Looking for a warm, sunny destination with abundant green landscapes and clear sea? Welcome to Hvar, an ancient town with a rich history on the island with the same name. Hvar is the place to seduce you with its beaches, clear sea, nearby bays and islands. If you are into active holidays, there are tennis, baseball and handball courts, beach volleyball, a net of bicycle and jogging paths and trecks, rock climbing, possibilities for sea kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving. From the rich offer of the tours and activities offered by the town of Hvar choose half-day or full day tours by boat from the port of Hvar or visit one of the numerous vine tastings tours offered by famous Hvar vinemakers. Choose the walking city tour and discover rich history and cultural heritage of the town of Hvar. Hvar is known to be very much alive, and its parties and pulsating night life attract young people from all over the world. Accommodation possibilities are numerous, including quality hotels, apartments, rooms and camping sites. The Hvar town is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Croatia.

Fortica

The best place to start your town exploration is from the top of the 16th-century fortress. It is a great place not only to get your bearing but to have a fitting preview of what is waiting for you to explore. The overlooking location of the fortress affords a glimpse at the spectacular panorama of the Hvar's rooftops, the colourful harbour and the azure waters at the distance. The site is also worth exploring with the ruins of a medieval castle and its eerie dungeon. If you just want to relax and enjoy the wonderful view before get started, do so in the comfort of the cafe located at the top of the castle. A collection of amphorae is located in the fortress.

Placja- main square

From the fortress, you can go down the steep by steps and proceed to the town's main square. The area is so full of charm, understated beauty and truly reminiscent of romantic Venice. Beautiful Venetian palaces line the streets surrounding the Placja and if you are in for a lazy stroll, there are plenty of delightful cafes and courtyard restaurants along the way where you can sample the scrumptious and mouthwatering Croatian cuisine. The central square of Hvar or Pjaca (St. Stephen's Square) is the largest square in Dalmatia. Originally a deep bay, and later the area between two fortified towns (Groda in the north and Burgo in the south), it was filled up over the centuries until it took on today's dimensions. In the center of the Pjaca is a communal well from 1529, and the Pjaca was completely paved in 1780.

Arsenal

The first Arsenal was built between 1292 and 1331 and served as a shipyard for galleys. In the 16th century, a new Arsenal was built on the same site, but the newly completed building was burned down in the attack on Hvar in 1571 by the Turks. It got its present appearance during the renovation and upgrade in 1611. In 1612, Fontik (grain warehouse) was added to the northern façade. Above Fontik is the Belvedere, a terrace and entrance to the theater which is the oldest public theater in Europe.

The church of St. Veneranda

In 1561, the Venetian authorities built the church of St. Veneranda for the needs of sailors of the Greek Catholic religion in the service of the Venetian Republic. In addition to the Greek Catholic altar, a Roman Catholic altar dedicated to St. John the Baptist was erected in the church in 1685. Frani. In the middle of the 19th century, the complex was sold to the famous naturalist Grgur Bačić, who in 1858 founded one of the first meteorological stations in Croatia.

The Annunciation

The Annunciation is a Gothic-Renaissance church from the 14th century. It played an important role in the preparation of the People's Uprising in 1510, when it served as a kind of insurgent headquarters. It is the only church located in a part of the city - Burg, where there were no nobles but ordinary inhabitants. In the nearby house of Bevilacqua, according to legend, on February 6, 1510. a wooden crucifix cried with blood, which provoked a revolt of the people that lasted for several years.

Church of St. Spirit

Gothic Church of St. Spirit was built at the end of the 15th century, on the site of an older and smaller church from the 14th century. The oldest bell on Hvar town is preserved on the bell tower of the church, which dates from 1487. In the interior of the church, Padovanova's altar fell with the image of the Mother of God.

The Church of the Star of the Sea

The Church of the Star of the Sea is the work of local builders. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century on the site of the older church of St. Joseph. The façade is shaped with a semicircular gable, with features of Renaissance and Baroque style. Inside is a baroque marble altar with a sculpture of Our Lady of Consolation, originally from the older church.

The Church of St. Mary

The Church of St. Mary was built in the 15th century as a single-nave Gothic building. A statue of Our Lady with a child is placed in the lunette of the main portal. Inside the church are altars from the 16th century, a choir with a Renaissance crucifix, Venetian work from the 16th century and the tomb of the Hvar poet Hanibal Lucić. The monastery has a library and a museum collection.

