For many, Hvar is the main reason to plan a charter holiday in Croatia - chosen as the best island in Europe by Conde Nast, this blue jewel of Adriatic captures hearts of any visitor. Seduced with translucent seas, a vibrant nightlife scene, and upscale restaurants where you are likely to run into members of the royal family, Hvar is the perfect place to drop the anchor of your luxury yacht. Each balmy afternoon spent strolling by the riva resembles a regatta, as the marinas become dotted with the most prestigious vessels imaginable, making this gorgeous island every jet-setters dream destination for a charter vacation.
Thanks to its somewhat remote location, Hvar has kept a tranquil appeal in spite of being the most “a la mode” hotspot of the Mediterranean. The city itself offers the frenzy of an upscale sea town, yet the surrounding villages, such as Sucuraj, have the nonchalant ambiance untouched by mass-tourism.
Beautifully positioned among the turquoise islands of Korcula, Vis, and Brac, each with a unique charm that will have you enamoured in seconds, Hvar serves as the ideal base for your Adriatic adventure. Choose the perfect luxury yacht, catamaran, or gulet and allow us to organize the best charter vacation of your life.
Things to see in Hvar Town
The city itself is one of Europe’s oldest - today’s Old Town (or Stari Grad) was established by the Ancient Greeks in 384 B.C. Then called Pharos, the location is drenched in history - a part is even proclaimed a UNESCO world heritage site. The intersection of civilizations has been inhabited since Neolithic times was desired by many empires - the Venetians, Ottomans, Austrians and even Napoleon were all included in creating the cosmopolitan look of this dreamy ille. When you feel like stretching your feet after hours spent tanning on the flybridge of your luxury yacht, you’ll have plenty to see on land.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The place that will exceed the expectations of any art aficionado is surely this striking cathedral, the main embellishment of the main square of Hvar Town. Built on the remains of a 9th century cathedral, it is an exquisite blend of Renaissance, early Baroque and Dalmatian architecture. Yet, the shiny whitewashed landmark hides its true treasures inside. The bell-tower includes a relief from the 2nd century, bearing witness to the ancient history of this island. St. Mary, St. John the Baptist, and St. Jerome triptych, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, might be the main attraction of this cathedral, which serves as a collage of the different bygone eras of Hvar. After soaking in the culture, treat yourself to some cocktails in the lively bars that surround it.
Spanjola Fortress
Both a must-see for culture vultures and those in the hunt for the perfect panoramic shot of the azure island, Spanjola Fortress is a well-preserved settlement dating back to the 15th century. Towering over the endless blue horizons, Spanjola jutts 100 meters above sea-level, providing astonishing views for anyone prepared for a pleasant climb. The construction of this renaissance fortification began way before1551, when it was officially established by Venetians. Here, you can see the Bronze Age amphorae, medieval walls, and an eclectic mix of Ilyrian, Venetian, and Ottoman architecture.
Best Beaches in Hvar
We know it’s probably not the surprisingly rich history of this island that made you choose Hvar as the base of your luxury charter vacation, but it had to be mentioned. After you’ve acquired knowledge of the colorful heritage of this Adriatic jewel, you will probably want to laze away on one of its spectacular beaches - and you’ll be spoiled with options. Choose your favorite bikini and start working on your summer tan!
Dubovica
One of the things that made Hvar the most coveted spot in Europe is its stunning nature. Blessed with a merciful climate, fresh spring water, and fertile land, it is home to sandy and fine-gravel beaches where you won't be robbed of shade. One of such safe-havens is Dubovica, situated just 8 km from the bustling town. The water here is completely translucent, just slightly hued by a calming aquamarine tint, making it a superb place to enjoy some snorkeling and swimming. The Eden-like beach is embraced by pine-trees, home to musical crickets that sing in perfect tune with the soothing waves. When all that splashing around leaves you hungry, or your kids ask for an afternoon snack, you can find delicious sea-food in the traditional restaurant right on the beach.
