Approaching Hvar by boat
We are still staying in Split, but yesterday we took a day trip to the island of Hvar, its eponymous town, and the beaches on another neighboring island. It was a day of pure Mediterranean bliss.
Hvar castle rises over the town
After three months in Russia and Eastern Europe, arriving at the Mediterranean sea feels like a radical change to us. The senses are assaulted by Mediterranean magic — the turquoise water, the smell of pines, the warm sun, the fruity olive oil. We keep asking ourselves questions like, “Why have we spent so little time in the Mediterranean?” and “Why does anyone not live here?”
Exotic foliage on the climb to the castle
Hvar is a microcosm of everything incredible about the Mediterranean. The town is stunningly beautiful as you approach it from the sea, with its stone buildings and orange tiled roofs. Perched above everything is the dramatic Hvar Castle, testifying to centuries of conflict over this coast sometimes controlled by Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Turks, French, Austrians, and Germans.
After climbing up to the castle for the gorgeous views of Hvar harbor and the surrounding islands, we descended and shopped around for a water taxi to a nearby island with a nice Mediterranean beach. Don’t worry. We found one and spent a perfect afternoon there before making our way back to Split for dinner.
Hvar harbor from the castle
Beach stop on a neighboring island
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