Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful island in the Adriatic Sea, just off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It lies between three other islands: Brač, Vis, and Korčula. Hvar is about 68 kilometres long and has tall hills made of limestone and dolomite rock. Unlike many nearby islands, Hvar has wide, green coastal plains and fresh water springs, which help it grow lots of plants.

The island is covered with pine forests on the hills, while the flat areas are full of vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards, and lavender fields. The weather on Hvar is very nice, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. According to the 2021 census, about 10,678 people live on Hvar, making it the fourth most populated island in Croatia.

History

Hvar's spot in the Adriatic made it a key place for trade across the sea, linking to Italy and the wider Mediterranean. People have lived here since ancient times, first by a Neolithic group known for their pottery, called the Hvar culture, and later by the Illyrians. The ancient Greeks started a town named Pharos in 384 BC at today’s Stari Grad, one of the oldest in Europe. They also set up the fields of the Stari Grad Plain, now a special UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In medieval times, the town of Hvar became important in the Venetian Empire as a navy base. This brought wealth, culture, and arts, including one of Europe’s first public theatres, along with beautiful palaces and public buildings.

The 1500s were difficult, with the Hvar Rebellion, attacks by pirates, and threats from nearby armies, leading to special forts to keep people safe. After a short period under Napoleonic rule, Hvar joined the Austrian Empire, bringing peace and growth. Harbors were improved, and fishing and boat building grew. The island also became known for its wine, lavender, and rosemary used in French perfumes. But in the 1900s, changes like new boat styles and a problem with wine crops caused many people to leave.

One industry that kept growing was tourism. The Hygienic Association of Hvar, started in 1868 to help visitors, helped build hotels, restaurants, marinas, museums, galleries, and cafés. Today, Hvar is a popular tourist spot, often named among the best islands in the world.

Geography

The island of Hvar is found in the Adriatic Sea, near the Dalmatian coast. It lies close to other islands such as Brač, Vis, and Korčula. The nearest point of Hvar is only 6 kilometers from the mainland.

Hvar is long and narrow, stretching 68 kilometers with hills made of limestone and dolomite. It used to be connected to the mainland until sea levels rose about 11,000 years ago. The island has dry landscapes with pine forests and some fertile areas for farming. It also has several smaller islands nearby, like the Paklinski islands and Šćedro. The highest point on Hvar is Sv. Nikola, reaching 628 meters above sea level.

History

See also: Hvar Rebellion

The first people to live on Hvar Island were from the Neolithic period, and they likely traded with others around the Mediterranean. Around 3500 to 2500 B.C., this period is known as the Hvar Culture. Later, in the 4th century B.C., the Greeks came to the island and started their settlement.

After the Romans won a war, Hvar became part of the Roman Republic in 219 B.C. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the island was controlled by the Byzantine Empire. During this time, many new homes were built, especially in open areas.

In the early Middle Ages, Slavic tribes lived on the island, and later it became part of the Kingdom of Croatia. The Republic of Venice helped bring wine-making to the island, which became very important. Over time, Hvar changed hands between different rulers but remained a place known for its farming and trade.

During the Renaissance, Hvar was a center for Croatian literature, with famous writers living there. Beautiful buildings and artworks from that time can still be seen today. In more recent history, the island has been part of various countries, including Yugoslavia and modern Croatia.

Economy

Residents of Hvar mainly work in fishing and tourism. The island enjoys a very mild Mediterranean climate, has beautiful beaches, and lots of plants that make it a popular tourist spot in Europe. Hvar town is the main place for visitors, with a big open square by the sea and a busy port full of yachts and sailboats during the tourist season.

Hvar is also known for growing lavender, which is used to make special oils and soaps. The island is famous for its winemaking, with vineyards producing red wines from the Plavac Mali grape and white wines in the central plain between Stari Grad and Jelsa.

Etymology

The island of Hvar was first called Paros by the Greeks because it was settled by people from the island of Paros in Aegean. Later, it was known as Pharos, which might mean "lighthouse," but this is not certain. It could have been named after an Illyrian word "Fara," meaning "seed."

In later times, the island's name changed again. During the 7th century, new groups of people arrived, and the name evolved into Quarra. Eventually, it became the name we know today, Hvar.

From the late 11th century, the Italian names Lesina or Liesena were also used, coming from an old Slavic word meaning "wood" or "forest."