Island Hvar – Your place for best holiday

An international workshop featuring workshops on Japanese calligraphy, silversmithing, papier mache and silk and wool felting opens on the island of Hvar.

The Arts and Crafts Fun Festival opened at Hotel Podstine in Hvar Town on May 28 2011, the latest in an expanding range of tourism offers for the island of Hvar, voted one of the world’s top ten by readers of Conde Nast.

The festival is a series of workshops conducted by international experts in their fields, and affords participants with the opportunity to learn new skills while combining the workshop with a holiday in one of Europe’s hottest destinations.
Papier Mache – Nives Cicin Sain from Croatia (May 29 – June 4)

Each workshop last six days with a 3 hour stint each day, and participants are limited to 20. The first workshop started on May 29 and is being conducted by Croatian papier mache expert Nives Cicin Sain.

The course covers an introduction to papier mache, preparation of the front of the mask, construction of the mask header, how to join the header to the front of the mask, expression modelling, decorations and colouring, and mould removal, aperture opening and processing the back of the mask.
Silk and Wool Creative Felting – Louise Broad from UK (June 5 – 11)

Week two has two workshops running simultaneously. Louise Broad’s silk and wool creative felting course opens with an introduction to feltmaking, and covers various skills, including how to make a notebook cover and seamless bag, decorative items and jewellery, an introduction to nuno felting, how to make a nuno felted scarf, and how to make a group piece such as a wallhanging.
Silver Craft – Lazer Rok Lumezi from Croatia (June 5-11)

Croatian silver expert Lazer Rok Lumezi’s silver craft workshop packs in a lot of practical training on a variety of silver-making techniques. Skills covered include melting and processing, soldering and links modelling, wedding ring making and polishing and stone frame modelling and soldering to the base.

The latter stages of the course focus on shaping hemispheres and spheres from silver, arranging necklaces from stones and silver pieces, and making jewellery from the skills learned at the workshop.
Japanese Calligraphy – Kihachiro Nishiura (June 12-18)

The final week focuses on the Japanese calligraphy workshop of Kihachiro Nishiura, whose style is a blend of ancient and modern, developed through years of studying incense, the Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy and flower arranging.

After an introduction to calligraphy, the course covers the basics of calligraphy and music in calligraphy, before examining more advanced techniques on the final day.
Additional Activities on the Island of Hvar

Workshop participants are entitled to a reduced rate at Podstine, one of the nicest of Hvar’s hotels. Located on the water in pine forests a pleasant walk north of the town, it has a relaxed atmosphere, which is conducive to artistic creativity.

With each workshop lasting three hours a day, there is plenty of opportunity for guests to indulge in other activities. Beaches and historic towns aside, there is a good choice for the more able-minded. Hvar Adventure, the leading local activity specialist, has a range of sports to indulge in, including rock climbing, sailing, kayaking, hiking and scuba diving, while Secret Hvar’s off-road safari is an excellent way to see the most beautiful and less discovered parts of the island.

Next year’s Arts and Crafts Fun Festival is scheduled to begin on May 26, 2012.

If you dream of taking cruise holidays but have no-one to go with or want to take a break on your own, don’t worry as there are lots of voyages suitable for singles.

Travelling on your own need not be expensive, as cruise lines are used to dealing with solo holidaymakers and have single cabins onboard many of their luxury ships. That also means you are sure to meet plenty of likeminded passengers if you want to socialise during your break.

You will find there is a wide range of cruises for singles available, with many solo travellers choosing voyages to Norway, the Baltic, the Canary Islands, Italy or Croatia.

Norway is one of the classic cruise destinations, thanks to its stunning coastline. You can’t fail to be amazed by the fjords and the scenery that surrounds them, and a holiday in the Scandinavian country will also give you the opportunity to visit beautiful cities such as Bergen, Stavanger and Tromso.

If you are looking at August cruises a voyage around the Baltic is likely to be a good choice. The weather in the region is great at that time of year and single holidaymakers will find plenty to do, as the cruises usually feature stops at historic cities like St Petersburg, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Tallinn.

