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Romantic Hvar island, called the “Croatian Madeira”Read what the others has to say about romantic Hvar island!I feel so excited when talking about the romantic Hvar island. It quite normal for me because my parents and my whole family were born there. I spent most of my summer holidays there in the small town Stari Grad. This romantic Island is a great place for a vacation. It is one of the few places where you can escape from the big city life and catch your breath and relax. Hvar spreads out 80 km (60 miles) from west to east and it is truly paradise for its tourists. The two main towns are Hvar and Stari Grad. Hvar is the biggest city on the island , called the “Croatian Madeira”. Hvar receives more than 2724 hours of sunshine each year, more than anywhere else in the country. Medieval Hvar is a small town that lies between protective pine-covered slopes and the azure Adriatic Sea. The main street promenade runs along the harbor, where you will find the most important sights. Some hotels are just along this stretch while others are north-west of the town center.
Hvar town harbor with Pakleni (Hell) islands Romantic Hvar Island - Things to See:
- Saint Stephen /Sveti Stefan/ square - The Renaissance theatre from 1612 - The Bishop’s Treasury - 15th century Franciscan monastery
The old theatre from 1612 The most popular beaches are on the Pakleni(Hell) islands connected to the main island with regular taxi boats leaving in front of the Hvar Arsenal built in 1611. On the islands Jerolim and Stipanska, you will find the most popular regular and nudist beaches. What to do? Rent a boat - In the centre of Hvar you can rent a boat and take a marvellous trip around the surrounding islands. It's actually a very exciting trip, with many interesting places to see... and at very reasonable price. Banana Boat Ride - If you prefer more excitement then you'll love the banana boat ride. This is my personal favorite, you and your friends sit on the banana. Then it's pulled by a speedboat for about 10 minutes....of course the speedboat makes sharp turns which causes you to fall off. Thats the best part!!! Parasail - Parasailing your worries is the ultimate activity. You get to enjoy a beautiful one of a kind view for 20 minutes. Parasailing is so much fun!!! You don't need to bring anything, just yourselves. The price includes the equipment. Romantic Hvar Island - Where to eat? Restaurants: You’ll have to hunt to find Macondo, located on a tiny alley just off the main square, but its well worth it to sample the fresh seafood. The restaurant is named after the town in "One Hundred Years of Solitude,” and the décor is understated, with stone walls, a few pieces of modern art and simple white tablecloths. Order the catch of the day or the gregada, a thick seafood soup. (2 blocks north of trg Sv Stjepna, Hvar Town. 021/742-850.
If you’re looking for something more casual, try Menego. Some of the best dishes are marinated anchovies, octopus and chickpea salad, figs stuffed with almonds, and Dalmation ham, which is smooth and buttery. The chic set heads to Luna (1 Petar Hektorovića, Hvar town, Phone 385 21 741 400). The food is classic with a twist, such as shrimp gazpacho and smoked salmon. Nightlife: Some of the city’s best clubs feel like they have been imported directly from Ibiza. Carpe Diem is the biggest and best known, with internationally known DJs. Hotels: Romantic Hvar island is steadily becoming one of the hottest European party destinations - and for good reason with its mix of sun, beaches and clubs. But choose your hotel carefully as most are functional rather than stylish. The big exception - and the best place to stay in Hvar town - is the Riva Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Hvar
Hvar promenade (Riva) Stari Grad (Old Town), is one of the oldest towns in Croatia and is on romantic Hvar island. This old town known as Pharos, was founded in 385 BC by Greek colony. The Romans ousted the Greeks in 219 BC. Later, Slavs settled the town and it became the capital of the island until 1278. Stari Grad on Romantic Hvar Island - Thing to see:
Another highlight is the old Dominican monastery, founded in 1482, damaged by the Turks and later fortified with a tower. Where to eat? I recommend two restaurants: Eremitaz and Jurin podrum(Cellar) Get a table outside on one of the quiet small streets, sit back and relax and enjoy a long leisurely lunch. The food is well prepared and straight-forward. Try lobster spaghetti and I guarantee you’ll be back next year. Beaches! On the right side of Stari Grad bay you will find a lot of small caves Free Nudist beaches. Their names are Tiha Cave and Zavala Cave. Click to enlarge!
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The first highlight is Tvrdalj, the home of the poet Petar Hektorovic in a 16th century castle with fish pond that reflects the poet's love for fish and the sea.
