The 1,200 islands off the coast of Croatia are one of the most beautiful destinations for a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to this article you will discover Hvar island, considered one of the most beautiful islands in the country and an essential stopover. Located about an hour by catamaran from Split, between the Brac island and Vis island in the north and the islands of Bisevo and Korcula in the south, Hvar island is the sunniest and most touristy island in Croatia. A true corner of paradise in Europe, Hvar island is one of the favorite islands of national and international stars and is also named the "Croatian Saint-Tropez". The island is perfect for partying, but it has much more to offer. This island will amaze you with its paradisiacal coves, amazing landscapes, magnificent seabed and lush vegetation. Are you still in doubt? With this article we take you to discover this island and its beauties. Set sail for Hvar island!
A bit of history
Hvar island takes its name from the first Greek colony called "Pharos", founded in 384 BC, from Paros island. Under the Roman Empire, the island was known as "Faria" and then "Fara". Only in the early Middle Ages, when the Croatian Slavs took control of the region, the name of the island became Hvar. In fact, the missing "f" from their alphabet was replaced by the consonant "hv" present in the ancient Croatian alphabet.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Illyrians. Later, the Greeks of Paros invaded the island and founded the colony of Pharos in the current location of Stari Grad. In 219 BC, the Romans took possession of the island and then, with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the island came under the rule of Byzantium. Later, the island came under Italian, French, Austrian, Yugoslav and finally Croatian rule. That is why today the island of Hvar offers a rich cultural heritage and is a real treasure chest of monuments.
What to see on the island of Hvar?
With a rich past, Hvar island has a multitude of places to visit and discover. Among authentic peasant villages, lavender fields and olive trees, vineyards, small coves, Hvar island will amaze you. In this list you will find spots not to be missed when you travel to Hvar island with boat hire in Croatia:
Stari Grad, the oldest town on the island: situated in the north-west of the island, Stari Grad is the oldest town on the island, in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe. The town lies at the foot of a 6 km long protected bay, which has always been very popular with sailors. A real idyllic and preserved place, it is very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets with their stone houses, churches and monuments.
Jelsa, the small friendly port: situated in the middle of Hvar island, Jelsa is a small animated port surrounded by pine forests and beaches. Always a simple fishing port, Jelsa is today a real tourist town rich in historical monuments.
Brusje and its lavender fields: located in the northeast of the town of Hvar, do not miss the opportunity to discover the lavender fields of the village of Brusje. The village is known for its production of wine, olive oil and rosemary, different types of honey and its magnificent fields of lavender. The lavender from the island of Hvar is the best in Europe for its ecological production.
Hvar, the main town on the island: it is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Dalmatia. You will be fascinated by this "monument city", with its narrow streets, its stone houses with flowered balconies and its small port. You can discover St. Stephen's Square, the largest square in Dalmatia, dominated by the magnificent Gothic cathedral of the sixteenth century, the municipal theater, which is one of the first built in Europe, and the Spanish fortress Fortica, which dominates the city and offers its visitors an exceptional view.
The most beautiful beaches of the island of Hvar
During your stay on Hvar island, you can enjoy the numerous coves and beaches. Most of the beaches on the island are pebble beaches and are located in bays surrounded by pine trees. Natural sandy beaches are generally in the north part of the island. Whatever type of beach you choose, the waters are crystal clear and deep blue. Below you will find our selection of the most beautiful beaches on the island to discover on board your sailboat or catamaran:
- Dubovica beach: located 8 km from the town of Hvar, Dubovica beach is considered the most beautiful on the island. Situated in a bay in the middle of a cliff, it is an idyllic beach with only one house overlooking the sea. It is ideal for families with children, but also for lovers of diving and snorkeling, who have the opportunity to discover the seabed of exceptional beauty.
Lucisca Bay: a true corner of paradise, Lucisca Bay is ideal if you are looking for a quiet and uncrowded beach. It is a pebble beach surrounded by a pine forest that, according to legend, has the power to help couples have children.
Zavala Beach: situated near the small fishing village of Zavala, Zavala beach is made of gravel and stones and is washed by the blue sea.
- Mina Beach: this beach is located 500 meters from the center of Jelsa. It is ideal for those who are looking for a sandy beach during their holiday.
During your holidays in Croatia, Hvar island, a true paradise in Europe, will seduce you with its water color, warmth and atmosphere. You will also discover lavender fields, sandy beaches, beautiful bays and many other attractions to discover during your boating holiday on Hvar island.