18 May 2022 - If New York had a Croatian equivalent of a city that never sleeps, Hvar town would be it. The vibe here is a complete 180 from the chill, whimsical air of Stari Grad, so let’s dive right into 24 hours in Hvar town!

9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

After getting off the bus from Stari Grad, leave your bags at your next accommodation and walk over to Kava37 to start your day. Here, you can get an outstanding flat white, perfectly paired with a freshly baked, palm-sized, hazelnut and chocolate chip cookie.

Everything served in this cafe is organic and fair-trade, while the coffee beans are roasted in Kava’s Split-based roastery. They even offer milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and soy!

From this point, there are 2 options for spending the day, or better yet, the next 48- hours in Hvar Town.

OPTION 1

10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Time to make up for the lack of beach time and a dip in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic by exploring the nearby Pakleni Islands!  Honestly, the best way to go about this if you have a boating license is to rent a small boat and explore the nooks and crannies of the islands at your own pace.

Do note that prior to 2022, you might not have needed a boat license to rent a 5hp boat (€160 for a full day) but the rules have since changed!

Discover your own magical bay by renting a boat and weaving through the islands. Hvar tourist board/Facebook screenshot.

With that said, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning waters in the area. Imagine finding your own secluded bay, dropping anchor, diving into the crystal waters, and enjoying an ice-cold beer while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. And doing it over, and over, for the entire afternoon. Isn’t this what all vacation dreams are made of?

Better since these small boats usually come with an ice box (already filled with ice in our case) so you can bring your own snacks and drinks. Most tour providers will also rent you additional snorkeling gear, and towels, or even provide you with food and beverage packages to save you the trouble of bringing your own.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a boating license, there are also guided half-day (4 hours) or full-day tours around the islands. Or hire a skipper (€40) who will gladly take you to some of the best spots in the area.

OPTION 2

10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

Since Stari Grad was packed with activities, it’s time to sit and enjoy some time in the Adriatic Sea. Pokonji Dol is about a 15-minute walk from Hvar Town and is the most accessible beach from the downtown area. Like Pakleni Islands, you won’t miss out on the inviting clear, turquoise waters of the Adriatic, while the pebbled beach means no sand in every nook and cranny imaginable. Makes for easy clean-up!

Pokonji Dol, Mekicevica and Bonj are some of the beaches within walking distance from Hvar Town. Image: Pixabay.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available for hire for around 100 kuna (€15) a day, and it’s good if you get there early since this beach tends to fill up quickly!

There are also a couple of restaurants along the cove that serve up the catch of the day, and make perfect pit stops to grab an ice-cold beer and seek a bit of refuge from the heat.

From the comfy day beds to exotic cocktails, Hvar Beach Club's got you covered. Image: Hvar Beach Club/Facebook screenshot.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience (with an exorbitant price tag to match), Hvar Beach Club is where you’d want to be. This place is the embodiment of what Hvar Town is known for - chic and glamorous experiences.

1.00 p.m. - 2.30 p.m

After a relaxing time on the beach, slowly wind your way back towards Hvar Town’s harbor and head towards Lungo Mare. This popular family-run restaurant (notice a theme here?) mainly serves traditional Croatian cuisine including seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes.

The cozy restaurant has lovely terrace seating, nestled amongst the winding vines, and whimsical fishing nets scattered with huge shells dangling overhead. Do save room for dessert here such as the rožata, a local creme caramel, or the semifreddo with almonds, for a light, refreshing ending to your meal.

Rožata is the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note. Image: Pinterest.

Do note that they only open from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. for lunch and from 6 p.m. - midnight for dinner.

2.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.

After lunch, take a couple of hours to explore St. Stephen’s Square, reportedly the largest square in all of Dalmatia. Here you’ll find some of Hvar Town’s main attractions such as the 400-year-old Arsenal from Hvar’s military past; the Cathedral of St. Stephen’s, complete with a bell tower; and the Loggia, which used to be part of a palace in the 15th century when Hvar was under Venetian rule.

St. Stephen's Church still holds mass today. Image: Rory321/Tripadvisor screenshot.

Also, take the time to pop into the Hvar Theater, which was the first civic theater in all of Europe! As well as the 15th century Franciscan monastery that houses a collection of artifacts like Roman and Venetian coins, and an ancient edition of Ptolemy's Atlas from 1524!

The Franciscan monastery. Image: Hvar Tourist Board/Facebook screenshot.

Take the time to wander through the back alleys of Hvar Town, away from the buzz of the Riva and St. Stephen’s square. Here, you can hear yourself think, and be treated to another dimension of the Dalmatian way of life. One at a much slower and deliberate pace where neighbors stop for a quick chat, and cats lounge on the cool stone entryways.

