http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17318
What I loved most about the islands (especially the first time) is the serenity and lack of built up resort style beachfronts that can be found everywhere else in the world. No matter how spectacular a place is, if its panorama is filled with man-made constructions and obstructions that I could also find on the Gold Coast, Ibiza, Cancun etc., then it has lost the unique splendour and appeal that I love about Hvar, Mljet or The Elaphite Islands.

With the Croatian islands still being relatively untouched like this, my travel tip is to see this place yourself. Don’t pay a tour guide or company to show you around! You don’t need to! With fresh fruit markets and ample accommodation in the townships (no matter how small) you save yourself a fortune, compared to paying for your stock standard tour group, which hardly compares to exploring these islands using your own aptitude. The islands are small enough to see on your own and the transport between islands is common, cheap and only a short distance!

You can get a ferry in the morning and be at the next place well before lunch. Hire a moped or bicycle and see more of the islands then any tour could show you. On many occasions I found myself on a beach that was not only magical but I was the only person there. Travel this seaside paradise with no time limits, stay on the islands you love and move on from the locations that you don’t. Explore these islands, use only a small amount of effort and less money than you would spend on the weekend in London - and you can find so much more than you bargained for!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15195
Some info that i would have found useful/interesting before going: Its reputation is accurate - it is fun and fashionable, and the price of eating and drinking is more comparable to western European cities than other parts of Croatia/other towns on Hvar island.

Hvar town is beautiful but very busy in July and August (although if you want to party then this is great!).

If sandy beaches are your thing, then Hvar probably isn't. The beaches are either pebbles or large rocks (can be uncomfortable).

There are sea urchins! Buy some rubber shoes.
Snorkelling is great, definitely worth investing in a snorkel kit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15195 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15192
We headed for a little sheltered cove off to the right of the beach which was meant to be for nudists. Not only does this have shade from the trees, but there were less people. The majority of people sunbathing there weren't nude, and as long as the odd naked couple doesn't disturb you, it's ideal! Great snorkelling here too, as on most beaches in Hvar.

Good restaurant on beach with BBQ fish and meat.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15192 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15191
Scooters aren't meant to use it, although they didn't tell us this in the rental shop. There are literally no lights, so it is pitch black as the scooter lights are not designed to light up the road but just to be seen.

We had to follow the car in front very closely to see by his tail lights, and the tunnel was damp so we were afraid of slipping. On the way back it was worse as there was a car behind us and we were able to see the road which was not properly surfaced, full of ruts and pot holes, and very narrow. We were both shaking when we finally got to the end!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15191