Historic Landmark
Plain of Stari Grad
The fields of the Stari Grad Plain were laid out in 384 BC by Greek settlers and have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008.
Croatia
City
Hvar, a long, narrow island south of Split, is one of the most famous in the Adriatic.
by Felix Gillen
Hvar, a long, narrow island south of Split, is one of the most famous in the Adriatic. Its namesake town blends a Venetian harbour, a fortress above the rooftops, and a vibrant nightlife, while in the Stari Grad plain, farmers still tend fields laid out by Greek settlers.
Sights in
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Historic Landmark
Arsenal
The Venetian Arsenal at the port is a reminder of the time when Hvar was Venice's naval base.
Restaurants in
Restaurant in the Old Town, recommended in the Guide Michelin 2026.
Food and Drinks
Hvar combines fish cuisine with lavender and wine.
Gregada
Easy fish stew with white fish, potatoes and olive oil.
Lavender
The lavender fields around Velo Grablje bloom in June and July, yielding oils and honey.
Plavac mali and Bogdanjuša
Wine has been cultivated on Hvar since antiquity. Bogdanjuša is an old white grape variety of the island.
History and Rules
From 1278, Hvar served as a base for the Venetian fleet. The theatre on the main square, dating from 1612, is considered one of Europe's oldest public theatres. In 1868, a Hygiene Society was founded here, one of Europe's first tourism associations. The Stari Grad Plain was divided into parcels with dry stone walls by Greek colonists from Paros in 384 BC and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008. In Hvar's Old Town, rules prohibit swimwear on the street, public drinking, and noise; violations are punishable by fines.
Nightlife
Beachclub on Marinkovac island off Hvar, open in season from day to midnight, accessible by boat from the port.
Travel
Car ferries run from Split to Stari Grad; the journey takes about two hours. Fast catamarans connect Split directly with Hvar town and continue in season to Korčula and Dubrovnik.
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