Excursions

Hvar's biggest museum is the 80-hectare Stari Grad Plain (Hora), which is a stunning agricultural colony established by the Greeks 2400 years ago and very much in operation today. The Hora is a fertile stretch of land between Vrboska and Stari Grad, easily accessible by bicycle from Vrboska, whose main crops of grapes and olives have been cultivated continuously for 24 centuries. The Hora is a collection of stone walls and shelters and is testament to the Greeks' geometrical approach to land division.

The Hora achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008. More information on the UNESCO website - http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1240/

For organised walking tours contact :

Agencija za upravljanje Starogradskim poljem
Vukvarska c. 2
21 450 Stari Grad
Tel. +385 (0)21 765 275
info@ager.com.hr
www.ager.com.hr

Jelsa is a pretty town 3km from Vrboska and one of the most popular places for people to visit from Vrboska. There is a very pleasant coastal walk between the two towns where you can stop off for a swim in one of the many stunning coves. Jelsa is also a possible entry point when arriving on Hvar, with a daily catamaran arriving from Split at 1730. There are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife, with two dates in August particular fun, the Municipal Day festival on August 15 and the Jelsa Wine Festival at the end of August.

The town itself is centred around a pretty main square, a popular place to have a coffee and indulge in some people watching. The main historical sights in Jelsa are the Fortress and Church of the Blessed Assumption behind the square, which dates back to 1331; the cemetery and Augustinian Monastery (from 1605); and a very interesting lapidary by the main church, which houses , a collection of approximately 20 stone monuments from ancient and Medieval times, including a tombstone of the Roman era, Venetian lion and a stone table which belonged to a knight named Ivan Obradic.

About a one hour hike from Jelsa is what remains of the Greek Tower Tor, dating back to the fourth century BC. Situated 230m above sea level, the hike is worth it for the view alone, with the ancient watchtower offering spectacular views of not only Jelsa, but but also Vrboska and the Split and Makarska coastline. There are unfinished walls and man-made terraces around the tower, suggesting that it was also living quarters. 

Close to Tor is what remains of the Medieval town of Galesnik. Some 210m above sea level, the fortress is twenty metres wide and is surrounded by a wall 80m long, 4m high and 50-60cm thick. The enclosed area is approximately 1,520m2, and the rectangular building, about 40m2, is partially preserved.

Situated 7km east of Jelsa, the abandoned shepherd's village of Humac is one of the delights of Hvar. Totally abandoned for many years and dating back to the 15th Century, there is a magical atmosphere and some stunning sea views and picturesque ruins at every turn, arguably the most authentic village on the island.

There is currently no water or electricity in the village, although power has been promised, but Humac is not short of visitors - a mixture of tourists in the summer, as well as locals from the village of Vrisnik, whose inhabitants are the major landowners. Humac is at its most vibrant on June 26, St. John and St. Paul's Day, as islanders gather to celebrate in the village. There is an excellent restaurant which also keeps the keys to the small museum in the church, offers the only horse-riding on the island, and is the starting point for tours to Grapceva Cave, which leave at 9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 15 - September 15.

Although access is not the easiest, the end result is worth the effort and Grapceva Cave dates back to Neolithic times (2,500 BC) and is one of the oldest discoveries in the region. There are two rooms in the cave, an entrance hall of approximately 13.5m x 5m and larger room (23m x 22) which is surrounded by chambers. The stalactites and stalagmites which dominate the cave are a spectacular sight, especially when lit up by candlelight and the solitude and peacefulness provide a perfect spot for reflection.

The excellent Museum of Archeology in Hvar Town has an array of weapons and tools from the period, including flint knives, hammers and arrows, bones of the human and animal variety, various shells and pottery of the era.

The Cave can be visited every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from June 15 to September 15 starting at 9 am in front of  "Humac" restaurant.

If you want to visit Grapceva Cave out of the main tourist season, please call: +385 (0)99 577 17 70

The oldest settlement on Hvar and one of Croatia's oldest towns, present day Stari Grad (literally meaning Old Town) was founded by the Greeks in 384 BC and was the island's main town until the 17th Century.

There is plenty of historical interest, much of it preserved in the excellent Stari Grad Museum, while a walk around the pedestrianised old town is one of the island's most authentic stone experiences. Sights not to miss include the Benedictine monastery, St. Stephen's Church and Petar Hektorovic Tvrdalj, an impressive summer palace complete with fishpool and stone carvings from one of Croatia's most famous poets.

The island's biggest town and best place to head for a party, Hvar Town is very loud and full of action during the season - much better to stay in a restful place like Vrboska and visit for a night out! The town itself dates mostly from the 16th Century after the previous settlements were destroyed, but there is a lot of historical interest, which can be best seen on the Historical Hvar Walking Tour.

Sights not to miss are the Spanish fortress above the town, Benedictine monastery where the nuns make Agave lace, the Franciscan monastery and its pretty cloister, the Arsenal and Theatre on the Main Square, and the excellent Hvar Heritage Museum.

One of the most popular things to do in Hvar is a day trip to the stunning Pakleni Islands, a collection of emerald gems opposite the town. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, hidden coves and beaches in the pine forests - a good way to escape the crowds. Hvar can be reached by bus from Vrboska, and is 35 minutes by car.

Tucked away just off the main road from Vrboska to Hvar Town is a picturesque abandoned village called Malo Grablje, one of the island's magical spots. The village was entirely abandoned by its inhabitants several decades ago, as they relocated to nearby Milna on the coast. It is a peaceful place to walk around and there is an excellent restaurant, Stori Mlin, in season, or head down to the beach at Milna for a fish fest and a swim.

Croatia's most famous beach is on the neighbouring island of Brac. Zlatni Rat (meaning 'Golden Horn') on Bol is a great place for a day trip and there are regular excursions from Vrboska to Bol. While the beach is the highlight of the trip, keep your eyes open for dolphins on the sail across. Check the tourist boats in the harbour or ask at tourist information for more details.

Departure from Vrboska: every day at 8:15

Contact phone: +385 (0)98 744 788

Hvar has a distinguished wine tradition dating back to the Greeks and there are some quality producers today. Among the best are Zlatan Penkovic in Sveta Nedjelja, who produces Croatia's only Grand Cru, and Andro Tomic in Jelsa. Both have wine tasting facilities by appointment, or why not try one of the organised wine tours, a great way to explore the island and taste its wines.

Vinaria Pinjata behind the church fortress in Vrboska has good wines to taste if you do not want to venture too far.