Hvar, Mediterranean island in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia.
Hvar is a Dalmatian island in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, that extends across the Adriatic and features hills covered with dense Mediterranean vegetation, vineyard terraces, and small coves with pebble beaches. The coastline alternates between rocky cliffs and sheltered harbors, while inland areas are filled with pine forests and maquis shrubland.
Greek settlers from Paros founded a colony here in the 4th century BC and brought viticulture and olive cultivation to the region. Later the island came under Venetian rule, which is reflected in the architecture of many coastal towns and the structure of settlements.
Residents speak a local Dalmatian dialect and maintain traditional crafts such as weaving fishing nets and producing olive oil in small family-run mills. Many villages still feature traditional stone houses with red tile roofs and narrow lanes that provide shade from the summer heat.
Ferries run year-round and connect several island ports with the mainland, with crossing times varying depending on the destination harbor. Visitors should expect possible delays or cancellations during strong winds, especially in winter months.
In higher elevations you can find wild rosemary bushes that release an intense fragrance in sunlight and are used by bees for local honey production. The northern side of the island receives significantly more rainfall than the southern coast, resulting in different vegetation zones.
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