We don’t want to bother you with the historical facts because Hvar has a rich and long history and if you are a history lover and you have decided to spend your vacation on this beautiful island there is a large number of private tours and group excursions that will not spare you exciting details!
Hvar’s tourism story began back in the early 19th century when the first hotel in the town of Hvar was opened. The idea of building a modern spa hotel did not succeed because of the lack of financial resources. The money that helped to finalize the hotel came from the Viennese Court, but the condition was that Queen Elizabeth will be the patron and that the future hotel bears her name. (former Hotel Elizabeth, today’s Palace). This step has triggered the development of tourism and Hvar became a world-famous tourist destination with a growing number of visitors! Activities for every age and various appetites and many hidden places worth visiting confirm the quality of its offer.
Hvar is divided into four municipalities: the Town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Sućuraj. In the past, in this area, everything was in stone, so locals afforested it. Island is characterized with a Mediterranean climate with mild and short winters and long and hot summers. Although Hvar is said to be the sunniest island, it is more due to the tourist promotion. The island of Vis has the most significant number of sunny hours, but Hvar is immediately behind and still one of the sunniest islands in Europe!
The town of Hvar offers remarkable examples of architecture such as Hvar Fortress (Fortica), St Stephen’s Cathedral, Hvar’s Theater and Arsenal, Franciscan Monastery… The especially exciting fact is that Hvar’s theatre is the oldest public theatre in Europe and is considered one of the great cultural treasures of Croatia! Apart from architecture, this exclusive tourist destination will delight you with numerous restaurants, cafe bars, accommodation facilities and shops to fulfill your wishes and for everyone’s taste!
In the center of the island of Hvar, the small fishing village of Jelsa with its indented coast is equally attractive to tourists. The smaller offer means lower prices and more peace, so it is up to you to choose what type of vacation you prefer. Of course, we have to mention the fantastic nightlife that attracts young people looking for fun. Hvar town is a place where pleasure does not depend on the day of the week. Exclusive party life is often the main reason for the chosen destination!
The oldest town in Croatia, the „Old Town,“ was founded by the Greeks. A small tourist place is characterized by its history. We said that it is better to explore the history of the island upon arrival depending on your interests, but we leave you with one fantastic fact to confirm the strength of this place of great admiration.
Old Town (Pharos) was founded the same year when famous Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle was born in the city of Stagira near the eastern coast of the peninsula of Chalkidice (384 BC). The historic core of Old Town and the cultural landscape of the Old Town Field was enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008!
With more than 20 km of coastline from the north and south of the island, Sućuraj, due to its position and untouched nature is an ideal place to escape from the city crowds. Despite a small number of restaurants and cafe bars, it has everything you are looking for..hidden coves, beaches and beautiful scenery … whether you are planning a trip or you love fishing and diving, be sure to visit Sućuraj!
South of the city of Hvar, there is a group of small indented islands – Pakleni islands. Take a leisurely ride on the Taxi boat from the town of Hvar, and in twenty minutes you will admire the natural beauty, hidden coves, scented plants and a more peaceful atmosphere of Pakleni Islands.
Did we say enough about this magnificent island?
Celebrities also adore this Croatian beauty. The famous actor Tom Cruise, rapper MC Hammer, British singer Boy George, world champion Formula 1 Michael Schumacher, Beyonce and Jay Z are just some of the famous names that visited Hvar and are willing to return to this exclusive destination! During the 20th century, the island of Hvar visited Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy!
While Hvar was once the main Venetian port on the eastern side of the Adriatic, today it is a favorite vacation island whose tourist offer meets your requirements! Discover this magnificent island and see for yourself!
Special thanks to Nina Bogdan for these great images.
