The island of Hvar

Sailed into Hvar on a big ferry from Split. Pretty nice journey, didn't take long and a nice view on the way. We had pre-booked a little apartment on top of the hill, so we trekked up there from the ferry landing to dump our stuff.

The harbour at Hvar.

The apartment was great, we had the whole thing to ourselves. The owner didnt really care what we did, it was as if he had made his money for the summer and we were just a bonus, so he pretty much left us alone and said stay as long as you like. Free internet as well with a laptop all to ourselves, sweet.

Once we got our bearings, we headed straight to the beach. The whole island was so quiet, most people had left, a lot of stores were closed and it was mostly locals just hanging around.
We found a cool spot, nice and secluded to sit and pretty much do nothing.


The water was a bit cold, but the weather was still warm and we swam most days.

Amazing colours.

We pretty much came here every day, sat, read, swam and ate. It was brilliant, easily the most relaxing place that we visited. Was really nice not to feel like we had to get out and see sights for a change of pace. So we just did nothing, and extended our stay from a few days to a week.

There are tiny islands scattered all over the place.

Saw a game of local footy by chance. This pitch backed right onto the beach. Even at lower grades they take it deadly serious, fights with the refs were regular and hilarious, one dude got carded and sent off, both teams came running in like they were going to fight, but it was classic euro soccer, all show and no go, hahahaha.


The main square was full of restaurants, bars etc. They were all a bit quieter now that the poms had mostly vacated, but that was ok with us.

Church in the main square.

There was an old fort right at the top of the hill, overlooking the town. We took a walk up to take in the views and poke around.

The path to the top.

We were rewarded with spectacular views from the top, and a little bar to grab a drink.

The town and harbour.

Original tiny jail cell inside the fort.

More views over the harbour, you can see all the little islands up and down the coast line.



Canon.

Hvar was quite Venetian again, similar to Split. Heaps of grape vines hanging over peoples fences and olives in huge jars (on top of the wall). The Venetian influence is still really strong after hundreds of years.

The harbour is the center point of the town and makes for some awesome photos.




The town itself is scattered up a steep hill which runs back from the harbour. There are no cars until you get further away from the water. All the 'streets' are pedestiran, steep and narrow with hundreds of stairs, but the oldies who live here seem to cope just fine.

Classic old Croatian man.

Another..

We took a bus to the other main town on the island, Stari Grad or Old town, we just stayed for the day and explored on foot. There are 2 main towns on the island of Hvar, we stayed in the larger one which is also called Hvar.

This was a bar that we drank at for the afternoon at Stari Grad. We would've stayed all night, but we had to get the bus back and they only ran every 2 hours.

Terrace in the bar. Cuba Libre on the go.

Back at Hvar, and we continued the routine; wake up late, read news of impending global financial disaster on internet, stress about what we were gonna do, get over it, go to the beach, grab a burek on the way, swim read and do nothing for the day.


Not worried..


We were so relaxed by the time we left Hvar, it was the best. I would go back for sure, just for few days or something for some beach. Beautiful island, friendly people, good food. Very Italian feel. But we had to leave eventually, so we packed up, lugged our shit down 1000s of stairs to the ferry and set off for Korcula for more of the same... tough life.