TRAVEL TIPS: HVAR - IS IT ONLY FOR THE YOUNG?
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TRAVEL TIPS: HVAR - IS IT ONLY FOR THE YOUNG?
Hvar is the perfect destination for tourists, no matter what their age is or what they want to do on holiday. With the close proximity of the Paklinski islands, one of world’s most beautiful island chains made of 21 islands, islets, reefs and narrow passages and the unparalleled beauty of Brač, Vis and Korčula islands there is something here for everybody – whether you want to hide yourself away from the crowds or dance until you drop – and then wake up and do it all over again!
Open your window to discover a fascinating Venetian central square second only to the one in Venice and a rich cultural heritage dating back from the Greek times rich of curiously compelling antiquities, enjoy the breathtaking clarity of the Adriatic Sea, bask in the Croatian sun as its turquoise waters lap against white sandy beaches, stroll around picturesque spots by the sea or up in the hills, admire the unique elegant island architecture, sail in crystal clear waters and go on some spectacular excursions!
In need of a refreshing culinary island escape? Bonj ‘les bains’ 1927 exclusive beach club in Hvar is the perfect place to trade your shoes in for flip flops and lounge seaside as you are catered to by their exceedingly hospitable staff and exclusive Mediterranean locally grown delicacies.
To make things short, you definitely have to add this on your bucket-list:
HVAR - UNESCO Delights
1. STARI GRAD PLAIN
One of the remains of Hvar history is Stari Grad Plain, one of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a cultural landscape that has remained practically intact since it was first colonized by Ionian Greeks from Paros in the 4 th century BC. The original agricultural activity of this fertile plain, mainly centering on grapes and olives, has been maintained since Greek times to the present. The site is also a natural reserve. The landscape features ancient stone walls and trims, or small stone shelters, and bears testimony to the ancient geometrical system of land division, the chora, used by the ancient Greeks, which has remained virtually intact over 24 centuries.
2. MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Ample amounts of seafood, vegetables, cheese, and red wine available for centuries on this island generously cradled by nature, have been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage diet pattern. The principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, moderate to high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy products (mostly as cheese and yogurt), moderate wine consumption, and low consumption of meat and meat products.
3. KLAPA
The klapa music is a form of traditional all-male a cappella singing. The word klapa translates as "a group of friends" and traces its roots to littoral church singing. The motifs in general celebrate love, wine (grapes), country (homeland) and sea. Main elements of the music are harmony and melody, with rhythm very rarely being very important.
4. AGAVE LACE
The origins of this unique procession are linked to a period of peasant revolt against Venetian governance when, according to legend, a small cross began to bleed before a conflict. It is also interesting to note that in nearly five centuries of celebration, the tradition has never been interrupted. Even in 1944, when the procession was forbidden by the German authorities, refugees from the island Hvar conducted the procession between their tents in the refugee camp of El Shatt in Africa. This was the only time the annual procession was not conducted on the island.
HVAR – Best Beaches
If Huffington Post enlists from year to year repeatedly Hvar beaches on the list of its World’s Top Beaches, there is needless to say anything more. Hop on a motorboat if you are tired of the luxury of yachts or you find sailing boats too narrow and complicated, and head to your hidden cove or a fully equipped beach.
1. Bonj les bains - Historic early 20th century beach club near renovated Amfora Resort in Hvar offers top spa services, nutritional cuisine, and mattress service for a burgeoning beach scene. Stone columns frame a rooftop lounge area with central bar pouring tropical cocktails and freshly squeezed juices. Underneath the lounge area are a series of concrete cabanas and sprawling patio area furnished with canvas loungers and crème-colored umbrellas available for daily rental. Two private spa cabanas offer hourly treatment like deep-tissue and sports massage. The terrace environment offers the closest thing to St. Tropez-style beach club in Croatia.
2. Palmižana – located on the Paklinski Islands just across the bay, this beach is rich in flora and features a beautiful swimming area. The island is provided with all basic needs and has a shop, restaurants and popular bars. The main reason many like to come here is the opportunity to party away from the busy island of Hvar.
3. Zaraće beach – located in village Zaraće, this beautiful beach provides natural protection from both the wind and the waves.
4. Zavala – Zavala is an ideal destination for those who want to escape from city crowds and to sincerely relax surrounded by the hypnotic scents of lavender and rosemary, picturesque olive trees and vineyards, clear sea with magical undersea life.
5. Grebišće - While many of Hvar’s beaches involve perching on a rock before stepping gingerly out onto a stony seabed, the silkily sandy Grebišće is absolutely perfect for smooth paddling around. Located 4km east of Jelsa just off the Sućuraj road, the beach is reached by walking through the Grebišće campsite. The beach itself is very narrow and contains very little shade, but the bay is both very shallow and sandy underfoot – which is why it’s such a popular venue for splashing around. Drinks and basic snacks are available at the Čorni Petar beach bar, nestling beneath trees on the headland to the east.
HVAR – Culinary Paradise
Deep down, we are all “foodies” - or in other terms, “enthusiasts of food.” One of the most exciting aspects of traveling overseas is trying new exotic culinary dishes. Hvar is not only a relaxing island away from your busy city life, but it is also a culinary paradise offering extraordinary Mediterranean Dalmatian cuisine. Are you ready for a tasty adventure of good food (or spiza as the locals would say)? Then you must try these:
1. The traditional Dalmatian Peka
Cooking in Peka means „slow cooking under the bell“, meats that are most commonly found under the peka are octopus, lamb and veal .
Taste it at: Maestral Balkan Grill
2. Herb marinated goat's cheese in olive oil
The combination of fresh goat cheese, herbs and olive oil is absolutely addicting. It is most commonly served as an entree to build a solid ground for all the goodies that are yet to come to the table.
Taste it at: Amfora Grand Beach Resort Lobby Bar, Butchery & Wine Hvar Steakhouse Restaurant, Bonj les bains Steak & Seafood Restaurant, San Marco Venetian Terrace
3. Paradižot
This is a dessert consisting of meringue floating on vanilla custard.
Taste it at: Windows on Hvar Restaurant, San Marco Venetian Terrace
Hvar is definitely not only for party people! You can go ahead and have great time! Enjoy!
The last but not the least, make sure you book accomodation which will enhance your stay and encompass all of the "good stuff" we pointed out!