Discover ™ ! the what to see, where to go, what to do newspaper for tourists 2 Shopping on Hvar Hand-made jewelry to ! custom sportswear and great wine FREE COPY 3 What to see and do Renaissance palaces, secluded beaches. nonstop nightlife, lavender and lace 4 Island map 5 Ready,set, adventure Sea kayaking, sky diving, biking, free climbing and more 6-7 Great day trips From wine tours and island-hopping by speedboat to spa retreats Discover Hvar Town Discover Jelsa Discover Stari Grad The island of Hvar is almost as Laid back and lovely, the charming Stari Grad is much more than the 8-9 Wining and dining famous as itself! It's no seaside village of Jelsa has always island's main ferry port. The old From gregada fish stew and wonder, with travel writers and been popular with families. This town, dating from 384BC (the killer burgers to gourmet lobster tourists from all over the world year it will be even easier to enjoy name Stari Grad literally means calling it “one of the 10 best island with direct seaplane service from “Old Town”), is one of the most 10 Discover Jelsa destinations” on the planet, that Split set to begin in June. Framed ancient villages in all Europe. It's Laid back and lovely, the island of lavender, romance by a picturesque harbor, a warren just a few kilometers from where beaches, nature and more and excitement is so popular. of alleys lead from the waterfront the ferry docks, so don't miss its Whether it's Hvar Town. Jelsa, town square to ancient churches, many gems--Petar Hektorović's 11Discover Stari Grad Stari Grad, , Sućuraj or the a collection of stone monuments castle (1487-1572), the Dominican A UNESCO World Heritage site, magical villages all around the from as far back as Roman times Monastery (with an iconic painting great food, art and history island that make Hvar so special, and an endless parade of well by Tintoretto); and the Ager, the rent a scooter or hop on the bus preserved stone houses. A short oldest continuously farmed to experience as much of the walk away reveals some of the agricultural site on the planet, 12 Feeling good island as you can. Poke around, island's best beaches and now a UNESCO World Heritage Chill out or bliss out, chat up the locals, find your fancy! wonderful, scenic walking trails. site for you to enjoy! Hvar has it all DiscoverHvar would like to thank www.hotelnights.com for this photo

Taste Croatia! Toast Croatia! Wild game, unique cheeses, pršut The best Croatian wine by the glass! olive oils, fresh fish and more! Wine tasting reservations: +385 98 96 96 193

DELICIAE MEDITERRANEAE PRŠUTA 3

FRUIT Deliciae MARKET PRŠUTA 3 WINE BAR Mediterraneae /deliciae.mediterraneae up the stairs to the Castle/18.75 steps on your right CATHEDRAL in the Fruit Market opp. the Cathedral / Daily 8 to 21 MAINSQUARE From 18 / come for a glass, stay for a bottle! Shopping on Hvar

From fabulous hand-made jewelry to vintage bottled wine

wine here, grown on the steep sunny south side of the island is plavac, a marvelous red. But don't miss out on Bogdanjuša, a winner of a silver medal at The International Balkan Wine Competition in Sofia. Enjoy a glass or bottle at a restaurant or café and then go to a market or a shop and buy it! You Extraordinary wines from Ivo Duboković can also experience an authentic Foodie heaven tasting in Svirče, the heart of Hvar Hvar is also a great place to buy wine country, at the award-winning Croatian delicacies that make great Caric winery in Svirče (just call Ivana small gifits. The chocolate here is at + 385 98 160 6276. Enjoy! excellent and inexpensive; jams, fruit and herb liquors, local olive oil, dried figs (sometimes with almonds and other nuts)—even salted sardines and anchovies. A funky Hvar's unique blend of sophisticated surprises, including the stunning place to find a great selection of chic and village charm makes Coral Shop, whose island owners island and off-island yumminess to shopping here both a challenge and use local coral to make some go is Deliciae Mediterraneae, next an opportunity. Just up the steps spectacular silver pieces. to Hvar Town's Vegetable Market up that lead up the hill from Hvar the steps before you hit the main Town's main square, the back More than just a scent town square. Wild game, unique streets are full of specialty Lavender is a quintessential part of cheese, more! You can also find boutiques that are well worth a Hvar history and it's more than a intriguing food items for sale in look. Here's where you will find pretty smell: it's a natural insect- many Hvar villages sold by locals some of the best contemporary repellent as well as an air purifier. who put out a table in front of their sportswear, shoes, crafts and As a lotion, its medicinal soothing house and let you taste a sample. jewelry. The restaurants, cafes and and relaxing qualities are used both Last but not least, you can't leave wine bars up here are also great antiseptically as well as to treat Hvar without some bottles of ine, dry-aged pršut, wine, cheese and more places to come after a day on the everything from hyperactivity and fabulous Hvar wine! The signature at Deliciae Mediteranneae in the market water or at the beach. insomnia. It is one of those rare oils Back down on the main Square, the that can be applied directly onto the row of stalls to your right along the skin without staining. As an Riva sell all sorts of local hand- aphrodisiac, lavender has few rivals made crafts, from lavender sachets (some claim it even helps to some very fine custom jewelry. If impotence!). Among its fabled you walk towards where the luxury users—Cleopatra, the Biblical yachts and the Jadrolinija catamaran seductress Judith (whom the father dock, there's another row of stalls of Croatian literature Marko Marulić with similar wares. Up the steps, used as his inspiration for his epic parallel to this part of the the Riva, poem Judita) and even the hand-made lace from the delicate but strong The Coral Shop features original jewelry is a quiet street full of more legendary Queen of Sheba! fibers of the aloe plant by Lukrecija and Aron Swartz

