Enough talk of party tourism in Hvar for now, take a stroll through the streets with me and rediscover the beauty of Hvar.
The Hvar party scene, we have all heard more than enough of that recently. I first visited Hvar five years ago and I instantly fell in love. It is hard not to be impressed when you sail past the Pakleni islands and arrive by boat into a gorgeous harbour with turquoise waters. You first step onto shore and are greeted by a mixture of architectural styles, the proud symbol of the Venetian empire – telling of a town rich with history, the white stone is glistening under the summer sun, the scent of lavender is in the air, the ‘pjaca’ is abuzz with locals and tourists sipping coffee or shouting their greetings across the square and standing above it all, is a fortress built in the 16th Century…
These were my first impression of Hvar, the very first town I fell in love with in Croatia. But it didn’t stop here; then I got to know the locals – people with soul. They instantly welcomed me and made me feel like I was home – and it wasn’t long before they all started telling me that I belong in Croatia, that I would find a man, get married and move here... I laughed it off but it turns out they were on the money.
So, naturally it breaks my heart when I see the bad press Hvar has been getting recently, granted – some of it deservedly. Two days ago, I visited Hvar town for the first time this season and honestly, I was a little apprehensive; but, when I arrived, I discovered that the Hvar I know and love, was still there. Maybe I struck it lucky (there were no Yacht Week boats in at the time), but as I meandered the streets and alleyways, I rediscovered the beauty that is quite possibly, the reason I am still in Croatia (and for my husband of course).
I am not turning a blind eye to the state Hvar town has reached recently and I am not going to talk about the outrageous prices (this time), but it has received enough press covering the negative and TCN’s chief – Paul Bradbury, covered the debate about party vs quality tourism, more than constructively here. After talking to plenty of locals, they are optimistic that a new mayor will hopefully equal new regulations to protect the history, culture and way of life in Hvar. So, I don’t need to go over all of this. Instead, I just wanted to take you on a small walk through Hvar, away from the party scene - where there is art, history, live music and genuine, relaxed venues...Come strolling with me
And then, walk up to the fortress with me...