Explore the tiny alleyways of Hvar town at your own pace. Image: Pixabay

Along the way, you may stumble across the occasional boutique selling one-of-a-kind items that make perfect souvenirs for loved ones back home or capture a picturesque alcove as a memento.

5.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.

You should not leave Hvar without trying some desserts from Slasticarnica Hvar. This restaurant/cafe/ice cream bar offers a variety of treats that provide the perfect pick me up after all that walking, and its location right by the harbour makes it a great spot for people-watching.

6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

After a spot of people watching with your afternoon treat, time to head back to your accommodation to get dressed for an evening out on Hvar. Maybe even a nap if you plan on partying the night away!

7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Again, because the sunsets in Croatia are some of the most spectacular in the world, time for a drink and a spot to watch the sun go down. I find it difficult to pick just one spot so here are a couple, Hula Hula or Falko Beach Bar.

The spectacular Croatian sunsets. Image: Pixabay

Hula Hula has a much livelier crowd (sometimes, it can get downright rowdy), but is the ideal place to watch the golden sunset if you manage to nab a seat! The fact that it’s a short walking distance from the square is also a plus.

However, if you’re more like me and looking for a more chill, relaxed vibe with an equally spectacular view of the sunset, then you’re in for a 20-minute walk to Falko Beach Bar. Think hammocks, lounge music, and innovative cocktails.

9.00 p.m. - 10.30 p.m.

Tucked down an alley in Hvar’s old town is Konoba Menego. Cozy, rustic (also family-owned), and dotted with an eclectic mix of antiques and pictures, this place is well-known to both locals and tourists alike. Not only is it a must-visit whenever we’re in Hvar Town, but it also tops the list of recommended places when friends and family visit the area as well.

The food is slightly pricey, and the menu limited, but what they do make is nothing short of exceptional. Start off with the Dalmatian stuffed bread and cheese plate, followed by the boar, or for seafood lovers, the shrimp gnocchi. Pair this with a liter of their house red or white wine that is produced by the family’s neighboring vineyards.

For a taste of home-cooked Dalmatian cuisine. Image: Konoba Menego.

Again, because you’re on vacation and calories take a back seat, finish off with the drunken figs that are so saturated with brandy, and the assortment of Dalmatian cakes and biscuits.

Do note that this is a small restaurant, so either head there early or after the dinner rush, otherwise the wait times can be around an hour. Bear in mind that they only accept cash!

10.30 p.m. - the sun comes up

Opened in 1999, Carpe Diem Beach Bar remains the most famous place to see and be seen in Hvar. After all, it’s a favorite haunt of star-studded celebrities when they happen to be in this part of town, so the prices tend to reflect their status.

While the party really gets going around 1 a.m., the club is a whole day affair where you can get coffee in the afternoon, lunch, and even a message all in one place. The short boat ride is included in the 150 kuna (€20) admission price (it might have changed since) and it runs every 10-15 minutes, so you won’t be kept waiting too long.

Be literally and figuratively transported into a different world. Image: Carpe Diem Beach Bar/Facebook screenshot.

Once you’re there, it’s a completely different world with light shows, fire breathers, DJs, the occasional fashion show, and creative cocktails, which may be the perfect way to end your 24 hours in Hvar Town.

May 13, 2022 – Come with me as I explore different facets of this rustic jewel in this 2-part series, as we spend 24 hours in Stari Grad, one of Hvar's most popular towns.

With an average of over 2715 hours of sunlight a year, the Croatian island of Hvar offers plenty of fun in the sun. From its series of natural wonders including fresh springs, fruit orchards, lavender fields, and award-winning vineyards, to the allure of its world-renowned nightlife, Hvar is guaranteed surpass even the highest of expectations.

A brief history of Hvar

Did you know that the history of Hvar dates back over 5000 years? The earliest inhabitants of Hvar Island were the Neolithic people in 3500 B.C. During the 4th century, Hvar was initially colonized by Greeks, but following the Roman victory in the Second Illyrian War, the island became a part of the Roman Republic.

The island joined the Kingdom of Croatia in the 11th century but eventually fell under Byzantine rule, before becoming a part of the Kingdom of Croatia and Hungary in the 12th century. In 1409, the Venetian Republic regained the right to rule Hvar for over 5 centuries, before it was annexed by the Habsburg monarchy in 1979.

A map of Europe in 1,000 A.D. with the Kingdom of Croatia. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Over the next decades, Hvar changed hands a few more times. The French Empire seized the island in 1806 during the Napoleonic wars, before it fell under British rule in 1812. In 1815, Hvar was controlled by Austrians, before it was occupied by the Italian army from 1918 to 1912 under the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Finally, after the end of WW2 in 1945, it became a part of the People's Republic of Croatia.

