Hvar Island, Croatia

Hvar island is located in the Adriatic Sea (off Dalmatian coast). The island has a length of approximately 42 miles, features a limestone ridge (east-west direction), and its highest elevation point (Sveti Nikola) is at 2,060 feet. Unusual for the region, the island has freshwater springs and a vast fertile coastland. Hillsides are covered with pine forests, while the agricultural areas have vineyards, fruit orchards, lavender fields, and olive groves. With a population of around 11,000, Hvar is ranked Croatia's fourth most populated island. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times—first by Neolithic people and later by the Illyrians. In 384 BC, Ancient Greeks founded here their Pharos colony (current Stari Grad in Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During medieval times (Venetian Republic, 8th to 18th centuries), Hvar City became an important naval base. The port's prosperity brought culture and arts, and the island built one of Europe's first public theatres.

Ivana, who teaches all 7th and 8th grade subjects, was our guide today. Our first stop was the Vina Caric winery for a tasting at 9:30 a.m.! We tasted three wines, accompanied by fresh-baked bread and local olive oil, but we weren’t impressed. We sat with a couple who has been on 44 cruises, 11 of which were on Oceania. We then traveled to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The area around St. Stephen’s is now relatively quiet. There was a time when this was the most important public place in the town of Hvar. It was the first cathedral on the island, and it was here that sentences were passed and agreements were made. The current St. Stephen’s was built in 1605 on the site of an earlier church from the 9th century, which served as the cathedral for the Bishop of Hvar from 1147. We then walked the narrow cobbled streets and had an hour to ourselves on the waterfront (Shirley bought a colorful costume necklace). We traveled up a mountain to a 14th-century fort for a breathtaking view over the city and sea. (Another fort a bit higher up was built by Napoleon.)Read more