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@ TravelTelly
2025-04-01 20:35:16
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! 🌅