We woke up early this morning to catch the ferry from Split to Hvar, which was about a two-hour trip. We chose to utilize the ferry for the majority of our adventure around Croatia, but many have also rented cars without any issues.
The bakeries in Croatia are AMAZING! Everything is baked fresh. I highly recommend the burek, which is phyllo dough stuffed with either meat, cheese, or a chocolate/sweet filling. I had this almost everyday.
We arrived around 9am in Hvar, which gave us plenty of time to check-in to our apartment. The apartment was recommended over a regular hotel so that we could stay closer in the heart of the city. It was also much cheaper (around $60 USD/night in late May, pre-peak season).
The views around the port of Hvar were so picturesque. The turquoise waters were so clear that we could see to the bottom. It was almost as if the boats were floating in thin air. Every morning when we went down to the port, the boat and yacht owners were eating breakfast with their friends and remained there for the majority of the day. Makes me wonder what else they do all day!
View of the port of Hvar
Take a walk around the island, lots of little hidden beach entrances and spots to discover. You will not find a bad view, even if you try.
Tourism is one of Hvar's biggest industries. If you're not one for crowds, late May is one of the the best times to go (which is also pre-Yacht week)
Although there are several beach entrances around Hvar, make sure to take water shoes if you want to go in. It's a rocky beach and there are sea urchins everwhere!
We were able to walk around Hvar without needing any other modes of transportation. However, you can rent a moped if you'd like to explore the island a little more.
The entrance to Hvar's Fort, also known as Spanjola, which was built in the 16th century.
Just as Marjan Hill is to Split, Hvar Fort holds the best views of Hvar. Just look at this!
View from Hvar Fort
View from Hvar Fort
We spent a good majority of the day here, but who wouldn't?
Another view from Hvar Fort
The entrance to the prison cells of Hvar Fort.
The prisons of Hvar Fort. The windows were just big enough to let light in, but too small for one to climb out. A lonely place indeed.
Why can't the gift shops in the U.S. hold as much character as the ones in Europe? Unfair to compare, I know.
Bird's-eye view of Hvar Fort
St. Stephen's Cathedral in the center of Hvar's town square
Today marked our actual anniversary! So, we spent it celebrating at this highly-recommended restaurant, Dalmatino's in Hvar (not to be confused with the Dalmatino's we will later visit in Dubrovnik).
They start you off with a carob liqueur to clear your palate
Carpaccio "Amor"; sliced octopus, olive oil, lemons, capers, and fresh bread
Gnocchi "Istria"; black gnocchi with black truffle and shrimp in a creamy wine sauce. I would like to re-name this dish "pillows from heaven." It's one dish that I dream and reminisce about often; one reason alone why I would travel back to Croatia.
The sea bass with fava beans and feta mousse was also good, but not as memorable as my Gnocchi. The gnocchi was just that good.
Lavender liquor to finish the meal
...or so we thought! Dessert wine, made in-house. Delicious touch to compliment the end of our meal.
Our usual stroll around the city at dusk, waiting for pictures at sunset.
Hvar at dusk
Sunsets always seem more memorable when you're on the other side of the world. Either that, or you make more time to stop and enjoy your surroundings...
Sunset on Hvar
Bird's-eye view of Hvar at sunset. Can you spot the fortress?
Comparable to Split, the Main Square of Hvar has lots of restaurants with outdoor seating. Most of which tend to come alive after 8pm. The marble cobblestone pathways seem to also be a common theme around Croatia, which adds to it's hidden and unexpected charm.
The alleys of Hvar are narrow and filled with many stairs. Keep this in mind if you happen to get an apartment in the city. Luckily, we had rolling luggage that also converted into backpacks. A lifesaver for us!
As mentioned before, night-time shots are some of my favorite ways of capturing the beauty of a city. Life is calm, the day is done, and everything is back in it's place. We signed up to take a day trip to some surrounding islands tomorrow. Stay posted to see where we go!