The famous island of Hvar
Welcome to the ancient city rich in history, to the sunniest island of the same name on the Adriatic, Hvar. Many will say that it is a true fairy tale city and that Split to Hvar day trip is very popular. The reason is its architecture, beautiful nature and mild climate. Also they consider it to be one of the most evoking islands in the Adriatic region. In Hvar, everyone can find what they need to achieve peace of mind and rejuvenating rest for the body. The city has recently celebrated 140 years of organized tourism, rich culture, historical monuments and natural beauty bring tranquility to it’s visitors.
Visit the sunniest island on a Split to Hvar day trip
Not being the closest island, Hvar is definitely the most famous one. It is the sunniest spot in Europe with 2700 hours of sun per year. Therefore, you can expect to have a fun sunny day. To get to the sunny island of Hvar you can take a ferry at Split ferry port, but much better and more private ride is if you take a Split to Hvar day trip tour. Imagine a day trip on a boat to the sunniest place in Croatia.
Swimming, suntanning or sightseeing
You can enjoy your day on the beach with your family and/or friends. Drink cocktails while you sunbathe on the beach many tourists have visited in a long time of tourism this town has experienced. Eat fresh fish from the sea in exclusive restaurants. Let your mind and body relax on one of the most and beautiful islands you have ever seen. Let the Adriatic sea do its own natural therapy and experience beautiful sea life in Croatia. Even from a distance Hvar seems like a monument town. For centuries, its walls of carved epochs mostly of Renaissance style, gave it shape.
The fortress Fortica on a Split to Hvar day trip
Over the northern, old part of the town of Hvar, a fortress rises on a hill about a hundred meters high. Since the 16th century it has been called the fortress of Spanjola. The people of Hvar have traditionally called it Fortica. Fortica with its city walls was once the central defense fort of the town of Hvar, the centuries-old patron saint of the city and the port. This is best evidenced by the old municipal coat of arms of Hvar, on which, in addition to the patron saint of heaven, Stephen, Pope, and Martyr, the Fortress is also shown.
The fortress as a symbol of history
Today, however, the fortress is a symbol of an extremely significant and turbulent history of this city. Also, detailed preservation, layout indentation, and excellent and picturesque position make it one of the most beautiful city forts on the Croatian coast. Its foundations lie on the ancient defense fortress from the first half of the first millennium BC, which protected the Illyrian settlement on a hillside. During late antiquity there was a Byzantine fortress. It most probably was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. There are still traces on parts of the southern walls.
The explosion of a fortress
This newly completed fortress saved almost all the citizens of Hvar, who fortunately took refuge in it. On 19 August 1571, the Turks invaded the city, plundered it and set it on fire. Unfortunately, a few years later, in 1579, at 3:30 in the night, lightning struck a building where gunpowder was stored. It caused a terrible explosion and severe damage to the fort, and destruction of the city below the fort. In the following centuries,people continued to upgrade and repair the fort. As a result, in the early 19th century, during the Austrian rule, they built a new, large barracks. In the middle of the same century they added a spacious magazine, and raised and reinforced coffins.
New tourist vision of Fortica
When the town of Hvar lost its military importance in the second half of the 19th century. As a result, the fortress was abandoned. Therefore, the locals began to believe that “fairies were dancing the wheel” at night.
Fortunately, with the new tourist vision of Fortica, in 1971 they renovated it and adapted into an exclusive catering facility. The powerful patron saint of Hvar, from which cannons once thundered, has become a haven for song, fun and daydreaming. Which you may also experience on a Split to Hvar day trip.
Visit the theater on a Split to Hvar day trip
Returning to the presence there are plenty of other places to see on a day trip from Split to Hvar. To not exclude the first public theater in Europe, located in the Arsenal building, the monument of the highest category of national importance for the Republic of Croatia. The theater was built in 1612 on the first floor of the Arsenal during the enterprising era of duke Peter Semitecol. The monumental Arsenal building in the center of the historic center of Hvar is one of the most important naval buildings of its kind in the Mediterranean. ANNO SECVNDO PACIS MDCLXII is inscribed on the lintel of the front door of the theater on Belvedere РFontika Terrace along the north fa̤ade of Arsenal.
