Night time on Hvar reveals what looks like a castle floating high above the city. Despite the darkness, you're still able to see through the clear waters, suspending the docked boats above an invisible sea-bottom. There's an ethereal beauty to the city, where you exist between the fortress overead, and the endless sea, weaving between the shops and restaurants while you're enveloped in the thumping sounds of lively music coming from nearby clubs as you walk past.
The hike up to the fortress appears more daunting than it is, and locals have decorated benches and other spots with carefully curated flora along the route to relax and enjoy the incredible views. The fortress is accessible to visitors, and worth the fee in my opinion. The most fascinating part for me was the prision built into the walls of the fortress. Follow the sign along the narrow corridor to a steep set of stairs, (careful to watch your head, especially on the way out) descending into the cavern that was once used to hold prisoners.
Top Attractions in Hvar
- Blue Cave on Biševo: A stunning natural phenomenon (day trip from Hvar).
- Fortica (Spanish Fortress): Climb for panoramic views of the town and Pakleni Islands.
- Lavender Fields: Visit in June and July for the iconic purple landscapes.
- Stari Grad Plain: UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing ancient Greek agricultural practices.
- Pakleni Islands: Take a boat trip to these beautiful islets for secluded beaches and coves.
- Grapčeva Cave: Explore prehistoric cave drawings.
- Dubovica Beach: Relax at one of Hvar's most picturesque beaches.