatic“. Town has a special flair and there is always something going on. Parties last all night long, and guests can visit numerous events, restaurants, taverns, pubs, clubs etc.
However, the face of the town is changed from month to month together with the different frequency of visitors, so the town is interesting in different periods.
Apart from this, at that period the conditions for swimming, sailing or just spending time in the countryside are also favorable. That's the time for travellers who don't follow trends but their own senses and who enjoy in lunch, coffee and the ambience of the town together with enough calm. July and August are for those who like crowded streets, restaurants and beaches.
Early-morning cup of coffee you will have in „Kofein“ or „Loco bar“, listening the slow music and reading your newspaper or book. After coffee, you would get on one of the small boats which will take you to the nearby Pakleni islands, where you will find yourself place on some of the small beaches and enjoy on the sun and swimm.
If you are into some "harder" partying do not miss to visit "Kiva", and later on don't forget the best cocktail bar "Carpe Diem". You should finish your day (or shall we say night?) in club „Veneranda“, with the most beautiful sunrise.
Carpe Diem:
Carpe Diem Beach:
a summer beach club in Stipanska bay, which stages parties through July and August, and is reachable by taxi boats from Hvar Town. Enjoy tropical cocktails under the shade of pine forests with views on the beach volleyball, food and beverage with a fabulous view overlooking the swimming pool and the Adriatic.Veneranda:
You will listen here electronic music. From the terrace it is an amazing sunraise view.
Hula Hula:
Kiva bar
a rock bar, their specialty is „tequila dum dum“Island of Hvar climate
The island is characterized by gentle winters, warm summers and many hours of sunshine, which allows bathing from May to November, and for the braver even longer. Gentle and moist winters (January in Hvar has an average temperature of 8.4° C) have many advantages, among other things enabling winter tourism in Hvar.
In the winter there are a windy days (jugo - the south wind), (bura - the north wind) and there are rainy days, but snow can fall once in 20 years. Infact, some hotels in Hvar offer free stay in case snow falls!
Maximum temperatures are never too high to render agriculture impossible (the highest recorded temperature of 37° C was reached in 1935).
The average annual air temperature is around 16.5° C, while autumns are warmer than springs, which prolongs the growing period. Thanks to this, vegetation in Island of Hvar is thick and of Mediterranean character, with lots of eterical plants. It is common to find more than 20 various kinds of plants in a few square meters.
Hvar has an annual average of 7.7 hours sunshine per day and 3.8 hours of cloud. (By comparison Dubrovnik has 7.0 hours of sunshine and 4.4 hours of cloud; Nice - south of France/ 7.2 and 4.2 respectively). A general belief in the health-giving effects of sunny regions led to the discovery of this "Adriatic Madeira" as early as the 19th century. It has the most hours of sunshine on the Adriatic coast, with as much as 2715 per year, and only small variations in temperature. "The Hygienic Society" was founded in 1868, and the first health hotel was opened in 1889, while The Centre for Allergies of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1965.
Gastronomy and restaurants in Hvar
Gastronomy
Lavander
The smell of lavander, which needs a strong Hvar sun to develop, will remind you of an island, but also the taste of lavander is something to be remembered.
The sweet cake made from lavander which you can get in some restaurants in Stari Grad is something not to be missed.
On the first look just an regular cake with an colour of chocolate or cream does not reveal the secret flavour.
Only after few moments if you breathe deeply you will sense maybe even unknown erotical smell which makes you want for more. In the taste of Hvar lavander, you will sense the beauty and the strength of the island.
Food & Restaurants in Hvar island
In most of the traditional Dalmatian restaurants ("konoba") in Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Sućuraj .. you can find typical Dalmatian meals such as Pasticada, "Peka" (veal, pork, octopus), baked lamb, salad from octopus, black risotto out of cuttlefish etc.
Fried squids are always popular, and also quality grilled fish from Adriatic (dentex, snapper, sea bass, sea bream, amberjack, grouper etc.)
Domestic chefs are true masters to prepare quality fish on grill which is usually served with cooked potatoes or mangel etc.
Be sure to ask for a domestic olive oil with a served fish, put it a lot !! Do not forget a glass of red wine.
There is a saying in Dalmatia; the fish has to swim 3 times, first in the sea, than in the oil (in plate), and third in the wine (in stomach) !!!
