Total Hvar

New Info Website and Blog for the Island: Introducing Total Hvar

2011-10-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

There are numerous website out there about the island of Hvar. Most are geared towards selling a service, such as apartment rentals, and cover the basics of the island's towns and beaches. The tourist board websites all have good information, but are restricted to the towns and villages they represent. Even they struggle to keep visitors informed of latest news and events.

Meet Total Hvar, the first comprehensive and interactive website for the whole of Hvar Island. In addition to providing the most detailed guide out there to all the towns, villages, activities, festivals (and much, much more!), Total Hvar will keep you in touch with the latest events, deals and news.

At a loose end tomorrow? Why not take part in the Gariful squid-hunting tournament in Hvar Town? Own some land near Stari Grad? Check out the public viewing of the changes to the masterplan from October 31.

As the season approaches, there will be a lot more posts on events, special offers from restaurants etc., as well as a weekly newsletter. Why not add your own events and blog posts about Hvar with our front-end submission form (registration required and all posts moderated before publication)?

Interactive maps will guide you through the island's diverse offer, with a combination of video and slideshows, so that you will be able to plan (and book) your Hvar holiday from the comfort of your living room.

If you have a business or activity related to Hvar that you would like highlighting, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Join us on Facebook and help spread the word, so that we can create the best possible information resource for the best island in the world.

The site is in its infancy but will be growing quickly. Get involved!

From the Archives: Plane Crashes in Hvar Town

2011-10-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

There have been calls for a full airport on Hvar for a number of years now, as visitors seek to reduce journey times to Croatia's premier island, but it seems that the need dates back longer than previously thought, with these excellent pictures of a crash on the waterfront in Hvar Town, courtesy of the Hvar Town Tourist Board.

If anyone has more information or pictures from the crash, please get in touch. Hvar has not suffered any plane crashes this summer, but there were other unfortunate incidents, including a yacht running aground after hitting the small islet of Pokojni Dol and another luxury boat running amok in Hvar Town's harbour, hitting five boats in the process.

Sunsets on Hvar: Grab a Cocktail and Enjoy on the Terrace

2011-10-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

The end of another perfect day on Hvar. Grab a cocktail, sit on the terrace and enjoy the view, for Hvar has some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. No need for words on this post, save to thank the Hvar Town Tourist Board for the pictures. Why not join their Facebook page for some of the best constantly updated pictures of Hvar on the web, including many more Hvar sunsets?

Sailing in Croatia: The Boats on Hvar in 2011

2011-10-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

Some of the world's most expensive boats were to be seen once again in the harbour of Hvar Town, which enjoyed another star-studded celebrity season. Roman Abramovich's former run-around, Ecstasea, which he sold for a reported $200 million, was in port the day a nearby yacht ran amok, hitting five other boats.

Ecstasea was moored up next to one of the most talked-about boats of the summer at the time, the futuristic Wallypower, part of the fleet of enigmatic Chinese businessman Jimmy Lee, who once again appeared on the island to party.

There were plenty of other impressive yachts, such as Silver, above, as walking along the waterfront to admire the latest vessels became part of the daily routine.

Other luxury visitors included the cruise ship One World, which moored up for the night in October.

There was plenty of sailing action too, including several regattas, and a well-attended sailing festival of traditional boats, the Festa Forske Pulene, in October.

There was an impressive selection of sailboats throughout the year, including this beauty above.

For many tourists, however, the most important boats were much smaller - the water taxis ferrying visitors to and from the Pakleni Islands.

And perhaps the most important boat of all, the Jadrolinija ferry to Stari Grad, the island's main connection with the world, and the most popular route for visitors to Hvar. Jadrolinija has just released its new winter schedule - more info here.

Photos courtesy of the Hvar Town Tourist Board.

Getting around Hvar: Private Transfers from Stari Grad

2011-10-14T02:05:00.000-07:00

One of the decisions tourists have to make about their holiday on Hvar is how to get around to explore the rest of the island. Car rental is an obvious option, and there are pros and cons renting on the mainland or on Hvar.

