The Best of the Island of Hvar

Just three miles away from Hvar Town, Little Green Bay is a quiet retreat on Lozna Bay, a finger of crystal-clear emerald water that laps against a small pebble beach. Opened in 2016 by a pair of French siblings, the boutique hotel is designed to blend into its surroundings with stone terraces and judicious plantings. The public areas and rooms are equally natural, decorated with everything from linen tablecloths to polished concrete floors and stone sinks. All the rooms have balconies, the better to sniff the pine-scented air and enjoy the heavenly view, and some have private plunge pools. On the hill above the bay, the outdoor mini-spa features an herb garden and a four-person Jacuzzi. When not off exploring, guests can lounge on the wide daybeds set along the water’s rocky edge, relax on large beanbags on the beach, or take an inflatable raft out on the pristine water.

Carpe Diem is not only a popular club on the stunning island of Hvar, but the motto “Seize the Day” also epitomizes everyday when on The Yacht Week in Croatia. Each of the seven days are complete with sailing the blue Adriatic Sea in the warm summer sunshine, partying day and night, hanging out with your crew of friends and meeting fellow yacht-weekers from around the world. It’s the ultimate island-hopping adventure for the young at heart. The Yacht Week is everything but your typical organized sailing tour, and international destinations not only include Croatia, but also Greece, Italy, the BVIs, and Thailand. For those travelers who go (and many return year after year), it’s an experience they’ll never forget, and also never want to. So gather a crew, set sail, and “carpe diem” on The Yacht Week!

The perfect spot to enjoy lunch in Hvar is Gaixia, a restaurant located right in the middle of the Old Town, in what was once a medieval palace. Outdoor tables are tucked into a large crevice in the stone wall of the alleyway, and the atmosphere is so charming. Food was delicious!

I recently had the pleasure of partaking in a cycling tour on the Croatian islands of Brac and Hvar. The tour, which was sponsored by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, was a great way to see the Croatian islands as I was able to take in the sights and make stops when as I saw fit. Pictured here is the beautiful harbor in the village of Postira; the views were great, but what was even better was being able to dip my sore muscles in the cool Adriatic! Colin Roohan traveled to Croatia courtesy of Croatian National Tourist Board, Istria Tourist Board, Split Dalmatia County Tourist Board, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations and Delta Air Lines. His highlights are part of AFAR’s partnership with The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations across the entire globe.

Formerly a private residence, this neoclassical villa is located in the center of Stari Grad, or the Old Town of Hvar, which is one of the oldest settlements in Europe (dating back to 384 B.C.E.) and much quieter than Hvar Town (which has become a summer party destination). Painted in pinks and whites, it sits on a deep channel across from the mainland, overlooking the main harbor with its moored yachts and sailboats. The owner named the villa after the Greek god Apollo, and now each of the seven suites also bear the name of a Greek muse. All are individually furnished with wood furniture, Oriental rugs, and long curtains, and feature large en suite bathrooms with heated floors and claw-foot tubs. The hotel’s harborside terrace restaurant serves breakfast and makes for a great spot to watch the comings and goings on the waterfront. After touring the town, guests can further explore the island by hiking in the pine-covered hills, visiting the various wineries, or swimming in the many small coves and bays.