The town of Hvar, situated on the southwestern coast of the island, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Croatia. Its popularity is due particularly pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, fairy atmosphere, stone architecture and natural beauty of the indented coastline.
According to some historians, there has already existed the Greek polis called Heraclea, but certainly we know that in the 2nd century on the site of the town square there was a small village with a Roman arch. In Byzantine times it is important maritime town on the Hvar island. It becomes the center of the island in the 13th century and in the 15th century, still under Venetian rule, experienced a cultural boom. From that time there are many preserved architectural monuments. On one of the most beautiful squares in the eastern Adriatic coast is situated the Cathedral of St. Stephen, with a tower that represents a synthesis of the Renaissance and early Baroque styles. In the city center is the City Lodge. At the turn of the 15th and the 16 Century was builted Arsenal, a vaulted storage for galleys and marine paraphernalia, of which in the 17th century become theater, considered one of the oldest European folk theaters. Today on the first floor of the building, next to the theater, is also a modern art gallery "Arsenal".
Hvar is protected by even four fortresses: "Spanjol" fortress from the 16th century, "Napoleon", "Baterija" from the 19th century, and a small fort on island Gališnik. Preserved cultural and historical heritage of Hvar is the perfect background for events such as the Hvar Summer that lasts 100 days (July-September) the period of summer rich in concerts of local and foreign musicians, jazz evenings, theatrical performances and folklore. Also, a significant International Summer School of Music takes place from June to September, which includes lectures and workshops of classical music under recognized local and foreign musicians. The school ends with a concert in one of Hvar's cloisters.
Hvar kept its folk culture alive by transferring these beliefs and traditions from generation to generation, and it shows the vitality of folklore, fishing festivals and church processions which celebrate the saints. Hvar tow is also a host of sport events. Here is traditionally held New Year's Regatta (28.-30.12.) And "Suncani Hvar Open (11.-16.4.), an international tennis tournament. In front of Hvar, serving as town's port natural protection from the open sea, spreads Pulp Islands (Paklina Otoci or Pakleni Otoci), a group of limestone islands covered with low vegetation with rocky beaches bathed with azure sea. On Jerolim and Stipanska islands there are nudist beaches with showers and a restaurant. Also on the islands the visitor will find cozy sandy cove Palmizana. You can reach Pulp Islands with taxi-boats departing from Hvar town port. The only gas station in Hvar town is located in Hvar port in Krizna Luka bay (next to the footbal field). During summers Hvar vivid nightlife takes on stages, dance terraces, discotheques, and the offer is completed by the summer movies in the open.
While on Hvar it is easy to reach other attractive destinations on the island. Don't miss to visit one of the oldest settlements on this side of the Adriatic: Stari Grad. Surrounded by sandy beaches and dense pine forests, just a 15 min. in car from Stari Grad, there are Jelsa and Vrboska. Very next to Jelsa, on the south slopes of Hvar, lays Ivan Dolac and Zavala, both famous for its vine and small pebbly beaches. Traveling in direction to east, on the end of the road, small town Sucuraj with its ferry port is another point of connection of Hvar island with the mainland.
