If you fancy a paradise island getaway, but the likes of Barbados and Bali are a little out of your budget, take a look at Hvar Island, Croatia…
Surrounded by the crystal Adriatic waters, Hvar is just a 2½ hour flight away from London, and is still relatively undeveloped – meaning no tacky-looking apartment blocks, and you won’t have to fight for a space to lay out your towel on the beach!
Hvar has a gorgeous old town with traditional architecture and winding stony streets, guarded by a hilltop castle. In the high season it comes to life as luxurious yachts fill up the harbour, and cocktail bars on the seafront stay open till the early hours. It even has its very own ‘party island’, Carpe Diem, a 10 minute boat-ride away. Carpe Diem opens after the other bars close their doors to let you carry on partying in the open air until the sun rises.
Fancy something more laid-back?
Take a stroll along the beachside paths and you’ll discover secluded bars tucked away in the pine trees, where you can watch the sun set in comfort as you sip on a cocktail. What could be better?
A short boat ride away around the island lies the picturesque Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. If you venture inland you’ll find rolling hills covered with lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards.
Hvar also provides the perfect jumping-off point to visit many of the other 1000 islands in the Croatian archipelago, which are only a boat or catamaran ride away. Let your imagination run wild!
Photo Credits:
Sally Waitland