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The Island of Hvar is the fourth largest island in the Adriatic and in 1997 was voted as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world by Traveller Magazine. It is known as the 'Madeira of the Adriatic', and its splendid climate boasts an average of 2,715 hours of sunshine a year. The island is noted for its lush vegetation, pinewoods, olive trees and various aromatic plants that perfume the crystal-clear unpolluted air. Hvar is renowned for its spectacular lavender fields and its many vineyards, producing over 47 different types of quality wines.
This is an island with a rich cultural heritage and architecture, hosting many beautiful resorts and picturesque villages in peaceful, idyllic settings.
Hvar Town is a handsome fortified town built of honey-coloured stone, which today has become cosmopolitan and is often lively. It is one of the most architecturally beautiful in the world with its Venetian Palace and a perfect, centuries-old theatre, the first to be built in Europe and still in use today. There is a white polished stone square in front of the Cathedral, which looks out over the pretty harbour with a backdrop of islets.
Local Costs - Hvar
The prices shown are approximate and are based on popular locations during the main tourist season. Variations will apply according to location, season and style of establishment.
Large draft beer £3
Glass of wine £1.75
Litre bottle of restaurant house wine £8.75
Litre Bottle of restaurant branded wine £22.50
Gin & tonic £3.10
Coca cola £1.75
Half litre of restaurant bottled water £1.75
Espresso coffee £1
Tea £1
Cappuccino £1.25
Snack lunch toasted sandwich or burger £3.20
Large Pizza £6.25
Pasta dish £6.25
Salad £5
3 course dinner menu £25 per person
Ice cream £0.75p
Taxi from Hvar- Stari Grad £32
Water taxi Hvar- Pakleni Islands £3.75 - £6.50
Bicycle hire £12.50 per day
Motor boat £50 per day
Excursions from the Island of Hvar
This is a selection of the most popular excursions available from the Island of Hvar. The information given below is intended as a guide only. Transportation, guides and entrance fees are normally included. Meals are not included unless specified. Some tours may operate in the peak season and others may depend upon the weather.
This is a must do excursion! Make your way to the harbour and cast off at 10.00 to the beautiful Pakleni Islands, an archipelago comprising 18 small islets, the largest being St.Clement. Many of the islands are deserted and others have small bars and restaurants with moorings for yachts. There is an almost Seychelles feel to these islands! Drop anchor for an off boat swim before arriving at the main island of St. Clement where there are a few restaurants, bars and toilet facilities, but nothing to spoil the Robinson Crusoe affect. There is also a decent beach for swimming and a walk through the woods taking in the numerous aromatic herbs, cactuses and agavas adds to the perfect day.
A mouth watering lunch of fish grilled by the crew and washed down with a good wine from the islands is included in the cost. You disembark back on Hvar at about 16.00.
Cost approximately Kuna 200 (£25).
Departure from the harbour towards Makarska from where we continue by bus to Dubrovnik.
During the drive along the Adriatic coast we will pass along numerous
islands, bays and peninsulas and before you know it we will be in Dubrovnik - a historical town
protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
After a guided tour there will be enough time for independent exploration.
Visit the impressive city walls (2km long), do some shopping, have lunch in one of
the many restaurants (not included) or simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique
city before your late afternoon departure.
Cost approximately Kuna 630 (£78).
Island Tour - Full day by minibus
After a pleasant drive through the inland of the island we arrive at Stari Grad, one of the oldest settlements on the coast. It was founded already by the Greeks in the 4th century B:C and named Pharos. After a short visit, which includes the Dominican Monastery, we continue through the well known vineyards of Hvar before reaching the small town of Vrboska where we will visit the church of St. Lawrence with one of the finest collections of Renaissnace art on the island. We continue towards Jelsa, a charming little town on the northern part of the island founded in the 14th century. Some free time for lunch (not included) and individual sightseeing. Continuing through Hvar's lavender fields we come to one of the many typical villages where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the excellent local wine before returning to Hvar Town.
Cost approximately Kuna 240 (£30).
Islands of Vis & Biševo and the Blue Grotto - Full day by boat
The remote island of Vis seems as impregnable as a Bond villain's lair and as beautiful as Capri before the tourists. Despite its picture postcard beauty, its olive groves and vines, its ancient ruins and deserted beaches it remains unspoilt with few tourists. But the ancient Greeks found it and to them it was a jewel and on the remains of the old Greek settlements we find today the towns of Komi¿a and Vis.
The neighbouring islet of Biševo is a part of the archipelago of smaller islands surrounding Vis. The attraction of Biševo is the ‘Blue Cave', a natural phenomenon which can be entered only by small fishermen's boats. The cave itself is quite spacious and offers an unforgettable experience, especially the light effect created by the sun reflecting in the cave through the sea.
We continue to Komi¿a, whose inhabitants are believed to be the best fishermen on the Adriatic. So there is no surprise that we find a museum dedicated to fishermen in this little town. The museum is located in a 16th century fortress erected for protection against Turkish attacks.
After a short visit to the museum time for swimming and relaxing.
Cost approximately Kuna 350 (£44).
Cast off from the harbour towards the Island of Korčula, a mixture of different European cultures. Here we find remains of Illyrian, Greek, Roman and Venetian cultures. Upon arrival there is a guided tour including visits to the City Museum, with a fine collection of stone artefacts; the Bishop's Palace with a collection of Rennaisance and Baroque drawings and Venetian and Dalmatian icons. The main attraction is certainly the cathedral of St.Mark from the 14th century constructed by the famous local builders, the brothers Andrijić.
After the tour you can take the opportunity to visit the house where Marco Polo was born.
Cost approximately Kuna 580 (£70).
Cast off from the harbour towards the Island of Brač and the town of Bol, located on the southern part of the island. Bol is the oldest settlement on the island of Brač. Upon arrival take a pleasant walk along the seashore towards one of the most beautiful beaches in Dalmatia - Zlatni Rat. This beach covered with tiny,round white pebbles, offers the possibility for swimming, sunbathing and complete relaxation.
The day is completely at your leisure and there will be time to visit one of the oldest wine cellars in Dalmatia, the Dominican monastery or maybe have lunch (not included) in one of the many restaurants. Return during the afternoon.
Cost approximately Kuna 250 (£30).
Split & Trogir - Full day by boat
Split is the largest and most important town in Dalmatia. The town was developed around the palace which was erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
We will start the sightseeing with a visit to the well preserved ancient cellars where one can best experience the dimensions of this magnificent palace. We continue with a visit to the Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the oldest in the world. The Cathedral was built on the remains of an ancient shrine. Across from the Cathedral is the Temple of Jupiter which today is used as a baptistry. The tour will end in front of the Golden Gate - the northern entrance to the town.
From Split you proceed to the beautiful historical town of Trogir for a short guided sightseeing tour before your return to Hvar in the late afternoon.
Cost approximately Kuna 550 (£68).