Hvar: Croatia’s Party Island
Beach Essentials
Where: The town of Hvar on the island Hvar, along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, Eastern Europe
When: June to September
Happenings: Partying, nudity on the beach and Italian tourists
Remember to Bring: You eesigner shades
The Quiet Party Island?
Said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Hvar can be both a peaceful haven to retreat to and do nothing but chill or a non-stop party from twilight till dawn. The water is flawless blue and the atmosphere is relaxed. Located on the southwestern end of Hvar island, the town of Hvar is the most popular destination on the island, largely due to its party atmosphere.
With an easy-going vibe, this is the place to unwind in the sunshine and forget about the stresses of everyday life, something which is easy to do when in the sunniest place in Europe. A playground for Italian holiday-makers for some years, Hvar is still fairly undiscovered and quiet by other “party-island” standards, but don’t let that mislead you into thinking Hvar doesn’t know how to have fun.
Start the Party
The Après-Beach Party, held every day during the summer season from 5pm to 8pm, is a lively way to start any evening. Those eager to begin at sundown make their way to Carpe Diem, a funky bar/nightclub set right on the water. Coming straight from the beach and wearing little more than bikinis and sipping on fruity cocktails, hoards of people gather to dance for three straight hours, as they watch the sun set over the ocean and the moon rise. The atmosphere is vibrant and alive and is the perfect detour home from the beach.
The harbour side is aligned with noisy bars and cafe, and at night time are full of people spilling out onto the promenade, whilst a more secluded nightspot is the picturesque Veneranda. Halfway up a mountain and hidden by pine trees, the beautiful old fortress turns into an open-air nightclub, where people often end up dancing in their underwear in the waist-deep pool.
Most of the activity can be found along the harbourside where people sit and watch the rich and famous dock their impressive yachts, or in the town’s main square where fire dancers entertain crowds and masses go to just simply sit, talk, or grab a bite to eat.
Island Trips
The town of Hvar faces a cluster of small isles known as Pakleni Otoci. They offer some of the best bathing spots on the island and are adorned with secluded bays, shady surroundings, and both pebble and sandy beaches, making for cool and peaceful day excursions. These isles possess the typical beautiful landscape that is Hvar and are real treasures of the Adriatic. When hunger starts to set in after a tranquil day at the beach, restaurants offering refreshments can be found on most of the islands. There are numerous ferries and small motor-boats offering return-trips to the isles which depart approximately every half hour from Hvar’s harbour during peak season. Other activities you can indulge in while holidaying on Hvar include diving, wind surfing, sailing, and cycling.
When to Go
The high season is July and August when the heat soars and water temperatures can reach temperatures of up to 79º F (26º C). It is during these months the island is at its busiest, full of people who are there to enjoy the loud music, festivities and the heat. For a quieter time on Hvar, wait for the crowds to depart and visit in September and October. Although not as hot, the weather remains warm and stable, the beaches are less crowded and prices go down.