There are buses, but the timetable does not always meet the needs of visitors, particularly those looking to hit the beach or smaller resorts. Scooter hire is also a popular option, but a more convenient choice for some is the private transfer, which is more affordable than people think, as well as offering visitors complete flexibility.

Guests in Stari Grad, for example, are able to enjoy clean, safe and friendly transfers anywhere on the island with a usual waiting time of 5-10 minutes (perhaps a little longer in peak season), and this can be an excellent way of discovering Hvar.

To give an example of prices to the other main towns, pictured above, the price for 1-4 passengers to Hvar Town from Stari Grad was 32 euro, Jelsa 22 euro and Vrboska 20 euro. Prices for larger groups are even more attractive. Groups of 5-8 paid a combined price of 40 euro (Hvar Town), 27 euro (Jelsa) and 25 euro (Vrboska).

The transfer service opens up the possibility to explore the wonderful beaches on the south side of the island - Zavala, Ivan Dolac and Sveta Nedjelja. A transfer to Ivan Dolac, for example, cost 38 euro for up to four people, 43 euro for up to eight.

Other smaller resorts not far from Stari Grad are suddenly more accessible for little more than the price of a bus ticket (if indeed buses serviced these routes), such as Basina for 22 euro for four, 27 euro for 8. Individual destinations can be organised.

For an updated price list and more destinations, check out the Hvar Touristik website, or pop into their office which is located on the edge of the old town of Stari Grad. It is also possible to pre-book a transfer by email

Prince Harry on Hvar: The Chinese Animated Version

2011-10-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Footage of Prince Harry's legendary night at top Hvar nightclub, Veneranda, was beamed around the world, as a drunken prince jumped/fell into a swimming club fully clothed.

A Chinese animation of the version has seen less coverage. Enjoy! And then compare the original.

Vrboska in the Past: Old Photos of Hvar's 'Little Venice'

2011-10-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

There is a great local blog in Croatian about life on Hvar from a local blogger called Geomir. Based in Vrboska, the blog is in Croatian only, but has some great pictures and insights into island life, including some great old photos, of which these are a selection.

The bridge above is the last one over the Vrboska Canal, which was completely rebuilt a few years ago. Note the women on the left by the water - this was the old laundry spot.

There are also some great sketches, including this one, showing Vrboska as a town of wooden bridges.

Above a view of the old town, with the impressive St. Mary's church fortress towering over all.

Hvar takes its Catholicism seriously, and here is a religious procession, presumably part of the 500 year-old Za Krizem Easter Procession, now under UNESCO protection.

The most fashionable transport, as was...

The Eagle has Landed! Of Pigeons and Bicycles in Jelsa

2011-10-09T02:17:00.000-07:00

The life of a pigeon in Dalmatia is not to be envied. Constantly harassed on various squares by young children is an occupational hazard. Occasionally, however, a pigeon will feel safe enough to land close to a child, as happened above yesterday in Jelsa.

It was a busy day for the pigeons, with Jelsa's main square filled with children watching or taking part in the Biciklijada, a fun charity cycling event. Click here for more details.

Google Marks Croatian Independence Day

2011-10-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

An unfamiliar look to the homepage of Google.com on October 8 will have filled Croatians with pride. The Croatian crest appeared in the search engine's logo, along with a message in Croatian when the mouse hovered over it, wishing the Republic of Croatia Happy Independence Day.

Happy 20th Birthday to you all!

Accommodation in Vrboska, the Little Venice of Hvar

2011-10-05T01:58:00.000-07:00

While most tourists head for the party atmosphere of Hvar Town, there are many other options for a picturesque holiday on the island of Hvar. Among the best is the marina town of Vrboska, on the island's northern coast.

Home to the main ACI marina and popular therefore with the yachting community, Vrboska is arguably Hvar's prettiest settlement, with its stone bridges along the canal from which it gets its nickname, Little Venice. An impressively preserved stone town includes the imperious church fortress of St. Mary, a unique construction in Dalmatia.

