July 29, 2022 - Sunčani Hvar Hotels are the first group in Croatia to join the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge, or UNESCO's sustainable tourism program.

This program, promoted by UNESCO and Expedia, one of the leading online booking platforms, is the first of its kind created to promote sustainable tourism and heritage conservation on a global scale. Signatories implement sustainable practices in their business and encourage positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Through this program, all Sunčani Hvar Hotels received the UNESCO "Sustainable Travel Pledge" certificate, which signifies their commitment to achieving international sustainable development goals. The aforementioned includes a whole range of activities such as supporting the local community and suppliers, energy saving through green renewable energy sources and advanced energy efficiency systems, implementing waste separation and disposal systems, implementing digital solutions for improved business processes, and minimizing the use of plastic packaging, to name a few. 

"As a company, we are proud to be the first hotel group in Croatia to join the UNESCO sustainable tourism program. Green entrepreneurship is the future of business and is the key direction of the long-term development strategy of Sunčani Hvar. So this year, we opened an eco-hotel in the town of Hvar, Beach Bay Hvar, designed according to the principles of sustainability, which offers guests a unique, luxurious, and ecologically conscious vacation," said the President of the Management Board, Gordana Tomičić.

Beach Bay Hvar Hotel is the first green hotel in the town of Hvar that strives to be environmentally friendly. It is located in a quiet bay in the center of Hvar town with carefully designed interior details and natural materials. One of the goals during the hotel's renovation was to achieve the hotel's energy independence, which was achieved by installing a solar power plant, the first of its kind on the island of Hvar. Through the efficient use of energy, water, and materials and by providing quality service, Beach Bay Hvar offers its visitors an environmentally conscious vacation based on natural resources.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 23, 2022 - The Four Seasons may have never opened, but that didn't affect the quality of hotels in Hvar town and Stari Grad over the last few years. 

International media has not been shy about Hvar as the hotspot of summer, but that's to no one's surprise. However, instead of praising Hvar Island as one of the best in Europe (well, it was named that again, too), a different aspect of Hvar is in the spotlight this time around, outside of the sun and sea - its hotels.

Hvar Island has seen its accommodations enhanced to another level in the last few years as the rise of quality hotels have taken the front seat - and Hvar Island is now the only Croatian island with three 5-star hotels! 

So, who is international media raving about?

A look at the quality hotels in Hvar town and Stari Grad. 

Let's kick things off with Hvar town jewel Palace Elisabeth, a 5-star heritage hotel and historic landmark that opened in 2019.

With a vibrant history that dates back to the 13th century, Palace Elisabeth was rebuilt in 1898 and renamed Spa Hotel Empress Elisabeth, after the Austrian Empress Sisi, a crucial asset to its construction. Hvar's oldest hotel and Empress Sisi inspired Sunčani Hvar's 100 million kuna investment to transform the 3-star Hotel Palace into Palace Elisabeth, the first 5-star hotel on the island. Costing nearly 300,000 euros per room, Palace Elisabeth was also one of the most significant investments in the Croatian hotel industry. With 45 rooms and suites, Palace Elisabeth offers refined luxury and timeless design and is a member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World. And things have only gone up from here. 

Suncani Hvar

Sunčani Hvar continued their investments to heighten Hvar town's hotel accommodation this year, also recognized by American business magazine Forbes. 

Namely, the newly refurbished 4-star Beach Bay Hvar Hotel opened earlier this month as Hvar town's first-ever sustainable hotel, located just around the bend from the busy town harbor. The hotel's renovation revamped 21 rooms with many eco-friendly features for guests to enjoy an interpretive travel experience inspired by sustainable development and care for the environment. All rooms and suites also have a sea view! 

Suncani Hvar

Sunčani Hvar also pumped 40 million kuna into the newly renovated Riva Marina Hotel, one of the first hotels in Hvar town, which opened in 1914, or 15 years after Palace Elisabeth. Targeting guests primarily from the British and American markets who are after superior service and high-quality accommodation, Riva Marina offers 50 new unique rooms and suites and an upgraded restaurant and bar concept. And it's pretty hard to beat its iconic outdoor terrace with a view of the Hvar town's yachts and marina.

