Wednesday 14 May.
After our 45 minute catamaran ride we docked in Havar town as the rain stopped. We had a coffee and a little wander round as we waited for the accommodation agency to open. Unless booked in advance the usual procedure for getting accommodation is to visit one of the travel agencies. You tell them what sort of thing you are looking for and they come up with suggestions and vacancies. The agency then arranges for you to go along to see if you are happy with it. The price is agreed at the agency. Sometimes you pay them the deposit and the remainder to the owner. On other occasions you pay the agency in full. It seemed to be a method that worked. Pelegrini Travel suggested a very homely one bedroom apartment with separate dining area and kitchen and little balcony. It was ideal – just out of the main town and in a residential area with views across part of the town and the sea. We explored the town and climbed the hill to the Citadel from where we had superb views.
Looking down from the Citadel
We also visited the Franciscan monastery and just caught the end of a recital by 6 men singing without musical accompaniment. It sounded very atmospheric and was performed in front of a larger than life painting of the last supper.
Cycling along Hvar's waterfront
Thursday 15 May. Today we hired bikes and cycled along the riva (promenade) extensions to the east and west for a few kilometres. Tonight we listened to a free open air concert in the main square. It was put on to celebrate 140 years of organised tourism in the area. Locals and tourists alike enjoyed it.
Friday 16 May. We are spending our last day in Hvar town sitting and people watching, drinking coffee, eating ice-cream and generally relaxing. It really is the place for ‘cafe culture’. Small and large yachts vie for position on the harbourside with the various ferries and catamarans. Hvar town really is a lovely place but we understand does get packed in July and August. There’s not lots to see and do but everyone, including ourselves, seem to be happy to just soak up the atmosphere of the place. We are impressed with how well preserved, clean and litter free Dubrovnik, Korcula and Hvar are.