The Canary Islands is another popular destination with single cruise passengers, particularly ones who are looking for a sunshine break. Whatever time of year you choose for your holiday, the temperature is likely to be high in the Canaries and you will discover there is plenty to see and do on Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Should you have an interest in history, you are likely to encounter plenty of likeminded people on a Mediterranean cruise that includes stops in Italy. Many of the country’s great Roman and Renaissance cities are accessible from the sea and you can look forward to some fascinating sightseeing in Venice, Rome, Sorrento, Elba and Portofino during your break.

Another cruise destination that combines history and culture with great weather is the Adriatic. A voyage down the coast of Croatia will take you to fascinating cities like Dubrovnik and Split, as well as the beautiful island of Hvar. Your holiday in the region is also likely to include stops in Crete, the Bosnian city of Kotor and Italy’s Amalfi coast – so there really is sure to be something for everyone.

The strategic position of Hvar on the maritime routes of the Adriatic has played a major role in the history and development of this island. In the Neolithic period, the so=called Hvar culture evolved, known for its pottery decorated with spiral motives. In the fourth century BC, the Ionian Greeks founded the town of Pharos at the head of a deep bay on the north side of the island. The Greek agricultural landscape survives up to the present day and has been recently been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the arrival of the Romans in the late third century BC, the island evolved into a centre for recreation, wine production and fishing. The numerous underwater remains from the seabed point to the island being used as a staging post for vessels sailing between Dalmatia and the Italian mainland. In the Middle Ages, the Venetians took over the island and proceeded to develop the town of Hvar. Major structures built by the Venetians include the cathedral, castle, monastery and arsenal. The latter was used for the building and maintenance of vessels. Venetian rule lasted until the late eighteenth century when the area fell under the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austrian rule lasted, except for a brief French interlude, until 1919 when Italian forces occupied Hvar. In 1921, through the treaty of Rapallo, the island formed part of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenians, which later evolved into Yugoslavia and subsequently the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after World War II. In January 1992, Hvar formed part of the newly formed and independent state of Croatia. Today, it is a major tourist destination and important hub for the yacht charter industry.

Kayak Rental on the Island of Hvar – Luka Tambaca

Looking to rent a boat, scooter, car or kayak on Hvar this summer? Here is an overview or rental prices on Croatia’s premier island.

With the main tourist time of year in Croatia now underway, the hotels and private apartments on Hvar are filling up with tourists keen to explore Croatia’s premier island. There are a variety of rental options for those looking to take in the various sights and would prefer more flexibility than the scheduled bus routes.

Rental facilities exist in all the major tourist towns owing to private travel agencies. Here is a quick overview of prices for various rental equipment. It should be noted that the prices are a guide only and open to local variation. Taken from local agencies in Jelsa, they are likely to be more expensive in Hvar Town.

Car Hire on Hvar

There are pros and cons to renting on the island versus the mainland. Basic rental prices are more expensive, but the cheaper ferry prices and additional flexibility of daily rather than weekly rental make it a more attractive proposition for some. There are some quirkier cars for hire, counting a roofless and colourful collection of ancient Beetles in Stari Grad, as well as a scale of more mainstream models. An example of car rental prices from Jelsa travel agency Globus for June followed by peak time of year prices in August (10-15% discount for weekly hire):

Smart 350 – 400 kuna

Fiat Punto with aircon 400 – 450 kuna

Seat Ibiza with aircon 450 – 500 kuna

Opel Corsa with aircon 480 – 550 kuna

Car seats for children are available from 30 kuna.

Exploring Hvar by Scooter

A very well loved way to explore Hvar is by scooter, and the island’s roads are filled with the sight of childish couples pootling nearly pointing to the latest stunning view. It is a fun way to travel and affords the greatest flexibility. Please bear in mind that helmets must be worn while travelling, as the local police will remind you – with a fine – if you fail to comply. Rental prices are in the range of 150 – 180 kuna a day.