Suncani Hvar

Conde Nast Traveller also couldn't forget to mention the family-friendly Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort as one of the best hotels in Croatia this year, another product of the Sunčani Hotels brand. 

Newcomer Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis Hotel was also applauded by Forbes as Hvar town's newest 5-star hotel just 10 minutes from the city center. With foundations dating back to 1929 (formerly known as Hotel Croatia), Moeesy has 37 rooms and four suites, pools, and a beautiful garden, spa, and Mediterranean restaurant. Its green area spans approximately 5000 sqm! 

And that's just Hvar town. 

The Daily Mail recently revealed it was smitten with Stari Grad, especially the 5-star Maslina Resort, a Relais & Chateaux hotel that opened in August 2020. Applauding its 'Mindful Luxury' philosophy which is seen at first glance as the facade 'blends seamlessly into the pine-tree-clad hillside,' Maslina Resort has revived Maslinica Bay with 50 rooms & suites and three villas, a standout spa, Michelin-recommended restaurant, beach bar and beach area where high-end hospitality is king. Conde Nast Traveller also named Maslina Resort one of the best hotels in Croatia this year, where Hvar's history as a well-known healing destination (since 1868) is reflected in its philosophy. A savvy, safe and serene choice away from the hustle and bustle of Hvar town. 

Maslina Resort

But Maslina Resort isn't the only newcomer to Stari Grad. The Valamar [PLACES] lifestyle hotel brand launched last year with the opening of HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar, designed for travelers seeking "freedom of choice and a vibrant Mediterranean holiday in a hotel by the sea." Taking over the former hotel Lavanda, HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar welcomed a 53 million kuna investment to reinvent accommodation suitable for the millennial generation. Offering 179 rooms, a pool complex, bars, DJs, modern design, and smart features like cashless payment and contactless check-in, this hotel is also only 50 meters from the sea.  

And all this without the Four Seasons ever opening.

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

July 13, 2022 - Travel + Leisure readers choose the best islands in Europe based on fabulous food, rich history, and beautiful surroundings. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands take #9!

Travelers are once again exploring the world with gusto, and, as always, our intrepid readers have led the way. For this edition of our annual survey, hundreds of thousands of you reflected on recent journeys and shared your thoughts on hotels, islands, outfitters, national parks, and much more. Cheers to the best readers—and finest travel experiences—on the planet! - Travel + Leisure.

The World's Best Awards survey is back, where Travel + Leisure readers rank the best travel experiences worldwide, from top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, and airlines to hotels, resorts, and more.

And in the World's Best Awards, the best islands in Europe were chosen by readers based on their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

Ischia Island in Italy, just off the coast of Naples, took the cake this year as the #1 island in Europe. The volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea was praised for its quaint towns, natural hot springs, and standout hotels, including the 128-room grande dame Regina Isabella and the 73-room San Montano Resort & Spa. 

And while islands in Greece, Portugal, Spain, and France helped make up the top 10, it wouldn't be the 'best islands in Europe' list without mentioning Hvar and Dalmatia. 

Namely, Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands came in at #9 this year, receiving an impressive 87.60 rating by readers! 

But are we really surprised? 

Hvar is a haven in the summer where glitz and glamour meet authentic experiences. The star-studded harbor is often decked out with luxury yachts, complemented by a series of standout hotels and restaurants from the Sunčani Hvar hotel group and, notably, the best nightlife on the coast. 

Hvar and Dalmatia have been increasingly voted as go-to destinations in Europe over the years, and you may remember that Hvar was voted the #1 island in Europe in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards last year! 

You can find the complete list of Travel + Leisure's 20 best islands in Europe here. 

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

July 13, 2022 - You have visited the island and fallen in love and are dreaming of a small place. Is there any Hvar property for sale?

As they say in real estate, it is all about three things - location, location, location.

I won't pretend that Hvar Town is the cheapest places in Croatia - it isn't - but it is certainly one of the most beautiful and most exclusive.  

Finding property for sale in the old town of Hvar is not all that common, but one has just come on the market from our friends at Trgostan: 

This duplex house of 120 m2 located in a quiet street just 70 meters from the waterfront, which consists of a kitchen with dining area, living room, hallway and toilet on the ground floor, and three bedrooms, hallway, bathroom and large balcony on the 1st floor, with the potential to add another floor, facing south-north, close to all amenities, ideal for a holiday home or tourism, rarely on the market.

