Have you ever - been to Hvar Island, Croatia

When I was planning my trip to Croatia, I had to choose only one place to go among Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik due to time constraints and I really just wanted to lay by the beach and do absolutely nothing but to chill, absorb Vitamin D and look at some eye candy. Hence, I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time in Split and at the same time explore the islands surrounding it. We basically island-hop in Croatia from port of Split and the first hop was sailing the Adriatic Sea to Hvar. 

To get to Hvar, you basically have to take a ferry from port of Split that dock either at Hvar town in Hvar or across the island at Stari Grad. It would be easier if you can catch the ferry that docks at Hvar Town instead of Stari Grad because first, this is where you will be having a lot of fun; and second, the transport service (bus) that get you from Stari Grad to Hvar Town is really really really bad. There will usually be a bus waiting at the dock when the ferry arrives, you are lucky if you are one of them that manage to hop on the bus. I was among those that being left behind and waited hopelessly for the next bus to come only to realise that there wasn't supposedly a next bus. So there was only once choice left was to get a taxi (no Uber operators) and also it wasn't easy at all as it is rather remote from the town. After a long wait under the sun, we managed to get a taxi and carpooled with a group of Brazilian people. That was the end of how I got to Hvar Town from Stari Grad. 

Coming back, the Ferry that docks at Hvar Town are less frequent and in my case usually sold out really quickly, so get to the ticket booth as early as you can (I don't think you can buy tickets in advance) and check the billboard for the time ferry departs from Split and Hvar (there are usually 2-4 journeys throughout the day). You can purchase round trip ticket in which case you can pre-book your return ticket back to Split. The ticket booth is opposite the bus terminal and by the dock. Also, if you are driving, make sure to get in line at least one hour before the ferry takes off. 

The ferry ride took about 1.5 hours and it was a rather pleasant journey for me because I tend to get motion sickness. And after about half an hour travel with taxi, we arrived at the centre of town. Hvar town is rather busy for its size. Walking down the marble streets of Hvar, there are families, couples, single ladies/gentlemen from all around the world and all of them seemed to have the same agenda there - for the shinny sun and holiday fun. 

Hvar by Day 

During day time, the best thing to do here is to simply just chill not only by the beach but at every corners of Hvar. It is a small town by the harbour but it has got so much to offer. There are plenty of bars, shops and restaurants around for you to discover and you will definitely be spoilt for choice. Other than that, you can either take a swim, have some cocktails and sunbath by the beach or you can go on a bike ride or take a stroll down the streets from one end to the other. And if that's not enough, you can climb up to the fortress (Fortica) at the hilltop where it offers stunning view of the entire Hvar town. As for me, I spent most of my time browning myself under the sizzling sun and wandering around the alleys. Also, a little bit of photo shooting here and there in this scenic island. 

Hvar by Night

The music gets louder as the day gets darker. Hvar is famous for its nightlife and also known as the little Ibiza. Most of the bars and restaurants don't close until wee hours in the morning and bar crawl is usually the norm. You can enjoy your dinner while watching sunset by the beachside restaurants and join the dancing crowd when the DJ turns up the music. There are plenty of bars at the beachside and along the alleys but the most popular ones are Hula Hula bar and Carpe Diem beach bar (You need take a boat to get there). Nothing says exclusive more like this one. If you are looking for something more relaxing instead, go for beachside stargazing just like we did while enjoying the sound of waves caressing the shore. 

I saw this meat and cheese filled pastry both in Split and Hvar which I immediately wanted to try it and it turned to be my favourite snack during my time in Croatia! Even until now I still think this Croatian burek is way better than any other pastries or savoury pie that I have ever had. One big slice will surely fill you up but the only downside is it is not exactly very healthy. But oh well.

Honestly, Hvar is all you need for a perfect summer holiday.