that place: top five hvar

1. The Views

Hvar is one of those places you just can’t help but fall in love immediately with. From waking up in the morning and taking a peak of a hotel balcony to lounging on the beach side rocks and staring into the deep blue Adriatic distance, the views in Hvar are hard to beat.

from my balcony at the Amfora – I’d gladly wake up to this any morning

photo courtesy of Sunčani Hvar Hotels

Hotel Amfora, Ulica biskupa Jurja Dubokovića 5, 21450 Hvar, +385 (0) 21 750 300

2. Restaurant Gariful

I’d come back to Hvar to visit Gariful alone. Tucked in the corner of the Riva, Hvar’s harbor, Gariful serves impeccably grilled fish and other local catch in a trendy atmosphere that attracts both young and old, friends and more. An evening here feels like complete opulence and though while not exactly cheap, diners don’t leave feeling as if they’ve blown their whole vacation budget. The people watching alone is reason enough to visit Gariful for a meal- you never know who you may be seated next to or see coming or leaving one of the yachts docked right outside.

pick your fish and eat it

photo courtesy of Gariful

Gariful, Riva 21, Hvar, +385 (0) 21 742 999, daily 2PM- 12AM

3. Hvar Harbor

And then there’s the harbor. Hvar’s Riva is buzzing with activity day and night. People walk along the stone boardwalk from restaurant to shop to club while yachts and sailboats float in and out all through the day. A relaxed Old World charm is matched with unwieldy sex appeal as from the moment you decide to walk to harbor you know this is the place in Hvar to see and be seen. Do like the Jet Set do and take a moment to sit down and enjoy the scenery with either a coffee or cocktail at one of the Riva’s many cafes.

boats on boats on boats

photo courtesy of www.spa-leaders.com

photo courtesy of www.completelycroatia.co.uk

4. Hula-Hula Hvar

Along with feeling like part of the in crowd, most people come to Hvar to sit on the beachside rocks. Hula-Hula Hvar is one of the most popular places for visitors to work on their tans, transforming from a relaxing beachside vibe to an all out night club as the sun goes down. Go here early to catch a seat and be prepared to stay well into the night.

beaching at Hula-Hula during the day

dancing at Hula-Hula as the day turns to night (photos courtesy of www.hvarinfo.com and www.jaywaytravel.com)

Hula-Hula Hvar, Šetalište Tonija Petrića, Hvar, +385 92 123 8730, daily 11AM- late

5. Old School Hvarska

Though Hvar may be the place in Croatia the Jet Set flocks to, there way more to this town than riches and style. The center of town still exudes Old World appeal, the narrow stone streets and buildings winding their way up into the hills. Unassuming doorways hide some of Hvar’s best finds, such as the rustic Konoba Menego which serves diners nothing but traditional and homemade Croat cuisine. Behind another door tucked deep into an alley one can find the incredible work of local artists as well as hand made jewelry and other meticulously crafted local specialties. Take a break from the glitz and go exploring while Hvar still has much of it’s old school charm to offer.