The island of Hvar is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and the sunniest Croatian island, displaying all the traits of the Mediterranean area – gentle climate, beautiful inlets and beaches, crystal-clear sea and vast fields of lavender, olive groves and vineyards. Inhabited since the pre-historic times, the Island of Hvar developed under various influences of Greek, Illyric, Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Croatian culture, witnessed by the preserved buildings, fields and customs. The largest sites on the island are the ancient town of Stari Grad (Pharos), Jelsa, Vrboska, Sućuraj and the most attractive destination, Hvar Town.

The Town of Hvar is one of the most beautiful and most exclusive tourist resorts not only in Croatia, but in the whole of Europe. The trendy destination is a perfect blend of rich architecture, top-notch culinary delights, modern hotel infrastructure and fantastic natural beauties, allowing for active enjoyment in all the town’s offerings, including the Pakleni Island archipelago, or just simple and pleasurable sipping of your drink on the town strand, enjoying the view of luxury boats moored in the port.

For more photos, information, and to book a viewing, visit the listing on the Trgostan website.

July 6, 2022 - Summer continues to heat up in Hvar town with the opening of the Beach Bay Hvar Hotel on Friday, July 8!

The newly refurbished 4-star Beach Bay Hvar Hotel is the latest show-stopper by Sunčani Hvar. Located in Hvar town just around the bend from the busy Hvar harbor, Beach Bay Hvar Hotel is tucked into a tranquil area by the sea for those looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday on the island.

And while its beachside location is one of the hotel’s many benefits, we'd like to argue that its redesign also takes the cake. Namely, the Beach Bay Hvar Hotel's renovation included many eco-friendly features so that guests can take part in an interpretive travel experience inspired by sustainable development and care for the environment. Better yet - all rooms and suites boast a sea view! 

"Our mission is to provide sustainable practices so that our guests can have enriching and authentic experiences at our hotel. We encourage responsible travel and provide responsible vacations in order to achieve a negligible carbon footprint. That is why we created a concept that is perfectly aligned with the hotel's natural surroundings," announced Beach Bay Hvar Hotel before its opening on Friday. 

It's also no surprise that Hvar is one of the sunniest islands in the Adriatic, bringing in around 2843 hours of sunshine a year, which made it easy for Beach Bay Hvar Hotel to incorporate solar power as a natural solution and the best renewable energy source into the hotel's redesign.

"The hotel features a solar power system on the hotel, with energy-efficient equipment such as programmable thermostats and energy-efficient lighting. The focus is in its entirety on nature and sustainability. The hotel also features locally sourced ingredients and foods in order to support the local community and tailor to guests who favor locally authentic experiences," added Beach Bay Hvar Hotel. 

Beach Bay Hvar Hotel is also running a special pre-opening deal with 10% off for the first guests at the newly renovated property this summer! Don't miss out on Beach Bay Hvar Hotel's stunning sea-view guest rooms and suites, ready to welcome guests this Friday, July 8! 

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

July 3, 2022 - The NomadList 2022 State of Digital Nomads report is out - and there is lots of good news for Croatia.

It is hard to imagine that a little over 2 years ago, the term 'digital nomad' was almost unheard of in Croatia. An open letter to the Prime Minister from a Dutch entrepreneur in Split asking for a digital nomad visa changed all that, setting in motion a chain of events where the term 'digitalni nomadi' is now a widely recognised term in the Croatian language by the majority of the population. 

And the nomads are coming... and liking what they see. Award-winning events such as the Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence programme and Zagreb Digital Nomad Week have helped to put Croatia on the remote work map, and Croatia is now featuring regularly in the top places to enjoy the remote work revolution. 

Getting accurate data about how many digital nomads there are, where they travel to, and what their preferences are, has been a challenge, however, as such data is not captured by traditional data collection methods. One of the most respected sources of data, collected in real time from actual registered nomads, comes from one of the leading websites catering to the digital nomad community - NomadList. 

