What to do here

Known for it's purple haze lavander fields, beautiful yachts gliding through the harbour, wild parties happening everyday, delicious food and the crystal-clear sea, Hvar is the most glamorous Croatian island – it's not to be missed! If you are visiting for the first time, don't worry, read this guide and you'll be guaranteed an unforgettable visit.

Things to see
Wander along the main square and get lost in the old town's cobbled back streets. See the famous "Last Supper" and visit the 500 year old cypress tree in the Franciscan Monastery. Check out the oldest public theatre in Europe and continue up the hill to the beautiful Fortress- the view of Hvar will blow your mind. If you get lost, just follow the sound of the bell from Saint Stephen's Cathedral and you will find yourself back at the main square. No matter your reason for visiting, Hvar has endless activities; whether you're a foodie, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a relaxing trip to the beach. Are you ready?

Fortress
You have probably noticed the great photo on the front of this guide, which shows a spectacular view of Hvar taken from Hvar fortress, built at the beginning of the 16th century (whilst under the Venetian Empire's rule). To get there, simply walk up the stairs from the main square, cross the road at the top, and then follow the path all the way to the top. Make sure you head up about an hour before sunset so you can enjoy the view at it's best. You can also reach it by car or scooter by taking the road that goes from the bus station and drive to the very top (see map), Once you reach the top, it's the perfect moment for your perfect photo! Entrance fee is only 40kn and we strongly recommend taking a look inside, as the fortress is good fun to explore. It has cool cannons, the original prison on the Eastern side and a pleasant café with reasonable prices. There is also a souvenir shop, as well as a museum, containing some brief historical information. Brochures are available in a number of languages at the entrance.

Franciscan monastery
Located just a short walk from the buzz of Hvar's main square and port, you will find the island's 15th century Franciscan monastery, where its impressive architecture reflects in the sparking Adriatic. Look inside and admire the 8m x 2.5m canvas, 'The Last Supper', a striking piece, by Venetian artist, Matteo Ingoli. The painting dates back to the end of the 16th century. Once used as a retreat for sailors, it now holds an art and history museum, featuring some lovely exhibits. In the evenings, it is also used as a local concert venue. Don't miss out on an opportunity to see a local "Klapa" music performance if there is one showing during your stay! Before leaving, be sure to wander through the Monastery's beautiful garden, admiring the stunning Balkan flora. Look out for the 400-year-old Cypress tree. Please remember to dress respectively when visiting, save the bikinis and tank tops for the beach!

Hvar theatre
Hvar theatre, situated in the building called Arsenal is a highest level monument of national significance to the Republic of Croatia. The theatre was built in 1612 on the first floor of Arsenal during the reign of the industrious duke Petar Semitecolo. Monumental Arsenal in the center of the historical core of Hvar is one of the most significant military-maritime buildings of its kind on the Mediterranean. The transom of the gate to the theatre on Belveder – Fontik terrace along the northern facade of Arsenal reads: ANNO SECVNDO PACIS MDCLXII. The year 1612, as stated in the sign is the second year of social peace between the squabbling classes of the Hvar Commune.
By building the theatre Semitecolo offered to all classes equally the facilities for cultural and social events. This way, in at that time almost unimaginable democratic way, he created first European public theatre.
In the chronology of European oldest theatres, right after Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza from 1585 and Teatro all'antica from Sabionetta (1588) we have the theatre of Hvar from 1612. This early year of creation ensures the theatre of Hvar to enter the overall history of theatre.
In the absence of archives and material remains from the early 17th century we can assume that the Hvar theatre originally had a renassaince form. Preserved interior – stage and auditorium with boxes, originates from 1803, when the Theatre Society was founded, which as an association of progressive citizens has completely restored the space ruined by military. Restored and redecorated, its present neobaroque appearance Hvar theatre has preserved since the middle of the 19th century, making it one of ten oldest European baroque theatres. Humble dimensions of the stage and a relatively narrow lodge, and especially the close contact between audience and scene give an extremely human dimension to this theatre which made many actors to enjoy performing here. In European standards it is also rare to have two preserved wall sets on the back wall of the stage. The older fresco dating from 1819 is still on the stage. It was painted by master Petar Galasso during preparations for the Carnival season. Second painting, illustrating the duke's court somewhere around 1900 was painted by Nikola Marchi. It was restored and placed on moveable set pieces. In the absence of archives and material remains from the early 17th century we can assume that the Hvar theatre originally had a renassaince form. Preserved interior – stage and auditorium with boxes, originates from 1803, when the Theatre Society was founded, which as an association of progressive citizens has completely restored the space ruined by military. Restored and redecorated, its present neobaroque appearance Hvar theatre has preserved since the middle of the 19th century, making it one of ten oldest European baroque theatres. Humble dimensions of the stage and a relatively narrow lodge, and especially the close contact between audience and scene give an extremely human dimension to this theatre which made many actors to enjoy performing here. In European standards it is also rare to have two preserved wall sets on the back wall of the stage. The older fresco dating from 1819 is still on the stage. It was painted by master Petar Galasso during preparations for the Carnival season. Second painting, illustrating the duke's court somewhere around 1900 was painted by Nikola Marchi. It was restored and placed on moveable set pieces.
The building of Arsenal is currently undergoing constructions and static restoration as a prerequisite for restoring the theatre and revitalizing cultural and stage life of this veteran of theatre history. The long desired process of restoration of this exceptional monument complex will restore life to the building and renew the scene which has marked the cultural history of Hvar, but also Croatia.

Agava lace
Lace is a delicate fabric made of thread in various patterns originating from the Renaissance period on the Mediterranean and Western Europe. The main lacemaking techniques are needle point and bobbin lace. Nowadays, there are three main centres of lacemaking in Croatia, whose work is a continuation of the long-lasting lacemaking tradition. These are Lepoglava in Hrvatsko zagorje with bobbin lace, island Pag with needle point lace and island Hvar with agave lace. Lacemaking in Hvar is specific for the material used and its exclusive attachment to Benedictine Convent, established in 1664. It is situated in a residential complex donated to Benedictine nuns by poet Hanibal Lucić’s family. The convent's most significant contribution was in education, as the nuns operated girls' primary school from 1826 to 1866. Today it is best known for its agave lace which is made since the 19th century. The work on preparing threads is long and arduous. Thin, white threads are obtained from the core of fresh agave leaves, picked at a certain time of year and specially processed until they are ready for weaving. By custom, the thread is not worked during bora, as the cold dry air makes it brittle. The threads are woven into intricate patterns and resulting pieces are a symbol of Hvar. Hvar lace, as part of the lacemaking in Croatia, was inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.