The city walls

The city walls encompass the northern part of the city and connect with Fortica Fortress. They began to be built in the 13th century, and their current shape was given during the 14th and 15th centuries. The east gate is called Porta Badoer. The people of Hvar call them Gradno vrota, ie the city gate because, unlike other gates that connect different parts of Hvar, only this one leads outside the city.

The clock tower (Leroj)

The clock tower (Leroj), originally in the system of the city's defensive walls, belonged to the Rector's (communal) palace, which was demolished during the construction of the Palace Hotel. In 1466, by the decision of Prince Venier, a public clock was installed in the tower. The bell on the roof of the tower today dates from 1564 and is decorated with religious motifs.

The Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. Nicholas was built in the late 14th or early 15th century in the Gothic style. The church and the monastery were mostly demolished during the French rule. The sanctuary of the church with an arch of Renaissance profile has been preserved. In 1849 the complex was assigned to house a local cemetery.

The monastery and church of St. Mark

The monastery and church of St. Mark were first mentioned in 1312, and today's remains date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The former three-nave building houses the graves of Hvar families from the 15th to the 18th century, and the church was also used for meetings of the Grand Council.

The lower Paladini Palace

The lower Paladini Palace was built at the end of the 15th century by the supracommittee and knight Nikola Paladini in the Floral Gothic style. Today's appearance of the palace was changed by changing the main facade in the 19th century. The ground floor and the layout of the windows on the first floors were changed. It was called a summer house because before the remodeling it had several windows on the north side which was sheltered from the summer heat.

Užižić Palace

Užižić Palace was built around 1463 in the style of floral Gothic. It was built over the southern city wall, with a facade richly dissected by monophores and trifores. The palace stood unfinished for more than 500 years.

The Benedictine monastery

The Benedictine monastery has been located on the present site since 1664, originally in the residential complex of the family of the poet Hanibal Lucić. Next to the monastery is the baroque church of St. Anthony the Abbot and John the Baptist from the 17th century and the monastery's collection of works of art and lace made of agave cactus. The nuns have been making them since the 19th century, and they are included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural world heritage.

Beaches

Although the beaches of the Hvar Town are not as popular as those around the town of Hvar, there are several that deserve the attention. One of them is Maslinica, which is two kilometers away from the Old Town. This is the only sandy beach near the Old Town. The beach has a large shoal which makes it popular among families with children. If you have a car, you can leave it in a small parking not far from the beach. Due to its isolated location, there is no additional content on the beach, so bring food and drinks with you. Less than four miles away from the town centre you can enjoy a beach getaway at Milna. You can just soak up the sun in this protected cove and if you get hungry there are several restaurants nearby. If you want to explore further, go for a short hike along the pine forest and you will soon find yourself discovering another lovely beach nearby. Amfora ( Bonj) is the largest Hvar town beach. The beach is easily reached after 800 m if you start from the city center in a southwesterly direction. Bonj is a very well visited pebble beach with rocky parts, and with plateaus made of concrete and wood. There are also regular parties on the beaches. The gastronomic offer is diverse. Bonj beach offers plenty of recreational activities. You can have fun riding a jet ski, banana boat or pedal boat. The trees provide enough shade on the edge of the beach, while in the middle of the beach for refreshment take care rented umbrellas. Well known throughout Europe, the beach Hula Hula is covered with pebbles and small stones. Hula Hula Beach is a favorite destination for young people who enjoy an active and fun holiday, as well as for passionate surfers. Hula Hula is located in the western part of the town of Hvar and is a 15-minute walk from the city center. The beach is perfect for relaxing all day with the possibility of renting deck chairs and umbrellas. In addition, numerous cocktails and exotic drinks are offered. Hula Hula Beach is well known for its beach events starting at 5pm and lasting until sunrise which you can fully enjoy on this beach. Mekicevica is located only 2.5 km east of town. It consists of two pebble beaches and a white rocky shore ideal for those who want to indulge in the intensity of the sun. Pokonji Dol beach is the most popular beach in the town of Hvar. Pokonji Dol is located in a narrow bay on the eastern edge of Hvar and is best reached on foot or by bike, because there is only a limited number of parking spaces. Boats like to anchor in the bay, and the view is directed to the small island in front, where the lighthouse is located. The beautiful pebble beach has a really shallow shore, which makes it a favorite among families as well. Towards the edges the beach is rocky. The beach, which is surrounded by lush vegetation, has several beach bars, one restaurant and the possibility of renting pedal boats. In addition, there are showers, and the rental of parasols and deck chairs.

