Attached to the Split-Dalmatia county, Hvar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Croatian islands. This pearl of the Adriatic, located between the islands of Brac to the north and Vis, Bisevo and Korcula to the south, reveals, throughout its 300 km2, hilly and green landscapes, beaches and coves of dreams as well as a heritage of great wealth surrounded by a translucent sea. A jewel of the world's jet-set and of many visitors during the summer, a getaway outside of the busy periods, such as April, May, June or September, is an opportunity to discover its long history, its heritage, to hike and to indulge in water sports in a calmer atmosphere and under the sun of course! Not to mention the discovery of its gastronomy and wines. Hvar is regularly awarded as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. Do you need more arguments to convince you? Here are 10 good reasons to head for Hvar in 2023!
1- Hvar, the cradle of organized tourism in Europe
155 years ago, in 1868, organized tourism in Europe started on the Croatian island of Hvar, with the foundation of the "Health Society of Hvar", the Health Association of Hvar. The goal was to create the perfect winter destination with adequate infrastructure to welcome tourists and help them regain good health conditions. The project was supported by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) herself, and thanks to a generous donation, the first health hotel was built in Hvar in 1898. How could it be otherwise on an island known for being one of the sunniest in Europe, and also known for its healthy gastronomy? With an outstanding natural and historical heritage, Hvar has always worked to make tourism the island's main economic branch. As a result, it is now a world-renowned tourist destination. As 2023 marks the 155th anniversary of the birth of organized tourism in Europe, this is the first good reason to discover the island and its many charms.
2- Breathtaking nature
Hvar has a splendid natural environment. It welcomes travelers to hike through hilly and green landscapes, until reaching a historical village or a monastery. With their translucent sea, the beaches of Dubovica, Mala Stiniva or Zaraće are real land paradises. And the coastal paths reveal many other stretches of sand and coves with turquoise waters that make bathers happy. Opposite the town of Hvar, the Pakleni Islands consist of about twenty small islands and islets of unique beauty. Among them are Sveti Klement, Borovac, Planikovac, Marinkovac and Jerolim. A boat trip on sunny days is recommended to enjoy the extreme beauty of the beaches. Snorkeling and diving are also recommended. There are centers that offer unforgettable expeditions to discover the beauty of the reefs and the sea bed.
3- Visit the wine collection in Pitve
Hvar has a 2,400 year old wine history. A place where the plavac mali, the king of Croatian red grape varieties, close to the zinfandel variety, flourishes. A stay on the island will delight the epicureans in the soul, who, during an expedition in the southern part, will discover superb vineyards, including beautiful parcels arranged in terraces. Boat tours even include tasting sessions interspersed with swimming in beautiful coves. In the spring of 2023, near Jelsa in the small village of Pitve, the public will once again have access to a superb wine collection that will immerse them in Hvar's long history with wine. A history made of ancestral traditions and which goes back to the time when the Greek settlers planted the first vines. The island of Hvar, an island of wine.
4- Attend the Lavender Festival
The Lavender Festival, which will be held on July 14 and 15, 2023 in the picturesque village of Velo Grablje (epicenter of lavender production with 10% of the world's lavender oil production), is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. This event with educational, economic, cultural and touristic significance is not only an opportunity for festival-goers to participate in the lavender harvest, but also to wander between the stands to discover local products derived from the plant, including gastronomic proposals! The program is rich, with workshops, exhibitions, conferences, readings, book promotions and many other activities around the island traditions around lavender. A joyful, colorful and fragrant event!
5- Because Hvar is the sunniest Mediterranean island
Hvar is one of the oldest weather stations in Europe. 2023 will mark its 165 years of existence. Measurements and other observations are still being made today. The weather is of course one of the best reasons to visit Hvar, which enjoys more than 2,720 hours of sunshine per year and no fog. Although the climate is mild all year round, the best time to visit Hvar is from April to October. Temperatures range from 22 to 30°C and the sea temperature is above 20°C. There are only two months, January and February, when the temperature drops below 10°C and the sun often shines.
6- Feast your palate
In 2023, Hvar celebrates the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the Mediterranean diet on the Unesco list of Intangible Heritage. This cuisine is recognized for its many virtues, including the prevention of heart disease. A stay in Hvar includes good times around the gastronomy, on the markets as well as in the restaurants. Some of the best restaurants are Stori Komin in the village of Malo Grablje and Konoba Zbondini in Velo Grablje, where you can enjoy meat, fish or octopus dishes. Traveling around the island is a unique opportunity to stop in the taverns, called konoba. Rustic places where local homemade specialties are served, especially seafood or grilled fish. The island's signature dish is gregada, a stew made of fish, potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley and olive oil.
Note that Hvar is unique in that it has six entries on the Unesco list. The Mediterranean diet, but also the lace made from agave threads, the Za Krizen ("Way of the Cross") procession on Holy Thursday, the construction of dry-stone walls, the klapa song and the Stari Grad plain, as the best preserved system of agricultural plots built by the Greeks in the entire Mediterranean.
7- To see the museum dedicated to Ivan Vučetić
In 2023, Hvar will pay tribute to one of its local figures: Ivan Vučetić. A museum will open just before the summer and will be an opportunity to learn more about this man born on the Croatian island in 1858 and who remains the father of the use of fingerprints for identification purposes. The inventor of the so-called "dactyloscopic" system settled in Argentina, where Buenos Aires officially adopted his identification system in 1894. There is no doubt that this unique museum will seduce the lovers of detective stories and detectives that we are. A place that will not fail to reveal some secrets of the island of Hvar.
8- To say "I do" to your significant other or to celebrate a special event in your life
Travel+Leisure lists Hvar as one of the 25 most romantic destinations in the world. On the Croatian island, local coordinators work every year for couples from all over the world who want to say yes to each other in a dream setting. In 2023, the uninhabited island of Galešnik, which is part of the Pakleni Islands and is located right in front of the port of Hvar, will become a prime location to host brides and grooms and their families, as well as all those who wish to celebrate a great life event. Rooms and accommodations, what could be better than saying yes in a desert island atmosphere, but in Europe? And if you are not yet ready for true love, fall in love with Hvar, it will last forever.
9- Getting lost in the historical streets of Hvar
The town of Hvar is one of the main attractions of the island of Hvar. A maze of streets and alleys full of history where the camera is required and where every corner is an Instagrammable place. Mediterranean atmosphere guaranteed! The historic center reveals monuments with Venetian charm, such as the baroque cathedral of St. Stephen, located on the square that remains the largest in Dalmatia with its 4,500m2. It is always very lively with the terraces of chic bars and restaurants. After enjoying the waterfront at sunset, you can go to the historic theater, the oldest public theater in Europe, open since 1612! Culture is always in full swing in Hvar.
10- Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities
The natural environment of the island of Hvar is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Starting with biking, the roads run through a beautiful hilly countryside with Mediterranean vegetation. The nature is also composed of large rock faces and vertiginous. They attract many climbing enthusiasts, who test their agility as much as they enjoy breathtaking views of the relief and the sea. The Adriatic Sea is the playground of all those who, on both sides of the island, cross the waters by boat, kayak, stand-up paddle or simply with a mask and a snorkel to observe the marine fauna and flora.
To make you definitely want to go, remember the following information: Hvar is nominated in several categories for the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2023: best island in Europe, best city in Europe for Hvar and best hotel in Croatia for Sunčani Hvar Hotels. Wanderlust and Condé Nast Traveler magazines rank it in the top 10 most beautiful islands in the world and in the list of the best islands in Europe, respectively.