Last year, NomadList released a major survey about the digital nomad lifestyle, extrapolating data from their members, and there was plenty of good news for Croatia. As TCN reported at the time, Croatia was placed second as the most liked country for nomads behind Japan, while Zagreb made it to the top 5 most-liked cities in the world (and the first in Europe).  You can read more analysis of last year's survey here.

The NomadList 2022 survey has just been released, and there is LOTS of good news for Croatia, as well as evidence that the remote work revolution is spreading around the country. In addition to Croatia being named as the most-liked country in Europe again (and globally number 2 behind Japan), no less than five Croatian destinations make it into one of the top 10 lists in the survey - Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Hvar. 

An explanation about the data for the NomadList 2022 survey from the website itself:

In this report, we try to figure out who these people are, what work do they do, and how they spend their life based on data from tens of thousands of Nomad List members. In this report, we try to figure out who these people are, what work do they do, and how they spend their life based on data from tens of thousands of Nomad List members. This page is built LIVE with data pulled straight from the database every day, so it's always up-to-date. Conclusions you can derive from this are always limited and merely indicative but possibly interesting. Nomad List is a paid membership community, which means there's a selection bias as people who do not or cannot pay are not in the dataset. On the other hand, free digital nomad communities, like on Facebook, require no commitment to join, therefore it's not clear if these people are merely aspirational or active nomads or not. On Nomad List we can confirm they are active based on their travel logs.

You can see the full report here. 

I won't pretend I fully understand the criteria behind what defines attractive men and women, but I include it as it shows that other destinations such as Hvar are now being discovered. There is a real buzz about Croatia at the moment, and several destinations are now joining the remote work revolution, and I would fully expect several more Croatian destinations to be part of the 2023 survey. 

One interesting list was that of Croatia's inclusion at number 5 in the destinations where female nomads go more than male nomads, a nod I think to the fact that Croatia is a very safe country in general, with many female travellers commenting on how safe it feels to travel around. 

Perhaps the most satisfying find of all, however, is the rise of Zagreb, Europe's fastest-growing remote work hub in the last 5 years, and the fourth fastest in the world. With much of that growth coming last year and coinciding with the inaugural Zagreb Digital Nomad Week, it is hoped that this year's ZDNW in October will continue that trend. 

For more news and features on digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.  

July 2, 2022 - We're going to take a look at the destinations you can visit by ferry from the main Croatian ports. In this fifth installment of our Croatia Ferry Guide 2022, where to go from the port of Hvar Town?

When advertising the Adriatic Sea and the Croatian islands abroad, the experience of being on board a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran is usually highlighted. However, there is no destination a Croatian ferry can't reach, and why not mention that it's totally worth saving a good amount of euros on sailboat rentals and crews?

We know that in the past editions of this series of articles we have covered the destinations reachable from coastal cities such as Rijeka, Sibenik, Split, or Dubrovnik, but this does not mean that your ferry trips have to be limited to the classic trip from coastal city to island. A great travel plan is to go to one island, from there to another, and so on... that's where the concept of island hopping comes from. And so, today we tell you more about the island destinations you can reach from the ferry port of Hvar Town.

Photo: Mario Romulić

First of all, how to buy your ferry tickets? There are three ways. The first is via the official Jadrolinija website. In it, you can not only see the updated sailing schedules, but you can also buy your tickets online. Simply choose the port of departure, the port of destination, and the date of your trip, and you will find the available times. Once you have chosen the time and the number of tickets, in addition to completing all your personal information, you can proceed to pay for your tickets online with a credit or debit card.

The second way is through the official Jadrolinija mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Playstore for Android. The application is very easy to use and, just like on the website, just select the port of departure and you will be able to see the ports that you can travel to from the one you selected. The process is very similar, and you will find that it is even more comfortable and intuitive to use. Payment also allows the use of credit and debit cards.

Finally, the third type of payment is the most traditional and has its benefits. All ferry ports in Croatia have a Jadrolinija office, where you can go to buy your tickets in person. Sometimes one can be a bit confused before buying their tickets both on the website and in the app, so having a Jadrolinija agent to guide you is a great help.

Where is the Hvar ferry port located? The port of Hvar Town is located at the end of its long riva. You can find it on the map below.

