Hvar Old Town

Why Hvar is special
The island of Hvar captures the laid-back Croatian character. And its architecturally charming main town (also named Hvar) is simultaneously venerable and trendy.

Top 5 Hvar Town attractions
Main Square
Visitors and locals enjoy congregating here. This large public space is flanked by some interesting building facades and by the handsome 16th-17th century St Stephen's Cathedral whose soaring tower commands the skyline. The main square also abuts the yacht-rich harbor. Spanish Fortress

Spanish Fortress
This 16th century citadel is perched on a hill overlooking the town and the Pakleni Islands offshore. The 20-minute climb to reach the Spanish Fortress is rewarding because the panoramic views from the ramparts are captivating (see photo).

Nightlife and dining
The town is renowned for its lively clubs, interesting restaurants, and alfresco bar-cafes. The last is great for people watching.

Carpe Diem Club is the most famous. This immensely popular club draws 20-somethings and their wannabes for its day-to-night, music-filled, energetic party scene. However, some people think it lost some of its original spontaneity.

Monastery and Convent
The Franciscan Monastery boasts an impressive 15th century Last Supper painting. Another religious institution, the Benedictine Convent, handmakes quality lace.

Back alleys
Explore these narrow, cobblestoned passageways.

Top attractions beyond Hvar Town

• Pakleni Island beaches
  They are a brief boat ride away from the main square. The Pakleni Islands have secluded beaches (some for nudists) for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
  
• Stari Grad
  The name means "Old Town". The Stari Grad community dates back nearly 25 centuries and is about a half hour away by road or ferry.

When to come
Hvar Town has become a popular vacation for jet setters as well as for us ordinary folks. It is often jam-packed (and expensive) in July and August. May is the best all-around month (great weather and tolerable crowds).

Beaches
Although tourism brochures praise the beaches, in reality they are not exceptional enough or are too crowded to attract visitors on their own merits. Watersporting is even more hyped.

Sunny days
Hvar has a blessed climate. It offers vacationers more sunny days than they will find in virtually all other European beach holiday areas.

Interior
Some hillsides and mountain slopes are picturesquely blanketed with vineyards, olive groves, and aromatic lavender fields.

Architecture
Many Hvar Town buildings are designed in the Venetian style because the island was controlled by Venice from the 13th to 18th centuries.

Dimensions
Hvar Island measures about 68 kilometers (42 miles) in length and roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) wide. The highest point is 628 meters (2,050 feet) above sea level.

Exploring the island
You can rent a car or scooter. And there are decent inter-island ferry and bus services.

Getting there
Ferry service from the mainland Croatian city of Split is the most popular departure option. Ferries from Dubrovnik take much longer.

How to pronounce
Hvar = vahr (The "H" is silent. And the "v" has a hint of the "f" sound in the word "far".)

Location in Croatia