It is important to mention that quality fish (sea bass or sea bream) can be "wild" - caugt in the sea, or farmed. Farmed fish has a more percentage of fat in it, this can be hard to recognise somethimes.
Diferent kind of sea shells (warty, oysters, mussels) are extraordinary tasty if they are fresh, and are prepared with spagetti or with sauce.
Crabs from the deep sea of Adriatic - lobsters - make a top of the gastro offer - in some places for a guests with a deeper pocket.
Domestic prsciutto and cheese are usually served for starters, and for a desert choose between cheese cake, panacotta, tiramisu or Dalmatian rozata.
Here are some aproximate prices of some meals in restaurants in Hvar:
Grdobina Carpaccio …………… 55,00kn-65,00kn
Octopus salad …………… 40,00kn-70,00kn
Dalmatian prsciutto …………… 60,00kn-80,00kn
Caprese salad …………… 60,00kn
Octopus under "peka" …………… 1 kg od 150,00 kn
Mussels out of cuttlefish …………..25 dag od 60,00 kn
Risotto / Spagetti …………… od 70,00 kn
Mussels ………… 45,00kn-55,00kn
FISH
Cooked grouper with vegetables …………25 dag od 70,00 kn
Fish spread………………15 dag od 30,00 kn
Grilled/Fried squids …………… 75,00kn-85,00kn
Sea bass on grill …..1 kg od 150,00 kn
CRABS
Gambori grilled …………1 kg od 300,00 kn
Shrimps grilled …………….140,00kn
Shrimps na "buzaru" (cooked in wine)…………… .130,00kn
Shrimps fried …………….120,00kn
Shrimps baked ……………1/2kg .190,00kn
Lobster ……………1 kg .540,00kn
MEAT
Plate for 2 persons (mixed fish from grill, cooked potato)…… 1 kg od 180,00 kn
Veal under "peka"………………1 kg od 150,00 kn
Mixed meat …………… 80kn
Grilled lamb …………… 1 kg od 140,00 kn
Ćevapčići …………………..20 dag od 35,00 kn
Chateaubriand (for 2) ………….240,00kn
Pfeffer steak ………… 110,00kn-130,00kn
Beefstake ……………………….od 120,00 kn
DESERTS
Icecream…………… 15,00kn-20,00kn
Fruit salad ……………15,00kn-25,00kn
Pancakes ……………20,00kn-30,00kn
Dalmatian Rozada ……………20,00kn-25,00kn
Semifreddo ……………20,00kn-25,00kn
Chocolate cake ……………20,00kn-25,00kn
Some restaurants in Hvar town
"BONACA"
HVAR, Riva
Tel: +385 (0)99 687 3285
E-mail:
"LEPORINI"
HVAR, Groda
Tel: +385 (0)21 741 382
+385 (0)91 253 95 94
E-mail:
"PLAVA ALGA"
HVAR, Riva
Tel: +385 (0)21 717 061
E-mail:
"ZLATNA ŠKOLJKA"
HVAR, Groda
Tel: +385 (0)98 168 8797
E-mail:
"JUNIOR"
HVAR, Burak
Tel: +385 (0)21 741 069
Fax: +385 (0)21 741 069
E-mail:
"ĐORĐE POŠTENI"
HVAR, Trg Sv. Stjepana
Tel : +385 (0)21 741 138
Mob : +385 (0)98 166 20 27
E-mail:
"FAMEJA"
HVAR, Riva
Tel: +385 (0)91 1200 225
+385 (0)91 120 0303
E-mail:
"MEDITERRANEO"
HVAR, Burak
Tel: +385 (0)21 741 894
E-mail:
"CASABLANCA"
HVAR, Trg Sv. Stjepana
Mob+385 (0)91 575 3808
E-mail:
"GARIFUL"
HVAR, Riva
Tel: +385 (0)21-742-999
+385 (0)95 8540 387
E-mail:
"LUNGO MARE"
HVAR, Križna luka
Tel: +385 (0)21 742 093
Fax: +385 (0)98 361 543
E-mail:
"ZORAĆE"
restoran DUBOVICA ZARAĆE, Zaraće
Tel: +385 (0)21 745 638
+385 (0)91 569 9356
"MLINI"
PAKLENI OTOCI, Ždrilca
Tel: +385 (0)91 78 38 675
"ŽDRILCA"
PAKLENI OTOCI, Ždrilca
Tel: +385 (0)98 597 315
"ROBINSON"
HVAR, Uvala Mekićevica
Tel: +385 (0)91 383 5160
Island Hvar beaches
Beaches in Hvar island
The beaches in Island of Hvar are generally rocky - pebble, situated in bays, surrounded by pine forests. There are also several natural sandy beaches, mostly on the north side of the island due to fact that north winds ("bura") and sea waves are stronger then south waves and wind ("jugo"). Pebbles in pebble beaches are also mostly smaller in the bays on the north side beaches, and therefore more suitable for children. The shallow sandy beaches in deep bays can be found near Jelsa, in bay "Mlaska" near Sucuraj on the north side, and exceptionally on the south side of the island in beach "Cesminica" in Sucuraj.