Where Hvar begins! CORAL SHOP treasure of

Coral Shop Hvar

Lukrecija and Aron Schwartz have been hand-crafting ? original silver and natural coral jewelry since 2001. Whether it's a beautiful ring or a one-of-a-kind art piece designed just for you, a visit to the Coral Shop is an experience in beauty! Make sure you visit the Coral Shop - we are right in the center (behind the Post office) Coral Shop, Burak bb, Hvar, Croatia Trg sv. Stjepana 42 / Daily Mon.–Sun. 8–14 and 15–21 Tel: ++385 21 742 442 / GSM ++385 91 897 2151 Hvar Tourist Board +385(0)21742977 / [email protected] / www.tzhvar.hr e-mail: [email protected] / www.corals.com

2 Discover Hvar / Shopping on Hvar What to see and do

From ancient Greek explorers, pilgrims, travelers to modern day tourists

Hvar has been a beacon for Hvar town entrepreneurs realized call it Španjola) that looms over Back down at the main square, to explorers, pilgrims, travelers and the commercial benefits of the town, dating from the early the east is the16thC Cathedral of tourists for thousands of years. “health tourism” and formed the 16thC. As you walk up this St. Stephen, with magnificent Although the island was well “Hygenic Society of Hvar” to staircase you will pass through doors created by one of Croatia's known to the Greeks in the 2nd C promote the island's climate, air the Porta de date (named after leading contemporary artists, BC (just to the south of the and pristine sea as a “curative the tall date palms that were Kuzma Kovačić. Built on the Arsenal and in the port itself, destination” for patients suffering originally planted here), the main foundations of a 6thC church, it's there are unfinished walls from from lung and other diseases--the city gate. On the way up you will dedicated to the town's patron the 6thC BC); the oldest evidence first such enterprise in Europe. see some palaces from the 15th saint, a former pope and martyr. of humans actually living here and 16th centuries (including the The Cathedral's treasury includes was found in a cave just 3km The Venetians famous Renaissance-era paintings away to the east dating back to All over the island remains of and one of the oldest Madonna's the beginning of the Early Stone Greek and later Roman in Croatia, dating to 1220. The Age epoch. occupation can still be seen and building next to the Cathedral is visited, but it's the legacy of the Episcopal Palace, now a The history of European tourism, Venice that Hvar celebrates museum whose collection however, began with religious most—a magnificent ensemble of includes art, archival documents, books and vestments.

On the south side of the square is Just offshore, the Pakleni islands! Hvar's famous Arsenal theatre, founded in 1612, one of the first municipal theatres in Europe. Its original purpose was to repair Venetian ships, so while the exterior still reflects its origins, the interior was converted to become a performance space in the 19thC.

At night, the Fortica still guards the town And don't miss Other signature town buildings one started in 1572 and never are a Franciscan monastery, finished, owned by Croatia's founded in 1461, which has an famous Renaissance poet, Petar exceptional collection of old Just off Hvar's main town square is the Loggia Hektorović) as well as a warren of master paintings and a pilgrims on their way to the Holy palaces, churches and public small charming streets in both Benedictine convent, from 1664. Land in medieval times from places. The town's main square, directions with shops, Venice. As a well established called the Square of St. Stephen restaurants, cafes and residences. What makes it remarkable is the port, protected by the major in honor of the Cathedral of the sisters there who make lace using power of the time, Hvar was an same name, is a good place to At the top, the view from the agave, a convent tradition that ideal stop to rest and its Arsenal, start your walk through Hvar’s ramparts is spectacular. Inside has been practices for over a a perfect place to refit ships for Renaissance era. To the north are the fort, enjoy the collection of century, a yes, you can buy the the rest of the voyage. It wasn't walls and a staircase that lead up amphora and other exhibits from lace as an exquisite island until the mid 19thC however that to the fortress (Fortica, but locals antiquity and the Middle Ages. souvenir of your Hvar vacation. Discover Hvar Start your day and end your night at Sidro! the what to see, where to go, what to do newspaper for tourists

This publication was produced in cooperation with the Tourist Board of Hvar, the Tourist Board of Jelsa and the Tourist Board of Stari Grad (and special thanks to Total-Hvar)

