Fodor's Expert Review Dominican Monastery

If you're looking for something different than the usual accommodations, Stari Grad's 15th-century Dominican Monastery is among the first monasteries in Croatia to open their historic doors to guests. It may seem daunting, but the atmosphere could not be more relaxing, especially given the central courtyard garden with palm trees and citrus trees along with the rows of vineyards and olive trees surrounding the grounds. Father Mario, an avid artist, leads the monastery, around which some of his beautiful Hvar landscape-inspired pieces of art are showcased. There's an on-site museum as well, showcasing artifacts from Croatian history, as well as a treasure trove library (this one's a secret—inquire about a tour once you get there).