"Distance is just a test to see how far love can go."
- Unknown
WHERE IS THE ISLAND OF HVAR?
According to Google Insights, the most searched for the country in 2018 was, of course, Croatia! This small country with around 4 million inhabitants achieved incredible success in the 2018 Soccer World Cup in Russia and has been a very popular tourist destination for the past decade or more.
DID YOU KNOW…?
- Croatia is the youngest member of the EU
- Croatia has a longer coastline than Portugal and France put together
- Croatia shares the Adriatic Sea with Italy
- It has over 1,000 islands and islets dotted along its coastline
From the geographical perspective, Croatia is situated between Italy in the south and Slovenia, Austria and Hungary to the north with whom it shares the EU border. Neighbors on the Balkan side include Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro.
Croatia is a tourist paradise, known for its warm and crystal clear Adriatic sea. The whole country, with its varied ecological zones, is a wonder of nature compacted into a relatively small geographical area of approximately 57,000 km².
Croatia has more than 1,000 islands and islets, each being unique, with a strong heritage and tradition. Through the centuries various conquerors have inhabited the islands and left behind many traces of their culture, some of which are still seen in today’s island life and culture.
Island Hvar is no different and truly one of the Croatian islands’ pearls. The largest island archipelago in the Adriatic Sea lies in the Dalmatian region and Hvar is amongst them. Hvar lies across the city of Split, the biggest town in Dalmatia on the coast of Croatia.
Crystal clear blue seas, beautiful beaches, hidden lagunas, ancient ruins and the world-famous wine, all contribute to making Hvar a truly breathtaking place.
HOW TO REACH HVAR?
When you decide to make Hvar your destination for your next summer vacation, the easiest is to travel to Split first. The fastest way to reach Split is by plane and many low-cost and other regular airlines fly to it from major cities across Europe. If you don't get a direct flight to Split, some EU cities have direct flights to the Croatian capital Zagreb. The distance between Zagreb and Split by plane is only 45 minutes.
Once in Split, you are almost in Hvar and can choose various means of transport to reach the island.
The distance between Split and Hvar is only 38 nautical miles. Choose between the ferry, catamaran or even private transfer by speed boat.
Once on the island, a car is unnecessary as it’s more practical to rent a scooter, bike or even a boat to explore the diverse coastal line of this beautiful island.
If you prefer traveling by car or mobile home, a road-trip will be an enjoyable travel experience as you pass through many beautiful landscapes in the countries neighboring Croatia.
When traveling by car to Split and Hvar you are likely to pass through Zagreb, the Croatian capital city. From Zagreb to Split you will use the A1 highway, which will take you approximately four hours to reach Split. The A1 highway is named Dalmatina Highway and is only 10 years old, passing through three distinctively different parts of Croatia - from the plains and hilly, forested areas around Zagreb, to the barren region of Lika and Velebit mountain, before dropping down to the coastal areas of Dalmatia and its islands.
You will be fascinated by the landscapes, diversity and natural beauty in the just 450 km journey between Zagreb and Split.
You can also reach Split by bus and train. Bus transport is an efficient and reliable option for budget-conscious travelers but is aware of summer-time delays as some bus operators use local, often congested roads rather than the highways. On average, it will take you between 5-8 hours, depending on the season and traffic congestion to reach Split by bus.
Railway transport is for adventure travelers who have the time and aren't limited to a tightly scheduled holiday. The charming journey by train will take you between 6-8 hours.
On arrival in Split, all islands in the Dalmatian archipelago are almost in the palm of your hand, including Hvar.
You can also reach Hvar via Dubrovnik. Almost every major city in Europe is connected to Dubrovnik by air, especially during the summer months.
The journey from Dubrovnik to Hvar is a little bit longer than from Split to Hvar, however, you can choose a number of transport methods, including by sea, air, and road. Our suggestion is a 2.5-hour road trip along the scenic Adriatic coast which offers magnificent panoramic views, traveling through picturesque small towns and villages.
We do hope you will come and visit the magical island of Hvar soon and let us know what part of your journey and the island of Hvar you enjoyed the most.