DiscoverHvar!©™ 2014. Radionica Ideja d.o.o. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. While every effort was made to compile information as carefully as possible, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for any errors, advertising claims or images. For information, corrections, suggestions, advertising or additional copies please Start your day with Hvar’s best coffee, Caffe Sidro, on the waterfront Riva, contact us at [email protected] and then when the sun sets, it's time between the square and Hotel Adriana d.o.o. Radionica Ideja, OIB# 60557291459 for Hvar's best Mojitos and our great nightly Daily from 6:30AM to 14:00PM and from 17:00 to 02:00 Printed by: Slobodna Dalmacija / Press run: 40,000 copies cocktail parties. Caffe Sidro, your kind of place. +385 (0)21 741 306 / http://hvar-sidro.com Yes, we accept credit cards!

Discover Hvar / What to see and do 3 J SUĆURA ar: e of Hv an Dolac a ea) a o Island ala ar aće v .Nedelja – Iv v (Za S Lučišće Šćedr Zar Dubovic Mekićevic On the South Shor v a Zagla S: a t/Vlok CHE y aklenski Islands: a ov A t ana a T BE Bris S almiž drilc ašće BE Mline Ba T St.Klemen Ž Stipansk (Carpe Diem Beach bar) On the P P omolje Island map Bog aklenski Islands . P ar/4WD ad and Jelsa WN: e Humac O ari Gr enik ar AR T okriv een St ar – only by c P own ad own – by c ar T ar T ari Gr t spot on Hv e Hv ed plain betw ažišće t St tle in Hv ches tr ect ot ery a t Zas S OUTSIDE OF THE HV a O pr e – near the abandoned villag v S: tle/hill abov a SC Stiniv a Monas a c OOK a with its chur ola, 625m highes a/Španjola Cas ORICAL SITE T VERL er - UNE apčev oljun Cas ortic rbosk O F P St.Nik HIS Ag Gr V Dominic a VIEW oljic P Humac O A R D ala v E JELS Za Ć Srida e Š a Pitv Basina rbosk VRBOSKA an Dolac V Iv če risnik vir rbanj V ARI S V T GRAD S . Nedilja v Dol S Rudine VIEW a Selc ablje Gr Milna AR HV VIEW a Vir t ana almiž P t sunse a Vlak AKLENSKI P ISLANDS Jelsa harbor a

4 Discover hvar / Island map Ready, set, adventure!

What a perfect place to let it all hang out and have a blast

Hvar may be known more for its jet trip. For more adventure, overnight The island has some wonderful islands in the distance and the set reputation, but a growing trips can take you all the way to ! hiking and trekking trails too. Inland extraordinary blue Adriatic. You can number of adventure-seekers are routes past ancient stone villages; even have your jump videotaped! coming to the island to experience Climb, bike, hike through the hills and forests to some of the best climbing, hiking, The first bolted rock climbing areas deserted beaches; up high over Day sailing sea kayaking, sailing, sky diving and on Hvar were made more than 10 Jelsa to a 4thC Greek tower; Day sailing the labyrinth of biking anywhere in the Adriatic. years ago. The most popular site exploring the 80 hectare UNESCO wonderful small islands waiting just here is only 15 minutes away from Ager site in Stari Grad and much, off shore, stopping for a swim in Sea kayaking Hvar town`s center. Guided by much more! some deserted bay, is a real treat. Once a sport for hard-core experienced instructors, even Overnight island-hopping is even enthusiasts, sea kayaking is enjoying beginners will learn how to rope Sky diving better--with a professional skipper a real renaissance all over the up, belay and explore its 11 bolted Ok, so you never jumped out of a at the helm, being the “captain” of world. One reason is the routes (grades 5a-7b+ using the plane before, but, hey, imagine the your own yacht, sailing to Brač and equipment. With new composite French scale). With such an ideal view from 3000 meters above Hvar! Vis, running with the wind, sitting materials, today's sea-going kayaks year-round climate, you can even Not just a gorgeous island spread on the deck watching the sun slip are stable, light, strong and enjoy climbing off season. out beneath you, but Split and the into the sea is what memories are comfortable. And really easy to made of. paddle!! With just a little bit of practice, pretty much anyone can Surf's up! learn to navigate a kayak with ease. If you always wanted to learn how For beginners, the thrill of sitting to windsurf, or maybe tried it before literally on the water and slicing but want to perfect your technique, effortlessly through the sea is there's a surf school in the beautiful magical. It's amazing to go so far, so little village of Vrboska, A great fast! Lots of bays, intriguing combination of wind, waves and coastline and the just offshore numerous sunny days make it Pakleni islands make a perfect day perfect . Ready, set, adventure Hvar!

