Places to go...

There are many great places to visit in and around Hvar – the difficulty is dragging yourself away from the sea, or that relaxing seat at the outdoor café, long enough to see them!

By the sea

This region of Croatia has a mainly rocky coastline, so whilst you won’t find many sandy beaches, is does mean that the water is incredibly clear. In fact the amazing water is one of the things that first made us fall for the Island of Hvar.

Around town...
There are several places to swim and sun bathe close to town. Walk along the harbour in either direction for 10 or 15 minutes, and you will soon find places to swim. In high season there are sun loungers to rent, and small bars spring up.

A little further away…
In the harbour just a few minutes walk from 'Gerberas' there are a variety of taxi boats which will take you to the nearby Pakleni Otoci. This string of small islands is between 10 and 20 minutes from Hvar, and each have there own character. Stay close to one of the small cafes and restaurants, or find a secluded corner of one of the nudist friendly islands to work on your all over tan.

Or you could rent your own boat and have the freedom of the many quiet bays.

In Town

The main square is of Venetian origin with the Cathedral of Sveti Stjepan dominating one end. But instead of being enclosed, the fourth side of the square opens onto the Mandrac, or inner small harbour. From there you are on the main Riva, or harbour front. The yachts of the rich and famous come here in the summer, as well as many smaller chartered boats.

The Franciscan monastery is a short walk along the Riva and into the next bay. There are many open air concerts in the cloister here during the summer. This is part of the Hvar Festival: a programme of music which runs from June to September each year

It is also well worth taking a walk up to the Fortress above the town. There is a small museum and bar, but most importantly a fantastic view of the town, the harbour and the Pakleni Otoci islands in the distance. A great place to watch the sunset.

Eating and drinking

There are restaurants and bars all around the old town. Seafood is outstanding in Hvar, and the Island’s historic links with Venice mean that an Italian influence is still very apparent. Restaurants come in all styles and prices from the simple pizza place to some very stylish restaurants which have opened more recently. There are recommendations on some of our personal favourites in the guests book at 'Gerberas'.

Sitting outside a cafe enjoying the warm air and people watching opportunities is one of the most practiced occupations when in Hvar. Whether it is morning coffee in the Square, a cool afternoon drink by the water, an ice cream on the Riva, cocktails in a bar/club or a nightcap on the way back to 'Gerberas', we are sure you will enjoy finding your own favourite spots.

Around the Island

Hvar is famous for its lavender, and if you visit during the late spring and early summer you can see the lavender fields in bloom around the village of Brusje, about 5 miles into the hills from Hvar Town. This is small scale local growing rather than the huge commercial fields in the south of France, and there are great views across to the neighbouring Island of Brac.

Jelsa is a small harbour town on the north side of the Island with a quiet laid back charm. You can take a boat trip from here to the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach on the next island of Brac. The currents and winds change the shape of this beach each day, and you are sure to see it featured in guides to Croatia.

Other popular excursions are to the wine growing area on the southern slopes of the Island, or the pretty village of Vrboska.