the island of Hvar often finds its place on the top lists of elite travel portals around the world. With 2,700 hours of sunshine per year,beautiful coastlines, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Hvar offers a range of attractions for visitorsDid you know that the island of Hvar, alongside Sicily, is the only island with 6 entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List? We share three of UNESCO World Heritage listings with the rest of Dalmatia: the Mediterranean diet, the construction of dry stone walls that are still maintained today, and klapa singing.
Your Guide To Authentic Hvar
7 minute read
Everything that UNESCO has recognized on the island of Hvar intertwines through the island’s history. The Stari Grad Plain, or the ager, was established by the Greeks who founded the city of Pharos in the 4th century BC and named it Chora Pharou. This historical background adds to the significance of the Stari Grad Plain as an agricultural landscape that has been preserved and cultivated for centuries. The Stari Grad Plain, or Ager, is not only significant for its historical and agricultural importance but also for hosting the 500-year-old Za križen procession during Easter, which is also inscribed on the UNESCO list. This area is the only piece of land on the island that is easy to cultivate, incredibly fertile, and full of surprises. The Stari Grad Plain is perfect for taking a bike tour or enjoying a meal at the Hora konoba (tavern), which perfectly captures the essence of island life in the field.
Hvar lace is crafted by the Benedictine nuns. This special type of lace is made from delicate threads of agave leaves, using techniques that, according to legend, the Hvar nuns learned from fishermen and sailors. You can see the lace on display at the Benedictine nuns’ monastery in Hvar, preserved beneath a glass dome. I’m intrigued by how the nuns create this lace and will make an effort to document it.
The island of Hvar is also home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world, located in Zastražišće. This ancient olive tree, still cultivated today, produces olive oil. Just imagine being able to taste olive oil from a tree that is 2500 years old; it’s truly a unique experience that can’t be found everywhere. A little further in Stari Grad, on the Kabal Peninsula, awaits a journey through Bond-esque army tunnels that have been preserved since the time of Tito. Accessible via a gravel road through fragrant Mediterranean vegetation, these tunnels add to the intrigue and historical charm of the area. And when it comes to sunsets here, as you might have guessed, they are truly unbeatable.
The town of Hvar is best known for its picturesque scenery, making it the perfect backdrop for social media photos. One of the most visited landmarks is Fortica, also known as Španjola, which proudly overlooks the town. The Cathedral of St. Stephen the Franciscan Monastery, the Hvar Town Arsenal, the Hanibal Lucić Summer Residence, the Hvar Town Loggia and Clock Tower, and the Knežev Dvor (Duke’s Palace). One of the most significant attractions is the first public theater in Europe, which is located in the stunning Arsenal building, originally used as a shipyard and naval equipment warehouse. Additionally, Hvar Island is known for being the birthplace of the first disco club in former Yugoslavia and our unique superhero Lavanderman, who tells the story of life on the island in a creative and engaging way.
Today, Hvar is one of the most renowned destinations in Europe, attracting thousands of tourists each year due to its beaches, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. When we say rich history, we truly mean it, as Hvar is the birthplace of the tourism we know today. It’s quite surreal to walk the same streets where famous figures like Beyoncé and Jay Z, Tom Cruise, Sophia Loren, Jackie Onassis, Orson Wells, Jodie Foster, Wallis Simpson, and King Edward III once strolled. The list of celebrities who have visited Hvar goes on and on, and it adds to the allure and charm of the island. It’s a testament to the appeal of Hvar as a destination that attracts people from all walks of life, including renowned personalities.
The reason behind this is a handful of influential locals who, in 1868, established a revolutionary tourism association called the “Higijeničko društvo Hvar” (Hygienic Society Hvar). The name may sound quirky in today’s terms, but their visionary approach and passion laid the foundation for the future rise of the island of Hvar on the historical map of Europe. A key step in this process was the opening of the prestigious Hotel of Empress Elisabeth, named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who generously contributed to the furnishing of the former Duke’s Palace. This marked the beginning of a new era on the island, the start of organized tourism, and its development up to the present day.
PS. One of the most intriguing stories is the one about the Jelsa stone step, where Emperor Franz Josef famously set foot in 1875. It was quite a significant event for that time, having the emperor disembark on the waterfront. During the renovation of the Jelsa waterfront, the steps were relocated and transformed into a stone bench along the promenade. It’s a fascinating piece of history that adds to the charm and character of the Jelsa area.