When it comes to cycling, Hvar is heaven--lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards, breath-taking scenic overlooks, swooping hills and rugged climbs if you really want to push. Go solo or join a group or a van trip. For a real challenge, there are some great uphill climbs to fabulous island high points. And the downhills are to die for! Let’s go! CLIMB KAYAK SAIL HVAR ADVENTURE Obala bb, Hvar Town BIKE +385 91 2280 088 / +385 (0)21 717 813 [email protected] www.hvar-adventure.com

Discover Hvar / Ready, set, adventure 5 Great day trips

With so much history, gorgeous nature, wonderful gastronomy and wine, Hvar is a real feast for everyone from amateur archeologists to wine lovers!

surrounding islands, it's time for a archipelago or cruise all the way out great day trip getaway! to Vis, just 60km from Italy. You'll have plenty of time to stop at the Slicing through the waves famous Blue and Green Caves along To really get around quick, there's the way. nothing like a speedboat. Hvar has a huge selection of speedboats with The Pakleni islands are a necklace of and without skippers. Segorent has pearls just a short sail or fast the island's biggest selection, from speedboat ride from Hvar. With lots simple runabouts to stunning of bays for swimming and yachts. You can charter a bare boat snorkeling, most trips also include a or a crewed yacht to take you and short break on Palmižana to enjoy a your friends and family to explore stroll. There are day trips that the offshore Pakleni islands include the island of Brač and its world famous Zlatni Rat beach for An off-road "safari" is a great day adventure unforgettable swimming.

Further out is wonderful Vis island, a wonderful cruise through what surely must be one of the most Enjoy a speedboat or sailing trip to Brač island's famous Zlatni Rat beach beautiful parts of the Adriatic. Looming out of the sea, Vis is full of One of the great things about being Sv Nikola at 626 meters to enjoy the bays, rich vegetation, beaches, olive on Hvar is that you can take your incredible view is definitely a “high trees and vineyards. With its rocky time to explore not just the town point” of any day trip! Explore Vrboska, the "little Venice of Hvar» where you are staying, but the You can rent cars or scooters whole island. It's easy and everywhere—just be sure you know fun—rent a scooter, a car, a bike how to drive a scooter before you (you can also rent electric bikes to rent one and always wear a helmet! help you on the hills!) or even take In addition to scooters, MB Rent the bus! even has a vintage VW convertible to tool around in as well as bikes Free wheelin' and a boat rental/sea taxi/transfer Enjoying Hvar on a scooter is a great service available 24/7. way to spend the day—the seaside villages like Vrboska and Jelsa are Walking around Hvar Town, Jelsa or wonderful counterpoints to the Stari Grad is a perfect way to spend sleepy, timeless interior villages like an easy day and we have devoted a Humac. The ride to Sućuraj, (known page to each of these towns to help as San Giorgio in Italian), really you get started (the What to see shows you just how long the island and do page is all about Hvar town). is—it's a whopping 77km from the To experience the magical interior of town of Hvar—but well worth the the island, the hidden bays, the effort. And driving or scootering to glorious south side and the Sea Hvar!

rent with or without skipper, speedboat tours to Blue Cave, Bol and beyond; transfers to Split, Airport, anywhere! Drive Hvar!

bikes, cars, scooters, VW's --best rates!

+385 91 518 3608

6 Discover Hvar / Great day trips Fish Picnic Cruise/ explore the other islands near Biševo's Blue Cave by—as well as going to the coast. For a group experience on the sea, a With the ferries and catamarans and full day fish picnic program is a great hopefully this year, seaplanes from way to enjoy the offshore islands as Jelsa, it is very easy to spend a day well as the famous Blue Cave on the having and “off-island” experience island of Biševo. Some tours include that's a lot of fun and rewarding. Ravnik Island and the Green Cave and then go to Stiniva Cove; a Lickety-Split! hidden inlet, where you can enjoy The catamaran leaving Hvar Town at short swimming break. Continuing 7:45AM can zoom you into Split in to Blue Cave, lunch with wine will be an hour, or you can take the ferry at Wine tasting and gastronomy tours, served on the boat. Reaching Biševo It's a long way, but the beaches at Sucaraj are 11:30AM from Stari Grad that puts a delicious Hvar experience! (Blue Cave island), you need to worth it! you in Split at 13:30. Zoom back at disembark and get into a smaller History, art and culture 15, 16 or 17 depending on the time headlands, cliffs and small offshore boat because access to the cave is of year to Hvar Town or the 2:30 or islands, Vis is nautical heaven for Wherever you go on Hvar, you are controlled. The trip also visits Vis, later 8:30PM ferry to Stari Grad. legions of mariners from around the surrounded by history, art and with a stop at Komiža, one of the Plenty of time to enjoy walking world. Enjoy a sandy beach in the culture. So if you want really Adriatic’s most authentic and through the 1,700 year old Palace cove at Zaglav or swim or snorkel at immerse yourself, a professionally picturesque fishing villages. of Diocletian, a fascinating 90 the little village of Rukavac. guided program with a local historian is just the ticket. With so minutes done with a private guide much to see and do, you can create or use the map and information in Off-road fun a custom-designed tour that can our sister publication DiscoverSplit. A popular way top explore the focus on everything from Besides the Palace, Split has a hidden interior of the island is a archeology and art to theatre and wonderful open air Green Market as small group tour in a four-wheel viniculture. Most agencies have well as an array of interesting drive off-roader. Once off the special “themed” programs, so take museums, Marjan Hill where you blacktop, the dirt washboard roads the time to sit down and discuss can bike and hike and much more. Go spelunking--Grabčeva cave in Jelsa! used by farmers, olive and wine what you'd like to do, see and growers open up a whole world of experience on Hvar! Brač and Vis old, picturesque inhabited In addition to the organized group settlements and deserted villages. Island hopping from Hvar tours already mentioned, getting Enjoy lavender fields, olive some friends together and booking plantations and vineyards and miles Hvar is a great “base” to use to of centuries old stone walls.