Bol

Starting on Friday, July 8, a catamaran of line 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korčula - Hvar - Bol - Split) will take passengers from Hvar to Bol on the island of Brač. From Monday to Sunday, a catamaran will depart from Hvar at 10:50 a.m. and arrive in Bol at 11:40 a.m. The price of the ferry ticket for both adults and children is 130 kunas.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Dubrovnik

Starting on Thursday, July 7, a catamaran of line 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korčula - Hvar - Bol - Split) will take passengers from Hvar to the Pearl of the Adriatic. From Monday to Sunday, a catamaran will depart from Hvar at 17:55 p.m. and arrive in Dubrovnik at 21:25 p.m. The price of the ferry ticket for both adults and children is 280 kunas.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Korčula

Starting on Thursday, July 7, a catamaran of line 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korčula - Hvar - Bol - Split) will take passengers from Hvar to the Korčula. From Monday to Sunday, a catamaran will depart from Hvar at 17:55 p.m. and arrive in Dubrovnik at 19:10 p.m. The price of the ferry ticket for both adults and children is 140 kunas.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Split

Split is perhaps the destination with the most frequent catamaran trips from Hvar. In addition, there are four different catamaran lines that connect Hvar with the Dalmatian city. One of them is line 9604 (Lastovo - Vela Luka - Hvar - Split), which has a daily catamaran trip. From Monday to Saturday, a catamaran leaves at 6:35 am and arrives in Split at 7:40 am. On Sunday, however, it leaves at 9:15 am and arrives at 10:20 am. The price of the adult ticket is 63 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 30 kunas.

The second ferry line from Hvar to Split is the 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korcula - Hvar - Bol - Split). This catamaran line will start taking passengers from Hvar to Split from Friday 8th July. Every day a catamaran of line 9811S will depart from Hvar at 10:50 am and will arrive at the port of Split at 12:55 pm. The price of the ferry ticket for both adults and children is 130 kunas.

Photo: Mario Romulić

The third ferry line from Hvar to Split is the 9602 (Vis - Hvar - Milna - Split), and works only every Tuesday, where a catamaran departs from Hvar at 8:15 am and arrives in Split at 9:20 am. The price of the adult ticket is 63 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 30 kunas.

The fourth catamaran line is the 9604S and the one with the highest frequency among the four. From Wednesday 13 July it will start making up to six direct trips from Hvar to Split every day. The itinerary is as follows: the first catamaran leaves at 10:15 am from Hvar and arrives in Split at 11:20 am, the next one leaves at 11:30 am and arrives in Split at 12:35 pm, the third departs at 12:45 pm and arrives at 13:50 pm, the fourth departs from Hvar at 14:45 pm and arrives at 15:50 pm, the fifth leaves at 18:00 pm and arrives at 19:05 pm, and the last catamaran departs from Hvar at 21:00 pm and arrives at the port of Split at 22:05 pm. The price of the ferry ticket for both adults and children is 130 kunas.

Ubli

Every day a catamaran of line 9604 (Lastovo - Vela Luka - Hvar - Split) departs from Hvar in the direction of Ubli, on the island of Lastovo. It leaves Hvar at 16:25 pm and arrives in Ubli at 18:25 pm. The price of the adult ticket is 63 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 30 kunas.

Image: Lastovo Tourist Board

Vela Luka

Every day a catamaran of line 9604 (Lastovo - Vela Luka - Hvar - Split) departs from Hvar in the direction of Vela Luka, on the island of Korčula. It leaves Hvar at 16:25 pm and arrives in Ubli at 17:20 pm. The price of the adult ticket is 48 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 22 kunas.

Photo: Jose Alfonso Cussianovich/Total Croatia News

Vis

One catamaran departs from Hvar and arrives at Vis, and that is the 9602 (Vis - Hvar - Milna - Split), and works only every Tuesday, where a catamaran departs from Hvar at 17:15 pm and arrives at Vis at 18:05 pm. A change in schedule will be introduced from Tuesday 30th August, and the catamaran will leave Hvar at 16:30 pm and arrive in Vis at 17:20 pm. It is worth mentioning that this catamaran will work until September 27. The price of the adult ticket is 63 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 30 kunas. The price of the adult ticket is 48 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 22 kunas.