Right, that was essentially Hvar’s 5,000-year history, brutally squeezed into 3 short paragraphs, but since we only have 24 hours, let’s begin a full day of activities in Stari Grad. Not only does this town attract a more relaxed clientele, as you’ll see, it’s also much cheaper than neighboring Hvar town!

8.30 a.m - 10.30 a.m.

The majority of Hvar visitors begin their trip at the Split ferry terminal. In Summer, the state-owned Jadrolinija ferries or catamarans run regular service lines to 3 different ports on Hvar: Split-Hvar, Split-Jelsa, and Split-Stari Grad.

From Split-Hvar, a catamaran runs almost every other hour, with the earliest ferry leaving Split at 8.30 a.m. Prices for the catamaran are the same for both children and adults, at 110 kuna (€14.50) one way. The Split-Jelsa catamaran first detours to Bol on Brač island (so the line really is Split-Bol-Jelsa), and only runs once a day, departing Split at 4.30 p.m. Tickets are 63 kunas (€8.40) per adult and 30 kunas (€4.00) for children between 3-12 for a single trip. Do note that the catamarans are foot/pet traffic only!

(Image: Stipo Rajic/Screenshot)

Finally, we have the ferry line that will kick start our trip from Split-Stari Grad. Leaving Split as early as 1.30 a.m., the Split-Stari Grad ferry service runs 7 times a day at the peak of the season. Since it’s a ferry, you’ll be able to drive your vehicle on board so if you’ve rented a car in Split and intend to drive it over Hvar Island, this will be your port of call as well. Prices start at 55 kunas (€7.40) for an adult and 27.50 kunas (€3.70) for children 3-12, for a one-way journey.

10.30 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

A 2-hour ferry ride later and you’ve arrived in Stari Grad, Hvar Island. The first thing to do is to drop your bags off at your accommodation and make a beeline to Stari Grad’s palm-lined Riva.

There's no better place to relax and let your mind wander. (Image: Pixabay)

Surrounded by Venetian Renaissance buildings, the Riva is the heartbeat of the city. Here, you’ll find everything you need including cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir stands, boutiques, and grocery stores. It’s perfect for a spot of people watching while snacking on some Burek (Croatian flakey pastry filled with a combination of cheese, meat, and spinach) with your coffee or Aperol Spritz (I mean, you’re on vacation, and its noon somewhere, right?)

11.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

With your energy levels renewed, time to do some exploring! For 20 kunas (€2.65), head on into Tvrdalj fortress, the summer residence of Croatian Poet Petar Hektorović (1487-1572). Cocooned in this oasis, Hektorović produced some of his finest poetic works on Hvar’s fishermen such as – Ribanje i ribarsko prigovaranje, 1568, eventually becoming a vital figure in Croatian literature during the Renaissance period.

Step inside the calm of Tvrdalj fortress. (Image: Alain C.)

In the vicinity are also a series of churches such as the Church of St. Stephens, built-in 1605 on the same site of a previous cathedral that was destroyed in 1571 during a Turkish invasion. There is also the church of St. John which houses archaeological remains of the original building that dates to the 5th or 6th century, and the church of St. Petar Muenik and the Dominican monastery that was founded in 1482.

 Church of St. Stephens. These churches contain many important artworks by famous Venetian artists which are still on display today. (Image: Rory321)

Make sure to make time for wandering around the backstreets of Stari Grad to admire the architecture and take the opportunity to stop by Škor Square for a series of highly-instagrammable pictures. If Mamma Mia had another prequel (or sequel?), this be an ideal setting with its curved archways, stone houses, shuttered windows, and quaint staircases.

The word škor derives from the word škver, meaning shipyard in the Dalmatian dialect. (Image: Chrissieb94/Tripadvisor screenshot)

Also wander along Srinjo Kola (translated to: Middle Street), one of the busiest and largest streets on Hvar Island during the 1870s and 80s, when maritime trade in the region was at its peak. Once bustling with merchants and traders from all over Europe, Srinjo Kola today has more of a bohemian vibe, housing quaint cafes and traditional souvenir stores. Don’t forget to peek at the ancient Roman mosaic discovered during an excavation last year!

(Image: Vilma Matulic)

1.00 p.m. - 2.00 p.m.

Time for lunch! Before moving to Croatia, I had no clue that the pizzas here were outstanding. I guess it’s difficult when you’re overshadowed by neighboring Italy who arguably invented the dish. But what’s not to like about a wood-fired, slightly charred thin crust, tangy tomato base with innovative toppings? And the icing on the cake, it's a quick, cheap, and filling meal on its own. 

So, you know where this lunch recommendation is going. Head on over to Mola Podloža and treat yourself to a Pharos pizza - think breakfast in pizza form, complete with bacon and runny egg. This, paired with an ice-cold beer makes a perfect lunch in my books, all for around 100 kuna (€13).