Wine tours and gourmet dining Every year Croatia's wines become more and more celebrated around the world. And as one of the premiere wine growing islands in the Adriatic, Hvar is a terrific place to enjoy some world-class wine tasting. Hvar Tours has created an intriguing array of cooking classes, private wine tastings, culinary picnics and even a Roman dinner. More than just visiting a wine cellar, many programs actually include meeting winemakers personally and enjoying wine right from the barrel as well as rare vintages from the The Ager, a UNESCO World Heritage site wine-maker’s private stocks. in Stari Grad ia a fascinating walking tour Take the catamaran or ferry to enjoy Split's 1,700 year-old Old Town and Diocletian's Palace a speedboat is a terrific way to explore Brač and even Vis, giving you more time to swim, visit more than one village and even plan a picnic lunch on shore or on the boat. The extra time and privacy of being able to move and have fun at your pace and sharing the cost is a great way to spend the day!

Custom day trips Special interest trips, like meeting artists, winemakers, historians, fishermen, etc. to learn first hand from locals living here is another way to enjoy Hvar. You can even spend a day learning how to make jewelry! Hvar Tours in Hvar, Hvar Touristic in Stari Grad and other professional travel agencies can custom-design a tour based on your interests and also have small group pre-arranged special interest tours as well. With so many great day trips to choose from, why not stay here longer?!

Discover Hvar / Great day trips 7 Wining and dining

From all-day breakfasts and cevapcici to wine-paired gourmet dinners, Hvar is a feast from morning til dawn!

One of the real pleasures of exploring the cuisine of another country is being able to chow down like the locals. Here on Hvar, whether it's the simple goodness of gregada, a down-home fish stew often cooked over an open-fire or home made čevapčići (a spicy ground beef and pork Croatian equivalent to an American hamburger, but rolled into narrow, finger long pieces), most folks take eating pretty seriously and that for the ultimate dalmatian fish experience, try drunk includes vegetables. Using fresh, often home- lobster at Hvar’s most exclusive restaurant, Gariful grown veggies and herbs is a given. And so is the time required to make sure it's always tasty. Whether it's slow-cooked peka (octopus or meat cooked for several hours with potatoes and spices in covered iron pot set on coals) or risotto Seafood and squid, a Gariful favorite! cooked for twelve hours, the main ingredient in Croatian cooking is freshness—whether it's San konobas and cafes that are tucked away in Pietro, blitva (a local kind of Swiss chard) or ancient alleys behind the main square. And don't from the finest island wines including Croatia's only lemons. forget to check out some of the town's better Grand Cru to the dessert wines of Bordeaux, Gariful hotel restaurants like the secluded outdoor patio boasts a wine list the envy of restaurants in Paris. Surrounded by the sea dining overlooking the sea at places like the Choose from a range of champagnes, including The best fresh fish, often referred to as “first charming boutique Hotel Croatia. Enjoying a white gold and the rare 6 litre dom Perignon rose quality fish” is dentex or John Dory (in this part wonderful meal surrounded by beautiful Riva, 21 450 Hvar / Croatia / Tel: +385 21 742 999 of the Mediterranean it's locally called San buildings or perched on the waterfront checking e-mail: [email protected] Pietro), sea bass, gilthead, grouper, mackerel and out all the fabulous yachts from around the world www.hvar-gariful.hr of course spiny local lobster when you can get it! is the perfect way to end your day on such a Better fish restaurants display the day's catch perfect island. A new waterfront addition this The most exclusive year is Arsenal, on Pribinja Bay, 3km NW of Hvar fish restaurant in under glass, chilled, outside their premises, so Dalmatian and in you can get a good look at what you'd like to Gastronaut's top 100 order. In addition to the “first class fish”, there's a in Croatia in 2013 rich variety of other seafood you should try. These include squids, cuttlefish (often used in the ghastly looking but absolutely delicious black risotto), octopus, crabs, mussels and even oysters. Even the lowly sardine is prized here. Grilled or fried, a heaping plate of sardele (the tiny ones are especially delicious and are called gavuni) makes for a scrumptious meal!