Photo: Mario Romulić

The ferry lines mentioned above are those with confirmed schedules for the next three months. Prices are subject to change. Visit the official Jadrolinija website for more information on other ferry lines from Hvar.

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

June 30, 2022 - The Vlaka Bay fire broke out this morning just before 9 am. Around 25 firefighters and two Canadairs are at the scene. 

Boats sailing around Hvar this morning noticed a fire in Vlaka Bay, on the Pakleni Islands, not far from Hvar Island. Thick smoke billowed over the middle of the bay, reports Jutarnji List.

The first report of the fire arrived at 8:47 am. The dense pine forest, low vegetation, and grass are burning. There are 25 firefighters from the Voluntary Fire Brigade (DVD) Hvar on the ground, and two Canadairs came to their aid. Although it is burning near houses, they are not currently endangered.

The fire is high on the hill, and it is partly difficult to access, which is why two Canadairs came to the aid of firefighters, said the duty officer of DVD Hvar. 

"Around three hectares have burned. We hope that the Canadairs will solve the majority of the fire this morning. There is no threat to people and facilities," said DVD Hvar.

According to first-hand accounts, the southerly jugo wind had turned the fire to the north side of the island instead of closer to the restaurants in the bay.

Vlaka Bay on the island of Sv. Klement is a traditional Hvar resort with several restaurants in a small village where there is a church from the 14th century dedicated to Sv. Klement. There are also Roman dwellings in the area as well as Illyrian mounds. 

More soon...

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

June 22, 2022 - Where do the rich and famous go for their dose of Adriatic seafood? Gariful on Hvar, dedicated to connecting fish with celebrities.

When I moved to Hvar back in 2002, I had no idea that it was a hot spot for celebrities. Living in my idyllic sleepy bubble in gorgeous Jelsa, I rarely ventured further than Stari Grad, and I could count on one hand the number of times I visited Hvar Town over the next 9 years. Indeed, when Prince Harry famously fell into a nightclub swimming pool in 2011, I only heard about it after reading the story in the UK media - despite me writing for Google News at the time. 

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All this changed in 2011 with my decision to write a guidebook about the island, and subsequently to launch the Total Hvar blog. Hvar Town was a fascinating place on so many levels, and the celebrity story was just one aspect of the town's very rich offer. A few days after Prince Harry made Hvar globally famous, Beyonce also did her bit, showing off her baby bump for the first time while holidaying on Hvar. She then named her baby Blue Ivy, after a tree she fell in love with on Hvar. From Orson Welles filming on Hvar in the 1960s to the visit of Magic Johnson last year, it seemed that my adopted island was truly a celeb destination. And one where celebs could walk freely around without being harassed, as Tom Cruise showed in 2012 when he went for a stroll along the riva and then stopped for a coffee on the main square. 

And my guidebook research quickly showed me that if I wanted to include the celebrity angle, I just needed to focus on one place - Restaurant Gariful on Hvar.

(Jon Bon Jovi left the ultimate tip on Hvar - a signed guitar) 

A local restaurateur who took over the family business almost 20 years ago, Gariful on Hvar today is possibly the best-known exclusive fish restaurant on the Adriatic islands, with the most extensive wine list (including a breathtaking list of Champagnes), and it was almost a mandatory stop for celebs visiting Hvar.  And with owner Ivan Gospodnetic keen for the world to know the famous names sampling the freshest Adriatic seafood, the restaurant's celebrity reputation has grown considerably. I remember from those early days that the likes of Bill Gates, Roman Abramovich and Giorgio Armani made it into my first edition guidebook, with Armani listing Gariful on Hvar in his top 7 restaurants in the world. 

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A post shared by RESTAURANT GARIFUL (@restaurantgarifulhvar)

But the relationship between Gariful and the sea goes far beyond merely serving seafood to exclusive guests. Indeed, my first encounter with the restaurant soon after I started Total Hvar was far less glamourous. In late October, 2011, in an effort to extend the season and celebrate the local traditions of the sea, Gariful launched a new event called Peskafondo, a squid-fishing tournament, run from the restaurant and with food, wine and music to accompany the event.

(Charlize Theron at Gariful on Hvar)

While I agreed to promote the event, privately I wondered if anyone would turn up to such a thing, and I was very doubtful that it would become a thing. There were just 7 teams in the first year, and about 40 people in the restaurant for the after-party. 

