The oldest town in Croatia (modern-day) is Stari Grad, dating back to the arrival of the Ancient Greeks on the island in 384 BC. The 2012 season in Hvar was filled with the celebrities from all over the world, such as Prince Harry, Beyonce, etc. Lonely Planet has put Hvar as fifth top destination for 2012. Hvar has been listed among Conde Nast’s top ten islands in Europe. Hvar’s long tradition of hospitality includes the oldest organised tourism in Europe.
The oldest municipal theater in Europe is 400 years old on the island of Hvar. The theater was built in 1612 during the rule of Duke Petar Semitecolo, is perhaps the island’s most famous reminder of its rich cultural heritage, and sits on the first floor of the impressive Arsenal building which guards the entrance to the town’s main square.
CNN reported on November, 2011, that Jerolim Beach is among the best 15 places in the world for naturist bathing. Jerolim is one of the islets known as the Pakleni Islands, which sit opposite Hvar Town.
The island’s leading wine producer Zlatan Otok took first prize for both the red and white wine categories at the 21st Sabatina international wine festival in Zadar in November 2012.
As reported last month on Digital Journal, Hvar Wine Time Traveller has been launched
In 1858, the first meteorological station in Croatia was opened in Sv. Veneranda Monastery in Hvar. Getting to know the climate conditions facilitated the promotion of Hvar’s tourism. As a result, the first tourism association in Europe was founded in 1868.
There are a multitude of rural and fishing parties in the island villages. One of them is the Dol festival” Puhijada” which takes place every summer, the weekend before the Wine Festival which is always held the last weekend In August in Jelsa.
Pitve Tunnel (connecting east and west side of the island):
Hvar villages, language lesson: