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Hvar Island

Dalmatia - Split

The town of Hvar is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, and mundane, tourist present.
Hvar Island
Hvar Island
Photo: Dreamstime / Gepapix

Located in the picturesque nature, facing south, side of the world that has given all Mediterranean attraction and cheerfulness, facing sea, that he was splendid and repeatable history, Hvar is an inexhaustible treasury of the scenery, atmosphere and adventure.

The name comes from the word PHAROS - Greek name for island and town, that stood where today Stari Grad (Hvar which is in the 13th century assumed the title of the island's center).

Glory and power of Hvar gained during the Middle Ages as an important port within the Venetian maritime empire. Today, the island's tourism hub and one of the favorite tourist destinations in Dalmatian riviera - a town of smiling and courteous people, almost entirely dedicated to tourism.

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Hvar belongs to the middle-Dalmatian islands. It is situated in Split-Dalmatia County, in the midst of a group of islands that are part of the county. Seen in the immediate neighborhood, north of it is the island of Brac, and south of it are Šćedro (separated from it Šćedorski channel), Vis (more towards the southwest), Paklinski islands, Korcula and Peljesac peninsula.

Length is 72 km, and in the wider area is 10.5 km wide. The total length of its coastline is 254.2 km. Its area is 299.7 square kilometers making it the fourth Croatian island on the surface. The highest point is St. Nicholas, 628 meters high.

The road that connects the town of Hvar on the west and Sućuraj on the east side of the island is 84 km. The island of Hvar, with its surface largely covered with pine trees which makes a very pleasant climate and vineyards that produce up to 50 000 hectoliters of wine annually.

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The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, 6000 years ago. From this period on the island there is a peculiar Hvar culture (3500th-2500th g.pr.Kr.), known for bojanoj ceramics. Is known as the Mark and cave in which he found oldest depiction of a ship in Europe on a fragment ceramic vases, and locality Purkin hip with megaliths. Later, the island was inhabited by the Illyrians.

Hvar was the site of ancient Greek colonization in the fourth Ct. AD .. It was at this time, 385th Mr BC Pharos was founded at the site of the Old City. Same Pharos was the polis. It is not known whether any other ancient Greek settlement on the island, maybe someone on the site of Hvar (the scientists have placed the Herakleia or Dimos). In Stari Grad area keep the ager, the original ancient Greek cadastral division of the country with a boundary stone (piles) that is still visible.

With the fall of Syracuse, patron of this important island, come the end of the power of the ancient Greeks. The island falls under the authority of ancient Rome 219th BC, the Pharos was named Pharia.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the island remains under the Byzantine Empire. In the late classical period increased population of the island. This period is rich in archaeological finds. It developed a large number of new villa rustica at historical ager and the hitherto neglected eastern parts of the island. About this time there are gaps in written sources until the arrival of the Slavs.

Then comes into possession of the tri-centennial of the Neretva principality. In the same period, the population is poslavenjuje completely and takes on Croatian language, culture and names. Then on the island and settled old Croatian tribe Slavogost. In the 11th century became part of the medieval Croatian kingdom Petar Kresimir IV .. After the government smjenju Republic of Venice, Byzantium, the Croatian-Hungarian kingdom.

1331. Communes are finally placed under Venetian protection of Omis pirates. 1420. years by the Venetians in full control. The Venetian government was until the fall of Venice, 1797th year. In this period, the town of Hvar was the main Venetian port in the eastern Adriatic coast. Hvar Island was part of the same administrative unit, and the island of Vis, Hvar commune. Track this division is today's Hvar Brač-surplus-diocese.

Since 1510th the 1514th The uprising lasted Hvar commoners under the leadership of Matija Ivanic against Hvar's nobleman. Commoners overthrew the aristocratic rule on the island and the uprising was eventually quelled by Venice.

After the 1797th years, the island of Hvar came under the rule of the Habsburg monarchy. Since 1806th the 1814th briefly under Napoleon's France, and then again in the Habsburg monarchy, and the reorganization of the same, the Austrian part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Then comes the "little golden period" for this island, are governed by all the island's airport, made a cadastre, it happens little industrialization, a rising conjunctural round the farm market (vine, feverfew, Levanda) strengthens the middle class population, and lag the lower layers be mitigated to the Left of principal on the island. Until the advent of steamships, the island had its own merchant marine.