Dalmatian prosciutto makes a fantastic pizza topping. (Image: Pixabay)

2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.

As much as you’d want to take a nap right now, I’d suggest a visit to the Stari Grad Plains. Stari Grad is home to one of the oldest cultivated plains in the world which dates back over 2,400 years when the Greeks colonized Hvar Island in the 4th century.

The same crops from centuries ago still grow today. (Image: Visit Hvar tourist board/Facebook screenshot)

For over 2 millennia, locals have maintained the plans in almost their original form, so much so that in 2008, the plains were declared a UNESCO world heritage site for being one of the last remaining ancient Greek agricultural plains in the Mediterranean. Today, they grow the same crops as the 4th century Grecians – olives and grapes, producing some of the best olive oil and wine in the world.

While you can opt to walk around the plains, I’d prefer to rent a bike at one of the many kiosks clustered along the Riva and explore at your own pace. Stop and check out the ancient ruins along the way, sample some olive oil, or enjoy a glass of local wine at one of the restaurants in the area (e.g., Hora, Rugonj, Dionis). The best time to visit is from end-May to mid-July since it coincides with the Lavender Festival, and you’ll be able to avoid the intense heat of high Summer.

Lavender bushes bloom between May-July. (Image: Pixabay)

5.00 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.

After returning your bikes to the Riva, it’s time to head back to your hotel to complete the check-in process and freshen up for a casual evening in Stari Grad.

6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

For our final activity today, you may want to watch the sunset from Glavica Hill. While Glavica Hill is considered a hike, I’ve made it up with relative ease in just sandals (not the heeled kind though!). The path is well marked, and the entire trail is shaded by Mediterranean pine trees which provides some reprieve from the afternoon heat.

A breathtaking view awaits you at the top of Glavica hill. (Image: Steven D/Tripadvisor screenshot)

Before starting the 20–25-minute walk to the top, head to a grocery store or TISAK to grab a couple of drinks, so that you’ll be able to sit and watch the sunset as it illuminates Stari Grad and the neighboring island of Brač. The sunsets in Croatia are some of the most dynamic I’ve ever seen, with the horizon turning shades of blues, purples, oranges, and pinks before the teal blue of the evening blankets the sky.

8.00 p.m. - 10.30 p.m.

After a day of walking and biking, time to wind down at one of the most authentic, family-run restaurants in the city – Blue Doors Restaurant. With its courtyard seating, you’re treated to stunning views of the harbor, augmented by warm service and a romantic atmosphere, complete with dim lighting and soft music.

Try their seafood plate for 2, piled high with fish and seafood freshly caught that morning, and a Dalmatian signature, the black risotto made with squid ink. No meal is complete without a refreshing bottle of their own Prošip or Graševina, perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening while watching the fishing boats bob along with the gentle waves.

With such an activity-packed day, it might be time to wrap things up in Stari Grad in preparation for Part 2 in Hvar town where we’ll kick start the day with one of my favorite cafes on the island.

How to get from Stari Grad to Hvar by bus?

Getting around Hvar Island without your own ride is quite straightforward. There is only one bus service between Stari Grad-Hvar run by Čazmatrans. Bus services begin at 6.30 a.m. and run 7 times a day for the 30-minute journey, which costs around 25 - 35 KN (€3.50 - €5) per trip which you pay with cash when you board.

You may have noticed that our 24 hours in Stari Grad did not allocate any beach time in the crystal waters of Hvar Island, but the fun’s not over! I promise there’ll be plenty of time in the sun and sea when we reach Hvar Town. So, continue to watch this space for suggestions on spending 24 hours in Hvar Town!

(€1 = 7.54 kuna)

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 2, 2021 - The new Valamar Stari Grad nature resort will be a fully sustainable resort positioned for family vacations that respects the highest standards of green building.

Hotel company "Helios Faros" d.d. from Stari Grad on the island of Hvar launched a significant investment cycle in its facilities after a 2019 recapitalization by the new owners of "PBZ Croatia osiguranje" to manage mandatory pension funds and "Valamar Riviera" from Poreč, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

So far, more than HRK 91 million has been invested, which includes the renovation and launch of the first hotel under the new brand "Hvar (Places Hotel) by Valamar" in Stari Grad - Faros (formerly the hotel "Lavender") and landscaping "Arcade Sunny Hotel by Valamar".

A few days ago, the Supervisory Board gave the green light for additional investments of HRK 223.2 million, which is, of course, an excellent reason to talk to Vladimir Bunić, the director of the Stari Grad hotel.

Slobodna Dalmacija asked how tourists reacted to the novelties in their offer, as progress is more than evident.

