Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Hvar - Island Jewel of Croatia

The stunning island of Hvar is one of the precious islands of Croatia and very much worth visiting. Located just off the Dalmatian Coast, this Croatian island offers its guests a picturesque landscape made up of rolling hills, colorful flowers, olive groves and lush vineyards.

And if this is not enough, Hvar also treats nature lovers with stunning beaches and remote coves, including Dubovica Beach. This pebbled beach features very clear water and a prominent waterfront restaurant. Part of Hvar Island's popularity is its consistent sunny weather. In fact, it is considered to be the sunniest island in Croatia. It is also the longest island in the Adriatic boasting a length of 68 kilometers.

The bayside town of Hvar is the capital of the island, and biggest crowd drawer. This has something to do with its visual appeal. Hvar is a town filled with Gothic palaces and marble streets free of vehicle traffic. It is charmingly surrounded by 13th-century walls, which in turn, house a wide range of restaurants, shops and hotels. Travelers who stay in the town also gets to enjoy its vibrant nightlife scene.

While in Havr town, don't forget to explore some of its most famous cultural, historical and architectural attractions, which include the Renaissance theatre, Cathedral of St. Stjepan and Trg Sveti Stjepana, which is one of the biggest squares in the Dalmatia region. While here, make sure to drop by the wide promenade that goes out to the shimmering blue sea and is just beside a lovely fishing harbor. This is one areas that is great to stroll around and experience. If you do have the time, don't just spend it all in Hvar Town - try to visit some of the small villages that dot the coast and ones located in the lush inland portion of the island, and you will not regret the decision.

The oldest village on the island is the Stari Grad, which captivates visitors with its own charming medieval streets. This village's history goes all the way back to 385 BC when it was known as a Greek colony. Stari Grad is also enclosed with grey stone fortifications and has notable attractions worth visiting as such as the Dominican monastery, the Church of St. Nicolas and the large fortified castle of Tvrdalj.

Jelsa and Vrboska are the other two prominent villages on the island. If you want to see where the grapes, figs, olives, lemons and grapes are grown, then make your way to the fertile plain of Velo Polje. Fields of lavender usually occupy the slopes of the hills. If you desire a great scuba diving experience, you can easily book a day trip to the offshore Pakleni Islands.

The busiest time in Hvar is the period from May to September. One great thing about Hvar as a vacation destination is that it is relatively inexpensive and can fit in to even tight budgets. It is has a fresh vibe but does not have and extensive tourist infrastructure. Hvar is also experiencing some kind of transformations, more luxury yachts can be seen in the harbor and 5-star hotels and Venetian townhouses are popping like mushrooms on the island. The good news is that the budget-conscious still have a place on the island as there are cheaper accommodation options especially in smaller towns.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nagib_Georges_Araman








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