Croatia: Three top activities you should do on the island of Hvar
- Wibke Helfrich
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
The Croatian island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can climb, hike, or do via ferrata in the beautiful Mediterranean landscape. Here are my top tips for what you absolutely must do.
The trees exude an intense pine scent in the midday heat. Through them, one can already glimpse the turquoise-blue sea, shimmering enticingly. Just a few more steps down the limestone cliffs, and the white pebble beach is reached. The heat of the day is quickly forgotten, as the crystal-clear water is refreshing. After a quick swim, the hikers are ready for the next stage.
Welcome to the sunniest island in Europe.
With an average of more than 2,715 hours of sunshine per year, Hvar boasts of being the "sunniest place in Europe." The island's climate in Croatia alone ensures that you can enjoy top-notch outdoor activities on Hvar. Croatia Hvar Island Do
But Hvar also has a long and significant history as a commercial and cultural center on the Adriatic. Anyone walking from the small town of Milna to Hvar (somewhat confusingly, the town shares the same name as the island) will see the offshore island of Pokonji Dol and its lighthouse from afar. Since 1872, it has lit ships' safe passage into the harbor and hikers' way into town. But there are so many small coves along the coastal path that it's easy to stray from the path to swim, find a shady spot under a pine tree, or stop at one of the beach bars.
Tip 1: Circular hiking trail from Milna to the historic town of Hvar on the island of the same name in Croatia
♡ Factor: ♡♡♡♡♡
Walking time : 4:30 h
Altitude : 307 m up and down
Length : 13.5 km
Accessible by public transport? Public buses run four times a day between Hvar and Stari Gard. More information here .
Directions: Take the ferry from Split to Stari Grad and then continue by car to Milna. Park in the village.
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Starting point: Milna
End point: Hvar Old Town
Gear: For this hike, I recommend lightweight hiking boots or trail running shoes. Don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen.
The island is one of Croatia's two most famous wine-growing regions. The vineyards on the south side of the island are famous for their red wines made from the Plavac Mali grape variety. The central plain between Stari Grad and Jelsa is known for its white wines. A steep hiking trail leads through the vineyards up to the island's highest point, the Chapel of St. Nicholas at 628 meters.
The brave can also reach the summit via a via ferrata.
Hikers can take a slightly less steep route around the mountain. At the highest point is the small Kolumbic Bar, where you can enjoy cheese, olives, ham, and local wines on its terrace. From up here, you have a view of the entire cliff coast and the azure sea.
Tip 2: Via Mirko via ferrata on Hvar, Croatia
♡ Factor: ♡♡♡♡ ♡
Walking time : 4:30 h
Altitude : 437 m up and down
Length : 5.8 km
Accessible by public transport? No
Directions: Take the ferry from Split to Stari Grad and then drive to Sveta Nedjelja. Park in the village.
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Starting point: Sveta Nedelja
Provider:
On the Cliff Base website Here you'll find everything you need to know about the via ferrata, the climbing walls, guided tours, wine tastings, and accommodations. Owner Miroslav Stec financed the via ferrata out of his own pocket. Therefore, please leave your donation in the donation box. If you don't have a via ferrata set with you, you can rent one here.
Safety instructions
Access to the via ferrata is subject to a fee and is only permitted with a certified via ferrata set, helmet, and appropriate previous experience. Beginners can book a guided tour.
Hvar is a perfect outdoor island, if only because of its climate.
The steep cliffs are a paradise for climbers. A very special spot is the natural harbor, Cliffbase. This is where my absolute favorite climbing area is located, even though there's an admission charge. The location directly above the sea, on a natural harbor with a small rock tunnel that provides shade even on the hottest summer days, is simply spectacular. You can even forgive the owner's somewhat eccentric behavior...
The owner, Miroslav Stec, who set up a climbing area here, also financed the via ferrata at the Sveti Nikola Chapel out of his own pocket.
Tip 3: Sport climbing on the island of Kvar in Croatia
The island of Hvar is a very popular climbing destination with great climbing areas for sport climbing, multi-pitch climbing and also DWS (Deep Water Soloing) in the limestone.
Description
You can find the most important information and topos here: https://www.hvarclimbing.com/
There are also some topos onThe Crag website .
Equipment required: 15 quickdraws and 70 m of rope.
Best change climbing shoes for DWS
About 500 routes ranging in difficulty from 5a to 9a (French rating).
Provider:
Since there's no climbing shop on the island, you'll want to bring plenty of magnesium and gear. You may be able to rent equipment from Miroslav Stec at Cliff Base .
Here you can find more blog posts about the Balkans and Croatia
INFORMATION
The Hvar Tourist Board website provides general information about accommodation, activities and events.
GET THERE
From Frankfurt, for example, there are non-stop flights to Split with Condor .
By car, it is almost 1,300 km from Heidelberg to Split.
Arrival by public transport is also possible.
If you're traveling by train, take the night train from Stuttgart to Zagreb. From there, continue by train to Split.
From Mannheim there is a Flixbus to Split with a change in Ljublijana (Slovenia).
The public transport network on the Croatian island is not particularly well developed . Therefore, the most convenient way to continue your journey is by rental car . For example, on:
Car ferries run several times a day from Split to Stari Grad on Hvar .
On the other side, in the far east, you can also take a ferry from the port in Drvenik to Sucuraj on Hvar.
STAY OVERNIGHT
One of the island's most luxurious addresses is the Hotel Moeesy , located directly on the seafront in a beautiful pine-lined park. The town center by the harbor is a 10-minute walk away.
The self-catering apartments Mandalina are located on the south coast near the small village of Ivan Dolac, directly in a garden on a crystal-clear pebble bay
There's also the cozy, family-run Camp Paklina campsite, with tent pitches right on the water. Access is restricted for larger campers. Owner Ivo also offers dinner, for which he personally goes fishing in the morning.
Ivan Dolac 175, 21465, Ivan Dolac, Tel: +385915180203
The simple KAMP Pokrivenik campsite is located on the north side of the island, in a narrow bay with views across the island of Braç to the mainland. Accessible only via a steep road, it is located just a few meters from the beach in a shady apple orchard.
Uvala Pokrivenik 183, 21466, Zastražišće, Tel: +385 91 376 8450
EAT
The Red Ivan Dola restaurant is located in a vineyard overlooking the sea. It serves fresh fish, vegetables, and wine from its own vineyards.
Located in a sheltered bay, the Gego Restaurant serves fish, lobster, and pasta with friendly staff.
Uvala Velo Zaraće 12, 21450, Hvar, Tel: +385915276493
MAKE
At Cliffbase you can climb, taste wine, sleep, swim or book guided via ferrata tours.
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