"'Places Hotel by Valamar' has genuinely become a hotel chosen by guests looking for an easy beach holiday in attractive locations. They especially liked the design of the hotel and the excellent offer of the new restaurant and bar concept, with extended breakfast time and an all-day à la carte offer. In the 2021 season, we welcomed them with renovated accommodation facilities, renovated existing ones, and built a new restaurant with sunbathing areas.

Hotel 'Arkada' became part of the brand 'Sunny by Valamar' and welcomed guests with renovated rooms, restaurants, and exciting children's facilities. This investment will contribute to repositioning the destination according to higher value-added services and further developing tourism in Stari Grad and Hvar."

And what are the effects of those investments?

"Helios Faros" is a listed company, so we will be able to talk about the season's results only after the quarterly financial report is published. Nevertheless, we are satisfied with the high level of guest satisfaction with the new hotel "Hvar Places by Valamar", intended for guests seeking freedom of choice, modern design, and an authentic destination experience with full respect for nature and the environment. One of the most significant features is the offer that gives guests complete freedom to enjoy the restaurant offer in the rhythm that suits them best."

Fantastic pool complex

"It is true; this complex is increasingly becoming the center of daily entertainment with live music and DJs, which continues after sunset. The hotel has 179 rooms that are a blend of Mediterranean tradition and modern design. All are equipped with extremely comfortable beds with top-quality mattresses. They also have a smart TV, super-fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and everything that a modern traveler needs to experience a dream vacation. The freedom of cashless payment with a bracelet and contactless check-in also contributes to maximum comfort."

And now an investment of HRK 223.2 million?

"Let's say that the investments are mostly related to constructing the first sustainable eco-resort in the "Valamar" portfolio on our coast, completing investments in "Hvar (Places Hotel) by Valamar", constructing the "Aquamar" pool complex, and arranging the overall tourist zone. "Nature resort" is the new "Valamar" concept of a fully sustainable eco-resort positioned for family vacations. The resort's construction will be achieved by respecting the highest standards of green building, which includes environmentally friendly materials with minimal impact on the environment, the use of renewable energy sources, and a high level of energy efficiency. Furthermore, the "Valamar nature resort" in Stari Grad is the first tourist project to use prefabricated buildings and modular construction designed according to "Valamar" accommodation quality standards."

A concept inspired by nature and sustainable design

"Yes, the architecture of the resort fits into the natural environment of the island in the design of buildings, while the interior design is signed by local designers and artists using local traditions and materials. Furthermore, the felled trees will be used in landscaping, and each felled tree will be replaced with newly planted ones, while digitization will eliminate the use of paper throughout the hotel. In addition, great emphasis will be placed on the offer of local food and produce, so all interested producers and family farms who grow and produce organic indigenous island varieties and ensure they come directly from the field."

When will the construction begin?

"The project will be implemented in two phases during 2022 and 2023, to realize the green initiatives in full potential and realize all aspects of sustainable development of the resort. We also plan to apply for green EU funds, and upon completion, the conditions for issuing green building certificates will be met. Bungalow-settlement "Trim", although it retains its original architectural form, will experience major changes and improvements in the interior design in a new and modern "Valamar" brand focused on guests' comfort."

Helios Faros render

What about the staff?

"Caring for employees, their development and education, as well as the overall working conditions, is key to the long-term success of the company and ensuring a high level of quality and service we provide to our guests. As we have mentioned before, we intend to include as many staff from the local population as possible, in the spirit of the idea of doing business on and with the island."

Very ambitious medium-term development plans

"We intend to put Stari Grad on the map of the most luxurious resorts in Croatia, as evidenced by the "Helios Faros" Business Development Plan, which assumes investments totaling about HRK 800 million in sustainable tourism of high added value. This will positively impact the economic growth of the city and the island and the opportunities for the further career development of our employees. Furthermore, by 2025, the reconstruction and construction of new hotel and resort capacities of 4* and 5* categories with a total of 700 accommodation units are planned, which speaks for itself about employment potentials for the inhabitants of the island of Hvar," concluded Bunić.

You can watch the full video on HRT.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 15, 2021 - Valamar and PBZ Croatia Osiguranje will continue with significant investments in repositioning the tourist portfolio of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar with the first sustainable eco-resort in Croatia valued at 220 million kuna.

The construction of Valamar's first sustainable eco-resort is only part of the investment that Valamar and PBZ Croatia Osiguranje are planning to manage mandatory pension funds for 2022, reports HRTurizam. 

Namely, the Helios Faros Supervisory Board decided that Valamar and PBZ Croatia Osiguranje will continue with significant investments in repositioning the tourist portfolio in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar to 4* and 5* in the amount of HRK 220 million.

