Not long ago, I wrote about how many places I’ve visited that I haven’t written about.
Well, Hvar is one of those places, even though it happened almost two years ago!
I had so many friends rave about Korčula that I expected it to be my favorite spot of our Croatia trip–and definitely my favorite island in Croatia (although there are hundreds I need to go to, just to be sure).
However, I loved our time on Hvar even more–but I’m not sure how much that had to do with the island itself, or if it was just my own experience.
We stayed in an amazing (and sadly now unavailable) Airbnb in Brusje, a small village in the middle of the island. During our four days in Brusje, we found hidden coves to swim in, bought lavender, olive oil, and limoncello from various stands, wandered the back streets of Stari Grad, avoided any place that had WiFi, and had the best fish of our lives, cooked for us on a traditional grill on our porch by our host.
Now that I’ve talked it up, of course I’ll share a few pictures with you…not that I took that many! Although it was gorgeous, I was too obsessed with being on vacation to even think about photos. Now that’s what I call unplugging.
HVAR TOWN
First of all, Hvar Town is known as a play land of the rich and famous. Celebrities often dock their massive yachts there, and we definitely saw our fair share of those. The town itself is full of fancy shops and glittery hotels, although it still retains an island charm unique to Croatia.
Staying amongst all that glitz and glamour is not really our thing–and at the time, way, way beyond our budget (where as now it would just be way beyond our budget–although keep in mind we were booking last minute!). Still, we visited the town, for the one day we really needed Wifi, and to book ferry tickets and the like.
ISLAND LIVING
While exploring Airbnb for places in Hvar, I found one called “the Quiet Escape,” located in a village. Brusje is, as far as I can tell, a small collection of houses, a few olive oil stands, and a market that I never saw open. One reason it was so charming, I think, was its distance from everything (and nearly everyone) else.
This is not a quick walk away from Hvar Town, or the other ferry port at Stari Grad. You will definitely need a motorcycle or a car to get here.
Of course, that’s one reason I loved our stay on Hvar so much–our motorcycle!
STARI GRAD
While Hvar Town seems to be the main city of the island, the old port is Stari Grad. Stari Grad is much quieter, and in my opinion, just as picturesque–if not more so–than Hvar Town. We preferred to motor there rather than Hvar Town on the beautiful, windy roads, and pick up food at the local market.
And, of course, I loved exploring the back streets and the alleys. Croatia has some serious alley game!
HIDDEN COVES
Like I mentioned above, we spent a lot of time exploring the island and finding little coves to swim in (thanks to our host, who circled a bunch on a map for us). I wish I could tell you the name and how to find them so you could experience them yourself–but I don’t remember one single name! Also, part of the fun is stumbling upon them all by yourself, if you ask me.
Croatia was stifling hot while we were there–basically unbearable to a northerner like me–so swimming at least once a day was a necessity. Plus, that water is pretty impossible to resist–and why should you?
Those few days on Hvar were the highlight of our time in Croatia, and looking back, one of our best (and most relaxing) vacations ever!
And I still cannot get over that water.
Linking up with Wanderful Wednesday.