Cycling on Hvar: Bike Rental

Hvar is a well loved cycling destination and the shoulder months are full of cycling groups exploring the hills and ancient Dalmatian villages. A recent tourist board initiative to add cycle routes and an informative map has further opened the cycling option for tourists. Bikes can be rented by the hour, day and week, with a daily rental in the region of 40 – 50 kuna.

Boat and Kayak Hire on Hvar

Jelsa agency T-Club offers a range of boat hire, another excellent way to explore the island’s hidden coves. Boat rental prices, counting fuel, are in the region of 350 kuna for a 5 horsepower boat, 400 for an 8 horsepower. Kayak rental is also available for 150 kuna a day, although kayak enthusiasts should also look into the range of tours offered by activity specialist, Hvar Adventure.

An ambitious German-Croatian initiative to revolutionise travel to Croatia’s islands with the introduction of sea planes is on course to start in 2011.

In an interview in Slobodna Dalmacija on June 4 2011, Managing Director of European Coastal Airlines, Klaus Dieter Martin expressed the hope that his plan to introduce a network of routes connecting mainland Croatia with several of its larger islands would be realised by the end of the year.

Sea Planes for the Croatian Coast

If successful, the new service, an ambitious plan including sea planes and seaports will connect several locations on the mainland with short, direct flights to the more popular islands, slashing travel times for tourists who are currently at the mercy of the ferry timetable.

According to the EIC website, the company plans to build four seaports in the harbours fo Pula, Mali Losinj, Rijeka and Dubrovnik and fly passengers to islands such as Hvar, Korcula, Vis and Lastovo. A provisional timetable for 2011 even has an international flight from Hvar to Perara in Italy.

Founded in 2000, EIC is locked in discussions with Croatian authorities and, according to Martin, these discussions have now been raised to the level of national importance, rather than local negotiations, with discussions taking place with no less than five governmental departments.

Inaugural Flights to Korcula and Hvar

“In the first phase we are now ready to put into operation at least 6 amphibian aircraft linking major cities on the Adriatic coast with at least 9 island destinations,” said Martin in the interview. “The first promotional flights will be from a logistics base in Split…to Korcula and Stari Grad on Hvar.”

12 Minutes Flights at Affordable Prices

With a flying time of just 12 minutes and a one-way ticket costing 25 euro from Split to Stari Grad, the new routes are bound to be popular with tourists looking for quick and easy access to Croatia’s premier island.

How to Get to Hvar Island

It is possible to charter a plane to fly to Hvar’s small airport, and there are additionally several options to arrive by speedboat and water taxi, but for most visitors on a budget, the main alternative is the state ferry company, Jadrolinija, which operates routes to Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa and Sucuraj.

Waiting times can be long in the summer for tourists arriving on the car ferries, while the combination of bus travel from Split airport to the port and then ferry to the island is one reason why the new service should be extremely successful.

According to Martin, the company already operated international in Canada and in the Maldives, where they have 35 planes in operation. The company intends to invest at least 31 million euro and is now waiting for the relevant licences and permissions from Zagreb.

With the billionaire yachts moored up and the picturesque stone squares full of tourists in the numerous cafes, it is hard to imagine that the citizens of Hvar were caught up in war just sixteen years ago. A common request from incoming tourists is a simple explanation of the war in former Yugoslavia, and while much has been written on the subject, rather less has been documented about the effects of the war on Hvar.

Naval Blockade

The Yugoslav army (JNA) attacked Croatia in July 1991 and Hvar was blockaded the following month. The main effects of the blockade were shortages of foodstuffs normally brought from the mainland, such as flour, and no access to hospitals and main medical services.
After the sinking of some JNA ships from land fire on Brac and the Peljesac Peninsula, a ceasefire was signed and the navy left Sucuraj territorial waters on December 3 1991.

Arrival of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons from the Mainland

The situation on the ground in the mainland was dire, with large tracts of Croatia occupied. A steady stream of refugees had to be housed, and a logical supplier of beds was Hvar, devoid of tourists due to the conflict. Refugees, particularly from the front-line town of Vukovar, began to arrive by boat. The refugee situation deteriorated in 1992 as Croatia took in numerous refugees from the brutal war in Bosnia and Hercegovina. The effect of traumatised refugees replacing affluent tourist was two-fold: severe reduction in revenue and severe increase in wear and tear in the hotels.

