Insider's Guide to the Beautiful Island of Hvar, Croatia

By Danica Marcic 

Insider's Guide to the Beautiful Island of Hvar

Hi fashionistas!

Welcome to the world of Design & Travel Communications! First of all, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Danica. I will be writing about my hometown and a very popular travel destination – Hvar, Croatia.

For many years, I have been creating stories and projects for printed and online magazines and also for TV shows. My passions are lifestyle topics such as tourism and design, as well as business topics, especially marketing and public relations. Being an integrated marketing communications professional (public relations, media, advertising) for a number of years, I would like to mention that I enjoy all of the "ingredients" of this dynamic and multitasking profession.

Insider's Guide to the Beautiful Island of Hvar

Let's go for a walk together, shall we?

The emerald colours of hundred-year-old pine trees merged with white rocks of Hvar, one of the most beautiful islands on the Adriatic Sea, combine perfectly with the shining blue reflection of the sea. Sights of Hvar, filled with the colours and fragrances of rosemary, lavender, grape vine trees, olive trees, agaves, pines and palm trees - are the reason why visitors of this Croatian tourist pearl come, again and again, for joyous and energetic Hvar summer holidays, as well as for relaxing during the winter holidays while “bathing” in warm sun rays. 

Hvarsko povijesno kazalište (The Historic Theatre of Hvar in Croatian) is located in the Arsenal building.

Djardin (The Garden: the word djardin is derived from the Italian word giardino) 

Pjaca (The Square: the word pjaca is derived from the Italian word piazza), officially known as St. Stephen's Square

Katedrala sv. Stjepana
(The Cathedral of St. Stephen in English) 

The above photo is a miniature version of the town of Hvar (Sosa Art Gallery)

This is the main square in Hvar, officially known as St. Stephen's Square.

Sightseeing first, shopping later? Or the other way around? Let's go for a walk together, shall we?

The Historic Theatre of Hvar, a gem of cultural and historical heritage, as well as the first public theatre in Europe, celebrated its 400th birthday last year. 

The view from the Belvedere terrace (belvedere means a “nice view” in Italian)…

The Town Loggia (means lodge in Italian) is now part of the Palace Hotel and was built in the 15th century. It has been renovated several times over the centuries. This architectural jewel incorporates Renaissance and Baroque styles. 

White stone walls, green doors and window shutters = the traditional colour scheme of Dalmatia (Hotel Park Hvar). 

This is a great example of a beautiful Dalmatian street. Stone walls and pavement, cast-iron elements, flowers… 

The oldest part of Hvar, surrounded by Romanesque town walls, is called “Groda," which means The Town, and dates from the 13th century. 

The oldest part of the town of Hvar is the place where palaces meet artistic shops and gourmet restaurants. Inside the historic town walls, it feels like a journey back in time.

The Benedictine nuns have been creating the unique agave lace for more than a century. The famous "Hvar Lace" is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Up the hill we go, all the way to the Spanish Fortress…

Do you like this view? Where the Adriatic Sea kisses the sky… 

The view from the top… Welcome to the Spanish Fortress (Fortica Spanjola in the local dialect of Hvar)!

Another great view from the Fortress… Would you like to sit there and watch the sunset?

According to the history books, the Spanish Fortress was named after Spanish engineers. who had been in charge of the construction. 

The Fortress was ruled by many armies, including Napoleon's army. If these historic walls could talk, what would they say? One thing is for sure: there would be an interesting story.

After visiting the Spanish Fortress, let's go down the hill, get some rest, and enjoy the lovely sunset. Hvar is a very romantic destination. 

'Till the next time… xoxo

More information about Hvar is available on my Facebook page and Blog – Design & Travel by DM. 

Feel free to visit my: Design & Travel Facebook Page by DM and Design & Travel by DM Blog!