One of the oldest baroque theaters in Europe
In the absence of archival and material remains from the early 17th century, we can assume that the Hvar theater originally had a Renaissance form. The preserved interior – the stage and theater with lodges – dates from 1803, when the Theater Society was founded, which, as an association of advanced citizens, fundamentally restored the area devastated by the military. Renovated and remodeled, today’s neo-baroque appearance has preserved the Hvar theater from the mid-19th century, making it one of the ten oldest baroque theaters in Europe. The modest dimensions of the stage and the rather narrow lodges, and especially the close contact between the theater and the stage, give this theater an extremely humane dimension, which is why many actors are very happy to act in it.
Paintings
In European relations, two preserved wall scenery from the opening wall of the stage are also rare. The older fresco from 1819 is still on the stage today. Master Peter Galasso painted it during the preparations for the Carnival Season Theater. Nikola Marchi painted another painting depicting the prince’s court around 1900. It has been restored and mounted on movable panels
The center of cultural and social life
Since its inception, for almost four hundred years of its existence, the theater has been the center of cultural and social life of the City and the Commune. The most intense stage life took place through the 19th century, especially during the Carnival, when musical and stage events were held, as well as masked and festive cavalchine dances. The theater was home to amateur and musical groups, foreign actors and musicians, orchestras and operas. In one theater season, more than thirty performances could be played on this stage. After the Theater Association ceased operations in 1921, the theater came under the administration of the Municipality of Hvar. Throughout the twentieth century, theater continued to be the hub of domestic and foreign amateur and professional ensembles.
Split to Hvar day trip is perfect for the lovers of cultural history
For the last twenty years, the theater, like the Arsenal where it has been located, has been wasteful and statically precarious. Therefore, it has rarely held small chamber events. As a rare museum site, experts, tourists and students visited it. Constructive and static rehabilitation of the Arsenal building is underway as a prerequisite for the restoration of the theater and the revitalization of the cultural and scenic life of this kind of veteran of theater history. The long-awaited process of rehabilitation of this remarkable monumental complex will bring life back to the building. Also, it will revive the scene that marked the cultural history of Hvar and Croatia. For the lovers of cultural history, this monument that marks the beginning of the public acting scene in Europe is a gem to see. You can see all that on a Split to Hvar day trip.
The Franciscan monastery
After a short walk by the sea from the Hvar ‘pjaca’, we reach the Franciscan monastery very quickly through the Hvar waterfront. Within the monastery’s peace and tranquility, you can enjoy the rich museum exhibits. There are collections of Greek, Roman, Venetian coins, liturgical accessories, the atlas of the ancient cartographer Ptolemy, rare amphorae, etc. Also, there are paintings by Venetian painters Francesco Santacroca and Palma the Younger. The magnificent picture of the Last Supper, which catches the breath of every visitor is what makes the monastery famous. Some critics attribute the painting to Ravenna painter Matteo Ingola, but later critics believe the painting belongs to the school of Palma the Younger. Another rarity that the monastery is known for is the cypress over 300 years old located in the monastery garden. The monastery was originaly build in the 15th century as a haven for sailors.
Renaissance summer residence
Hanibal Lucic’s summer residence is the most famous example of the suburban summer town of Hvar. It is located along the ancient road that has been connecting Hvar and Stari Grad since ancient times. It was built in the middle of the 16th century. Within the fenced property there are two houses and a Renaissance garden. The east house was for the owners’ residence, and the west house was for economic purposes and for the servants. The mansion today houses the Hvar Heritage Museum and the State Archives.
