Musts in Hvar

Hvar Island and especially Hvar town is one of the most popular destinations in the Adriatic. During the season (May to September) it can be very busy, especially during August when large numbers of Italians visit. 



Must See in Hvar


A bit of history
The Town Square in Hvar is among the most beautiful and the largest in Croatia. The square measures 4500 square meters, and the town has developed around this square, starting north of the square in the 13th century and then circling to the south of the square in the 15th century. There is also a fortress at the top of the hill with walls that encompass parts of the city. It's an easy walk, although uphill, to the fortress...it's worth the trek however because of the wonderful views you have of the harbor and surrounding areas. Don't forget to bring your cameras. There is a small eatery in the middle of the fortress where you can purchase drinks and snacks.

Architecture
The fortress as seen from the main strip
The Cathedral of St. Stephen dominates one end of the Town Square, and was built during the 16th and 17th centuries. The bell tower of this cathedral is four-stories high, with each level more elaborately decorated than the last. The cathedral was built over a previously existing cathedral that was destroyed by the Turks. Parts of this older cathedral can be seen inside the church, but most of the interior was rebuilt.

The arts
Unique ceramics decorated with spiral ornaments in red, yellow, brown, and white were found at a Neolithic archeological site, Grapčeva špilja, near Hvar Town. Since such ornaments and engraving methods have only been found on the island of Hvar, archeologists have named this kind of Neolithic art "hvarska kultura" (Hvar's Culture). The island of Hvar also has the tradition of making lace, but from the threads of agava leaves. Nuns from the Benedictine monastery in Hvar are masters of this unique craft.

Hikes and walks
Take a water taxi to the nearby Pakleni archipelago, where secluded strands of white sand, hiking trails and pine groves await. Or hike for 2 hours along the Hvar's southern cliffs from Dubovica to the winery of Zlatan Otok for a late lunch, a swim and a boat ride return to Hvar Town.

Scenery and nature
One visitor describes Hvar as "beautiful, crystal-clear blue sea, big green hills, clean air and lots of old stone." At sundown a stroll up old lanes from the square in Hvar Town leads up to another lane which, high above the others is extremely attractive and shouldn’t be missed.

Religion and religious sites
The Bishop's Treasury, adjacent to the cathedral, contains silver vessels, embroidered Mass robes, numerous Madonnas, icons dating from the 13th century, and an elaborately carved sarcophagus.



Must Do in Hvar


Visit the islands nearby. The Blue cave is a particular highlight. Options vary from hiring just the boat for the day if you are certified, hiring the boat and a skipper or taking water taxis to specific destinations. All have pros and cons but if hiring a boat and skipper for the day ensure any promised equipment is on the boat before you leave and be aware some are more customer friendly than others. The offered day tours are a good way to see the blue cave and green cave but other destinations may be more about the driver meeting up with friends for a drink than going where you want to go. These places tend will also tend to be the very overcrowded spots as well so make sure to request quiet beaches if that is what you are looking for.

Rent a boat (5 horse power) from a harbour near a football field (500 meters south from yacht harbour) for 400 kunas a day (7/2013) and explore the Pakleni Islands on your own. 10 hp for 700 kn and 20 hp for 800kn. Fuel is included in prices. You can rent boats right in the main square in Hvar town too, but they are more expensive. The islands are very close and make for an amazing adventure. Take a picinic or a bottle of wine. The boat can be anchored anywhere around the islands or tied to the rocks.

There are also frequent water taxi that go the the Pakleni Islands that run every half hour or so.

Climb up to the Španjola Fortress. Enjoy the magnificent view of Hvar town and the Pakleni Islands, and pick up Italian radio on your mobile phone.

Go dancing at Carpe Diem. This is not to be missed. The djs are usually on the international circuit and the energy is high. Boats leave from the dock in front of Carpe Diem in Hvar and travel over to the party on the nearby island. Expect music to be typically "Deep House"

Visit many pebble beaches and private coves, diving, kite surfing and windsurfing. Circular trip with bicycles Milna - Hvar - Brusje - Milna or Hvar - Brusje - Jagodna - Vira - Hvar web.

• HVAR Adventure, Obala bb (behind the Theatre/Arsenal building on the main Square), ☎ +385 91 1543072, web. Offers sailing, sea kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, cycling. 

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