Why is Hvar so popular?

Hvar, and Dalmatia more broadly, seem to have a kind of immune response that makes them impervious to the vicissitudes of time. Fifty years of communism, followed by thirty years of capitalism have barely made a dent on the deep values and habits that characterise life here. You won’t encounter much residue of Soviet life, but nor will you spot a McDonalds or Starbucks.

Thankfully, unlike so many southern European beach destinations, the island has been spared huge resorts or endless kilometers of slapped up concrete condos. In their place you will find donkeys braying, grapes growing, and men fishing. Hvar is Hvar. This timelessness means that, if the past is prologue, the things you and your children enjoy here will still be here in ten years, or even much longer.

A rare community that connects the best elements of past and future, Hvar’s beauty emerges from its heritage, environmental purity, and peace. Although glitz and glamour are certainly on offer, they do not dominate the island’s character. Instead, the simple dignity of Hvar’s architecture and relaxed geniality of its residents create an atmosphere of luxurious authenticity and escape. Sail enthusiasts, busy professionals, and families all find a refuge here on Hvar. Some travel destinations are places to lose oneself, but on Hvar, one has the space to be real.

A few years ago, Croatia’s official tagline was “So Beautiful, So Close.” For Europeans, Hvar is an easy long weekend trip, convenient enough to pop in throughout the summer – with friends and family, as a romantic getaway, or for some restorative solitude.

Split Airport has direct flights to 20 destinations. It takes less than two hours to trade Berlin’s overcast skies for cloudless blue coastline. Croatia’s main ferry operator, Jadrolinija, runs multiple daily routes to several towns on the island. Even the island’s underrated bus service makes getting from point A to point B easy and affordable.

The island also has conveniences that are essential for a repeat destination. It has several large brand new grocery stores, as well as all the other necessary stores and services, from a tailor to auto repair. There is an emergency room and helicopter service to one of Croatia’s main hospitals.

Hvar is brilliant for all ages and stages. For groups and families coming back year after year, the island offers nostalgic memories, but also some excitement to keep things fresh.

Parents and little kids will love low-key days on the beach. Older children can look forward to more adventurous activities like biking, snorkelling, and climbing. On the piazza, kids of all ages and nationalities roam and play together as mum and dad watch from a relaxed distance. College-age children and young adults will love the nightlife in Hvar Town, as well as opportunities to branch out on their own with off-road vehicles, parasailing, and other high-adrenaline diversions.

To add a little depth to the fun and sun, the island offers culture and ecological riches. A Tintoretto tucked away in a shaded abbey. Wines harvested from the steepest hills of the sun-dazzled south side. Paths of ancient Illyrian warriors and Greek nobility. And more endemic species than almost any other country in Europe, with pheasants and wild boar darting among pines.

Whether it’s sailing, foraging for wild herbs, or a summer fling, every member of your tribe will find something or someone to fall in love with here.