After a one hour ferry ride we arrived at Hvar harbor in beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures. We disembarked and headed for St. Stephens Square and easily found our accommodation that is on the third floor of a recently refurbished 17th century building. After unpacking and changing we headed out to explore this quaint little town.
The Island of Hvar is a rising star in the tourism world and is regularly listed as one of the "world's top 10 most beautiful islands" and Hvar town is often called the "Croatian Riviera". When we arrived, its harbor was filled with several large yahts and pocket cruise ships. And after being here a few hours we certainly felt it was a fun-loving, easy going place as a free rock concert was just getting started in St. Stephans Square.
Hvar town has a population of about 4,000 and most live around its delightful harbor. Most of the buildings in old town Hvar are from the 16th and 17th centuries when Venice ruled the Island. Hvar's centerpiece is its Renaissance-era St. Stephens Square that runs from the harbor to the 16th century Cathedral of St. Stephen. A little over 300 feet above its harbor, behind old town, is Hvar Fortress. Construction of the fortress started in 1282 when Hvar was under Venetian rule and was not fully completed until 1551. In 1571 it saved the lives of the townspeople when they fled to the fortress after the town was attacked by the Ottoman Turks. Today,Hvar is only attacked by tourists and the locals appreciate them and it shows.
Looking down the harbor front after getting off the ferry and heading towards St. Stephens Square
Seven pocket cruise ships tethered together for the night in Hvar Harbor
The three-humped gable (representing the Holy Trinity) and bell tower of St. Stephens Cathedral
Cafes and bars along St. Stephens Square just off the harbor with Hvar Fortress in the background
Rock concert stage in St. Stephens Square with the Hvar Fortress lit up
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