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www.hvarisland.co.uk | Helping UK Buyers in Croatia. |  |
HVAR ISLAND  Hvar
Island is an island of unique cultural and historical heritage.
The island enjoys a pleasant climate with a great deal of sunshine.
Hvar is a popular holiday destination in both the summer and winter
months. With facades of faded mustard and peeling tangerine, the ornate hotels and homes lining the harbour in Hvar Town are faintly reminiscent of Venice, which once ruled the island. The main square, Trg Sveti Stjepana, a pocket-sized Piazza San Marco with seagulls instead of pigeons, is paved with marble flagstone polished to an alarmingly slippery sheen. In one corner is the handsome Arsenal, which once served as a repair station for Venetian galleons; the Venetians called it "the most beautiful and most useful building in the whole of Dalmatia." |
 The Town of Hvar has an
outstanding historical heritage - the cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery,
the Hvar theatre and the fortresses which offer beautiful views out
to the Pakleni Islands.In the late 1800's the island became known for its "health tourism". The so-called "Hygiene Society" was established in Hvar as early as 1868; the major task of the society was to take care of the visitors from abroad. This marked the beginning of tourist development on the island. The first hotel, Empress Elisabeth, was opened in 1903. Hvar Island is famous for it's lavendar, either in the form of dried flowers or oil, which may be used as a medicine, fragrance or moth repellent. |
 Traditional
cultural events play an important role in the visitor attractions
on Hvar. During the Hvar Summer (July-August-September), there are folk music and entertainment programs and fishermen's fiestas. Religious feast days include the Day of St. Stephen the Pope (2nd of August with a large procession), the Municipal Day, St. Prosper (10th of May), the Holy Cross (14th of September) and the procession on Good Friday.  For more information about Hvar and Croatia visit the
Croatian National Tourist Board. |
The economy on Hvar is based on tourism, farming, viticulture, olive
growing and the cultivation of rosemary and lavender.
Fishing is an additional occupation of the rural population.
Tourism is especially developed in the town of Hvar and in Jelsa;
modern marinas are built in Vrboska and on the Pakleni Islands. Hvar is one of the most visited tourist areas in Croatia. Hvar has a regional road that runs along the entire island. Bus lines connect all major towns and villages (Stari Grad, Vrbanj, Jelsa, etc.). Ferry lines serve Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Dubrovnik and other major islands of the archipelago. |