The town of Hvar was then opened consulates in Greece, Parma, Naples and the Papal States Kingdom.

In 1858th Hvar is the opening of the first meteorological station in Croatia.

In 1868. has established the first tourist company ("Hygienic Society").

The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian 1918th year, enters the state. Kingdom of Italy occupied the same island 1918th year and stayed to 1921. when finally becomes part of Kingdom of SHS / Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

In 1941., The fall of the Kingdom, Hvar became part of the Independent State of Croatia, where he was part of a large parish Cetina.

With the fall of the NDH government, part of the Croatian NR / SR Croatian. The island was an administrative unit, the municipality of Hvar with its headquarters in the town of Hvar.

Croatian independence 1991st year, Hvar is divided into four municipalities: Town of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa and Sućuraj.

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The beaches in Hvar are mainly made of stone - gravel, are found in bays, surrounded by pine trees and low vegetation. On Hvar, there are natural sandy beaches, mainly on the north side of the island, due to the fact that the north wind (Bura) and waves on the north side stronger than those in the south. Thus, the pebbles on gravel beaches, mostly in the smaller bays on the north side of the island, and thus more suitable for children. Fine gravel has on the southwest side of the island which faces the open sea, near the town Basina, and Zavala Milna. Shallow sandy beach in the deep bays can be found in the bay near Jelsa Mlaska Sucuraj end, and on the south side of the beach "Česminica in Sucuraj

But one thing is certain, wherever on the island of Hvar went swimming awaits you crystal clear, clean and unpolluted sea!

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Hvar Island is 68 kilometers long, the longest Adriatic island of Cres and the fourth by total area (300 square meters). The road that runs the entire length of the island of Hvar to the eastern end of Sucuraj, is 84 km long. The high plateau of Mount St. Nicholas (626 m above sea level) and Hum (603 m), which extends from the Holy Sunday to Jelsa, partly covered with pine woods and partly arable land is marked by distinctive beauty and fresh air. The plain that extends between the Old Town, Vrboske and Jelsa is under vineyards, from which annually produces up to 50 000 hectoliters of wine.

Hvar is less known for its stone from the nearby islands of Brac and Korcula, Trogir or on land. Nevertheless, the so-called "Greek cave" near Mikićevice with the remains of ancient quarries, a few famous stone works, records of travel writers who have spoken on the island of Hvar as a "city of marble" and a number of renowned sculptor to the most famous Croatian sculptor of modern point to an almost forgotten tradition of processing stone. There are documents on the export of white limestone in Berlin for the construction of the Houses of Parliament, government buildings and palaces of the Federal Council.

The island is covered with evergreen oak (Orno-Quercetum ilicis) and pines (Pinus halapensis Mill. Dalmatica and Pinus nigra). Šćedro is particularly rich variety of Mediterranean trees and plants. Deciduous Oriental hornbeam (Carpinetum croaticum orientalis) occurs in the higher mountains, about 400 meters above sea level.

Wine, lavender and honey have long been the main agricultural products of Hvar. Hvar wine, along with other Dalmatian wines, successfully exported to France and Hungary in the period 1870-1894., When phylloxera devastated most of the Dalmatian vineyards. At that time, early 20 century, large numbers of islanders emigrated to North and South America. Locals have become pioneers of wine growing in California, and is still greatly involved in local wine production. In the 1880s the total production of rosemary oil on the island has reached 20 000 kg. Oil in the early 20th century exported to Trieste, where it was purchased perfume factory in England, France and Germany. Rosemary picked up on sunny days, usually from June to mid-August, sometimes to the end of September, in areas that are exploiting every three years. Unlike Spain, which is distilled the whole harvested plant, here in the distillation process uses only dry leaves.

Hvar is the waters of ancient times was known by the abundance of sardines and other pelagic fish, especially the part of the waters of the island to Paklenjaci Lukavac Šćedro and east of the peninsula. Hvar is one of the best studied of the Dalmatian islands in the area of ​​natural science and zoology.

