Hvar is definitely one of the most famous islands in Middle-Dalmatian archipelago. It is popular amongst Slovenians, other Europeans and also amongst Asians. Asians usually go on a trip for a few weeks to really see the island and Pakleni Islands nearby. Hvar is almost next door for Slovenes. It takes us only a few hour drive to the sunny Hvar.
It is the longest Croatian island with many tourist accommodations, including hostels. Towns Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska are the most interesting for tourists. East form Jelsa lies Plume all the way to the lighthouse in Sućuraj.
How to travel to Hvar? It is the most comfortable to go by car, but there are also regular bus lines from Zagreb to Split. And if we want to completely turn off our minds, we can choose a
tourist agency. Hvar is connected by a ferry from Split to Stari grad and from Drvenik to Sućuraj. The ferry drives a few times a day. It is recommended to be by the ferry at least an hour early because the ferry gets full quickly.
The island is a starting point for many activities. You can go snorkeling, biking, hiking, go on a tour with a boat to Pakleni Islands or to Bol on Brač. The island cities won’t disappoint you. Stari grad or Fraros will astound you with its 2400 year old history. Nearby there is also UNESCO heritage site Starogradsko polje, where the antique parcellation can be seen. While strolling on fields, you can see (un)cultivated fields, and olive tree plantations. On the other side of the field is Vrboska, which we also called Hvar’s Venice because of the many bridges across the town all the way to the island with a palm. Just a glimpse away is also a popular location for families – Jelsa, full of apartments and other tourist offer. On the other side of the island is “New Hvar”. There are forts Napoleon and Španjola on the hills nearby. St. Steven’s Square is an excellent location to spoil yourself.
Hikers won’t leave Hvar disappointed, there are many marked trails and with help of hiking map, it is easy to get by.
Some suggestions for an active holiday on Hvar:
- St. Nikola is the highest peak of Hvar with 628 metres and is the third highest hill among Adriatic islands. There will be a cross on the top and a great view on Lastovo, Vis, Biševo, Pakleni Islands, Korčula, Pelješac, Brač and more. You can reach the top by bike from Viternica, village Dol or Svirče. The most beautiful path for those who like to hike is from town Sveta Nedjelja by Špilja. You can also start hiking in Viternica, in the village Dol, Svirče or Dubovica. There are many paths on the top. A cafe below the peak will give you the needed energy for the path.
- Motokit is 334 metres high and offers a great view on Milna. You can reach it from the village Milna through the town Mal Grablje or from the village Velo Grablje. From Velo Grablje you can go through Apnenica to Stari Grad. Velo Grablje was also the town of lavender. There used to be plantations of lavender, but the fire destroyed them. It would be necessary to plant it again to see the purple fairy tale again.
- Napoleon, 227 metres, and Španjola, 102 metres, are small peaks above the city of Hvar and are a great opportunity for an escape from the city into the nature. There’s an astronomy observatory on Napoleon and Španjola offers a view on the old city centre of Hvar. Pakleni Islands are calling for a trip by boat to Palmižana.
- Pakleni Islands offer many hiking paths. You can go to the highest peak Vela Glava, which is 93 metres high from Momić. You can continue to Vlaka and Palmižana, where you will earn a swim in the sea and a good lunch.
- Grapčeva Špilja is 239 metres high and is one of the most famous prehistoric deposits. You can always visit the cave and admire the history. You can walk from Tor fortress or from Humac to Grapčeva Špilja. Plume also offer many hiking and cycling paths. Most of them aren’t marked, but are in very good condition. Don’t forget to visit Pokrivenik, where they even filmed a Slovenian movie. If you’ll end up in Sućuraj, don’t forget to visit the lighthouse.