But wherever you go you may be sure you will find perfectly transparent, clean unpolluted sea !
The beaches around Hvar town
Mekicevica
It is situated near Hvar town, 2.5 km to the east. It consist of 2 pebble beaches and white stone shore ("Bilo punta"), ideal for those who want to feel all the strength of Hvar sun.
There is an restaurant in the bay. You can get there walking or by boat.
Milna
The small village and bay Milna is 4 km east from Hvar town. There are 2 pebble beaches and pitoresque pine forest with agava trees and vineyards.
Along the bay there are two other bays also with pine forests - "Malo Borce" and "Veliko Borce". Milna is one of the oldest excursion getaways of Hvar town, established since the beggining of tourism in Hvar. Its relaxed rural nature is confirmed by old mansion from 17 century, built by the old noble Hvar family Ivanid.
There are several restaurants in Milna. There is an organised transfer by boats from Hvar harbour, and it is also possible to come by car or by foot.
Zaraće
Under the old abandoned village of Zarace, situated on the top of the stone rock (from the sea looking like a pirate nest), there is a deep bay with large pebble beach.
For the lovers of underwater sea life there are very interesting pictoresque areas in this part of Hvar. There are several restaurant here. You can get here by car or boat.
Dubovica
The favorite Hvars ecxursion spot situated 8 km eastern form Hvar town, with a large pebble beach and wonderful underwater areas. Like a Milna, Dubovica also has a long "getaway" tradition. There is a restaurant there, and you can come by car or by boat.
Pišćena
The excursion place 8km east from city of Hvar, with a pebble beach and thick pine forest. Also there is a restaurant here. There are daily excursion trips organised from Hvar harbour.
Sveta Nedjelja
The settlement and excursion spot is 12 km away from Hvar to the east, it is best to come here by car. There are nice beaches along the shore as well as restaurants and pensions.
Jagodna (Bojanića Bad)
Somewhat more detached excursion area (13 km from Hvar to the east). There are several restaurant and pensions. It is possible to come here by car.
Beaches in Stari Grad
Several hundred meters from the center of town, there are 2 city beaches which you can reach by foot.
The beach Banj
pebble beach situated on the north side of the Stari Grad bay, it is apropriate for small children and also good for disabled persons. There are restaurant, and you can rent beach cheers.
On the south side of Stari Grad bay there is a beach Lanterna. It does have smaller pebble beach with steps for entering the sea. There are restaurant, showers, cheers and the locker rooms.
The bay Maslinica
is situated 2 km from the center near the Stari Grad ferry harbour.
It is the only sand beach in the Stari Grad bay area where you can come by car. There is a parking lost near bye.
In the rest of the smaller bays of the Stari Grad bay area you can come by driving a car along the peninsula Kabal, or by boat that you can rent in several renta boat agencies in Stari Grad, or by taxi boat which will transfer you to the bay of your choice.
Beaches in Jelsa
Mina
sandy bay which is about 500m from the center of Jelsa. Ideal for children.
Grebišće
sandy beach bay about 1.5 km away from Jelsa. It consists of 2 bays "Velo Grebišće" and Malo Grebisce".
The bay of St. Luka
pebble beach, 4km east from Jelsa, also arheological finding spot from Roman times. There is a small church of St. Luka on the cape of the bay.
Vrboska beaches
The bay Maslinica
is very popular beach with crystal clear sea.
Soline
- peninsula with several pebble beaches from the south side, and on the north side there are flat stones of naturaly square shapes.
