Expansive fields of lavender, copious olive groves, and lush vineyards meet the eye when you step off the boat on the island of Hvar. Founded by the ancient Greeks as Pharos (the Greek word for lighthouse), Hvar went on to become a critical base in the Adriatic for subsequent rulers – from the Venetians to the Ottomans, to Napoleon and the Austrians. Through the course of history, it has always been a melting pot of cultures and influences and is still bursting with history, art, and culture.
Explore Hvar as you walk through the historic Stari Grad (Old Town) and step into another world of Venetian loggias, old world clock towers, and cobble-stoned streets. Enjoy the hub of Hvar’s activity and night life scene in the old harbor. For a taste of provincial Dalmatia, drive a short distance to a local konoba for a home-cooked meal and wine from the backyard vineyard. If sun, swim and relaxation are at the top of your list, then Travel to Hvar and stroll down the sandy beaches at Jelsa or take a short hop across the water to the grotto at Vis, the artists community at Brac, or the Pakleni Islands. Submerge yourself in luxury with the charms of Hvar with Exeter International.
For custom luxury travel and tours to Hvar and Croatia, please contact one of our travel experts.
Known by many as the sunniest island in Europe, Hvar has a temperate climate with warm dry summers and mild winters.
The very best months to visit Hvar, in terms of weather, are May – October. The warmest months, also considered the peak season months are July and August, leading up to early September. During these months, the island comes to life with local festivals and parties. It can be a bit crowded and noisy, so if you would rather avoid this then the shoulder months of May – June and September – October might be better options for travel. These months tend to be a bit more relaxed in general.
If you have your heart set on seeing the beautiful fields of lavender, then you should visit during the months of June and July. The lavender festival is held in the town of Velo Grablje in late June.
From November – March the weather can be cooler, and these are considered the rainiest months in Hvar. Many businesses close during this low season and the ferries and catamarans that connect the mainland to the islands operate on a very reduced service.
The Dalmatian coast is the country’s most beautiful region, stretching from Dubrovnik, close to the Montenegrin border, all the way to Split, in the middle of the coast. Scattered just offshore of Split you will find the islands of Hvar, Brac, Vis, and Korcula.
Hvar, being the most popular of the islands, offers a little bit of something for everyone. With your guide you can visit the many sights of Hvar Town and enjoy the local festivities held there in the summer. You may also enjoy the beautiful views over the bay from Spanjola Fortress, and then head on over to explore the UNESCO protected town of Stari Grad (believed to be the oldest in Croatia). If food and wine are of interest, then Hvar is home to one of the most well-known wineries of Croatia!
For those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities, we can arrange a custom bike tour on the island. The lavender fields are a sight not to be missed during the months of June and July.
Let us introduce you to the artisan olive oil producer, the passionate winemaker, the best seafood restaurant. Our Extraordinary Experiences are different and unusual. We can offer insider access that gives your trip a wow factor. Our knowledge is hard to match – from the personally vetted restaurant to the very best hand-selected guides; we offer incredible value and completely customized trip planning.
Our team of travel experts can customize a unique program for you, based on our Essential Dalmatia itinerary.
If you are on an Adriatic cruise we can arrange a private shore excursion with your own Exeter hand-picked private guide in Hvar. Our private shore excursions ensure that you will receive not only the best experience possible, but personalized service throughout, allowing you to maximize your time in port.
Croatia combines well with Ljubljana, in the north, and Montenegro, Bosnia and Serbia in the south. Ljubljana is the hidden jewel of the region – the capital of Slovenia with an alpine feel. Montenegro has 45 miles of Adriatic coastline and is home to some of the region’s finest hotels. Bosnia and Serbia are vibrant emerging nations full of the history of their past empires.
Just a few minutes uphill from the Old Town is the 16th century fortress known as Spanjola. Once an important defensive structure for the countless generations that have inhabited the island, it is now a place that offers an impressive panoramic view of the city of Hvar, the bay, and the Pakleni Islands. As you stroll around the walls of the fortification and look out towards the sea you are able to get an idea of its former grandeur. While you are there you can also see the collection of amphora and other exhibits, that it houses, that date back from the antiquity and middle ages.
Take a little time to walk around and perhaps enjoy a refreshment in the Terrace Café while enjoying the unforgettable views that make this place a must see while visiting the island of Hvar.
Croatia is widely known as the next big foodie destination. With its distinct regional cuisines and growing popularity of its wines, it is the perfect destination to combine history and culture with great food and wine!
While in Hvar we recommend you stop by for a meal at the family run Konoba Lambik. Set in a beautiful olive grove, this restaurant offers dishes made of fresh ingredients grown and picked directly from their garden. With a warm welcome from the hosts, followed by a wonderful meal of traditional dishes, homemade olive oil and bread, and locally produced wine, one is sure to experience a peaceful and authentic meal in this charming little rustic restaurant.
While visiting the Old Town of Hvar you will come across the Benedictine Convent where the nuns spend their lives praying and weaving elaborate laces from the fibers of the agave plant. This lace making is a symbol of Hvar and it is also on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. You may visit the museum where some of the delicate and intricate lace designs, some dating from the late 19th century, are on display. While you are there, make sure to shop for a unique piece to bring back home with you!
