Here are five top-pick days out to add to your itinerary for a trip to Hvar.
Stari Grad
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stari Grad Plain is an agricultural wonderland that’s remained virtually unchanged since ancient Greek times. Spend the morning soaking up the charming atmosphere of the historical centre, which’s intertwined with fields and olive groves guaranteed to wow all. Located in the Palace grounds is the Stari Grad Museum. Offering an immersive glimpse into the town’s rich history to fascinate even the youngest minds. Visit the central Skar Park and picnic in luscious greenery where kids can run around and play beneath sunlit skies. Head to one of the town’s local delicacies to pick up all the best bits of Croatian picnicking.
Lining the town is Lanterna Beach, made up of soft pebbles and shallow waters ideal for family paddles. Laze out and top up the Croatian tan, before fulfilling the adventure in the little ones with sea time all together. Older children can even take on the escapade of snorkelling to see the kaleidoscopic colour of coral beneath sea level. Enjoy lunch at one of the beach bars and let the kids make friends in the nearby play area to give the parents ample relaxation time. The beach is so close to Stari Grad’s centre, so the proximity makes the beach a perfect addition to a day out in the town on the island!
Pakleni Islands
Just off the coast of the main island, the Pakleni Islands offer an unforgettable day out while vacationing in Hvar. The group of approximately twenty islands and islets is grouped into a range of different regions made up of a smaller volume of landscapes. Make it budget-friendly with a water taxi, or go all out luxury with a private boat or yacht charter and set sail from the Hvar mainland early in the morning to give you the most time for the day out. The sail is only around fifteen minutes, so it is sure to stay a novelty for the children to enjoy and not get bored on! Pack along snorkelling gear so you can all head below sea level and meet the small fish and abundance of marine life underwater. There is a wealth of untouched rocky coves to be discovered across beaches, and, with a private boat, you could keep hunting until you find the most secluded sands for just you and yours to enjoy.
Walk amid the nature trails that crisscross Paizana Island and get lost in the variety of directions to turn and wildlife to see! Hope back aboard your boat and discover the wealth of other landscapes to see. Nearby Sveti Klement, the largest of the Pakleni Isles, is home to charming local villages and peaceful beaches. See the blend of quintessential Europe with traditional Croatian ways of life and let your imaginations run wild in the picturesque lands.
Hvar Town
The central heart of the island, Hvar Town, is a must-see region of the island. It wouldn’t be a true Hvar trip without a visit! Take a walk up to the hilltop and see the Spanish Fortress perched above the rest of the town. As well as the picturesque ruins, capture the panoramic views and get the perfect family snapshot for framing back home! If you can muster up enough persuasion to get the kids up early, consider the stroll up here at sunrise for the most mesmerising spectacle of the orange hue blending into the horizon. Enjoy other relaxing walks, like on the Hvar Riva waterfront promenade. Gaze at the plethora of docked boats in the harbour and be sure to pick up an ice cream each on the way to fulfil hungry little ones!
Visit St. Stephen’s Square and Cathedral to gain the traditionally loved ambiance of cultural European square architecture structures. This is the heart of the town, so is the perfect place to start a day from and amble around the intertwining streets to embrace the intricacy of the façades lining them. Be sure to stay in one of the many incredible luxury villas in Hvar to create the best privacy and most home-from-home hub while away.
Jesla
On the Northern Coast of the main island, Jesla is another charming town that can bring unique feels and exploration opportunities for the whole family. Enjoy breakfast in one of the many cozy cafés lining the town centre and enjoy a wide range of freshly baked pastries, croissants, and juices for the little ones to enjoy. Relax in the pristine green space of Jesla Park, lined by large trees to provide often-needed shade to cool down on the warmest days and peak sun times. Children can ‘run wild’ in the playground here too. Stroll the town centre and admire the stone architecture and lively old town atmosphere. Enjoy local eateries on an evening too, ideal to even please the younger fussier palettes.
Sveta Nedjelja
Down on the South Coast, the picturesque village of Sveta Nedjelja provides the perfect blend of nature, adventure, relaxation, and secluded bliss. Admire the traditional Dalmatian stone houses lining narrow streets with stunning sea views. Renowned for its serene ambiance and charming character, making it a blissful day out for the whole family to embrace traditional local life on the island. Visit the beach and enjoy underwater exploration and sand castle building amid secluded bliss. Indulge in family-friendly lunching or sit in a shaded spot with a picnic! If the kids are starting to get older and can hike, meander through the coastlines and vineyard scenery to allow them to see the true value of the natural beauty.
Summary
Embrace island life on Hvar. From natural wonders to cultural hubs littering across the aisles, there is something for every family to enjoy. Bring out the curious among all and take on the Croatian gem.
Ashley Pugh ;
Ashley Pugh is one of the Co-Founders of Familydaysout.com and has been committed to writing family related content since 2008. There isn't much about family attractions that Ashley doesn't know, after visiting hundreds of them worldwide over the last 20 years.
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