In addition to the already mentioned sustainable eco-resort, it is planned to complete the investment at the Hvar [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar, the construction of the Aquamar pool complex, and the overall arrangement of the tourist zone.

The eco-resort is Valamar's new concept of a fully sustainable eco-resort positioned for family vacations. The construction of the resort will be achieved by respecting the highest standards of green building, which includes environmentally friendly materials with minimal impact on the environment, the use of renewable energy sources, and a high level of energy efficiency.

Valamar's eco-resort on Hvar is the first tourist project that will use prefabricated buildings and modular construction designed according to Valamar accommodation quality standards.

The concept is inspired by nature and sustainable design, so the resort’s architecture blends into the island’s natural environment in the design of the buildings while the interior design is signed by local designers and artists using local tradition and materials. Felled trees will be used in landscaping, and each felled tree will be replaced with newly planted ones. Great emphasis will also be placed on offering local food and groceries produced on the island, while digitalization will eliminate the use of paper throughout the hotel.

The project is planned to be built in two phases during 2022 and 2023, and to realize all green initiatives in full potential and all aspects of sustainable development of the resort, the project will apply for green EU funds.

Valamar and PBZ Croatia Osiguranje d.d. jointly acquired Helios Faros, a tourist company in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, through bankruptcy proceedings. During the Covid-marked 2020, business at Helios was restarted, and in 2021 the first renovated hotel Hvar [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar was opened.

Helios Faros' business development plan assumes investments in the total amount of around HRK 800 million in sustainable high value-added tourism that will have a positive impact on the economic growth of the island. By 2025, the reconstruction and construction of three hotels and resorts of categories 4* and 5* with a total capacity of 700 accommodation units is planned.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

August 18, 2021 - An in-depth look at the most recent numbers from the eVisitor system shows two realities in Hvar Town in terms of tourists arrivals and overnight stays.

According to the eVisitor system, in the last two weeks, Hvar Town has broken tourist records, reports HrTurizam. The numbers of arrivals and overnight stays on the days from 1 to 10 August are 5% better than the record 2019. Nautics records as much as 15% better results compared to 2019.

Unfortunately, looking only at the system, in the town of Hvar on August 12, on 12,059 registered beds, "only" 7,183 guests were registered. Therefore, as the Hvar Tourist Board points out, there should be a "catastrophic" tourist season in the town.

In order not to look at everything through numbers, the last week there has been a big rush to the free hotel or private accommodation in the town of Hvar, more last-minute rooms are needed, and to the great satisfaction of Hvar everything is filled for next week, and even Booking .com the city of Hvar declared SOLD OUT.

If we go back to the numbers, in July, Hvar Town saw 143,530 overnight stays and 30,032 arrivals, which is an increase of 150% in overnight stays and 100% in arrivals compared to 2020. Compared to 2019, 77% of tourist traffic was realized.

Americans, Germans, French, and Slovenes lead in nationalities at Hvar Town, while the number of arrivals of guests from Great Britain is expected to increase by the beginning of September.

According to Petar Razović, director of the Hvar Tourist Board, these results were achieved primarily through excellent cooperation between the Hvar Tourist Board and the Hvar Tourist Board, adherence to epidemiological measures, as well as jointly done marketing activities of all Hvar tourist boards.

"How important it is that the island of Hvar is finally moving in the direction of unification was shown by this challenging tourist year when we accurately predicted and later worked together to promote the entire island of Hvar as ''green'' in the ECDC map and a safe island in our emitting markets. Successful work by the end of September will result in the adoption of the Brand Strategy of the island of Hvar, which will be unique in Croatia and further development of the entire destination", Razović points out and adds that looking at the conditions of preparation this year and what else should be done for the tourist development of the whole island, the people of Hvar united in thinking that the time has come to have their islander in the system of the Ministry or the Croatian Tourist Board.

If you want to know more about Hvar, such as the best restaurants, beaches, and tours, be sure to read Total Croatia's complete guide, where you will find everything you need before planning your trip to Croatia's elite island. Now available in your language!

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

May the 16th, 2021 - Exclusive Hvar weddings are being given the limelight as the summer season rapidly approaches and Croatian tourism is left vulnerable to the instability and difficulties of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic yet again.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marta Duic writes, for many years now, beautiful Hvar Town has been one of the most desirable destinations for organising weddings in all of Croatia. One of the most popular holiday destinations for many visitors from all over the world, it is an ideal place where many guests from all over the world want to tie the knot.

With an ideal climate of "2700 hours of sunshine a year", Hvar offers incredible wedding scenery, rich cultural heritage, hidden coves, terraces and a complete offer for all sorts of holidays of all guests. To complete the story, Hvar has some of the very best hotels, restaurants and famous wineries. This was recognised by the Tourist Board of Hvar Town, which supported this exclusive Hvar weddings project, within which numerous initiatives aimed at positioning Hvar in this regard have been readily launched.