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Hvar island climate, given the geographical position, is characterized by mild winters and dry summers. Central annual temperature, measured in a period of 60 years was 16.2 ° C, so the city is in the last century Viennese climatologist J. Hann called "Adriatic Madeira". The lowest absolute minimum -7.2 ° C recorded is 05 January 1976.

Month of January has the lowest air temperature, on average 8.6 ° C, February 9 ° C and December 10.5 ° C, July and August are the warmest months, when the average temperature in July on average 23.4 ° C in August was 23.2 ° C.

Relative humidity in the winter months is 67%, 66% in spring and in autumn 68%. Cloudiness is the biggest day in January (5), and lowest in July (1.6), and Hvar has on average 2715 hours of sunshine. Average annual rainfall is 788.7 mm per year.

Through ten-year period of snow has fallen 5 times in January, and 3 times in February. Winter northeaster blows strongest "wind" in spring and autumn is the most southeastern "south", while in summer the sea is blowing a gentle and pleasant north-west "breeze" which significantly cools the heated land.

Southern exposure of the island are more comfortable in the winter because they are protected from the cold north wind. Most pleasant and mildest climate of Hvar is a village lying in the open bay to the west and the protected elevated terrain to the north and south.

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Harmonious symbiosis of settlements and the environment is particularly striking in some old villages like Upper Prapratna Zagradac, Hmac, Schedule, Maslinovik, Jurkova Dolca, Rasnik, Zablaće and Small rake. These are small places specific rural architecture in which today can find old items used in households. Some of these settlements are characterized by three, not large settlements for pastors, especially in eastern and southern side of the island.

Since the most interesting folk customs of the island during the Holy Week processions, especially the Cross procession that takes place on the night of Holy Thursday in round six parishes: Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanja and Vrboske. Developed from the procession that was held as a sign of repentance after which, in the midst of social turmoil on the island 1510th , on the eve of the revolt of Hvar commoners, a small cross in the town of Hvar miraculously wept tears of blood. Procession moving from six parochial churches in the exact middle of the night and move in a clockwise direction so that during the duration of the procession crosses osmosatnog never meet, which according to folk belief, a sign of a major accident. The road that leads from church to church lights a lamp and sponges soaked in paraffin oil, and the windows of houses people put candles. During an impressive procession of singers sing songs of Our Lady weeping, which dates from the 15th century. Priests only funeral processions and greet at their stations.

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One of the most traditional products of the island's royal guides, clean ruzmarinovog distillate oils, which are still in the 19 century travelers preporučavali rinse and throat as a remedy against scurvy. S ruzmarinovog producing oil in large quantities started in the late 17th and early 18th century, probably in the village Brusje. In the late 19th Grablju century, there were, and Rosemary Cooperative. Distillate and rosemary leaves are exported to Germany, New York, even Brazil. Marjoram oil is also a very popular massage rheumatic joints.

Hvar is, except the rosemary royal guides, and the island of purple lavender fields. Since the first three branches from Velo Grablje this aromatic plant of exceptional properties spread Pharos fields. Lavender oil is used against moths and the production of fragrances and creams. It blooms in June, July, and August, and medicinal plants of its flowers to be harvested as soon bloom.

Are known and Hvar cakes, biscuits especially in the Old City. Poet Peter Hektorović mention these traditional cakes in their agents. The main ingredient in them is saffron, which along with honey and coriander was a very important product of the island in the 16th century. Coriander is used as an ingredient in many antiseptic and love potions.

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In Hvar Town can be reached directly by ferry in the port of Hvar, or by road from the central part of the island, but no matter where he approached, Hvar immediately appears as a monument to the city. Century were hewn out of its walls, eras, and most renaissance, gave him a form. Monuments within monuments, monuments on monuments, the town of Hvar is a jewel hidden in time.

We suggest you visit; fortress Forticu (Španjola); Hvar cathedral; Hvar Theatre (Arsenal) based 1612th The Franciscan monastery ... Nevertheless, Hvar is not just monuments, there is a port of Hvar, Hell's Islands, located in front of the Hvar bay, its hotels, apartments, its climate, which heals, its restaurants and bars, friendly hosts, all of which makes the spirit of an exclusive tourist destination.