Beaches near Hvar Town

Dubovica beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Hvar. It is only 8 kilometers away from the town of Hvar. It is located on the south side of the island of Hvar, about halfway along the new road between Stari Grad and Hvar, not far from the exit of the tunnel. There is no real signpost to the beach, but what attracts people there is the multitude of cars parked in the makeshift parking lot on the side of the road. The beach is pebbly and located in a bay that protects it from various winds. The bay and the beach can be reached by private car, private boat or organized transport from the port of Hvar. Dubovica is ideal for families with children and diving enthusiasts who can get to know the fascinating underwater world. Sveta Nedija is another beach destination you might want to check out. The area is also famous for the production of red wine so make sure to have a glass while you are there. 8 km away from the town of Hvar, lies the hidden bay Pišćena. Surrounded by a dense pine forest, with its impeccably clean pebble beach and crystal clear sea, it attracts every visitor. Near Pišćena there are red rocks, a natural phenomenon. The underwater world is also interesting.

Explore hidden bays on island Hvar and nearby islands

The islands and the city itself are the most visited part of the Adriatic Sea by the yachtsman population, but are also an essential part of Hvar’s tourist offer. From the town port on one of the many tourist ships and boats you can find some excellent day trips to explore hidden bays on island Hvar and nearby islands. The most popular of these is a tour to the magical The Blue Grotto or Blue Cave at Bisevo, near the neighbouring island of Vis. The grotto is one of the best known natural beauty spots on the Adriatic and a popular show cave because of the glowing blue light that appears at certain times of the day. Swimmers, divers, and snorkelers can swim in the small entrance. Pakleni islands Of course, not to be missed is a day trip jaunt at the nearby Pakleni islands. Just hop on a motor boat and in a few minutes, you will be in the midst of a picture-perfect island getaway with its secluded beaches, picturesque coves and lush hills. On Jerolim there is a famous and long-established naturist beach, equipped with showers and restaurants, just like Stipanska bay on Marinkovac which is also exclusively naturist beach. Stipanska bay hosts the famous “Carpe Diem” Club. Carpe Diem Beach Club organizes special Full Moon Parties with the most famous DJs creating an unforgettable atmosphere under the moonlight. Besides the popular Full Moon nights there are many more events and programs being held there throughout the summer. Ždrilca is a bay on the Pakleni islands with several small pebble beaches and numerous isolated locations that are ideal for relaxing and enjoying in the sun and attractive picturesque underwater world. Restaurants offer magnificent traditional Dalmatian dishes. Palmižana However, the most famous and beautiful nautical destination is Palmižana on the island of St. Klement, the largest island in the archipelago. Palmižana is the oldest and most famous Hvar resort, and its tourist image starts with professor Eugen Meneghello, who built the mansion in the early 20th century. Eventually the family started to bring diverse species of plants to the island, creating a rare botanical garden. The bay with a shallow sandy beach is surrounded by a thick pine forest, heather and rosemary bushes. ACI Marina Palmižana This marina is located in the bay of the same name, at a distance of 2.6 kilometers from Hvar town. It is one of the safest bays on the Adriatic, which has been known since ancient times. ACI marina has 160 berths, with the possibility of connection to water, electricity, and the use of sanitary facilities, telephone and VHF connections, shops, restaurants and cafes. Vlaka Vlaka is a place where you'll find everything you imagine under the term romantic holidays. It's a picturesque fishermen village with a little chapel - dedicated to St. Clement, which dates from the 16th century - vegetable gardens, olive groves. Wine lovers will delight in the vineyards of Andro Tomic close to Roman ruins and a Roman mud bath. A special experience is a fiesta in honor of St. Clement, patron saint of the island, which takes place on the last Sunday in July. Vodnjaci At the western end of the archipelago is a group of islands called Vodnjaci. They are known for their exotic underwater world rich in fish, making them a frequent destination for passionate divers and fishermen. On the north side of the islands is Duboka bay with two beautiful beaches and the remains of lime.

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