Lucisca Bay
Many of the beaches are quite a challenge to get to if you try to access them any other way but by boat - yet if you have your own luxury charter yacht, you’ll be able to fully experience the exceptional nature of Hvar. Such is the case with Lucisca Bay, an electric blue yachtie it-spot, that owes its appeal to a dramatic cliff backdrop and vibrant nature with palms, pine trees and aloe vera - take some with you as a cure for potential sunburn. Nearby, Sveta Nedjelja (Holy Sunday) beach is the logical continuation of your sea day, but if you crave some sand, Jagodna Beach is also just minutes away when you’re onboard your yacht.
Zarace
Although always mentioned as one, Zarace is actually a duo of two completely different beaches each with a completely distinct atmosphere to please the likes of your entire entourage. Malo Zarace (Small Zarace) was until recently the local's best kept secret where you’d rarely stumble upon tourists, although that is slowly changing. The tiny pebbly beach is an excellent choice for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, while Velo Zarace (Big Zarace) offers a more contemporary vibe, making it popular among young and hip visitors. The larger beach has a chic lounge bar and restaurant where you can fill your batteries for an eventful night right after.
Best Beach Bars in Hvar
Ever since photos of the-young prince Harry testing the club pool waters fully clothed emerged, the nightlife scene of Hvar has gained quite some notoriety. But these are not your everyday youngsters - the beach bars of this Croatian paradise are mostly frequented by well-established superstars such as Beyonce and Tom Cruise. If dodging paparazzis is not your ideal way to spend a Saturday, you’ll find many more relaxed places on the coasts of this lovely town.
Carpe Diem
Just as you wouldn’t go to Mykonos and miss out on an evening at Scorpios, one doesn’t just ignore Carpe Diem. The terracotta interior with baldachins will have you thinking you are in a chill marine spot, but just as you relax, bottles of Krug will start popping and the tunes of the most famous DJs will have guests in a frenzy around 7. If a night in this (in)famous beach bar is on your bucket list, make sure to book in advance.
Hula Hula
Located just by Petricevo Setaliste (the main corso), Hula Hula also attracts the likes of supermodels, actors and singers who come to dance the night (and day) away while marveling at the beauty of the island. It should be mentioned that the food here is quite delicious, so you can easily spend the entire day in Hula Hula, never feeling the need to experiment further.
Best Restaurants in Hvar
Thanks to the splendid climate and water brimming with life, you’ll hardly find a bad dish in all of Hvar. Local ingredients, mouthwatering seafood, and wine that often puts the bottles of Provence to shame, make for an unforgettable gourmet journey whether you're enjoying the restaurants or indulging in the fine meals prepared by the chef onboard your luxurious yacht for charter.
Zlatna Skoljka (Golden Clam)
Hidden in a romantic garden just, Zlatna Skoljka offers some of the finest cuisine you’ll stumble upon during your yacht charter holidays. The sea-bass and risotto with monkfish and truffles steal the show, but the panna cotta serves as the sweetest ending of your mouth watering lunch.
Divine
Those who don’t want to take their eyes off the sea for even a minute should most definitely reserve a table at Divino, the restaurant with the most divine marine vistas, especially if you’re planning a romantic evening. As for recommendations, personal favorites are the tuna carpaccio and langoustine pasta, that will have any foodie begging for seconds.
Giaxa
If you find presentation to be just as important as the taste, look no further than Giaxa, where the finest ingredients are used almost as oil paint to create art served on a plate. With many gluten-free options, Giaxa often attracts fitness-conscious guests looking for a sin-free dish that doesn’t sacrifice the taste.
Don Armando
Offering slightly more moderate prices than the previous option, Don Armando is a charming Argentinian restaurant with sublime dishes that blend the quality of Croatian fresh-herbs, meat and sea-food to offer a unique fusion of Adriatic and South-American cuisine when you feel like taking a break from all the super-healthy meals characteristic of the Mediterranean.
Shopping in Hvar
While Croatia is not the place to hunt the latest designer pieces - Montenegro offers a better variety of boutiques, Hvar is one of the few places on Earth where almost all food is organic. You’ll find many shops offering amazing homemade cosmetics - Hvar is one of the largest exporters of the immortelle flower, famous for its anti-aging properties. Most face creams that have this ingredient cost over 100 euros - here, you’ll find such cosmetics for a fraction of the price. Lavender soaps and essential oils are sold pretty much everywhere, making excellent gifts to bring to friends and families back home once your luxury charter vacation comes to an end.
