The scent of lavender, wonderful architecture, excellent cuisine, Mediterranean nature and rich history? This is just some of what we can find on the island of Hvar. This sunny piece of paradise is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia and even in the world. What will delight us in Hvar?

Hvar Island – a map of captivating cities

Hvar is an island located in the southwestern part of Dalmatia with an area of approximately 297 km². It is one of the sunniest places in Croatia, where fans of entertainment, history and beach relaxation will find their way. It is a mountainous area, full of winding roads, on which we will encounter beautiful views. In the middle is the highest peak of the island – Sveti Nikola (626 m above sea level), and throughout the area there are many charming towns and pebble and pebble beaches.

Hvar itself is of course worth attention – the capital of the island, but also Stari Grad and Jelsa. Let’s not forget about visiting small towns, the island of Hvar will surprise you with its beauty even in its smallest corners. These include Vrboska, Milna, Ivan Dolac or Jagodna. You can find hidden, quiet bays there. We feel the atmosphere of this place even when traveling by sea – the ferry crossing can arouse delight with the view itself.

What is the island of Hvar famous for?

The island’s economy is based on tourism – it is not easy to ignore the atmospheric beaches and architecture. Fishing and agriculture also have a major impact. The island is famous for its lavender fields, which attract with their beautiful sight and smell. As some say, it can be felt all over the island of Hvar. It is therefore not surprising that they are among the main sources of income on the island. Olive, rosemary and vineyards are also thriving there. Tourists staying in nearby private houses praise wines and local products straight from the fields.

Monuments on the island of Hvar

However, you don’t leave the mainland just to see mass planted lavender. When discussing the most stunning monuments, you should start with the town of Hvar itself. Worth visiting is the Španjola Fortress and the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan monastery.

The oldest city theater in Europe is also a treat for visitors. However, in the city we can find fragments of walls over a millennium older than the 17th century theater.

Stari Grad, on the other hand, is full of amazing monuments, the most famous of which is the Hektorović Palace, which is also a fortress, a villa and a palace. Thanks to the history and culture of this place, we can even go back to prehistoric times.

In Jelsa we will find St. Square. John from the 15th century or the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1331 or the church of St. Mihovil from 1463. Of course, there is much more – you’ll definitely need a guide to see them all!

The island of Hvar and Croatia itself are an ideal place for history and culture lovers. In 2008, the cultural landscape of the island of Hvar was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Hvar island – beaches

The sun that shines all the time, long walks on the shore, crystal clear water… This is how the island of Hvar is remembered. Even in the high season you can find empty bays, and the choice of places to rest is huge. If you prefer sandy beaches, they are located on the northern coast, but rocky and pebble ones dominate. It is therefore not surprising how many tourists Croatia attracts – the island of Hvar is a beautiful place, and the breathtaking landscape of clear water remains in tourists’ memories for a long time. Many secluded places can be found among the pine forests that the island of Hvar is rich in. Beaches around the island’s capital include Milna Bay, Zaraće, Zavala, Jagodna, Mekicevica, Dubovica, Pišćena and Sveta Nedjelj.