Waterfront, back alley, al fresco Since many of you will be here for a week, it's long enough to sample not only the well- established restaurants that surround the town square and Riva, like Gariful, Marinero and Fabulous meals followed by fab desserts at Laganini on Palmizana Mizarola, but the bistros, wine bars, smaller town. Although restaurants are king here, there's a lot of quick-food here that's perfect when you're on the go. The king of burgers here is Hello (a cafe on the Riva and burger bar upstairs next to the open air fruit and vegetable market)-- 19 different kinds including a signature monster appropriately called the Heart Attack!

Croatians love street food. So all over town you can find excellent pizzas, bakeries with yummy pastry and cookies as well as sandwich shops that

Romantic dining overlooking the sea!

In a lovely park of soft pine trees, framed by Majerovica Bay, just a short walk from the Old Town, the charming, family run Hotel Croatia is a calm oasis to enjoy an intimate gourmet experience of traditional Hvar cuisine and delicacies. Plus one of Hvar’s most extensive wine lists! Majerovica Bay We accept all credit cards Reservations: +385 21 742 400 [email protected] / www.hotelcroatia.net --Hello l, a great place to snack on Hvar's Main Square

8 Discover Hvar / Wining and dining let you choose from a variety of meats and veggies to create a fat custom built beauty served on a fresh baked roll. And if you really want to do it yourself, pop into Deliciae Mediterraneae, an amazing, authentic local deli shop with everything from wild game to unique cheese - it's tucked away up the stairs in the fruit and vegetable market.

Café society As you probably notice, all the local cafes are crowded pretty much all day long. It's simply part of the local culture to sit and drink coffee or Marinero's tuna carpaccio is even on TripAdvisor! wine and beer with friends at your favorite cafe. Despite the chock-a-block line up of cafes on the According to long-time locals, the top producers main square and around the Riva, every local has are Zlatan Plenković - Zlatan Otok winery; Ivo Duboković - Duboković Medvid winery, Andro Tomić - Bastijana winery, the Agrictural Cooperative Svirce winery and Ivo Carić - Vina Carić winery.

If you really love wine, be sure to take a wine tasting tour or visit the quirky Pršuta 3 up the stairs from the main square on the way to the fort, “then 18.75 steps to your right”. What sets this place apart is that they open a really fabulous bottle of wine and are happy to serve it by the glass.

Enjoy your feast on Hvar and when you touch glasses to salute your new friends, be sure to say The scampi at Hotel Croatia is superb “Živjeli” (“zhiv-ilee”), --to your health! his or her favorite and wouldn't think of sitting elsewhere unless of course they were invited by another friend. So whether you're from Kansas or Khazakstan, you will always be surrounded by locals. Most cafes are licensed only to sell beverages—from coffee to hard liquor. So be prepared to bring a piece of pastry or whatever if you like having something to eat with your drink. The cafe won't mind at all. With all the rich and famous who have flocked here recently, some of the cafes have become famous, like Cafe Sidro, between the town square and Hotel Adriana, where Prince Harry recovered after a particularly tough nite!

Fruit of the gods No meal on Hvar is complete without wine! Hvar is blessed with sun and sloping terrain that makes for some magical vintages. Local wines have won medals at some pretty impressive vcnues: Vinalies d' Or in Paris, Decanter etc.. From lasagne to fresh fish, Mizarola on the Square is delicious Hello yummy, goodbye hunger! From fabulous fresh-squeezed juices and delicious smoothies to Hvar's best burgers --all-day breakfast, great salads, sandwiches, pizza, bruschettes and free deliveries!

HELLO Sandwich Bar ORDERS TO GO: 742 226 OPEN 8AM- 2AM every day on the main square opp. Tourist office

HELLO2 Burger Bar ORDERS TO GO: 717-547 OR +385 95 55 00 165 FREE DELIVERY 18 - 24 OPEN 9AM-2AM every day up the stairs next to the Green Market +385 91 410 2751 Thank you for suporting local bussiness!

Discover Hvar / Wining and dining 9 Discover Jelsa!

