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The town of Hvar, with its 3 738
inhabitants (2011), is the largest settlement on the island of Hvar. It is situated on
the south-western coast of the island, in the cove protected by Pakleni Islands (Pakleni otoci in Croatian) in the south and a low crest in the north. The
name of the town of Hvar derives from the Greek name Pharos, the ancient
name for the whole island and the town of Stari Grad (Hvar became
an island’s centre in 13th century).
The town's harbour provided a suitable location for a port, being
geographically ideal and also protected by Pakleni Islands, making it a safe haven for boats hiding from
hazardous winds. Pakleni Islands is a small archipelago where, on the biggest
island of Sveti Klement, Palmižana Marina is located. There are also
many beautiful beaches on the archipelago. Regular connections between
Pakleni islands and Hvar are provided by taxi boats.
The town of Hvar is the centre of the island’s tourism, one of the favorite
destinations in Croatia and one of the most prominent and visited tourist
centers in the whole Adriatic Sea. The main attractions are: pleasant
climate, a lot of sunshine, natural beauties, various accommodation
facilities, gastronomic offer, sports and recreational opportunities, active
nightlife…. Restaurants and taverns offer excellent fish specialities, with
exquisite local wines.
The guests have a variety of quality accommodations at their disposal in hotels, apartments,
guest houses, boarding houses and campsites. Sports and recreational
opportunities are excellent - beach yoga, safari tours, tennis, climbing,
hiking, basketball, football, water sports and many more.
You can find crystal clear sea with rocky and small gravel beaches in Hvar,
and the most beautiful ones are on the Pakleni islands. Among them, the most
popular are:
Jerolim - a well-known and long-established naturist beach equipped
with showers, restaurant and a store.
Ždrilca - a woody cove on the Pakleni islands with several pebble
beaches, many hidden spots for relaxing and enjoying, with few restaurants.
Stipanska – naturist beach equipped with showers, restaurant and a
small shop.
Palmižana - an extensive cove with a shallow
beach. It is surrounded with dense pine woods, bushes of scented heather and
rosemary, and different exotic plants.
Pokonji Dol - a gravel cove with pebble
beach, not far away from town
Mekičevica - only 2.5 km east of the centre of town, it consists of
two pebble beaches.
Hvar is the town of a unique cultural and historical heritage such us:
the fortress, the Cathedral of St. Stephan, the Franciscan monastery, town loggia, the Hektorović Palace, the arsenal and the theatre. For more information
click here.
The town also has many galleries, museums and exhibitions.
Hvar gained glory and power during middle ages being an important port within
the Venetian, naval empire. The Roman settlement was located near the port
(3rd c. BC), and the late antique at the foot of the hill, where the
construction of town ramparts started after 1278. The centre of the old part
of the town was formed in the 15th century. On the northern slope above the
square, within the town ramparts are partly preserved palaces of the Hvar
aristocracy. Today Hvar is an important tourist resort with a centuries-old
tradition in tourism.
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