I only spent 24 hours on the island of Hvar, Croatia, but I’ll never forget it. There is a magical energy on the island that pulses through you when you step onto her rocky shores. The turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea embrace the island like a long lost lover, and you find yourself lost in the beauty, day dreaming about never leaving. I’m so glad I got to experience the lovely tranquility, stunning beauty, and rich history of Hvar, Croatia.
Lovely Tranquility
The charming town of Jelsa is home to only a few thousand lucky residents, which is probably why it’s so quiet. The only interruption to the tranquility is the regular sound of church bells ringing, which is a common occurrence throughout Europe. Jelsa is nestled between the two highest mountain peaks on the island, with Hum to the east and St. Nicolas on the west. It has a nice protected harbor, perfect for escaping storms and taking refuge.
Jelsa town square
The town is full of cute little shops and family owned restaurants, serving some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted. From souvenir shops full of brightly colored textiles and their signature coral jewelry, to little coffee shops serving up a perfect cappuccino, it’s a wonderful place to relax and people watch. It is also a thriving wine region that is world renowned for its delicious red wines.
Stunning Beauty
The Island of Hvar, Croatia
As much as I adored the quaint buildings and town square of Jelsa, it was the picturesque scenery of Hvar that took my breath away. I was there on May 1st, and it seemed fitting that all the flowers were bursting into bloom, filling the air with the sweet aroma of roses and lilies. Palm trees swayed gently in the salty sea breeze, and pine cones and seashells were scattered about the shores. A giant fig tree outside of our hotel was spilling figs onto the ground below. Grape vines were growing like weeds, decorating the terraces of happy home owners and busy restaurants.
Rich History
The island of Hvar has a rich history going back to Greek colonizers in 4th century B.C., and became part of the Kingdom of Croatia during the 7th century. The island has a giant fortress, like most towns in the region. Look up at the top of any mountain in the area and you’ll see a mighty fortress, which once protected commoners and royalty alike from attack. It’s also home to the Franciscan Monastery and the Hektorović Palace. Hvar is full of culture and has been the inspiration for many famous artists and poets.
An old cemetery overlooking the harbor
Taking a walk along the shoreline is a magical way to spend the day in Jelsa. There is an old cemetery on the far end of town overlooking the port where proud residents have been laid to rest for several hundred years. Standing there, looking down at the crystal clear water and flower lined shore, I instinctively knew that Hvar was special. I felt calm and relaxed and surrounded by the tropical warm air and stunning beauty. It made me want to whip out my journal and start writing, or sit on a rock and meditate for hours. I guess you could say that Hvar stole my heart.