Natural beauty, Renaissance architecture and beaches too

Like so many smaller island villages, who was the town's Cultural out of the main town square it will along the way you'll see several Jelsa is charming, quiet and Heriatge Center director. The be like stepping into a well- coves that make for a great welcoming. Sitting pretty on its collection he put together is preserved Renaissance village all its sunbathing and swimming stop. Day own inner harbor, small boats fascinating—20 or more stone own. This is St. Ivan's Square, trips and more. bobbing at their mooring, just monuments from as far back as complete with a tiny octagonal walking around and taking it all in-- Roman times, including a stone church from the 17thC. Look up to Spelunking to lofty lookouts the red tiled roofs of the houses up table that according to locals, once enjoy the period lamps and lovely For some real adventure, there's on the hill (wishing you could live belonged to a Jelsa knight! balconies. Before continuing on Grapčeva cave, one of the most here too!), stone church steeples When you start walking to your left your walk, be sure to stop back in important archeological sites in the the main square to enjoy a cool country, which dates back to drink from the natural fresh water Neolithic times (5th C BC). You'll spring that runs under the west side need to find a guide to take you of the square on the west side; it's along the footpath from the village called Slatina, and locals have used of Humac, but the beautiful it as their main source of water stalactites and stalgmites and well since ancient times! worth it. Researchers have found For a terrific view from the the hills both animal and human remains as surrounding Jelsa, continue through well as vegetation and pottery here the old part of town up Radić hill to that suggests the cave was used as a Our Lady of Health Church. This mortuary ritual site. 16C church was added to over the Closer and some 230 meters above centuries and now reflects both sea level, is the remains of a 4thC 17th and 18thC elements. Our Lady BC Greek tower called of course, of Health is Jelsa's patron saint. If The Tor. It's from the era when the you are here in November, on the Greeks ruled the waves as well as 21st every year, there is a special much of the Dalmatian coastline mass in her honor. from their stronghold on the island The Chapel of St. John of Vis—then called Issa. The tower framing the the town's main square, Time for a swim was one of many built to make sure is wonderful. Within easy walking distance of the their control was complete. The central square are several beaches views from up here are stupendous History carved in stone all worth exploring. The one most - all the way south to . Jelsa's small size makes discovering families seem to prefer is in front of its rich historical past easy. Just off the Hotel Milna. Keep walking a bit the main square are all sorts of further and you will come to interesting churches and even a Grebišće, which is also the site of a fortress that dates back to the early superb campsite with its own sandy 14thC. A good first stop is the beach, a wonderful wooded area Church of the Assumption which is full of mandarin and olive actually part of the fortress that trees—even some traditional stone protected the town. Inside there buildings and apartments for those are four separate chapels that span who don't want to rough it and more than 400 years of boat/kayak rentals too. If you have construction. Nearby is a lapidary a car, scooter or bike, take the created by the late Niko Duboković coastal road towards Vrboska and Welcome to the quiet natural beauty of Jelsa TouristBoardofJelsa Daily8.-14and15-22,Sunday10-12.00and18-20 Tel.+38521761017/[email protected]/www.tzjelsa.hr

My mom and I fixed up her great old house with 5 rooms, each with private bath / fridge. Perfect location in the very center of Jelsa. Spanking clean (it's my mom, do I have a choice?), near everything (bus, taxi, bars, beaches, catamaran pier, etc.). Come!

Tel.:+385911543072 Marica&VeselkaHuljić,Jelsa email:[email protected] http://www.hvarguesthouse.com/

10 Discover Hvar / Discover Jelsa Discover Stari Grad!

A celebration of history, culture and tradition that goes back more than 2,400 years!

“Oplakivanje Krista” (The Mourning of Christ) painted by the Venetian master in the mid 1500's. And that's not all. The oldest inscriptions in all Croatia are also preserved in Monastery's museum, written in Greek, from the 4thC to the 2ndC B.C. There is also a large library with many first editions and manuscripts. For history buffs, the Stari Grad Museum, inside the Biankini Palace on Biankini St. is also real find. Highlights include an archeological collection from 6000BC(!) through the late Roman period, an ancient shipwreck collection, including artifacts from the 4thC Roman galley and various ethnographic and art collections. Like many museums, closing hours are early afternoon, so best be there between 10AM-14PM The main square and harbor in the old town of Stari Grad The great diaspora Walking through history church dedicated to the patron saint Stari Grad is one of Europe's oldest Despite its illustrious Greek past and A good way to orient yourself to of Stari Grad and also built by settlements. Although settled since centuries of Venetian prosperity, Stari Grad;s Old Town is to pick up a Hektorović. If you continue walking pre-historic times, it was the Greeks Stari Grad has had more than its town map from the Tourist Office down this street back towards the in 384BC from their Aegean island share of contemporary troubles. The on Stjepan Radić Sq. right on the harbor you come to Srinja kola of Pharos who set up the first colony disastrous late 19thC phylloxera waterfront. Leaving the office, street, which leads you into St here, naming it Faros. Eventually epidemic that wrecked the island's the colony not only became an continue walking around the harbor Stephen Square. What makes this grapevines and the island's independent town, but even minted on the Riva to your left until you square so intriguing is that the bell continuing economic isolation led to its own money! The massive town reach the town's largest square, tower is separated from the church large numbers of people emigrating walls that once surrounded ancient named after the great Croatian poet because it was built almost 150 to North and South America. During Faros can still be seen today near Petar Hektorović (1487-1572). years later. WW2 over half the island's the Church of St. John and the population was evacuated to the Dominican monastery. Hektorović Castle and St. Rocco's The Dominican Monastery Sinai Desert. The renaissance of the Stari Grad's most enduring Greek Petar Hektorović is Stari Grad's most Located at the back of the Old Town 1960's saw a burst of new legacy. Known as the Ager famous writer and poet, and an is the Dominican monastery of St. investment and optimism only to be Pharensis, it's an astonishingly important figure of the Renaissance Petar Mučenik (St. Peter the dashed by the Homeland War in the fertile 80 hectare parcel that the period in Croatian literature. His Martyr), founded in 1482. The 1990's. Thankfully, Hvar’s growing Greeks carved into 70 rectangular famous utvrda (“castle”) is one of monastery's numerous works of art tourism and reputation for wine and plots. Now a UNESCO World Stari Grad's most visited landmarks- are stunning—from a profound, gastronomy are again thriving. And Heritage site, the Ager is the oldest, -it's just in the rear of the square large wooden painted crucifix on this is helping Stari Grad to continuously farmed agricultural close to the courthouse. Behind the the main altar dating back to the showcase its culture and traditions, plot on the planet! castle is the beautiful St.Rocco's Renaissance to Tintoretto's which are yours to enjoy!