With some of the best beaches on Hvar, the most popular nudist camp on the island, and am impressive array of eating, drinking and activities, Vrboska is a perfect place as a base to enjoy the island.

Apart from camping and staying on boats, all accommodation is privately owned (there is one hotel, the Adriatic, but it has been pre-booked en masse), and there are several interesting options for holiday-makers.

There are several apartments on offer which offer excellent views of the old town, sea and canal, including Villa Miljenka, above, where prices start at 80 euro a night.

For a more authentic stone experience, Apartments Lui have a range of options, including the one above, starting at 60 euro a night.

A much more comprehensive accommodation selection, both for Vrboska and the rest of the island, can be found through local tourism experts, Hvar Touristik.

Hvar Town's Most Luxurious Rental? Villa Heraclea behind Hotel Riva

2011-10-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

While more exclusive visitors to Croatia's premier island have never had any difficulty in appreciating the beauty of Hvar, finding styling luxurious accommodation has been a little more problematic.

The drive to encourage mass tourism in the 1960s did little for the top end of the tourist market, as renters strived to provide as much tourist accommodation as possible with little disposable income.

With Croatia's tourism emerging from the war-time interruption, there has been a marked investment in the tourist infrastructure, particularly in Hvar Town, where ORCO Group have invested heavily in giving the Suncani Hvar hotels a five-star makeover.

Private accommodation has lagged behind the standards set by the hotel group, but not in all cases. High quality finishes such as Kuca Sofia just off the main square show what is possible at affordable prices, while there are superb luxury offers now emerging, such as Villa Heraclea.

Ideally situated over three floors behind Hotel Riva, Heraclea is perfectly positioned to enjoy the main square, Carpe Diem and luxury waterfront restaurants such as Gariful.

With five bedrooms and five bathrooms, there is ample accommodation, while the villa's swimming pool is a popular feature. The villa has 420m2 of internal space, as well as 220m2 external, plenty of room to relax and unwind.

Renovated to high specification after being purchased as a partial ruin in 2004, the villa is housed in a 16th authentic stone building with excellent views of the sea. Included in the price is the use of a housekeeper, free parking and free luggage delivery.

For more information and to book, visit the Hvar Touristik website, who offer a comprehensive selection of accommodation and tours on Hvar.

Best Value Restaurants on Hvar: Pizzeria Marko in Stari Grad

2011-09-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Visitors to the island of Hvar have an enviable choice of dining, from the exclusive waterfront seafood restaurants in Hvar Town (where a Russian guest allegedly spent 10,000 euro on a single dinner this summer) to authentic stone treasures tucked away in the hills and inland villages.

One worth seeking out is Pizzeria Marko in Stari Grad, where diners are guaranteed a warm reception in this pet and child-friendly restaurant situated close to the entrance to the old town. Check out the video above to get a flavour.

The square where the pizzeria is located is child friendly and full of atmosphere, tradition and history, including arguably Hvar's most photographed resident, the unassuming 92 year-old fisherman repairing his nets.

Balote in Dol and Waiting for the Stari Grad Ferry: 1969 Video.

2011-09-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

The sporting tradition of balote runs deep on Hvar, and the older generation can be seen in competitive action in most villages and towns on the island. Below is some footage of the suited men of Dol in action in 1969, before the film cuts to the Stari Grad waterfront and the ferry, before continuing at the beach.

Jelsa in the Past: A Video of Life on Hvar in 1939

2011-09-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

The Croatian Tourist Board has had much success with its imaginative slogan, Croatia - The Mediterranean as it Once Was. Far from the overdevelopment in Spain, Portugal and elsewhere, the Croatian authorities have been hesitant to allow mass construction, particularly on the islands.

For an insight about Croatia and how the Mediterranean really once was, there are some excellent clues in this silent video about life in Jelsa, where the cameraman charts daily life from fishing, sport, school, cafe life and religious processions.

