10 reasons to visit Hvar and Split

For your dream vacation, choose the heart of Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast, where two pearls await you - the capital of Dalmatia - Split and the beautiful island of Hvar. Although different, these two destinations have many points in common, which is why you should spend your vacation there this year. Our fast catamarans connect Split and Hvar several times a day, so you can be on the island in less than an hour. Board the TP Line catamaran which, during the season, departs from Split every day at 11:15, 15:45, and 19:15 for Hvar. It returns from Hvar every day at 12:30, 17:00 and 20:30. If you are not already planning a longer stay on Hvar, then at least use the fast catamaran lines for a pleasant trip and visit Hvar for half a day. Even those half days will be enough to make you fall in love with this beautiful island and want to come back.

1. Excellent connectivity

Split is the largest city in Dalmatia and is well-connected to the rest of Europe by air, road and shipping lines. It has numerous larger and smaller islands in its water area, with which is connected by numerous boat lines. One of the most famous islands is Hvar. You can easily reach Hvar by TP Line catamaran lines that connect Hvar and Split several times a day. The ride takes less than an hour, so all you need to do is buy a ticket and relax.

2. Sun, sea and mild Mediterranean climate

The island of Hvar is the sunniest island in the Adriatic. The mild Mediterranean climate, plenty of sun and crystal clear sea are reasons enough to visit Hvar. However, this island offers much more. Due to the mild climate, lavender is grown on the island, which will enchant you with its fragrance. The island has numerous coves and beautiful beaches where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear sea. And the city of Split can boast of a mild climate and many sunny days, as well as beautiful beaches. The most famous Split beach is certainly Bačvice, where you can see swimmers all year round enjoying a game of ball - picigin - in the shallows.

3. Rich history and UNESCO heritage

The island of Hvar and the city of Split are places that have been inhabited for thousands of years and have a rich and turbulent past behind them. Archaeologists thus found traces of life on the island 3,500 years B.C. The first larger settlement - Pharos (today's Stari Grad) was founded by the Greeks in 385 B.C. Today's capital Hvar was founded in the Middle Ages. The importance of the Old Town and its rich past is also evidenced by the Starogradsko polje, which is located near the town. This field is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a protected cultural landscape. Namely, there you can see the ancient Greek division of land, which has been preserved to this day as a system of roads and terraced plots. It is also the best-preserved cadastral in the Mediterranean.

Both the island of Hvar and Split have a similar turbulent history in which rulers, kingdoms and states changed. Greeks, Romans, Illyrians, Slavs, Venetians, and Turks - all wanted power in this area, which was located on important sea and land trade routes.

The city of Split itself is also several thousand years old, and it is known that the Roman emperor Diocletian spent his summer there and built his palace. It was in this palace that, throughout the Middle Ages, he formed the nucleus around which Split began to develop as a city more than 1,700 years ago. The historical core of Split is home to numerous temples, churches, squares, cellars and other monuments. Due to its historical importance, in 1979 it was entered into the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. Explore Diocletian's Palace, walk through the Peristil and the Procurative, and end the walk by drinking coffee on the famous Split waterfront.

4. Top restaurants that will amaze you

The island of Hvar and the city of Split are places where you can find top restaurants. Whether you're looking for a small local tavern or a top modern restaurant, these two cities have it all. Taste top gastronomic delicacies offered by the best chefs. Many dining facilities offer a broad range - from traditional cuisine to modern cuisine that will satisfy even the most demanding gourmet connoisseurs.

5. Top-quality local food

Both Hvar and Split can be proud of the ancient tradition of selling fruits and vegetables in open markets. The markets are located in the center of the town, so it is worth visiting them and looking at the offer of fresh fruits and vegetables that will delight you with their rich flavors and aromas. Numerous restaurants cooperate with numerous local producers, and you will also enjoy top-quality local food in the restaurants.

6. Wine – drink for the gods

The wine of this part of Dalmatia deserves a special point. The fantastic climate and location of the terrain have long been recognized as perfect for growing grapes, which is why Hvar has a long history and tradition of viticulture that dates back to the ancient Greeks. The most famous grape varieties on Hvar are Bogdanuša and Plavac Mali, and the top quality Pošip and autochthonous Prč are increasingly grown. The Split area has a rich history of growing vines and wine production. When you are in Split, be sure to book one of the wine tours where you will have the opportunity to enjoy excellent local wines.

7. Top entertainment is guaranteed

If you are looking for top entertainment, both Split and Hvar are famous for their top clubs. Hvar is widely recognized as a meeting place for world-famous stars, and Hvar's clubs and restaurants have been visited by, among others, Prince Harry, Beyonce and Jay Z, Bon Jovi, Tommy Hilfiger... And the city of Split has numerous bars and clubs where you can have fun and dance all night long.

8. Rich cultural heritage

Life has been going on in the city of Split and on the island of Hvar for thousands of years, which is why this is an area of rich history and culture. Hvar is known for its beautiful walls, numerous palaces, loggia and the oldest island theatre in Croatia. Numerous Renaissance poets like Petar Hektorović and Hanibal Lucić came from Hvar, and over the years the island has given hundreds of top artists. Numerous palaces have been turned into museums that are worth visiting. As for cultural offerings, the story of Split is special. This city in the heart of Dalmatia has given so many artists that it would be impossible to count them. Poets, writers, actors, painters, singers, and athletes from this city have left their mark, not only in Croatia, but all over the world. Walk through the streets of Split and visit numerous museums and experience the cultural wealth of this city.

9. First-class accommodation

Both Split and Hvar offer a variety of accommodations, depending on what you prefer. Top hotels and holiday homes, but also apartments and numerous hostels, are at your disposal. Book accommodation in Split, explore it for a few days and then take our catamaran to Hvar and spend a few days there enjoying the island ambience.

10. Excellent hosts and easy-going lifestyle

Before coming to Split and Hvar, you need to know one thing. Dalmatians are people who have a special way of life in which the main motive is "go slow". Their well-known saying "Let the devil take the rush" is widely known and best describes this mentality. In Split and Hvar, coffee is drunk for two hours, and lunch is eaten slowly and without haste, enjoying every bite, which is then washed down with top-quality wine. After lunch, resting for at least half an hour to an hour is mandatory. If it's summer, everything is even slower because the heat is unavoidable. However, despite all that, everything works perfectly. The people of Split and Hvar are known as hospitable hosts who are always ready to help you. Visit Split and Hvar and let the Dalmatian "fjaka" take you over.