Full Hotels but No Tourists

A UN fact-finding mission in August 1992 found that there were 624 displaced persons and 3,727 refugees on Hvar, of whom 1,323 were in private accommodation, the rest in hotels. Usually closed in winter, most of the hotels had no heating installations, which caused problems for the new temporary residents.

Although never invaded, Hvar did experience enemy attack, and the tiny airstrip in Stari Grad was bombed at least twice. The main result of the bombing was denying local people emergency services on the mainland.

With the demographic balance upset both ways – increased population during the winter and decreased in the summer due to lack of tourists – the hotels were full all year, which had a negative impact on the condition of the buildings.

The absence of many paying visitors had a devastating effect on the island’s economy and many cafes and restaurants closed because of the lack of electricity (because of the occupation of the Peruca dam, source of hydro-electric power) and the difficulties of obtaining necessary goods such as coffee, milk etc from the mainland. Many of Hvar’s male population were drafted into the defense forces on the front line near Zadar, where one man from Stari Grad was killed and many more returned suffering from PTSD.

Ownership Issues

As Yugoslavia’s premier island, Hvar was popular with Serbs, many of whom had holiday homes there. Some of these were requisitioned for accommodation for the wounded and refugees from areas on mainland Croatia under occupation, while others were sold off cheaply by their owners who figured they would never come to the island again. Many others decided to bide their time and are once again regular visitors to Hvar.

A great hindrance to the post-war development of tourist infrastructure has been ownership issues of hotels and other such buildings, many of which were nationalised by the newly-independent Croatian government. One such example on Hvar was the Belgrade Resort, a 10,000m2 beach front complex with 400 hundred rooms and 25m indoor pool east of Jelsa.

It remains abandoned today despite much interest from large investment groups during the real estate boom of 2004-5, with ownership problems (the City of Belgrade was the pre-nationalisation owner) the main stumbling block. This ownership issue was repeated along the Adriatic coast and was one of the main reasons why hotels in prime locations remained derelict for so long.

Recovery of the Tourist Industry

The war had a devastating effect on the entire region, and recovery has been slow. In terms of tourism, the main challenge facing Croatia was to persuade potential visitors that the country was safe, not at war and open for business. A highly effective marketing campaign under the slogan The Mediterranean as it Once Was went some way to achieving this, but has still not fully recovered 16 years after hostilities ceased.

While the scars of the conflict, both physical and psychological, still exist, Hvar’s tourism is once more booming, with Hvar Town in particular benefiting from a multi-million dollar investment in the town’s hotels. Hvar has been described as one of the world’s sexiest islands by Forbes Magazine and voted one of the top ten most beautiful islands in the world by readers of Conde Nast.

Island destinations remain very popular amongst Irish holidaymakers, with the main resorts being the Canary or Balearic Islands in Spain, or the main islands of Greece, including Corfu, Crete and Rhodes. However, there are hundreds of island destinations dotted throughout Europe’s waters, so here are a few different options that might be worth visiting this summer.

GOZO, Malta

Part of the archipelago that is Malta, Gozo is a lot less travelled than the main island. Often referred to as “the land where time stood still”, Gozo is excellent walking country, especially between October and May when the temperature is usually around 18C. One of the best walks is along Dingli Cliffs, where you can watch the sun set from the highest point in Malta, 220m above sea level. Places to visit on the island include the Azure Window, the Inland Sea and the Ggantija temples, while there also a number of excellent dive spots located around the Gozo coast, none more so than the Blue Hole, which is considered to be one of the best dives in Europe. The Ramla il-Hamra beach with its red sands is also deemed one of the best in the country.

