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Postcard from Hvar Island

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.

Private beach and vineyard in between Stari Grad and Hvar Town, Croatia

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.

A sandy beach and clear blue skies at Vrboska, Hvar Island, Croatia

Impossibly blue skies over a beach near Vrboska.

Sunset over Stari Grad on Hvar Island, Croatia

Sunset over Stari Grad.

Crazy clouds over a vineyard in Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia

The location of an incredible Croatian wine tasting.

Adriatic Sea beach in Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia

Perfect spot for a morning swim.

Vintage bike in front of boats in port in Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia

Bikes and boats in Stari Grad.

Stari Grad port in Hvar Island, Croatia

Colorful port in Stari Grad.

Church overlooking a beach in Hvar Town, Croatia

Church overlooking a beach in Hvar Town.

Church and open square in Hvar Town, Croatia

Open square in Hvar Town.

View of the Adriatic Sea from the twisting road from Stari Grad to Hvar Town, Croatia

What’s your favorite photo of Hvar Island? 

Note: I visited Stari Grad as part of the Busabout Sailing Croatia tour