Post by traveltelly / iris

Stari Grad, located on the northern coast of Hvar Island**, is one of the oldest towns in Europe, dating back to 384 BC. Unlike the party vibe of Hvar Town, Stari Grad offers a peaceful, authentic Dalmatian atmosphere with stone-paved streets, historic sites, and stunning coastal views. It’s also home to the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, an ancient agricultural landscape.

🏛️ Top Things to See & Do in Stari Grad

1️⃣ Stroll the Stari Grad Old Town 🏡

Walk through charming stone alleys filled with colorful shutters, old churches, and hidden courtyards.
Visit Tvrdalj Castle, the summer residence of the poet Petar Hektorović, with a serene fish pond inside.
Enjoy the relaxed, authentic Dalmatian vibe, away from crowds.

2️⃣ Visit the UNESCO-Listed Stari Grad Plain 🌿

One of the best-preserved ancient Greek agricultural sites in the world (since 384 BC).
Walk or cycle through the vineyards, olive groves, and stone walls, still in use today.
Great for wine tasting – local wines like Bogdanuša and Plavac Mali are a must-try! 🍷

3️⃣ Relax at Stari Grad’s Best Beaches 🏖️

Lanterna Beach – A mix of pebbles and concrete platforms, with crystal-clear waters.
Maslinica Bay – A quiet, pine-fringed beach perfect for a peaceful swim.
Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach) – One of Croatia’s most famous beaches, a short ferry ride away.

4️⃣ Take a Boat Trip to the Pakleni Islands ⛵

A group of stunning, unspoiled islands with hidden beaches and lagoons.
Perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and island-hopping adventures.

5️⃣ Try Local Dalmatian Cuisine 🍽️

Gregada – A traditional fish stew with potatoes and olive oil.
Octopus salad – Freshly caught and marinated in lemon & olive oil.
Hvar wines – Visit local wineries for Bogdanuša, Pošip, and Plavac Mali tastings.

6️⃣ Visit the Dominican Monastery ⛪

A peaceful monastery with an impressive collection of paintings and relics.
Features a painting by the famous Venetian artist Tintoretto.

🚗 How to Get to Stari Grad

⛴️ By Ferry:

From Split: Direct car ferries to Stari Grad (2 hours).
From Hvar Town: 25-minute bus or taxi ride.
✈️ By Air: The nearest airport is Split Airport (SPU), with ferry connections to Hvar.
🚘 By Car: If bringing a car, take the Split–Stari Grad car ferry (book in advance in summer).

💡 Tips for Visiting Stari Grad

✅ Best time to visit? May–September for great weather & fewer crowds ☀️
✅ Stay overnight – Stari Grad is much quieter and more authentic than Hvar Town 🌙
✅ Rent a bike – The best way to explore Stari Grad Plain & surrounding beaches 🚲
✅ Bring water shoes – Many beaches are rocky, but the water is incredibly clear 🩴
✅ Try a sunset walk along the promenade – It’s breathtaking! 🌅

Stari Grad, Croatia – A Tranquil Gem on Hvar Island