After a bus trip to Split we caught a ferry to Hvar Island. We rented a self-catering apartment near the main square and cathedral which was a treat.
The medieval town of Hvar has 2724 hours of sunshine a year! The rocky island manages to grow pines which many restaurants use to fuel the wood ovens to cook the local dishes. Lavender seems to like the poor soil and climate and the locals sell all kinds of lavender products. Rosemary clings to the cliffs and was used in ancient times as a mouthwash to ward off scurvy. Giant yukkas line the seaside paths looking like overgrown asparagus and were used by nuns to make a kind of lace.
Hvar had the cleanest water we have seen in all our travels to date! The water was 23 degrees Celsius. There was no sand and areas were roped off to separate swimmers from boats.
Many of the hotels owners pave between the rocks outside their hotels so there is a flat space to set up the loungers and umbrellas they rent to guests.
Above Hvar on a rocky hill is a Venetian fortress from 1551.
In the port were several super yachts.
The island was an important Venetian port in the Middle Ages so it has many buildings carved by Venetian masons. There are 15th century Franciscan Monasteries, a Gothic Arsenal, and the first municipal theatre in Europe (1612) although it was rebuilt in the 19th century. It is a popular place for Italian holiday makers. We found it a beautiful spot but it is also very expensive.
