Discover Stari Grad: Cultural Landscape, Harbor and History
Accommodation in Stari Grad
The rectangular plots of the Stari Grad Plain are enclosed by dry-stone walls—a cultural landscape shaped over millennia. It lends a distinctive landscape character to your stay. There are also buildings with diverse historical associations, a circular route and opportunities on the water. You can plan your visit around the topics that interest you most.
Cultural Landscape and Architectural History
Rectangular plots and their dry-stone walls define the landscape of the Stari Grad Plain. Shaped over millennia, its fields and stone boundaries tell the story of a cultural landscape shaped over a long period. Those who enjoy looking at landscape and history together will find a different focus here than in the churches and historic buildings in town.
The Dominican Monastery of St Peter Martyr was founded in 1482. After the Turkish attack on the island of Hvar at the end of the 16th century, it was fortified with two round towers. The museum in the monastery preserves the oldest Greek inscriptions found in Croatia. Its founding, later fortification and collection each give the monastery a distinct connection to the history of Stari Grad.
The churches, too, reflect different architectural and religious associations. Construction of the Baroque Church of St Stephen began in 1605. The Church of St Roch is right next to Tvrdalj Petra Hektorovića and is dedicated to the patron saint of Stari Grad. Tvrdalj is located in Stari Grad. Škor Square was formerly the site of a shipyard.
Circular Route, Bay and Beach
The Kabal 706 circular route starts in the centre of Stari Grad, leads to the settlement of Rudina and returns to Stari Grad via Kabal and Arkada. For planning purposes, the route is defined above all by its course: after starting in the centre, it reaches Rudina before returning via two other named stops. This makes it easy to include the route as a separate activity alongside sightseeing.
The bay offers a different focus, too. Stari Grad lies at the end of a seven-kilometre-long bay that is suitable for windsurfing for both beginners and advanced surfers. Kayaks and SUP boards can be rented in Stari Grad to explore secluded coves, pebble beaches and cliffs; availability may vary. Bicycles can be rented to discover routes, landscapes and historic sights. Availability may vary here, too. Lanterna Beach can be reached on foot along the sea or by bicycle.
There are several ways to explore the area: the Kabal loop follows a named sequence of places, bicycles are available for routes and sightseeing, while kayaks and SUP boards offer a way to discover coves, pebble beaches and cliffs. If you are interested in windsurfing, you can factor the bay’s suitability for beginners and advanced surfers into your plans.
Harbor and Choosing Where to Stay
The harbor of Stari Grad is the largest on the island and an international port. Most travellers reach the island by ferry through the ports of Stari Grad and Sućuraj. If you are planning to travel by ferry, check the schedule before your trip, as timetables may change.
When looking for a hotel in Stari Grad, you can align your priorities with your planned activities: arriving via the harbor, visiting historic buildings, following the Kabal circular route or enjoying the opportunities on the water.
December Traditions
Two December celebrations are among the local traditions. For the feast of St Lucy on 13 December, a large fire is traditionally lit in front of the church; children are given gifts hidden in a sock. For the feast of St Nicholas on 6 December, an old boat is sacrificed in a fire in front of the church each year. St Nicholas is considered the patron saint of sailors. These traditions add a seasonal touch that differs from the buildings and landscapes described above, which can be enjoyed year-round.
Discover more destinations: Stari Grad, Rudina, Vrbanj, Jelsa Municipality, Hvar Municipality and Sućuraj Municipality.
Return to the main travel overview: Hvar.
