Hvar
Hvar island is so much more than its best-known town. Surrounded by the sea, the sunniest island, 68 km long, is the fourth island in the Adriatic and is among the ten most beautiful islands in the world. The island of Hvar has a rich history with one of the oldest traces of life on the Mediterranean. The first evidence of life has been found in Grapceva cave.
Due to its significant position in the centre of the main sea routes, history on Hvar has left numerous traces that have shaped the spirit and character of today's Hvar. In 1420 it was conquered by the Venetians. Throughout their long period, Hvar has taken on its distinctive look and flourished culturally. In 1686, Hvar was part of Austria, so this year is taken as the beginning of organized tourism on the island. For years after World War II, it turned into a real tourist resort, and today it is becoming one of the most attractive tourist destinations.
The part you should not skip, and that is the tasting of wine and olive oil for which the whole island is famous.
There are four significant settlements: Hvar, Jelsa, Stari Grad, and Sućuraj.
The town of Hvar as the capital is the largest place on the island in the bay protected by the Pakleni Islands which a crown-like formation on the northwest of Hvar.
Many will say of it that it is a real city from a fairy tale. There are many examples of beautiful Gothic
and Renaissance architecture - monuments in monuments, monuments on monuments.
High above Hvar, you can climb the stone staircase where the home of Fortress Fortica is a favourite Hvar lookout. Built-in the 13th century it is still in excellent condition, with walls, towers and tunnels. Hvar has beautiful beaches and bays. Opposite the town of Hvar are the Pakleni islands, covered with a pine forest after which they got their name. A network of 10 km of larger and smaller islands with many beautiful bays with crystal clear sea.
Stari Grad is the oldest town in Croatia, the heart of the island of Hvar, and due to its location, it has been a refuge for sailors for centuries. Surrounded by a pine forest, it is preserved in traditional architecture, a walk through picturesque streets to the Dominican monastery, across Tvrdalj (home of the famous poet Petar Hektorović) and the parish church of Sv. Stjepan, which leaves every visitor breathless.