Hvar - the sunniest island in the Adriatic...

The island of Hvar is the Croatian island with the most hours of sunshine during the year and is best known as a top summer destination in Croatia. Because of that, the hotels on the island had an interesting marketing propaganda where they guaranteed to give away free holiday accommodation if it would rain more than 3 days on the island, so with 2718 hours of sunshine per year, Hvar is also known under the name "Sunny Hvar".

The island of Hvar is really a great combination of everything one can imagine a destination has - great and long history, special accommodation offers, nature, large vineyards and lavender fields, guided UNSCO bike tours, kayaking and hiking adventures, rich gastronomy and last but not least one of Croatia's best nightlife offer is on the island of Hvar, more precisely in the town of Hvar.

Hvar is the longest island in the Croatian archipelago. As said Hvar is rich in history and has raised many famous names among scientists, archaeologists and writers. On the island there are three major towns, the capital Hvar, Jelsa and the oldest town Stari Grad, which in themselves bear witness to work and rich history such as churches, houses and theaters.

The history of Hvar already lasts for a millennium. Nautical position of the port of Hvar is responsible and certainly important for the richness and content of the island. From the very beginning of sailing, the island of Hvar was the center of the Adriatic Sea waterways. The port of Hvar, protected by small islands, has excellent natural position where you can take shelter from dangerous winds. The oldest town on the island of Hvar is the town "Stari Grad" which has a Greek heritage from 385 B.C. which today is a UNSCO World Heritage Site as well as other places on the island of Hvar, Stari Grad was for a long time the administrative and cultural center of the island.

In the 15th century, the inhabitants of Stari Grad moved to the town of Hvar in order to take advantage of Hvar's wide, protected harbor. Piracy was highly active at that time as the islanders built a defensive system of walls and fortifications on the land side of the town of Hvar which today represents the tourist highlight as well as the fortress "Fortica" and a large wonderful square in the middle of the town and the Renaissance cathedral. In 1612, Europe had its first municipal theater built in the town of Hvar; the theater was the first one for laymen in Europe, and its facade is very well preserved from the historical turmoil that the island went through and is a symbol of Hvar's and Europe's cultural heritage.

The island became successful from fishing, boat building and lavender, rosemary and olive cultivation. Hvar has also been known by the name "island of lavender" for many years. This fragrant herb with its extraordinary medicinal properties, grows in lush fields in some of the island's most picturesque places. Fifty years ago, Hvar accounted for 8% of the world's total lavender oil production; but now production is limited and mostly produced in the form of tourist products.

Hvar's tourist offer is, perhaps, the richest tourist offer in the Adriatic. Restaurants, hotels, active vacation facilities and impressive number of private apartments that vary from traditionally designed to luxury, are accompanied by the hottest and glamorous nightlife in beach bars and nightclubs. Our favorite place to relax and "take it easy" but still offering the opportunity to party during the day and where you will definitely find the most beautiful sunset is in the beach bars "Hula-Hula", "Farko" and others along the coast.

In front of the town of Hvar you will find 20 - somewhat small and larger islands and rocks called "Pakleni otoci", something we really recommend is to visit the beautiful bay "Palmizana" with a botanical garden, nice restaurants with wonderful turquoise water.

The island is also known for its traditional wine production from autochthonous grape varieties "Bogdanuša", "Plavac" and other types. Croatian wine in general usually feels like a poetry on the tongue filled with flavor mostly due to their sunlit grapes that long hang warm the vineyards. If you get the opportunity to taste the wine variety "Ivan Dolac" do not hesitate to try it, it is from a famous vineyard in the southern part of the island.

When you think about it, it is somehow difficult to explain the feeling you get when you visit the island of Hvar and the town of Hvar in particular. It is like you are in a city where you have wonderful architecture, city life with the possibility of shopping, but at the same time you feel the sense of relaxation, nature and the smell of wonderful bathing bays that only an island can offer you - it is absolutely wonderful.

The philosophy that every Croatian island has is : - "Pust me stat" which is similar to "don't worry, be happy", but with typical Dalmatian laziness. It allows you to really relax, recharge your batteries and escape from your everyday anxious mind, just like a vacation should be!