Ten things to do when in Hvar

Which are the things that should be done when in Hvar? What to see, what to do?
Here is our top ten things to do when in Hvar:

1. Visit Hvar fortress Spanjola, which overlooks the Hvar port (upper picture has been taken from the fortress). This fortress is called Fortica (by it’s Italian name), and was built by Venice Republic in 1557 and it lies on the hill, protecting it with it’s fortified walls. The view from Fortica is amazing and a thing that you most definitely shouldn’t miss.
To get to Hvar fortress you can take steps just in the middle of Hvar square – Pjaca. Please note that there are quite a few stairs to get to the fortress but it’s deffinitly worth it!
Also you can take the taxi to reach the fortress. The taxi station is located just behing the Hvar Chatedrale.

2. Go to one of the beaches on Paklinski islands. The Paklinski islands are an arpichelago of islands just in fornt of Hvar harbour, protecting it from the different winds. These islands were inhabited in antic times (Villa Rusticae on Sv. Klement island) and are now protected by Croatian state. On these islands you can find different bathing, diving, suntanning opportunities. Around the islands the sea is clear, clean and perfect for you day trip!
You can take a taxi boat from Hvar port to any of the islands or you can just rent a small boat which will allow you to explore the hidden coves of the islands.
Here is the list of beaches which you can visit:
Jerolim Beach – closest to Hvar town, well know for it’s naturist past & present!
Stipanska Beach – with Carpe Diem Beach starting to be one of the most visited beaches in the Adriatic
Mlini Beach – perfect for families
Palmizana Beach – the biggest and the most popular beach on Paklinski islands

3. Dinning out. After a day at one of the Paklinski island beaches a visit to one of the Hvar restaurants is a must! Havr offers a diversity of restaurants, from the ones that are specialized in fish to real authentic conobas, the price also varies from place to place, from budget restaurants to most exlusive ones on the island.
Here are a couple of restaurants (there are plenty more!) for you to choose from:
Restaurant Gariful – a restaurant located on the Hvar Riva (in Harbour), specialized in fresh fish & Dom Perignon!
Restaurant Hanibal – on the main square
Zlatna Skoljka – slow food restaurant

4. Nightlife. Hvar is a synonim for nightlife in Croatia. After dining at of of the Hvar restaurants you will definitely try to experience Hvar night vibe. The night life begins at one of the cafe’s on Pjaca (Town Square), and then moving to Carpe Diem, the best Hvar bar and especially to Kiva bar, Nautica bar and Ka’Lavanda bar.
At the end all roads lead to Venerenada, Hvar’s most popular and costly dicoteque!

5. Historic Hvar town: Loggia, Arsenal, Theatre. In the Hvar center there are some sights which you shouldn’t miss! You can start with Hvar loggia and old Venetian clock. The loggia is dated originality from 13th century, but it’s current layout is from 16th century. This elegant building is one of the most beautiful in the Dalmatia.
You shouldn’t miss the visit to Hvar Arsenal, a place where Venetian fleet was situated and Theater, the oldest communal theater in the Europe.
Both Arsenal and Theater are located in the same building, and are currently being renovated.

6. Hvar churches The most important church in Hvar is it’s Cathedral, located on the main square. It is dated from 13th century and is named after St. Stephen the town protector. You shouldn0t miss the Benedictine convent located in the heart of the old town Hvar and Franciscan monastery just 5 minutes walk from Hvar harbour.

7. Rent a scooter or car and visit UNESCO protected Stari Grad. Stari Grad is the oldest settlement on the island founded by Greeks over 3000 years ago. It is located on the north side of the island, just 15 km from Hvar town. This town is rich with history and together with UNESCO protected Hora, a Greek parcelization, the best persevered on the Mediterranean, makes it a thing you shouldn’t miss.

8. Little old fisherman village Vrboska, around 30 km from Hvar town. This nice little village is ofter called little Venice, with it’s bridges and long bay. A unique Fortress-Church is a point which you should visit when in Vrboska.

9. Abandon villages – Malo Grablje Just 6 km from Hvar (road to Milna) you can find abandon village called Malo Grablje. It’s architecture is typically rural Mediterranean.

10. And last but not the least, don’t miss the ritual of coffe drinking at Hvar Pjaca, main town square, a daily ritual done by all local people. This will allow you to spend some time at the bigest square in Dalmatia and enjoy in history-rich view: Hvar Loggia, arsenal & theater, chatedral and vibrant Hvar port with mega yachts. It doesn’t get better than this!