Nightlife of Hvar, among other things, attracting young people looking for good entertainment from all over the world. A typical day involves lifting clubbers near noon, then sipping coffee in one of Hvar caffe bars bars overlooking the waterfront, or piazza.

Lunch in one of Hvar's many restaurants with fresh fish, homemade olive oil and vegetables and high quality domestic wine, then taking place in one of the excursion boat to one of the bays on Pakleni islands, enjoying the clean sea and sun to the evening.

Special tourist offer of Hvar is to stay in pristine coves near the city that can be visited by car, bicycle or walking Mediterranean landscape. In these bays you can swim, and almost everyone there is a restaurant or a suitable place for refreshment.

If we add to the natural charms of high quality accommodation and Mediterranean warmth and kindness of Hvar is becoming an ideal holiday destination for couples and families.

Hvar displays with pride the oldest municipal (national) theater in Europe. Hvar are built through time by notable domestic and foreign architects, artists transferred to canvas. But Hvar best I tells its own story. Come and experience a part of legend.

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Located at the eastern tip of the island, Sućuraj lies in the magnificent scenery as it consists of hills Biokovo peninsula and the sea.

Over the centuries Sućuraj inhabited and shaped by the Illyrians, Romans, Slavs, Venetians, French, and in its golden age in 17 experiences Sućuraj century from which time dates back to the Venetian Fortica built to ward off attackers. Recently Sućuraj developed into a small town that is itself a monument. (1975 was awarded the status of monuments of culture), because it has preserved our life today the sequence of architectural forms of the past. Church St. Anthony of Padua in the Baroque style with Gothic elements represents one of najvrijednih sućurjanske religious monuments of cultural heritage.

Another valuable monument is the Monastery of St.. And St. Augustine. George that occurs gradually from 13 century and developed mostly in the 15 and 16 century. Good to walk sućurjanskim narrow streets of stone houses, continue walking around the lighthouse, the southern and northern coastline, admiring the colors of the sea.

Many beaches in the bays, whether they are in Sucuraj or in its vicinity, will allow everyone to find their own place under the sun. Perna bay located 1.5 km from the town and bay Mlaska 3 km away from the place of unique rarity in the Adriatic, because both have the bay in a sea of ​​small natural sand without equal anywhere in okolici.sucuraj beaches

A great variety of recreational activities (day and night fishing, biking, sailing, diving ...), cultural summer of rich content from which a special experience highlights the folk fest "Fisherman's Night", a wonderful place for excursions on land and sea, and close to Medjugorje, Dubrovnik, Korcula and Peljesac peninsula means fun and entertainment for everyone, no exceptions and limitations.

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In the center of the island Hvar lies Jelsa, welcoming, clean, friendly and tend to guests and visitors. Enclosing the two highest island peak - to the west of St.. Nicholas, on the east Hum. In the south it is surrounded by hills top, and Samotorac Gozd, on the north side of the northerly winds protects Hill Burkovo.

The most pleasant are walks along the coastline, pine forests, shady woods, manicured paths, and picturesque villages scattered across the hills and valleys full of Mediterranean plants and herbs with well-preserved rural streets and squares.

Municipality of Jelsa, Hvar island has numerous cultural and historical monuments in churches, parks, fields, caves, on the streets and elsewhere. District Municipality of Jelsa, as well as the entire island, has a well-indented coastline, with numerous bays and headlands where guests can find peace and satisfaction with the law.

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Old Town is the oldest town in Croatia, Pharos. The same year, 384 BC, when he was born in Thrace, the famous Greek philosopher, the Greek island of Paros in the Aegean Sea was established by the city on the island, which they named Pharos.

Due to its central position the island for centuries has been a sanctuary for sailors who starograđani welcomed on the waterfront and sailors today that the bay is a beautiful small town that visit while sailing the Adriatic.

The old part of town has been preserved in the traditional sense of architecture, and as such is of great tourist value, and host adaptation of the stone house offering modern accommodation in the spirit of times past, a successful blend of modern and tradition.

The settlement is located in a pine forest, some hundred meters from the beach Lanterna. This part of town is also very interesting for the accommodation of tourists over the city's beach, which is located in the vicinity, but also because it is the center of town only a few hundred meters.

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