Fast forward a decade, and Peskafondo by Gariful on Hvar 2021 had grown into a 3-day event, including big fishing, with an incredible 72 teams taking part, and over 1,500 people turning out in the rain in November, a time when the island is usually very quiet. Not only that but the teams came from all over Croatia, as well as Poland, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Serbia.  I chose Peskafondo as our first CROMADS experience and sent 3 dubious Kiwi remote workers to go and experience the event in the rain. They were blown away by how good it was (see the video above). 

Big Game fishing is another connection to the sea that Gariful on Hvar brings for its guests. The restaurant prides itself on the best catch of the day on the island and works with 7 local fishermen to select top-quality fish each morning. But for some guests, merely enjoying a luxury fish dinner is not enough, and the option to take to the high seas and fish for your dinner now exists. It is an exciting and high adrenaline day out, ending of course with a fish extravaganza at the restaurant. 

The core business of Gariful on Hvar is serving its guests at the restaurant, however, and this is where it excels. From its underfloor aquarium and waterfront location, Gariful has had a style of its own for years, quietly expanding its footprint from its prime location at the end of Hvar's elite waterfront. Villa Gariful was added a few years ago, which has become a favourite for celebrities who can move effortlessly from villa to restaurant away from the glare of the paparazzi. A terrace was also added to expand the restaurant capacity. 

And earlier this month, the opening on the latest Gariful seafood offer - the G Spot sushi bar, which is introduced by the restaurant as follows:

By combining carefully selected and fresh ingredients, we bring the flavors of distant lands to your plates. Positioned in the center of beautiful Hvar, within the luxury restaurant Gariful, the new sushi place Gariful G spot will delight you with its diverse offer and high-quality service.  What makes us distinctive from the others is the always fresh fish in sufficient quantities. We offer a diverse sushi offer as well as refreshing summer cocktails. Follow our social networks because once a week we offer live events and the best dance show in town.

Our mission is to provide you with the best dining experience, by offering the best catch of the day and delicious sushi, outstanding wines – both local and international, a stunning view from our upper terrace and a level of service which will amaze you. Enjoy your meal with the sea view from the terrace and find your G spot.

The Gariful G Spot sushi bar has been open a few days and is already proving to be a hit for those looking for the very best sushi, combined with refreshing summer cocktails, unbeatable views and live entertainment, including dancing with a star every Tuesday and Friday. 

Gariful is not cheap, and nor does it claim to be, and stories of Russian guests getting excited over the exotic menu and wine list which contains extremely rare French Bordeaux classics and Champagnes are legendary, but as an all-encompassing introduction to the very best that Adriatic seafood has to offer, it is hard to beat. And if summer sushi is out of your budget, why not return for the squid fishing celebrations in October, which are very affordable and great fun - just one more Gariful insight into the wonderful world of Adriatic seafood. 

You can learn more about Restaurant Gariful on Hvar on the official website. 

For more about magical Hvar Town, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide. 

June 19, 2022 - The Hvar wedding industry is booming - why wouldn't you get married (and honeymoon) in Paradise?

When I first moved to Hvar 20 years ago, having discovered it quite by accident, I realised what a wonderful and romantic island I had landed on. It truly was the most beautiful place I would ever live. 

I met lots of tourists in those initial years, who were also blown away by the island's beauty - it would be a wonderful place to get married, commented more than one loved-up couple. 

Back then, foreign weddings did take place, but they were the exception rather than the rule. Our old friend, Croatian bureaucracy, was always on hand to blunt Cupid's arrow when it came the idea of a happy 'I do.'

And things started to change slowly. Some enterprising locals started businesses as wedding planners, offering a bespoke service for foreign couples who had fallen in love with Croatia and wanted to celebrate their own love there in front of family and friends. 

Organising a wedding in a foreign country was not without its challenges, especially in the early years, but the bureaucratic obstacles were slowly overcome, stunning wedding videos appeared online, and it seemed that the concept of getting married in idyllic Croatia was a very realisable dream. 

