It was in the second half of the twentieth century that the island of Hvar emerged as one of Croatia’s most popular destinations, a place that appealed to yachting folk and cultural celebrities as well as a travellers enchanted by its historical towns, rugged natural beauty and cute beaches.

Around the island

The island’s headline attraction is Hvar Town, an immaculately-preserved Renaissance jewel, that is also a key centre for gastronomy and nightlife. Something of a quieter alternative is Stari Grad on Hvar’s north coast, an atmospheric huddle of stone houses that also serves as the island’s main car-ferry port. The small town of Jelsa is a lively family resort grouped around an attractive harbour. Dramatically-located beaches and coves are everywhere – and while those near Hvar Town tend to be crowded, other locations round the island retain the mystique of the relatively undiscovered.

Hvar Town