Hvar

Hvar is an island in South Dalmatia, located between the islands of Korčula, Vis and Brač. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and the 4th most populated islands in Croatia. Hvar is also the name of the largest town on the island. Other places on the island of Hvar include: Jelsa, Stari Grad and Sućuraj.

A favorite among the celebrities and yacht-travelers, the island is unusual for the surrounding region because of fresh water springs and large fertile coastal areas. Its landscape is defined with pine forests, lavender fields, vineyards and olive groves. The lavender plantations and the cultivation of lavender for oils and soaps is the reason why Hvar is also called the "island of lavender".

Hvar, a town steeped in right history, was an important Venetian Empire naval base. It is also the main focus of tourists visiting the island. During summer the crowdes gather on St Stephen square and the port is adorned with yachts.

Stari Grad is situated in the northern part of the island and serves as the main seaport. Its ancient history dates back to the 4^th century BC when Greeks founded the colony of Pharos. The field divisions of Stari Grad Plain were defined by the ancient Greeks and this agricultural location is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Other smaller towns include Jelsa, in the northern part of Hvar, and Sućuraj, a small town on the isolated, eastern end of the island.

The island of Hvar is a very important wine producing area in Croatia. Famous red wines are produced from the Plavac Mali grape. The local grape varieties are grown in the fertile central plain and on the southern coast.

Hvar is an important sailing location in the Adriatic.There are many sailing routes in Croatia you can take. For example while visiting Hvar you can travel to Dubrovnik, Split or the islands of central and south Dalmatia.