Villas Hvar. Addicted to beauty. Be aware of the risk

www.villashvar.com / www.hvar-touristik.com Šiberija 31 / Stari Grad [email protected] +385 91 1717 580 / +385 91 895 7733

Discover Hvar / Discover Stari Grad 11 Feeling good

Party the night away or bliss out on a deserted beach—Hvar has it all!

This year Hvar celebrates its 150th Whether you stroll from club to club Wellness and spa programs anniversary as an island tourist or just hang out in one place, you're It's only fitting that the island of destination. Although originally sure to enjoy yourself, but be cool lavender, sun, olives and wine has promoted as a health resort to because the scene can get pretty some pretty terrific spa and attract Europeans suffering from wild!. wellness programs. So whether it's lung and other health problems, indulging in a scrub made from Hvar has evolved into a world-class Find your bliss lavender flowers and sea salt, destination not just for the rich and Although Hvar Town is the place to followed by an orange facial, the famous and party-goers, but see and be seen, there's all sorts of quality of Hvar's cosmetics is gastronomes, history and culture impressive. You can even get an places on the island where you can effort. Some of the smaller towns in enthusiasts, sailors and those who truly get away from it all. Whether olive oil massage! simply love its gorgeous setting, between and hiking trails only it's a deserted cove, an old winding increase the feel-good factor. Two beautiful physical nature, welcoming path through the pines, a Harvest festivals locals and relaxed way of life. of the many hikers delights are the washboard off-road trail, you can area around Humac and the trek In June it's time for the annual Velo find your bliss. An especially good from St. Nikolai, the highest point Grablje Lavender Festival, which Nightlife galore time is early morning. In summer, on the island at 626 meters. Once a celebrates the island’s lavender Whether it's dancing the night away the sun rises early, the air is fresh, shepherds' settlement, Humac is harvest. Lavender oil processing is at Carpe Diem or their non-stop it's sea is perfect--so. being on the about 40km east from Hvar town, only done one week a year during beach party on Stipanska (a quick beach, out in a boat, jogging on a and offers a great view on the this time, usually in July, so it's a speedboat trip from Hvar town) or trail, cycling or even cruising along valleys and headlands to the west, unique experience. In the Fall, checking out the scene at Hula Hula, on a scooter—sunrise Hvar is Bran and the coastal resort of September-early November, it's Kiva or Veneranda, Club Four, Mojito something special. Makarios. harvest time for grapes and olives. and the authentic French revue at Some vineyards even offer the Pedal power possibility of grape picking. In late With so much lush vegetation of October, early November the palm trees, agave, myrtle, rosemary, island's olive oil producers also offer pine woods and extensive lavender a chance to go native. It's a great fields—not to mention some way to spend several hours exhilarating ascents, Hvar is a outdoors, followed by a field lunch cyclists dream. If you're just looking and for olive pickers, a chance to for something easy, you can rent a see your harvest turned into “liquid bike for an hour or a day or more gold” at a nearby processing mill. and just cycle through the mostly No matter what the season, feeling flat roads on the north side of the good on Hvar is why people love The party scene at Carpe Diem and other island, passing coastal villages of coming and living here! hotspots is legendary Jelsa and Vrboska. Pink Champagne, Hvar's nightlife is hot! But if you are just in the mood Walking around for comfy local hangouts, it doesn't Whether you rent a car, scooter or get better (and yes, do expect to see take the bus around the island, celebrities!) than Cafe Sidro and walking Hvar is a great way to Pršuta 3. explore. Professionally guided or The real action starts after midnight self-guided tours of Hvar Town, Jelsa and can go on til day break. and Stari Grad are well worth the

12 Discover Hvar / Feeling good