Music in Dalmatia: Great Video from Klapa Jelsa

2011-09-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

No visit to Hvar would be complete without listening to some of the outstanding male choirs known as Klapa. There is a long singing tradition in Dalmatia, and many villages have their own acapella groups who perform in traditional concerts as well as spontaneous performances in cafes and restaurants when the mood suits.

One of the best is Klapa Jelsa, who have also produced this excellent video with a hint of a Dalmatian life gone by. Enjoy!

Sunset at Kindergarten in Jelsa

2011-09-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

There can be few more picturesque settings for one's formative years than the kindergarten in Jelsa. Located on the waterfront in an impressive stone building, the building has a wonderful view of the harbour and old town of Jelsa. It is makes a pretty postcard on its own, as in this sunset captured by local tourist agency, Hvar Touristik.

Croatia's Premier Island Through the Eyes of Hvar Touristik in Stari Grad

2011-09-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

There is no denying the beauty of Hvar, but perhaps it is best viewed through the eyes of a local. Leading island tourist agency, Hvar Touristik, based in Stari Grad, have an impressive database of photos and know the island intimately.

Boats are an important part of island life, and tourists are transported to and around Hvar in the season. Winter is the time for repair and maintenance, as above in Stari Grad.

Hvar is known as the Lavender Island and June and July bring a colourful and aromatic flavour to the island, culminating in the lavender harvest, which is celebrated at a festival in Velo Grablje. Jadrolinija's trusty ferries keep the connection to the mainland.

The jewel in the crown of the island's offer is Hvar Town and the Pakleni Island's, a celebrity haunt and proud hosts to a fully-clothed British Prince and proud American popstar Mum-to-be in 2011.

While the evening action may be on the dance floors of Veneranda, Pink Champagne and Carpe Diem Beach Club, the day belongs to the Adriatic Sea, simply some of the cleanest and most attractive swimming in the world.

There are plenty of other resorts on Hvar worthy of a visit, including Vrboska, home to the main marina, and also known as Little Venice.

For the more adventurous, head to Pitve and the southern resorts of Zavala, Ivan Dolac and Sveta Nedjelja through the infamous Pitve Tunnel, one of the hairiest rides there is, and Europe's last undiscovered film set.

A free hotel room if it snows, says the brochure. It DOES snow,rarely, but the normal view of snow for local kids is on the Biokovo mountains on the mainland through palm trees.

Although the sunniest island in the Adriatic, it does rain occasionally (don't tell the tourists) and clouds are a welcome sight after a hot summer, as here over the inland village of Dol, famous for its unique edible dormouse festival.

Hvar Touristik are local, connected and efficient - offering a wide selection of accommodation and tours on the island. For more information, visit their website.

Best Hvar Tour of 2011? Secret Hvar Off-Road Jeep Safari

2011-09-09T03:09:00.000-07:00

While most tourists head for the beach and the stunning coastal towns on Hvar, reports descending from the hills suggest that the best day out on the island is away from the beach.

From the history of lavender to a hike to the peak of Hvar, the Secret Hvar Off Road Safari takes tourists to all the hidden gems of the island, many of which are only accessible by jeep.

Included in the tour is a fascinating look at the traditions and cultural heritage of Dalmatia, all expertly explained by Sinisa, simply one of the best guides there is. His local knowledge adds depth to the stunning vistas at every turn.

Starting with collection from one's accommodation, the tour takes in several locations on the island, including the enchanting abandoned village of Malo Grablje.

And while there is a certain physical element to the tour, age is not a problem, with this season's oldest tourist a sprightly 95 year-old from America.

A traditional lunch in one of Hvar's finest rustic settings is a fine way to take stock of the morning's events.

And any tour of Hvar would be incomplete without those breathtaking views. More information from Secret Hvar. So go on, try a day away from the beach, and come back with the best memories of your Hvar holiday.

Move Over Beyonce: Introducing the Leedham Sisters, Busking on Hvar

2011-09-07T00:50:00.000-07:00

With a British prince jumping into a swimming pool in a Hvar nightclub, and music legends Boy George, Beyonce and Craig David deciding to holiday here, it has been easy to miss one of the best sounds on the islands this summer, the Leedham sisters.

