What kind of animals are there on the island of Hvar?

You asked - but no tigers!

Many visitors comment on the lack of animals on the island of Hvar. While animal life may not seem to be too prevalent, there is actually quite a lot of diversity, but you have to know where to look.

Of the most common, donkeys and goats abound and they can be seen in many locations. Another less visible Hvar native is the wild boar, which are hunted on Hvar and do provide some of the finest dishes in selected restaurants. They can be found on the east of the island and on the Kabal Peninsula, for example, and watch out when you are driving at night, as it has happened more than once that a boar and a car have met head on.

There are beautiful horses close to the village of Humac, where a hippodrome is under construction, and where the restaurant owners offer disabled riding each week. Head into the hunting grounds of the Pelegrin Peninsula, north of Hvar Town, and among other things you will find are red deer and mouflon. 

For a family day out with plenty of animals to choose from, of course, look no further than Agroturizam Pharos in the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain, where parents can relax with a glass of wine and a plate of olives, cheeses and other home-made produce, which the children run around in safety with a selection of animals, including horses, donkeys, geese, Vietnamese pigs and chickens. 

And yes, the islanders love pets, so you can get to know a fair number of dogs & cats fans!

*Author - Paul Bradbury
*Photo Credit - Romulić & Stojčić multimedia studio