7 relaxing ways to feel the radiance of Hvar

Sitting atop the Adriatic Sea and affectionately referred to as “the island of light,” Hvar promises sun-soaked coves, cobbled streets adorned with wildflowers and shimmering waters worthy of a double take. Basking in a radiant glow for more than 2,800 hours a year, Croatia’s sunniest island makes for one of the warmest welcomes.

Wander through the lavender fields of Velo Grablje, a short drive from Hvar Town, and be soothed by their scents mixed with wild rosemary, thyme, myrtle and helichrysum. Visit one of the small lavender farms to discover how this fragrant plant is harvested on Hvar’s hillsides and turned into oils and other products. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks who started Hvar’s tradition of winemaking, which is still going strong 2,400 years later. Stop by family-run wineries for tastings of robust plavac mali reds and the indigenous white bogdanuša – which literally and aptly translates as a gift from God.

Hvar’s heavily indented coastline harbours dozens of beaches, including intimate, pebbled coves fringed by pine trees and best accessed by boat. Embark on a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago just a short ride from Hvar Town where you can really get away from it all. Swim in the sheltered coves of Sveti Klement, the largest island, or take in the views from Marinkovac and Jerolim’s beaches. For a family-friendly escape, visit the shores of Mlini, Pokonji Dol, Milna or Mina beaches.

Stand in St Stephen’s Square in Hvar Town – the largest in Dalmatia – and revel in the baroque Venetian splendour of St Stephen’s Cathedral and its elegant bell tower. For one of the best views in Dalmatia, hike to the 16th century Fortica Fortress above Hvar Town and see the Pakleni Islands strung out like jewels, with the islands of Korčula and Vis on the horizon. Feel the centuries of history under your feet when you walk the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stari Grad Plain, where you can see vineyards and olive groves planted by the Greeks back in 384 BC.

Taste the fruits of the Adriatic Sea in waterside restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. Look out for the island’s most famous seafood dish, Hvarska Gregada, a delicious fish stew layered with potatoes and packed with flavour. Traditional Dalmatian cuisine makes the most of the Mediterranean diet – think locally made olive oil, plump tomatoes, grilled fish, homegrown vegetables, orchard fruits – plus specialities including squid-ink risotto. Dotted around the countryside are family-run restaurants where they make dishes under a peka, a cast-iron pot in which lamb, pork or octopus is cooked slowly for hours and results in the most extraordinary succulence. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in Hvar’s majestic surroundings as the island lights up after dark.

Get to know Croatia’s longest island on two wheels or two feet – either way you’ll have nearly 500km of cycling and hiking routes to explore. Follow the Hvar Geotrail from Pokonji Dol Beach to Podstine that curves round Hvar Town to discover its fascinating geological history from millions of years ago. Hvar’s underwater world is a wondrous place of dramatic rock towers, reefs and wrecks teeming with vibrant marine life, all within a short boat ride. If you’d rather be on the water than below, take a kayaking or paddleboarding tour of Hvar’s coast and dreamy Pakleni Islands.

Take in the peaceful ambience of the 15th century Franciscan Monastery and Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Hvar Town, and gaze at Matej Ponzoni’s enormous 17th century painting of The Last Supper. Hvar earned its cultural place on the map centuries before other nations when it opened the first public theatre in Europe back in 1612, and its compact 19th century auditorium lined with two floors of boxes is one of the most delightful you’ll come across. Discover Hvar’s venerable lacemaking tradition in the 17th century Benedictine Nunnery (one of Hvar’s six UNESCO cultural heritage sites) where nuns still make and display these exquisite creations using agave leaves.

Rent a boat, kayak or paddleboard to get up close to one of Hvar’s most spectacular sights. Tucked away on the island’s southern coast between Hvar Town and the village of Sveta Nedelja are the Red Rocks (Crvene Stijene), towering limestone cliffs with terracotta-coloured streaks rising from the sea. Take in beautiful views of the Adriatic from the ancient cave above Sveta Nedelja, which was used as a refuge in the 16th century. Further east near the village of Humac is an extraordinarily well-preserved cave from the Neolithic era, Grapčeva, complete with stalagmites and stalactites you can see on a guided tour.