Hvar: The Party Island Now Offering What Even Your Mother Would Approve Of
Welcome to Hvar, the former paradise for partygoers, where the only thing louder than the bass at the club is the sound of new laws putting a sock in it. Just a quick ferry ride from Split (like two hours – barely enough time for a decent nap), Hvar’s famed main town now finds itself having to tone it down. But fear not, dear traveler; there’s a hidden gem about 60 minutes away that promises all the tranquility your overstimulated brain can handle.
Meet Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns, where the population hovers around two thousand (yes, you read that right). Greeted by a ferry that deposits you in a sea of Mediterranean calm, you might forget you’re supposedly on a “party island.” It’s as if Hvar Town is on a first-name basis with the wild side, while Stari Grad is busy baking cookies and gardening.
Picture this: crystal-clear waters, a long bay that seems specifically designed for sunset selfies, and local bars serving bucolic cocktails as you sit on ancient Roman mosaic floors dating back to the second century. If historical ambiance were a sport, Stari Grad would win the Olympics while Hvar Town is still trying to remember how to skip.
If you’re up for a stroll down Stari Grad’s narrow alleyways, you’ll find artists and bakers so friendly that you might wonder if they’re actually running a cult. As flowers bloom amidst the ancient architecture, the streets serve as your personal Instagram backdrop. And let’s not forget about the medenjaci—Croatian cookies so delightful you may want to hold a cookie-eating contest (loser buys the next round of cocktails).
And just around the corner is the castle of Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović, which perfectly embodies the phrase “writer’s retreat”—if only because the tranquility practically begs you to ponder life’s mysteries (or just take a nap). The garden boasts plants he handpicked during his travels, so expect a botanical Tinder date that’s nothing short of majestic.
For those thinking that relaxing can be somewhat boring, Valamar’s [PLACES] hotel is near enough to offer a dash of Hvar’s party culture without the hassle of encountering someone who thinks “napkin folding” is a competitive sport. When twilight hits, the pool stage turns into the hottest spot, where DJs and performers unleash their talents while cocktails flow like water. Remember, the best time to indulge is right before your feet get too comfy in the lounging chairs!
Meanwhile, families have a close ally in the Valamar Amicor Resort. Featuring enough activities to keep children entertained while you contemplate your life choices in a sun lounger, this place is practically a mini amusement park. Water slides, games, and even virtual football—because what’s a vacation without fake competition? Plus, the buffet is designed to please even the pickiest eaters, whether they crave pancakes or oysters—or both if they’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Just so you know, the summer months are peak tourist season, where resorts may as well hand out your wallet to strangers. Consider visiting in May, June, or September when the same glorious temperatures prevail, and the beaches are virtually deserted— just you, the sea, and your questionable life choices. If you take the right route, you might just encounter family-run wineries offering a vineyard view that’ll leave you questioning why you ever settled for boxed wine.
Of course, there’s the established nightlife in Hvar Town, but local authorities are now enforcing rules to avoid a repeat of last summer’s “everyone-for-themselves” debacle. Noise levels are monitored closely, parties end earlier, and don’t even think about strutting into a bar wearing your beach attire—fines await you like a disgruntled ex at a family reunion.
How to Make Your Dreams Come True Without Going Broke
[PLACES] Hvar by Valamar has doubles starting at £123 (€144) with FLEXI Half Board—just make sure there’s room for the cookie indulgence before you book!
Valamar Amicor Resort 4* offers villas from £285 (€334), half board included—trust us, it’s worth every penny for some quality relaxation!
Hop on a ferry with Jadrolinija to Stari Grad or set sail with Kapetan Luka from Hvar—your journey toward relaxation has never been easier.
For further planning (or whining), head over to Visit Stari Grad and Visit Hvar to unwrap the secrets of this Mediterranean jewel.