Hattie and Maddy Leedham, whose family own a holiday home on Hvar, have spent the summer performing an excellent set with an acoustic guitar on the streets of Jelsa, Stari Grad and beyond.

So good are they in fact, that they have had repeat gigs in top Stari Grad restaurant, Stari Mlin, as well as a concert in Hotel Delphin in Hvar Town. They were to be seen busking on many evenings in August, to the obvious delight of locals and tourists alike. So impressive were they that they even managed to obtain an official permit to perform in Hvar Town's main square.

The above clip is the first recorded piece available, filmed in Jelsa. The girls will be back later in the year and again next summer for an extended stay, so restauranteurs, bars and cafes, get your requests in early - these ladies are going to be huge!

Pregnant Beyonce at Hula Hula Beach Club on Hvar

2011-09-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hula Hula Beach Club on Hvar (Photo credit Roubicek)

Hvar's celebrity summer continues with the arrival of a blooming Beyonce and Jay-Z. Fresh from celebrating her 30th birthday in Venice, the couple returned to Croatia where Beyonce showed off her 4-month bump at trendy Hvar beach club, Hula Hula, before heading off in her yacht, Odessa. Click here for more (and some video footage).

Cycling on Hvar: No Better Month than September

2011-09-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

With another hectic peak season on Hvar coming to a close, the traffic on the island's roads undergoes a subtle change. Gone are the flash sports cars, Italian caravans and scooter rentals, to be replaced by Golfs, Zastavas and Renaults on the way to the locals' fields, even more so with the grape harvest imminent.

There is also an increase in the number of cyclists enjoying the scenery. With its challenging hills and spectacular views, Hvar is an attractive destination for cyclists, and there is no better month than September to cycle. The summer heat has receded, the restaurants are still open, and the weather is warm.

A recent initiative to improve information for cyclists has led to several signposted routes and an excellent map (one of the best of the island) of these routes, including details on elevation, distance and cycling time. It is available from the Jelsa Tourist Office. Click here for more details on the routes.

Prince Harry in Croatia: From easyJet to Luxury Yacht, via Gariful

2011-09-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

Prince Harry's legendary moves in top Hvar nightclub, Veneranda, have been beamed around the globe, as the world's tabloid newspapers had a field day. While much has been written about the dancing, drinking, swimming and attractive local ladies, less has been publicised about his visit to Gariful restaurant, a fracas on the waterfront after leaving the club, and details on the $22 million yacht, O'Khalila, which was in stark contrast to his more humble easyJet arrival. Click here for more.

Hvar Voted Top Tourist Destination by Croatian Media

2011-09-04T01:09:00.000-07:00

Locals on Hvar are used to hearing superlatives about the beauty of the island, as well as collecting numerous international accolades. From Conde Nast readers voting it among the top ten most beautiful islands in the world, to Forbes Magazine placing it on their list of World's Sexiest Islands, there is plenty of admiration for the island of Hvar, and Hvar Town in particular.

Croatians appreciate Hvar also, and it was nice to see Hvar Town topping an undercover survey of the Croatian coast by a major Croatian newspaper, whose conclusions after an arduous 40-day trip the length of the coast was that Hvar Town was the place to be. Click here for more.

A Summer of Diverse Festivals on Hvar: The Dol Dormouse

2011-09-04T00:59:00.000-07:00

Far away from the bright lights of Hvar Town and the Full Moon parties on the Carpe Diem beach at Stipanska, the relatively unknown inland village of Dol hosted one of the most surreal festivals of the summer, complete with its own hard currency, the Super Dormouse.

No Croatian kuna accepted here, but locals flocked for the fourth Dolska Puhijada, bringing the village to life and celebrating its traditions and culture. For many, the highlight was sampling the local speciality, the edible dormouse. Click here for more details.

The iPhone App for Hvar: An Insider's Guide is here!

2011-07-19T01:01:00.001-07:00

Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island is now available as an app on iTunes.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.