HVAR, Croatia

Surrounded by the brilliant blue Adriatic Sea, the island of Hvar is one of Croatia’s top tourist destinations. Located 30 kilometres off the coast from the city of Split, Hvar is one of the sunniest spots in Croatia and also one of the greenest. Pretty beaches are dotted around the coast of Hvar, while the town with the same name is rich in culture and history. A ramble through Hvar town will take you past the ancient walls into the Starigrad (the Old Town) and through the amazing main square in front of the cathedral. The old village of Starigrad and Jelsa are well worth a visit, while a short boat trip will take you to the nearby Pakleni Islands. The climate allows vegetation to flourish and the sprawling lavender fields add a fantastic aroma throughout.

ISLE OF SKYE, Scotland

This misty gem in the Hebrides sits just off the coast of west Scotland, about 100 kilometres north of Glasgow. The island is an adventure playground for climbers, walkers and cyclists with high peaks and deep sounds throughout. The centre of the island is dominated by the Cuillin mountains, while several peninsulas jut out in every direction. Visit the Quiraing on the Trotternish peninsula for stunning scenery, while Dunvegan Castle is steeped in history and legend and is home to the McLeod clan. Castle Moil, Dunscaith Castle and Duntulm Castle are also places to check out on your visit, while the coast of Dunvegan is home to ‘MacLeod’s Maidens’, which are giant sea stacks off the coast of Maiden’s Point, amongst the highest cliffs in Britain. The sea plays a big part in Skye’s attraction, as sea fishing is widely available, along with a wide range of other water sports. And wildlife lovers will be spoilt for choice as red deer, seals, otters, golden eagles and rare sea eagles can often be spotted.

CAPRI, Italy

Located five kilometres off the Campania coast, Capri is renowned throughout the world for its romance and beauty. The main attraction on the island is the Blue Grotto, which is located at the water’s edge and lights up the internal water a fantastic turquoise colour. The Villa Jovis, Villa San Michele and Church of San Michele Arcangelo are some of the main sights to see around the island, while watching the sunrise over the mountains to see the vivid colour changes is another thing to add to your list ahead of your visit.

SANTORINI, Greece

A constant contender for most romantic location in Europe, Santorini is located around 200 kilometres off the Greek mainland and is famous for its sensational sunsets. This volcanic island is often referred to as the “Gem of the Aegean”, with its main attraction being the landscape. The beaches of Santorini are a spectacular sight, boasting white, red or black sand or volcanic pebbles, spectacular rock formations and impressive lunar landscapes. In fact, Santorini is actually a group of islands which are effectively an active volcano with the sea being the crater, but don’t let that put you off visiting. Panoramic views of the volcano can be found around the towns of Firá, Oia, Imerovígli and Firostefáni, which are known as the balcony of Santorini. Gastronomy is a big deal throughout the island, while scuba diving and snorkelling are also very popular.

EL HIERRO, Spain

The edge of the world as it was known, El Hierro is the most western of the Canary Islands. You can explore the islands many natural swimming pools or travel inland to the vast area of protected woodland. Paragliding, mountain biking, surfing, caving and hiking are all available, while the coast of El Hierro boasts clear, deep waters, which are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. Daily flights are available from Gran Canaria and Tenerife, while there is also a ferry service from Tenerife and La Gomera into Puerto de la Estaca. The island has also been granted UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation.

CORSICA, France

Located approximately 170 kilometres from Nice, Corsica is often described as a mountain in the sea and as a result is covered in pine forests and mountain lakes with 120 peaks above 2000m. Corsica is also home to the famous GR20 walking trail, which is amongst the toughest and most spectacular walks in Europe. Nature is one of Corsica’s biggest attractions, with the Corsican Regional Natural Park stretching over 3500km². The Calanche de Piana and the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while the Sanguinaires Islands, the Bavella Needles and the small fishing village of Centuri are just some of the many attractions in this very unique and pretty emerald green island.

Experienced sailors looking for some active fun can join local racing teams to take part in several regattas near Hvar. Some options for Adriatic exploring.

Sailing in Croatia is growing in popularity, as more tourists are taking to the seas to discover its stunning coastline and 1185 islands. Mainland towns such as Vodice, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik are popular mooring spots, while there is much to investigate on islands such as Brac, Vis, Korcula and Hvar.

