Hvar: An Insider's Guide (2012 Edition)

Written by a British expat living on Hvar since 2003, Hvar, An Insider's Guide is the first comprehensive guide book covering the entire island.

Whether you are looking for a Carpe Diem Full Moon party or a dormouse festival, the information is in this book. Practical tips on how to get to and around Hvar, checking the sea temperature on its beaches, and where to eat, drink and sleep are covered.

A large section on activities on Hvar will offer something for everyone. Adventure enthusiasts can choose from sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, rock climbing and cycling, while more sedate past times such as wine tours, yoga, walking and painting classes for children are detailed.

The history and traditions of this wonderful island are covered in depth, while there is also a practical sections on visas, health and where to do your laundry. The food and drink chapter introduces some of the gastronomic treats indigenous to the region, as also recommends 5 restaurants each by the water and inland.

Finally there is a small section about the author, telling the tale of how he came from Hell to Paradise - literally, from Somalia to Hvar.

Cheers and enjoy your holiday on Hvar!

Paul

Introduction

Why Hvar?
When to Go
Five Festivals Not to Miss
Five Tours Not to Miss
Events in 2012
A Double Decker Bus Tour of Hvar: Hop on, Hop off!
Gariful Hvar Waterfront Webcam – Live 24/7
What’s in a Name? How to Pronounce ‘Hvar’?
Exclusive Hvar: Which Celebrities Have REALLY Visited the Island?
A History of Tourism on Hvar, the Oldest Organised Tourism in Europe
A Brief History of the Island

Chapter 1: Getting There and Around

New Transfers for 2012
Ferries to Hvar
Flights to Croatia
From Split Airport to the Ferry Terminal
How to Get to Hvar from Dubrovnik
Car Hire: Island or Mainland?
Buses and Trains to Split
Buses on the Island
Scooter or Boat Hire
Taxis
Hitchhiking
Driving on Hvar
A Brief Tour of the Main Roads
Panoramic Flights

Chapter 2: Towns Guide

Hvar Town
Stari Grad
Jelsa
Vrboska
Sucuraj

Chapter 3: Islands and Villages Guide

Pakleni Islands
Pelegrin Peninsula
Milna, Zarace and Dubovica
Basina and Mudri Dolac
The Hilltop Villages
The Kabal Peninsula
Through the Pitve Tunnel
Humac and Grapceva Cave
From Jelsa to Sucuraj

Chapter 4: Beaches

Beach clubs on Hvar
Beaches on Pakleni Islands
Beaches in Hvar Town
Stari Grad and the Kabal Peninsula
Vrboska and Jelsa
The South side from Sveta Nedjelja to Gromin Dolac
The Unspoilt Bays of Eastern Hvar
Naturism

Chapter 5: Activities

Water Activities
..Sailing
Scuba Diving
Kayaking
..Speedboat Tours
..Deep Sea Fishing
Windsurfing
Inland Active
Team Building Programmes
Jeep Safari
Rock Climbing
Cycling
Hiking
2nd Half Maraton
Keeping Fit on Hvar
37th Faros Marathon
Inland Gentle
Yoga
Painting
Olive, Grape and Lavender Harvests
Kids Activities
Day Trips from Hvar

Chapter 6: The Wines of Hvar

History of Wine on Hvar
Grape Varieties
Plavac Mali: An Ancestor of Zinfandel
Hvar Rose: An Undiscovered Gem
Hvar Wine Association
Hvar Wines and Festivals
Hvar Wine Producers

Chapter 7: Food and Drink

Some Dalmatian Specialities to Try on Hvar
Some Typical Dalmatian Recipes
Tradtional Drinks on Hvar
5 Restaurants Not to Miss on the Water
5 Restaurants Not to Miss Inland

Chapter 8: Practicalities

Visas
Health and Emergency
Money and Banks
Phone and Internet
Shopping
Public Holidays
Finding Accommodation
Camping
Weather
Language
Safety with Children
Religion and the Easter Procession
Typical Island Souvenirs
Water and Electricity
Laundry
Buying Property on Hvar

Chapter 9: The Total Hvar Project

From Somalia to Hvar
How I came from Hell to Paradise
About this Book and a Request
Total Hvar: Quality Information for a Quality Island
Acknowledgements
Photographers
Useful Numbers

Map of the Island of Hvar