msms

Hi All,

I will be in Hvar in about a week's time for one night. Will be arriving around 7pm the night before without a car. Would like to ask those of you who have been to the island in late September, how is Hvar at this time? Are the shops and restaurants open? Are there still tours and excursions taking place? How's the weather? I read that a few bars/cafes are closed after mid Sept.Is Hula-Hula still open? I'm not a big party goer but would love to sit outdoor and enjoy the view and atmosphere, not too big on sunbathing but love sightseeing and relaxing. Hvar Town looks small and it seems like sightseeing can be done in one afternoon?

Thanks for any feedback and insights.

rialtogrl

The season doesn't end until mid-October. In a week, most everything will still be open. Hula bar will definitely still be open.

I am in Hvar now and it is very busy, quite a few of the summer clubs have signs up for their "last hurrah" but that is not going to affect you. If you want a nice, quiet Hula bar go before 4 or so. I was there at 5 pm on Monday and it was packed.

Have a great time in beautiful Hvar!

msms

Thanks rialtogrl! That puts my mind at ease. Any recommendations on the 'must dos' if I only have half a day in Hvar? I know it's not much time but I am planning to take the 2pm catamaran to Split (unfortunately the next catamaran is at 7pm which only gets me to Split at 8.20pm which I think is too late).

Thanks!

rialtogrl

So am I correct, you only have the evening the first day and then until 2 pm the following day?

Its not a lot of time and the sun goes down at around 7 pm.

I'd just hang out in town the first evening, sit in a cafe in the main square for an aperitif then go have a nice dinner somewhere. I love Dalmatino, the food there is not the best you ever had but the staff are wonderful and the setting fantastic. The following morning, get up early, walk around in the old town and up to the fortress. Honestly with the lack of time I would skip the Hula bar though it is a very nice walk to get there. I suppose you could go for a quick beer.

There is an exhibition of photos of the island in the Loggia - its not very big but you could check that out. It will only take 10-15 minutes.

Take the time to look around - there are hidden churches, remnants of the time when Venice ruled in Hvar, and beautiful parks here and there. The walk to the Hula bar has one of these parks, all pine and cactus, on the way.

Hope this helps.

Ackislander

Visit the theatre.

It is a jewel box.

msms

Thanks rialtogrl! This is indeed very, very helpful! I keep going back and forth between the 2pm and 7pm catamaran. Aaahh decisions, decisions

msms

Thanks Ackislander, will include the theatre in my itinerary

rialtogrl

If you take the 7 pm catamaran how much time will that leave you in Split?

msms

I've booked 2 nights in Split (26/9 and 27/9). So I'll have the night of 26/9 after arriving at 8.20pm (not sure what time restaurants and places close in Split though) and the whole day of 27/9 (including a visit to Trogir for a couple of hours). I check out on the 28/9 and plan to visit Primosten and Sibenik (1/2 day each) arriving in Zadar in the evening and spending 2 nights here. I'm keeping flexible and willing to move things around as needed. Unfortunately it's tricky to be as flexible where ferries/catamarans are involved
Do you think it's worth staying for another 5 hours in Hvar? In my Turkey trip last year, I allocated a full day in Pamukkale. I arrived early in the morning and was done with the travertine by afternoon. There was literally nothing else to do and I was just counting the hours to my evening flight to get out of the place. Boy, that was torturous.

rialtogrl

It's a tough one. But if you plan to go to Trogir it may be better to go earlier to Split, because there is plenty to see there, and it takes some time to get to Trogir.

Split is very vibrant and you don't have to worry, places will be open.

You know, catamaran tickets are not too expensive... So you could book both the 2pm and 7pm boat. That way if you are totally loving Hvar you can stay longer, if you are ready to go, you can go!

Brooke_Herron

If you can find out whether they are doing their nighttime open air a cappella concerts at the old stone church it is an EXCELLENT way to spend any evening in Hvar.

Sitting in an open courtyard below an ancient stone church, listening to the rich voices of their most talented a cappella singers (acoustics are absolutely magical) sing traditional songs in Croatian.

When I was there the audience was only about 65 or 70 people and we were so spellbound no one spoke during the 3 hours of singing unless it was during the break. I still keep a little recording I made on my iphone to remind me. I thought I might get bored with such a long time period but I'm extremely glad I chose to go. One of my best Croatia memories.

msms

Hi,

Just got back from my trip a couple days back. I would like to thank everyone here who took the time to answer my questions and helped me plan my trip. I actually bought the 2pm catamaran ticket from Hvar to Split but ended up changing it to 7pm with a 10% fee because we enjoyed Hvar so much! Had dinner at Dalmatino's when we arrived. You were right rialtogrl, the waiters are wonderful! The friendliest on our trip. The next day, we went to the fortress, explored the alleys a bit, chilled at Falko Bar and had desserts at the Adriana Hotel's Top Bar. Managed to catch the sunset at the harbour before boarding the catamaran. It was such a nice and relaxing day. Arriving in Split at 8pm isn't that bad. The city was still buzzing when we got there.
Thanks again everyone!

rialtogrl

I am so glad you enjoyed Hvar! And Dalmatino thanks for the report!