Especially on Hvar, where leading hotel group Suncani Hvar have turned the opportunity into an occasional wedding into an impressive part of their already impressive portfolio. With so many outstanding in-house locations for weddings, the full hospitality facilities of a leading hotel group, and gorgeous Hvar as the perfect backdrop. 

Over the years, there has rarely been a summer Saturday when newlyweds cannot be found having their photos taken on the main square and in other Instagrammable spots. The Hvar wedding industry has been one of the quiet growth areas for tourism in recent years, helped perhaps by the high costs of weddings back home in the UK. And where better to continue the wedding than on honeymoon on a gorgeous island, with many of your friends and relatives enjoying a holiday to keep the party going.

It is almost 5 years since I interviewed the Suncani dedicated Hvar weddings coordinator, Nikolina Pijanovic, on the rise of Hvar weddings (you can read that interview here), and the options and popularity have only grown ever since. With capacity to cater for weddings up to 400 guests, as well as much smaller numbers, the Suncani team is able to cater to almost all wedding requests. 

And the locations are outstanding.

There are few places on the island that can match the elegance of Beach Club Hvar, a spectacular colonnade in front of Hotel Amfora which can seat 250 and house a reception for 350. And with the island's main family hotel just a few steps away, no need to worry about and drink-drive issues. The colonnade is one of the island's most iconic buildings and adds a touch of class and style to that special day. 

Gorgeous by night, gorgeous by day, as well as an essential part of your post-wedding detox, with luxury private cabanas with cabana service and massage on offer to kick start married life in style. 

More than 250 guests? Not a problem, and you can invite up to 400 guests who will trade being on the water for magnificent views of the Pakleni Islands on the terrace of Hotel Amfora. 

With space for 600 to the reception party, the walk home to the hotel room is even closer. Amfora's legendary cascade pools are just below the terrace, only adding to what is truly a magical setting. 

There are also other location options for smaller gatherings and lesser budgets, with the Splash Restaurant and Bar (by Hotel Amfora) offering a private and intimate setting on the water.  

Capacity is for 100 guests to sit, and a reception maximum of 150. The views to the Pakleni Islands are divine. 

Or perhaps you prefer the historic inside of the first 5-star heritage hotel on the island, Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel, which has quite a history. Did you know that organised tourism in Europe began on this very spot, with the founding of the Hvar Health Society back in 1868? Share your memorable day with up to 80 guests. 

Each wedding location comes with a range of packages, or you may of course devise your own. 

As any stressed bride will tell you, the big day is only part of the wedding planning, and the range of additional services that have been developed in recent years has really added a touch of class to the Hvar wedding offer.  

Get set for your big day stress-free, with style, class and glamour. Our team is ready to spoil your taste buds with a delicious rehearsal dinner combined with a world-class wine and services with soul and sunsational style. Our Sensori Spa will be your safe haven of relaxation and rejuvenation and treatments with locally produced plants and oils will make you glow inside and out.

With special discount codes for wedding attendees, what a great way to prepare for your big day in the company of your closest and dearest. 

Your special day may be over, but the fun is only just beginning. Whether or not you have chosen Hvar as your honeymoon destination (why would you choose anywhere else?!?), take a few days to enjoy your new-found status and relax with friends and family who have come to share in your special day. 

The post-wedding services are just one more reason to consider this amazing island, with your dedicated wedding coordinator and team of local partners on hand to continue delivering the magic:

The amazing smell from fields of blooming lavender; the sumptuous taste of spectacular wine that has been cultivated here for more than 2000 years; the stunning view of an ancient stone village surrounded by olive groves; the rush of wind as you race across the sea!

This is Hvar, not just the Mediterranean as it once was, but the essence of island life. An island of adventure and hedonism as well as intimacy and legend. The chosen destination of the rich and famous and commoners alike. From bottles of bubbly, to in-room spa treatments and picnics in the nature or surrounding islands, live it up with lots of luxury delivered right to your room.

And don't forget another essential part of your special day - the photos! There is no more beautiful island in the world in my opinion, and your expert hosts know exactly where to take you for those shots which will stay with you forever. Lavender fields, anyone?

Still need a little convincing? A little video overview perhaps?

For more information about getting married on Hvar, click here.  

To learn more about this gorgeous island, check out the Total Hvar in a Page guide.