The delightful Hvar Town is the real star of the island.

Queen of the Dalmatian Islands, beautiful Hvar, is favoured by wealthy Croatians and discerning Italians whose luxury yachts anchor off the coast during the summer months. It’s a 105 minute ferry journey from Split.

Set amidst olive trees, vineyards, rosemary and wild lavender, there are palaces and churches and, lined with delightful cafés, restaurants and bars, the Riva, the central thoroughfare, leads from the picturesque harbour to 16th century St Stephen’s Cathedral which dominates the main square, and up to the Fortica Fortress.

There is access to the sea from rocky shores or bathing platforms in the town, or for a day on a secluded pebble beach the nearby, pretty pine covered islands of Pakleni Otoci can easily be reached by regular taxi boats from the town harbour.