Postcard from Hvar Island
Lately, Hvar has cultivated a reputation as an exclusive playground of the rich and the famous: an sparkling island paradise where you can dock your swanky yacht and indulge in champagne, sandy beaches, all-night clubs or whatever else your heart desires. It’s a favorite destination for celebrities, royalty and the ultra-rich.
But as our group of budget-minded 20-somethings realized, Hvar is just as enticing when you’re desperate to escape a cramped sailboat as when you can enjoy the views from a gorgeous yacht. We rented motorbikes and soaked up million-dollar views as we buzzed around the roads hugging the sea-front hills. We stayed in Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe: a laid-back enclave of colorful homes and fishing boats nestled next to working farms. We tasted delicious wines, olive oil, bread in a picturesque vineyard at Agrotourism Pharos for a mere 110 kunas. And yes, we danced until dawn–in an alley in the rain. Lesson learned: Hvar is a playground for everyone, no matter how fat your wallet is.
Impossibly blue skies over a beach near Vrboska.
Sunset over Stari Grad.
The location of an incredible Croatian wine tasting.
Perfect spot for a morning swim.
Bikes and boats in Stari Grad.
Colorful port in Stari Grad.
Church overlooking a beach in Hvar Town.
Open square in Hvar Town.
What’s your favorite photo of Hvar Island?
Note: I visited Stari Grad as part of the Busabout Sailing Croatia tour.