Hvar and away a great place to go. (Hvar)

Member Name: liquidio

Product:	Hvar
Date:	18/05/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: clear water, warm weather, interesting mix of high-end and backpacker

Disadvantages: rocky shoreline

Probably one of the better surprises I have ever had on my trips around Europe was this island. Croatia's coast is quite wonderful, with the Adriatic being crystal clear and the weather as warm as nearby Italy. The islands are probably one of the best ways to experience it, and Hvar is one of the best islands.

A reasonably decent-sized place with quite a few settlements, Hvar is a strange mix of backpackers, locals and ultra-rich on their yachts. There is a lively nightlife in the centre of the main town and the municipality have gone a long way towards making it a pleasant and smart place with some cultural attractions.

The streets leading up from the harbour are steep, but you quickly move away from mediterrenean playboy territory into local accomodation that can be rented out very cheaply - we were luck enough to get a whole floor with a separate entrance and terrace in an old lady's house for £8 a night. We enjoyed it so much here we stayed for days longer than we planned. Local restaurants are great and it's worth walking to the next bay for the cheaper, local joints.

The one downside is that the shore is mainly rock rather than beach, and that part of the coastal path is blocked by high-end hotels which prevent proper exploration. It is also not a place that seems to be built for families. But I'd certainly recommend it to anyone with lots of money or very little!

Summary: A charming Croatian island