HVAR
This island has a surface 299,6 km2 and is the second largest island in Central Dalmatia. For the most part it is covered with mountains, and the largest settlements are located on the seashore. The climate here is very mild and snow is a real rarity in winter.
W IV w. p.n.e. the island was colonized by the Greeks, then it came under the rule of Rome. The Slavs came to this island in the 7th century. Hvar was ruled in turn by the Venetian Republic and Austria, and finally Croatia.
The town of Hvar on the island of Hvar enjoys the reputation of being one of the most exclusive, elegant holiday villages on the Dalmatian coast, and the prices of meals and accommodation reflect this. Hvar, called "Croatian Madeira” it can boast of the number of sunny days, which is greater here than anywhere else in the country. Hvar is also a spa center, where allergies are treated.
The city's Gothic palaces rise among narrow streets surrounded by 13th-century walls. Marble alleys of Hvar, closed to vehicular traffic, they resemble Venice in their mood. It was during the Venetian rule that the city got richer thanks to wine exports, fig i ryb.
Orientation
The large Jadrolinija ferries drop off passengers in the very center of the old town. The excursion boats from Split arrive in the town of Stari Grad, 20 km east of Hvar. Caretaker of public toilets behind the square adjacent to the bus station, holds luggage too 1 $ from art, but only during the market.
Information
Turist Biro is located next to the Jadrolinija ferry pier. The Atlas tourist agency in the port is the representative of American Express.
Post office and telecommunications Public phones can be found at the post office on the seaside promenade (pn.-sb. 7.00-21.00). Country code for Hvar: 021.
Sightseeing
The beauty of medieval Hvar in all its glory is best appreciated by wandering the narrow streets of the old town. At each end of the city there is a monastery with a tall tower. Dominican Monastery, once standing deep in the bay, was demolished by the Turks in the 16th century. Currently, the Archaeological Museum is located between the ruins of the monastery. If the museum is closed, it remains to admire the views stretching from the nearby road, which leads to the stone cross at the top of the hill. From the hill you can watch the picturesque landscape, "Postcard” city skyline.
At the south-eastern edge of the city there is a Renaissance Franciscan monastery from the 15th century. An interesting collection of Venetian paintings has been arranged in the church and the museum adjacent to the monastery (m.in. Matteo Ingoli's last supper).
Right in the middle of the city it stands magnificent, gothic arsenal, whose great bow can be seen from afar. Once there were kept war galleys belonging to the local community. The stairs leading from the arsenal terrace lead to the oldest City Theater in Europe (z 1612 r.), rebuilt in the 19th century. The people of Hvar are most proud of this facility. Try to get inside the theater, to be enchanted by the wonderful classic proportions (make no mistake and do not enter the Madeira cinema, displaying crime novels and erotic films).
There is a Venetian fortress on the top of the hill outside the city (z 1551 r.), it is worth a climb because of the views over the entire city from there.
The fortress houses a small collection of ancient amphoras found on the seabed. The fortress was built, to defend the city from the Turks, who plundered Hvar in 1539 i 1571 r.
Beaches
There are not many beaches in Hvar, so every tourist finally ends up on the naturist islands – Jerolim and Stipanska - located right on the shore.
Accommodation
Campsites – Will come (tel.741112) lies 4 km north of the town of Hvar.
Private accommodation – Rooms can be found through the Mengola Tourist Agency (tel.742099). Single room in high season- and double you have to pay accordingly 19 $ i 25 $, off season approx. 20% less. Homeowners are offering slightly lower prices, who offer rooms at the ferry.
Hotel – The cheapest hotel is Dalmacija (tel.741120) located by a quiet cove. In VII and VIII, the rooms cost money 36 $ i 57 $ for one and two, out of season much less.
Gastronomy
You can enjoy a snack in the Pałace restaurant next to the clock tower, main course and dessert (Dalmatian cuisine) for only 8 $. The cheapest and quite tasty meals can be found in numerous pizzerias. Buffet For, located next to the duty free shop on the bay, serves inexpensive drinks.
Grocery stores at Trgu Sv. Stjepana are the best option for those, who don't want to eat in restaurants, and the park in front of the bay is a great place for a picnic. Breakfast consisting of bread, cheese and yoghurt cost less than the average coffee shop coffee. In supermarkets, bread can only be bought until noon, so better go shopping early in the morning.
Entertainment
Hvar has a lively nightlife. In the evenings, the city streets are filled with a bustling crowd of residents and tourists strolling by the sea and the great city square, and the music is carried over the water from the cafes, which put tables outside. On summer evenings on the terrace of the Hotel Slavija, next to the tourist office, bands are playing live, similar to Venice. In summer, there are discos in the fortress of Hvar (22.00-4.00).
Journey
From III to mid. X Jadrolinija ferries, which operate between Rijeka and Dubrovnik, stop on Hvar almost every day – it is the most enjoyable, though not the cheapest way to get to the island. Ferries sailing north leave approx. 16.00, South – O 22.00. Jadrolinija agency (tel.741132), next to the ferry pier, sells tickets (10 $ to Split, 23 $ to Rijeka, 17 $ on Korcula and 12 $ to Dubrovnik).
5 times a week, throughout the year, There are local ferries between Vela Luka on the island of Korcula and Split. They stop at Hvar in the morning (flowing north) and in the afternoon (flowing south). Traveling on this ferry is much cheaper: 7 $ for travel on the route Hvar-Split and 5 $ for crossing Hvar-Vela Luka.
Cruise ships from the city of Stari Grad to Split sail 3 times a day all year round. Ask at the bus station in Hvar for bus connections to the town of Stari Grad (20 km, 2 $). There are significantly fewer connections from Hvar on Sunday.
You can also visit Hvar on a day trip from Split: you need to take the morning ferry Jadrolinija to the town of Hvar, then take the bus to Stari Grad and the last ferry back to Split.