One of the first steps in the exclusive Hvar weddings project process was to gather together as many partners as possible who are engaged in or participate in the organisation of weddings on the island of Hvar in order to establish regular communication and cooperation with them. In order to further improve and develop this tourist product, and brand Hvar Town as a wedding destination, the Promessi W&E and Wed our way from Split agencies, in cooperation with the group Suncani Hvar, have implemented concrete measures of cooperation and development with numerous partners from the county and from further afield.

In addition to aerial shots of various jaw-dropping locations, two stylised shoots were organised in numerous specific locations of Hvar Town, such as at the unique Fortica, the nearby islands and more. With numerous local partners and established professionals in the wedding industry from across Croatia, the goal was to show the natural resources of the island, as well as its rich cultural heritage and gastronomic offer.

"At the time of the coronavirus pandemic, when destination weddings have been most affected for two years in a row now, the joint work of many participants in this project is actively working to promote Hvar and Croatia as a wedding destination and support this product. This material will be used to promote Hvar on various wedding and tourist platforms, YouTube channels, across social media, in specialised magazines, and also to use it for the preparation of promotional materials for fairs and targeted presentations. The further plan of cooperation includes numerous activities, including creating a list of the most beautiful locations for weddings, certification, organising an inspiring round table for exchanging experiences, organising educational lectures, quality standardisation, etc,'' explained Ivana Knezovic from Promessi W&E from Split.

The exclusive Hvar weddings project participants believe that the development of wedding content such as this can significantly mitigate the effects of the pandemic on tourism, strengthen the pre- and post-season, significantly increase the income of the entire local community and promote underdeveloped tourist areas and small businesses on the island.

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August 4, 2020 – At the beginning of the crisis caused by a coronavirus, in Hvar, they hoped to achieve 30 percent of last year's tourism traffic. So far, they have succeeded, and July is even at 45 percent of last year's traffic. In August, they hope for an additional 15 percent of the increase.

In July, 16,602 arrivals were realized on Hvar, which is 31.73 percent compared to last year, and 91,073 overnight stays, which is as much as 45 percent compared to last year.

In the first seven months of this year, a total of 19,924 arrivals were realized, which is only 17.28 percent of last year's arrivals. But, there's been 114,661 overnight stays which are 30 percent compared to last year, as they hoped.

More tourists expected to come

"On August 3rd, 4,324 guests were staying in Hvar, which is 62 percent compared to the same day in 2019,“ says Petar Razović, the director of Hvar Tourist Board, adding that compared to the numbers from one month earlier, on July 3rd, when Hvar had only 1,629 guests and only 21 percent of guests compared to 2019, it's an increase of 2,600 guests.

Source: Hvar Tourist Board

Although the majority of guests in Hvar are traditionally foreign guests, especially guests from the UK and the USA, this year most of them are from Germany, Slovenia, and Poland. Also, thanks to the excellent promotional campaign conducted on European markets this year, there's a big increase in the number of guests from the Czech Republic.

"If the health situation remains unchanged, the prediction for August is an increase of an additional 15 percent,“ says Razović explaining that could be achieved because of the arrivals of airline guests from Hvar's traditional tourist markets in the UK and Scandinavia.

Further plans

Out of 13 hotels in the area of Hvar town, only 7 have been opened and their occupancy is 70 percent. Only 40 percent of the capacity is open in private accommodation.

Hvar has always been known in the world as a luxury destination, as well as a party destination. What is surprising this year is nautical tourism, which has recorded an increase in traffic of as much as 40 percent compared to last year. Razović points out that they predicted, "nautical, camping and private accommodation will bring out this year's tourist season“.

Source: Hvar Tourist Board

A plan for further development of tourism in Hvar is to build sustainable, organized, and quality tourism by developing the health, cultural, and sports segment of the tourist offer.

Cultural and sports activities

As for catering facilities, 60 percent of them are open in Hvar, and as Razović explains, their location, price, and type of cuisine have a great influence on their business.

Source: Hvar Tourist Board

All of the cultural and sports events have been canceled, like Hvar Half Marathon that was supposed to be held on June 27th. Only the 12th Lavender Festival took place in July in Velo Grablje, and the 59th Hvar Summer Festival is still going on.

Nonetheless, guests can still enjoy some other activities, such as cycling or sightseeing of Hvar's rich cultural heritage.

Big improvements have been made in the development of cycling tourism, arranging and mapping more than 460 kilometers of bike paths throughout the island. Also, Hvar has been promoted as UNESCO island with 6 intangible assets under protection.

As the Hvar Tourist Board director Razović points out, "guests are most satisfied with the feeling of security related to Covid-19“.

