Croatia
This is a great healthy little store. They sell wonderful vegan foods like smoked tofu, soy yogurt, vegan pate, nut butters and other items. We also bought some delicious wine from them. The staff speak English and were very helpful. I highly recommend this store for vegans, vegetarians, healthy eaters and/or wine drinkers. Enjoy!
www.greenhousehvar.com
Kroz Burak 27, 21450 Hvar
+385921307808
A short water taxi from Hvar Town takes you to the beautiful islet of Marinkovac, the highlight of which is not the amazing, sheltered bay in the southern corner, but rather the small, blink-and-you'll miss it bar by the taxi pontoon.
Having missed our boat we had to console ourselves with a glass of their own wine and were invited by the owner to take a walk around the vineyard from which the grapes came. Truly locally sourced.
The owners are wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgeable about wines, and it was a pleasure to settle in and miss a few more boats while we chatted with them.
Take the water taxi from Havr Town to Marinkovac, the bar is right next to the pontoon.
Google map: bit.ly/LuIS1k
Hvar town offers visitors the perfect mix of island relaxation, great food and cosmopolitan nightlife. Spend the days basking in the sun on the shores of the turquoise Adriatic, or wander through the fragrant lavender fields the island is famous for. Enjoy fresh fish sat outside in the town square then visit the fairy-lit harbour, sip cocktails and watch the jet set arrive on their mega yachts.
Google map: bit.ly/KCtLBz
A genuine gem in the middle of Hvar - a ten minute walk from the marina and as such the expensive cruise-passenger-filled restaurants. Enjoy a complimentary starter which seemed to be par for the course (ours was delicious fresh anchovies with lemon and Istrian olive oil dressing) and for your main, the best and most reasonably priced seafood in Hvar if not the whole of Croatia!
Expect the exuberant chef and owner to come personally to your table to make sure you are enjoying your meal, when he's not chatting up his regulars and sitting down to share a glass of wine with them. This is not a sleek, flashy, upmarket restaurant but the fishing net and shell decorated ceiling is quaint and adds to the relaxed yet fun atmosphere. You'll be dining on traditional Dalmatian fare with the locals who definitely know excellent value when they find it. 10/10. Enjoy!
Krizna Iuka 9, Hvar, Hvar Island 21450, Croatia +385 98 361 543
Though Hvar is known for its posh port and brilliant beaches, those with steel knuckles and a set of wheels can go for a joy ride on the narrow, twisted back lanes of the island's old roads. Not for acrophobes, the summit near the charming village of Grablje reveals heart-stopping panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Croatian mainland. Ancient stone walls mix uniquely with modern patchworks of lavender bushes and olive trees; dense pine forests nestle below the horizon. Back at sea level, stop in tiny Milna where inexpensive fresh fish, delicious omelettes, and perfect white stone beaches reward hardy souls in the only open-air alfresco cafe.
www.hvarinfo.com/map-of-island-hvar/; www.tzhvar.hr/en/hvar/destinations/velo_grablje/
www.hvarinfo.com/milna/
Google map: bit.ly/OypQ7s
Hvar, a fairy tale island, is a unique fusion of luxury, history, culture, scenery, lavender, fun, food and atmosphere. Facing south onto the sea just gives it that touch of perfection, with the added bonus of having an entirely traffic free centre, only frequented by silent electric delivery carts, local ferries and luxury yachts.
Once an important port within the Venetian naval empire, today it is a town of smiling and courteous locals who just love to have fun and make visitors welcome.
After an exhausting day of sun-bathing and swimming in the crystal clear sea, wander and admire the stunning architecture, climb the steep hill to the impressive 16th century fortress above the old city, explore the passageways and stairways or just sit and watch the world go by with a coffee in the beautiful old square overlooking the harbour.
Good food is an unavoidable part of Hvar’s tradition. Fresh fish, home-made olive oil, a pinch of local herbs and a glass of good wine – all served in the atmospheric restaurants throughout the town. The people of Hvar live long and happy lives.
End the day at the ancient theatre or a lively disco.
For the romantics try a walk along the beautifully lit promenades, through the trees by the sea and look out to the twinkling lights of the stars and the ships anchored out in the bay.
This is as near to heaven as you can get.
www.tzhvar.hr/en/
Google map: bit.ly/LlzMhM
A tiny local bar/club - you won't hear yourself think or see across the room for smoke - but to meet local people, enjoy cheap local drinks and escape the pompous arses in Carpe Diem in a lively and exciting atmosphere - this is perfect.
Down one of the backstreets off the main strip of bars (the walkway by the yachts, where Carpe Diem is) - you'll probably need to ask a local!
Dvori Sv. Jurja is an estate on top of the Hvar overlooking the sea and island of Scedro. It is a very unique and chilled place comprising of three stone houses in a typical Mediterranean garden with all amenities you need: a pool, tennis court and a vegetable garden. Ideal for a relaxing holiday far enough from hustle of the Hvar town and yet not too far from beaches and the nightlife should you want it. Surrounded by lavender fields and untouched nature, with wild horses roaming around offers many opportunities for walks, hikes as an alternative to the usual beach experience. We stayed there with friends for two weeks last summer and have actually organised our wedding there. The owners, Olga and Veljko were amazing hosts and provided all the support and help we needed which ensured we had an unforgettable wedding plus a great holiday.
www.hvarskidvori.info/Home_v2.aspx
+38521761404
Lucica BB, 21465 Jelsa
On an island known as the 'Ibiza of Croatia' - achingly cool bars and golden sandy beaches, budget accommodation is hard to come by. Step forward, The Green Lizard Hostel. Fifteen minutes uphill walk from the ferry port, you a rewarded by a spectacular outdoor patio where an honest bar of cool beer awaits. As the sun goes down, make use of the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area whilst enjoying a pre drinking session before heading to party the night away in paradise on the hostel run nights out.
Hvar,
Croatia
21450
www.greenlizard.hr
Google map: tinyurl.com/346k7m8
We stayed there last summer, lovely place filled with paintings made by the land lady, only few min walk from the beach. We had great time and would highly recomend it!
www.tudorholidays-hvar.com
Jurja Novaka 6, 21450 Hvar, Croatia
Phone: (00 385) 21 741 772
We booked an apartment in their house and the place was great.We had a great apartment on the top floor with great sea view.
Jelsa is a small fishing town around 20km east of Hvar town. With several restaurants, bars and ice-cream cafes it has a charming, family feel. It is a great base to go on and explore from, with day trips to Brac Island and lots of places to hire bikes and scooters.
The catamaran goes once a day from Split to Jelsa via Brac Island and costs no more than a few pounds. Word of warning though: the bus services to and from Jelsa are somewhat limited.
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