ISLAND OF HVAR
Hvar, which measures 299.6 square kilometers, is the most well-known Adriatic island in terms of tourism and is particularly loved by Slovenian guests. The majority of the tourist facilities and apartments are located in the western part of the island connected to the city of Split by a regular ferry line via the largest port in Stari Grad. Here are all the major tourist facilities that are easily accessible to mainland guests via modern roads.
The primal, wild and pristine bay of Uvala Duboka, where the Hama fish farm has been operating since 2012
By contrast, the far eastern part of Hvar with the Sućuraj ferry port, which connects the island to the mainland via Drvenik, represents wild and unspoiled nature with remote areas that have escaped the trappings of industrialization and modern society. The Hama fish farm is located in the bay of Uvala Duboka near a small town Bogomolje that has no public electricity and water supply; however, the bay boasts no less than three natural fresh water springs. Bogomolje and Sućuraj are connected by a narrow local road with a 40 km/h speed limit due to the danger of slipping off the raised road, a deterring factor for many a tourist used to comfortable driving experiences. The bays on the south and north sides of the eastern part of the island are difficult to access due to the rocky terrain, as they require a steep descent towards the sea – dangerous for many drivers. This is the reason why these areas attract less mass tourism and have remained so much more primal, wild, unpolluted and pristine and thus particularly suitable for sustainable aquaculture.
Notable features of Hvar: from loud exuberance to quiet reservedness
On average, Hvar has 2718 hours of sunlight a year, making it the sunniest spot along the Adriatic coast. The island is covered in vineyards, olive groves and aromatic herbs, while fragrant pine forests overshadow what are, according to many, the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic coast that easily rank among the most attractive and picturesque coastlines in the world, surrounding crystal clear emerald sea. This image of paradise is further enhanced by the charming towns of Hvar, brimming with historical buildings. The most interesting among them are the remains of a Roman summer residence, the fortified villa of the poet Petar Hektorović that was built in Stari Grad in 1520 and named Tvrdalj, and the Arsenal in Hvar, a former shipyard and a place where Roman galleys were repaired. It has been hosting the oldest public theater in Europe since 1612, joined in the 20th century by a contemporary art gallery. The town of Hvar where walking the streets with a sandwich and a drink in hand is prohibited is the most visited town on the island, attracting wealthy and fun-loving guests that arrive on luxury yachts. Visitors looking for more peace and quite prefer Humac, an abandoned shepherding village dating back to the 17th century. Humac is considered an extraordinary example of modest and often mobile folk architecture. The owners are slowly renovating the village and it may soon turn from a quiet spot into a prestigious tourist resort.
