Guide to Hvar

'Culture and character. Ports and countryside. And plenty of places to sail to for sightseeing. Hvar has it all - and then some…'

This is an island whose reputation comes before it. Readers of the Traveller magazine voted Hvar among the top ten islands in the world – for its natural beauty, clean sea, clear air and remarkable sunshine record. It's probably most famous for its lilac-blue lavender fields. But it takes more than this soothing scented flower to earn the title 'Croatia's garden isle'. Cue vineyards flourish on sunny south-facing slopes. Pink and white oleanders line little rural roads. Pine woods and olive groves shelter pretty villages. And if Hvar's gorgeous greenery denotes its fertile soil, its striking architecture is testament to an equally rich history. In the namesake main town, mellowed stone buildings are the order of the day. You've got a hilltop fortress, a Venetian Palace and Cathedral square that's lined with chic cafes and restaurants. And the little port is littered with small sailing craft – set against a seascape of uninhabited islets. On the other side of the island, Jelsa is another mariners' magnet – laid-back and lovely, with fresh fish restaurants frequented by yachties from floating gin-palaces. Like its many wines, everything about Hvar is deliciously perfect.

Find the cheapest late deals to Hvar leaving in the next six weeks.