"They have chosen Hvar because of the sun, the sea, wine and food offers, and cultural sights,“ says Razović.

Source: Hvar Tourist Board

April 30, 2020 -  Hvar Tourist Board director Petar Razovic talks about what can be expected in the season ahead. 

"In the best forecasts for this tourist season, we are dreaming of 30 percent of last year's traffic," said Petar Razovic, director of the Hvar Tourist Board, when asked about the expectations for this tourist season.

HRTurizam reports that Razovic said forecasts reveal that they will have between 50 and 60 thousand arrivals and a maximum of 150,000 overnights. 

"I can safely say that in the 150 years of Hvar tourism, the town of Hvar has not been disadvantaged in terms of the tourist season," Razovic said.

Although it is difficult to predict anything as nobody knows what the situation will bring in a month, the reality is that we can hardly expect significant tourist figures this year, assuming that the situation changes significantly for the better and borders are opened.

However, although we need to be realistic, that does not mean that we don't have to be optimistic, do everything we can to try to activate the tourist market, and be ready to welcome whatever type of tourist season awaits.

Thus, Hvar is preparing for the season as if everything is in order, so that everyone, from restaurants to private renters and hotels, will be able to satisfy the measures prescribed by the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

The leaders of Hvar tourism have so far been tourists from the US and the UK (65% of all overnight stays), or regions most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Now, however, the focus is changing to the markets of Germany, Slovenia, Austria, but also Croatia.

“Last year, we had 30,000 arrivals and about 100,000 overnights from Germany, Slovenia, and Austria, while from Croatia, we had 10,000 arrivals and 50,000 overnights. These figures are small for Hvar, but if we had that this year, we would be satisfied. Of course, it will be impossible to close the gap with the lack of tourists from those major markets, the US and the UK," says Razvoic.

"Prices will go down 10 to 15 percent on average. There are also plenty of canceled reservations in private accommodation, and guests who have already booked reservations before August and who have not canceled so far are sending apartment owners inquiries about changing their booking as soon as possible. There will be no reduction for hotel accommodation, but there will be an increase in services," Razovic says.

When asked what that means, Razovic points out that guests will get a deluxe room for the price of an ordinary room.

In the end, Razovic emphasizes that they are preparing as if everything is going according to plan.

"We all live in the hope that the coronavirus will go away, that it will simply disappear and that we will have a normal tourist season," Razovic concludes.

To read more about travel in Croatia,  follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 24, 2020 - Learn more about Maslina Resort this Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Stari Grad Theater Hall.

Maslina Resort is a full service, luxury five-star seaside boutique hotel, overlooking the scenic Maslinica Bay on Hvar island. Slated to open this June, the Maslina Resort team is hosting an Open Day in Stari Grad this weekend, welcoming anyone curious to learn more about the project. 

So, if you want to learn more about what's going on in Maslinica Bay, are interested in joining the Maslina Resort team, or have a product or service you think would be useful for Maslina Resort, join the team for an informal get-together this Saturday, February 29, from 09:00 to 13:00 at the Stari Grad Theater Hall.

Stay in the loop about everything happening at Maslina Resort by following their Facebook page. 

To read more about everything happening on Hvar island, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

The respected travel portal Condé Nast Traveler rarely has a bad word to say about Croatia, and they've kept this trend going with praise being showered over the gorgeous island of Hvar, known since long as Croatia's premier island.

As Novac/Jozo Vrdoljak/Privredni.hr writes on the 7th of November, 2019, leading world travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler has published the results of the Readers' Choice Awards and has given the Amfora Hvar Hotel the prestigious title of one of the top thirty resorts in all of Europe.

Hotel Amfora is situated in a quiet bay near the very centre of Hvar with unobstructed views of the nearby Pakleni islands, making it a unique resort on the island of Hvar. Recognised for its spectacular cascade pool and diverse offer, it is an ideal choice for couples, families and business meetings, conferences, conferences and exclusive events alike. The hotel doesn't limit itself, there's something for everyone and CN Traveler has recognised this quite clearly.

"To be in such a levied group is a testament to the year-round impeccable work and service delivery which is done to the very highest standards in tourism. It's a great honour to know that the hotel's guests recognised that and voted for us at this year's Readers' Choice Awards,'' said the hotel's director, Igor Tabak.

More than 600,000 readers around the world participated in the selection of the best of the best, which was carried out by the publication through various categories.

The best hotels and resorts, airlines, villas, spas, airports, cruisers and tour operators, cities and islands were all selected. In addition to the recognition of Hvar's Amfora Hotel in the Top 30 Resorts in Europe category, Hvar island itself was named the Best Island in Europe in 2019.

Make sure to follow our dedicated travel page for much more about Croatian tourism and the array of things this country has to offer its visitors.