Voted one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world and praised by renowned international publications, the island of Hvar, on Croatia's Mediterranean coast, has been known for the healing qualities of its pure air and crystal clear sea since ancient Greek times. In the heart of Europe, Hvar's uniquely sunny microclimate, unspoiled landscape, and rich cultural heritage made it one of the first tourist resorts in the Adriatic.
Whispered to be the new St. Tropez, Hvar has climbed its way to international recognition without effort. Effortlessly ranked as Croatia's trendiest summer destination, Hvar became an ultimate must-be spot on a travel map for demanding international travelers looking for an authentic Mediterranean experience scented with glamour.
Geography
More than 30 years ago, the British author J.A. Cuddon described Hvar's mix of craggy heights, crystal clear waters and ancient stone settlements as "idyllic but never monotonous". Undeniably one of the true treasures of the Dalmatian coast, Hvar is adorned with azure waters, rocky coastline, pebble beaches, and hills covered in pinewood and Mediterranean foliage.
Length: 68 km
Width: 10,5 km
Surface: 299,7 km2
Length of the coast: 254,2 km
The highest peak: 628 m (St. Nicolas)
History
A sensational journey through time.
Hvar's natural beauty and year-round sunshine made it one of the first tourist resorts in the Adriatic. In fact, the Austrian Queen Elizabeth sponsored the construction of one of the first hotels on Hvar, which was completed in 1899. Tourists from Austria and other countries started coming to Hvar and it was quickly tagged the "Austrian Madeira".
The history of Hvar is closely tied to the history of the Adriatic and the greater Mediterranean basin itself. Beginning with Illyrian tribes, traversing the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and later to become a part of both the Habsburg and Napoleon's empires, Hvar reflects the nuances and subtleties of the greatest periods in western civilization while maintaining an identity that is totally unique. Today, visitors can marvel at eight centuries of architecture and art in an environment that is almost as pure as the one in which they were created.
Images: Maja Mačković, Google
Music:
- Faroski kantaduri - Bulin
- Klapa Nostalgija - Ju te san se
- Klapa Lučica - Kaleto moja draga
Info/text: www.suncanihvar.com/