Now we’re talking. All across the island, leisure really is the name of the game, although we’re a little bit unsure about using the word “game” there. After all, this is the perfect place to kick back and embrace all things relaxation. There are beautiful beaches everywhere, so pack your towel, prepare the snacks, load up on suncream, choose a good book, and spend your day in blissful beach harmony. If you’re looking for something to get the energy pumping, there is no shortage of options, with some seriously stunning hiking and cycling trails found all around. Walking from village to village here is one of life’s great joys, especially when you can stop for a glass of wine or an olive oil tasting or three.
Sailing
The Dalmatian islands are perfect for relaxed flotilla sailing and a huge variety of sailing trips are offered by the big international travel agencies, many of which take in Hvar Town, Stari Grad,or lesser-known marinas such as Sveta Nedjelja. In addition, local travel agencies offer a range of water-borne trips in craft of all shapes and sizes, ranging from half-day tours of the Pakleni islands, evening trips to savour maritime sunsets, day-long excursions around the island of Hvar, or tailor-made private tours based around your own interests and requirements. Speedboat tours to the famed Blue Cave of Biševo, just beyond the island of Vis, is an outstandingly popular day trip from Hvar.
Rock Climbing
Hvar is an increasingly popular rock climbing destination with crags above Milna, Pokrivenik, Lučišća, and Šuplja stina just outside Sveta Nedelja, attracting specialists from around Europe. Routes have been prepared professionally by local experts: the enthusiast-run site Hvar Climbing ( hvarclimbing.com) carries information and advice. There is a Climbing Festival based in Jelsa that organises climbs every spring. There are also several Via Ferrata (hair-raising ropes-and-steel walkways requiring helmets, clips, and a modicum of previous experience) above Sveta Nedjelja, on the way to Sveti Nikola peak. Vela Stinivia, Milna, Pokrivenik, Straćine and Podstine are excellent spots for rock climbing.
Cycling
The island is perfect for cycling, especially in spring, early summer and autumn. Cycling can be gruelling in midsummer due to high temperatures and heavy traffic, when you should carry plenty of water and make good use of the early morning hours. Much of the island’s rugged, up-and-down terrain seems to have been made with mountain biking in mind. All manner of two-wheeled craft can be rented out from various spots on the island, and the excellent folks in Jelsa’s tourist office are available to explain the best routes, with links to maps on AllTrails.
Diving
Have you ever dreamt of going under the sea? You know, where it is wetter, where it is better? Yes, that is a Sebastian the Crab reference, and you’ll find plenty of joy waiting once you don the necessary gear and open your eyes under the cerulean waves surrounding Hvar.The island has been described as a “jewel for divers,” and we aren’t about to disagree. There are plenty of excellent diving operators working on the island, namely Black Pearl (based in Jelsa’s Hotel Jadran) and Nautica Centre (Priko, Stari Grad), with lessons available for beginners. If you’re a dab hand at the diving game, the best spots are Cape Cabal, Smočiguzica, Tatinja Bay, and Grška. You never know what you find underwater, be it magical marine life, wrecked World War II bombers, or who knows what else.
Hiking
Given that most of the island is made up of agricultural land, rural communities and Mediterranean wilderness, the possibilities for hiking are limitless. You might start with relaxing coastal strolls before branching out onto the dirt roads to abandoned villages, or making an assault on the mountain paths leading up onto the ridge that dominates the centre of the island. Particularly exhilarating is the ascent of the island's highest point, Sveti Nikola, from the coastal village of Sveta Nedjelja.Sea Kayaking
One of the most popular ways to see the Pakleni islands is to paddle your way over in a kayak - either as part of a guided mini-flotilla or on your own (there are plenty of places renting them out).SUP-ing
It's impossible to visit an Adriatic beach these days without bumping in to SUP users eagerly launching their boards into the waves. Paddling around on a SUP is certainly a brilliant way to explore the coast, or travel from beach to beach. They can be rented almost everywhere, and many operators offer classes for beginners.Jeep Safaris
Inland Hvar's multitude of unpaved roads and gravelly trails are ideal for a spot of off-roading, with a number of local operators offering 4WD trips to off-the-radar destinations, with abandoned highland villages, lavender plantations and rocky heights with fantastic views featuring among the likely targets.Buzz around in a Beetle
The island's car-rental agencies are so enthusiastic about the VW Beetle cabriolet that they have made it into something of a Hvar trademark. If you are into the idea of hiring a vehicle, then there are few better ways of exploring the island that in one of these bright-coloured machines with the roof folded down.Tips for leisure activities for the whole family to enjoy:
Activity specialists
The main company is Hvar Adventure: www.hvar-adventure.com
Kayak & Sup Hvar: www.kayaksup-hvar.com
Climbing at Sveta Nedjelja: Cliffbase www.cliffbase.com
Seven Capsules of Hvar
The Seven Capsules of Hvar experience is a brilliant culinary adventure, weaving from Nonna’s Garden to the soil, the sea, the air, and beyond, far into the future. villashvar.com/en/daily-escapes
Panoramic Flights
If you want to see the island's beauty from the sky, there’s no better way than organising a truly magical flight with Panoramic Flights Croatia. www.panoramicflighscroatia.com/hvar
Adriatic Pearl Excursion
The perfect adventure for anyone looking to discover the less-heralded parts of the island, the Adriatic Pearl Excursion shines a light on the delights both above and below the waters (with fantastic food along the way). Contact: (+385-) 95 197 66 80
Day and Night Fishing Tour
Fishing has always been integral to the rhythm of life on Hvar, and this challenging but captivating tour allows visitors to cast a line directly into the soul of island life.
The Magic of Hvar Tailored Tours
If you want to focus your island adventures on one specific aspect, the Magic of Hvar tailored tours are the perfect guides for everything from hiking to biking to wine-tasting and more. www.naturalhvartours.com
Adventure Park Hvar in Jelsa
A multi-activity park guaranteed to get pulses racing, the Hvar Adventure Park is perfect for groups and offers thrilling fun like paintball, battle archery, human table football, giant boxing, and more. www.hvar-adventure-park-jelsa.com/
Visit Bol and Zlatni Rat
Jelsa is an excellent base for exploring Bol and the iconic Zlatni Rat beach, with daily catamaran services running between the two (times are available on the Jadrolinija website).
Bota Windsurf Centre, Vrboska
An established presence on the island since 2004, the Bota Windsurf Centre is the place to go for all your windsurfing requirements. Whether you are a beginner or an expert you’ll find plenty to enjoy, with lessons available for the former and equipment rental for the latter. Full details of both (including prices) can be found on the official website. If windsurfing isn’t your thing but you still fancy a water adventure, Bota also offers kayaking and SUP, along with bike tours for the landlubbers. bota-vrboska.com/hr/
Outdoor gym Hvar
You can tone up your muscles on the outdoor fitness machines on Šetalište Tonija Petrića, up behind the Bonj beach pavilion and next to Galeb beach in Križna luka.
Children's playparks in Hvar
The šumica children's park, beside the seaside path on Štelalište Tonija Petrića, comprises slide, see-saw, climbing frames and several things for clambering around on, all rendered in natural woods.
There's another, smaller playground beyond the Franciscan Monastery on Šetalište put Križa.
The third one is next to Galeb beach in Križna Luka.
