ADRIATIC ISLANDS – STAYLICIOUS experience serial

There are a lot of stories, legends, videos, and photos on social networks today about the Croatian, in fact, the Adriatic islands, and all this is just because they are irresistible.

The beauty of the Adriatic Sea and its 1244 islands, many of which are not even inhabited, but those that are, captivate all visitors and residents with their beauty.

For me, and I believe for many other Croats, it is difficult to single out the ‘one’ and declare it the most beautiful…

As with everything else, our ‘liking’ and attachment result from our experience. Let’s find an island that would be just right for you!

This SERIAL will continue every week with another island.

Go 2 Hvar

According to many, Hvar is the most beautiful. 

Still, it is undoubtedly the sunniest and, recently, the most famous Croatian island, which attracts more and more foreign guests.

In addition to the sun, sea, beach clubs, excellent restaurants, friendly, modern, and beautiful hotels, and the fantastic Paklenski Islands archipelago, located right in front of the town of Hvar, Hvar also has incredible wines.

But not only that…

When did it all begin?

First came the Illyrians, an influential nation on the Adriatic islands in the first centuries of this era, followed by the ancient Greeks…

The early Illyrians started growing wines, but wine became one of the dominant industries of the island with the arrival of Greeks from the island of Paros. That’s why they named their settlement Pharos (Stari Grad) in 384 BC, 

 Today, the Stari Grad Plain, known as “Chora Pharou” by the ancient Greeks and “Ager Pharensis” by the Romans, is a UNESCO-protected world heritage site and is the best-preserved example of a Greek cadastral agricultural plan.

How did it all begin?

The city of Hvar has a long and distinguished history as a center for trade and culture in the Adriatic. A commune part of the Venetian Empire during the 13th to 18th centuries. Hvar was an important naval base with a strong fortress above, encircling town walls, and a protected port.

Cultural life thrived as prosperity grew.

By the 19th century, the port of Hvar was no longer a military base. The Hygienic Society of Hvar, which celebrated 150 years in 2018, took the economy of the city and the island in a new direction. As one of Europe’s earliest “tourist boards”, it was founded in 1868 to provide “good care for visitors.”

In the mid 19th century, it was known that Hvar’s climate has excellent qualities and it’s suitable for treating various illnesses, especially respiratory problems. Thanks to Franz Unger, the Hvar Health Society (Società igienica di Lesina) was founded in 1868, marking the start of the era of modern tourism.

Hvar – a walk through history and elegance

Must see at Hvar are;

1. The Arsenal, which dates from the reconstruction of the 13th-century warehouse, is Hvar Theatre. This Renaissance jewel was the first public theater in Europe. Open to all classes, the theater was nonetheless for men only until late in the 19th century when women were permitted to enter.

   

2. The 16th-century lies at the head of the superb Renaissance square of the same name, the largest square in Dalmatia.

3. 

    The cathedral was erected on the foundations of a Gothic sanctuary and elegantly marries Renaissance and Baroque styles.

4. Fortica (Spanjola) is a fort built by the Venetians in the 16th century with the spectacular views it affords of Hvar town and the offshore islands.

   

5. Pakleni Islands – Palmižana. You come to Palmižana to show yourself on the yacht or sailing boat. Many famous international jet setters visit Palmižana frequently. Palmižana is like ‘the place’ and ‘it place.’ And when on Palmižana – do what all do. Send your images around the world.

   

6. Hvar Lavander or ‘lavandin’ is known as Hvar Budrovka. The islanders planted, harvested, dried, used, and sold their lavender and thus lived on its oil and related products in harmony with their environment. Today, there is less lavender on Hvar due to the fire and, later, the impact of tourism. That’s how lavender, which made the island famous in a way, the inevitable motif of postcards from the island of Hvar, became an almost forgotten part of the past. But, if you’re lucky enough to buy some tiny bottle of original Hvar lavender oil – you must do it.

   

The history of Hvar reaches far into the ancient and medieval times as a famous harbor. Still, today, it’s a no.1 destination for a perfect vacation. The mild climate throughout the year and breathtaking nature, especially the lavender fields, which are the unspoken symbol of Hvar, are a combination that many Hollywood A-listers recognized years ago and keep coming back to.

See U on Hvar or some other Adriatic Island next time.