The needs of beginners are catered for with sailing schools, while a fully-crewed yacht can set its own agenda, but what about the solo tourist looking for a little sailing action?
Hvar Adventure Crewing Options

Local outdoor specialist Hvar Adventure’s core activity is sailing, offering a range of courses and excursions. For sailors who can demonstrate their sailing credentials and experience, there are interesting opportunities to crew with the company in one of the many races that take place on the Adriatic.

Regattas with Crewing Options for 2011

Split – Komiza – Split (May 27-29). A 3-day event comprising of a race each way to the picturesque second town on Vis, interspersed with a free day, which gives the opportunity to visit the famous Blue Cave at Bisevo.

Split – Hvar – Split (17-19 June). Similar to Komiza and including a free day and night in Hvar Town.

Southern Dalmatia Race (5-7 August). A 4-day race along a route that includes Orebic, Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik.

80th Mrduja Regatta (24-25 September). The oldest race in Croatia, with some 300 boats taking part in a 22 mile race from Split to a rock between the islands of Brac and Solta.

Solta Island Regatta (1-2 October). A two-way race from Split to Solta, the closest island to the Dalmatian capital.

Barcolona, Trieste (8-9 October). The most famous race in the world with more than 3,000 boats taking part. The trip included 3-5 each way from Zadar to Trieste.

Vis Island Regatta (14-16 October). 3-day regatta, including a race each way to Vis and a day to explore in the middle.

Jabuka Race (11-13 November). A four-day, non-stop offshore navigation race leaving from Vodice on the mainland, round the infamous Jabuka rock, the furthest island located between Croatian and Italy, 120 miles in all.

Tired of the beach and sitting in waterfront cafes on Croatia’s premier island? Why not head for the hills and undiscovered Hvar with an off-road Safari?

While the many focus of most holidays to Hvar is the stunning coastline and plentiful beaches, there is much to discover inland on Croatia’s premier island, described by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s sexiest. One of the most rewarding ways to spend a day discovering Hvar off the beaten track is to take an off-road Jeep safari.

Secret Hvar Jeep Safaris

The day-long tour, organised by experienced local guides for specialist agency, Secret Hvar, take clients away from the popular tourist resorts, on an intoxicating voyage of discovery through the aromatic hills of rosemary and lavender, through the various hilltop villages of the island, and along tracks off-limits to most vehicles.

Malo and Velo Grablje

Departing from Hvar Town at 0900, the tour commences with the short trip to the two inland villages of Malo and Velo Grablje, the former completely abandoned and the latter in serious decline after once being the most important centre for lavender production in Dalmatia.

Malo Grablje has a special feel to it, abandoned by its residents en masse several decades ago in favour of the local fishing village of Milna down th road. One of the curious facts about Malo Grablje is the fact that all property owners have the same non-Croatian surname – Tudor – leading to the legend that the villagers are possible descendants of Henry VIII.

Restaurant Vidikovac and the Sveti Nikola Peak

Continuing along the spectacular old road from Hvar to Stari Grad, th tour pauses for refreshment at the isolated Restaurant Vidikovac, a stunning spot which boats sea views to the south of the island from one side, and equally picturesque northern sea views from others, before ascending to the island’s highest point, Sveti Nikola, from where panomaric views of the island take in the neighbouring islands of Brac, Vis and Korcula.

Stari Grad Plain

An examination of the UNESCO-protected ancient Greek agricultural colony known as the Stari Grad Plain is next on the itinerary, an extremely well-preserved area to close to Hvar’s oldest town, where the farming of olives and grapes continue in must the same way as they did in Greek times.

Humac, the Abandoned Shepherd’s Village

Lunch is taken in the eco-village of Humac, a shepherd’s village long since abandoned by its inhabitants, but one of the most atmospheric places on the island. Konoba Humac, at the front of the village, has been sympathetically restored, and offers outstanding organic food prepared according to traditional methods.

Best Croatian Beaches: Soline in Vrboska

After an excellent lunch, the tour makes its final stop, to one of the island’s nicest beaches at Soline, near Vrboska, a chance to dip into the water and contemplate the sights, sounds and smells of the off-road Hvar experience.