Pakleni islands is a top destination to visit on Split to Hvar day trip
And yet, Hvar is not just a monument, there is also the Hvar port, the Pakleni Islands, located in front of the entrance to the Hvar bay, its hotels, apartments, its healing climate, its restaurants and cafes, friendly hosts, everything that makes the spirit of an exclusive tourist destination on a Hvar boat tours. Pakleni otoci (Pakleni otoci) (locally Hvar skoji), a central Dalmatian island of about twenty islands, islets and rocks off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar. They got the name after hellebore – a type of pine resin used in shipbuilding as a protective coating for wooden ships and boats. On the southwest side they close the entrance to the port of the town of Hvar. Forming a stuning sight from the port.
What are islands built of?
Since 1972, the islands have been protected by the state in the category of significant landscape. There are several archeological sites on the islands, some of them from Roman times. The islands are built of Cretaceous limestone. Interesting fact is that Dioklecian also built his palace from that very limestone.
Sports activities on a Split to Hvar day trip
Sports and recreation opportunities are great. In Hvar there are several tennis courts, playgrounds for football and soccer, volleyball, handball and basketball, as well as numerous bicycle and tracks. There is a diving club for underwater lovers and various boats can be rented. Even those who love hiking and rock climbing in Hvar will not be bored.
Nightlife in Hvar
As for the nightlife, for several years Hvar’s hotel Amfora hosted the Ultra music festival beach party. One of the biggest festivals beach party is an attractive place to be to party. Even without the festival Hvar has places to be. ”The city that never sleeps” title although belonging to New York also represents Hvar from June to October. In summer, the nightlife of Hvar is one of the richest in the Adriatic. The city exudes a special atmosphere and there is always something going on. The party lasts long into the night and guests can visit numerous events, restaurants, taverns, clubs and the like.
Clubs and bars on a party island of Hvar
The popularity of the city among the younger population has certainly increased thanks to the most famous club “Carpe Diem”. A perfectly designed place with an unforgettable atmosphere. Choose from a rich selection of cocktails and enjoy the large patio decorated with greenery, sunset and moonlight. However, there are other bars and clubs in the town of Hvar that you can visit. During the day you can go to the beach bar Hula Hula which is very popular among the locals and tourists. The evening gathering is at one of the many bars such as “Archie’s Bar” or “Atelier”. The rich and varied pastime should definitely end at the Club Veneranda, located in the Venetian fortress, with the most beautiful sunrise view.
Swim in the turquoise blue sea on a Split to Hvar day trip
The turquoise blue sea will immediately draw you to swim in it. And you can do this from the surrounding rocks or gently enter the sea covered with gravel. There are pines trees that will give you shade on a sunny beach on a hot summer day. Another advantage of a Split to Hvar day trip. The small beach called Mekicevica, only 30 meters long, is a true paradise for adventurers. There are no restaurants or cafes on it, but there are rocks from which you can jump into the sea. There is also Pokonji dol Beach, this beach has it all; rocks, pier, gravel, pine trees, restaurant and apartments nearby, but most of all you will be delighted by the turquoise sea.
Why you should go on a Split to Hvar day trip
A day trip from Split to Hvar is just the experience you need to fully experience the Adriatic coast.
Returning to history by entering the city walls itself is a magical sight. The long-term existence of tourism adds to the service you will experience when visiting. Have the vacation of your dreams by entering the fairy tale day trip by visiting the amazing Island of Hvar. You can take our private boat tour to Hvar with a speedboat and choose how long you want to stay or visit some nearby beaches that are not reachable without a boat.
What to do during a Split to Hvar day trip
Avarage summer day in Hvar is getting up to drink some coffee on the promenade and eat biscuits at Nonica¸meaning Granny. The reason for the name is because biscuits are just like the ones grandma makes. Walking up to the nearest beach so you can fresh up in the sea. Because of all that sun you are getting, I guess you won’t be missing vitamine D. Maybe taking some good Instagram pictures for your influencer life, or just your friends to see what peace and beauty looks like. Walk trough the old town of Hvar and do the sightseeing of historical parts of the town. Visit the fortress to get a great view and take more photos. Or you can just spend whole day relaxing on a beach and swimming. Stop by to some beach bars, such as Hula Hula, sip a cocktail and enjoy the music while suntanning.
