Enjoy an historic Croatian feast for the senses in Hvar

The fragrant island of Hvar is a microcosm of the very best that Croatia has to offer, writes, Ellie O’Byrne.

The chirp of crickets, the sweet smell of figs ripened to bursting in the heavy midday heat, a glimpse of the azure Adriatic Sea through pine trees: the island of Hvar is a microcosm of the best that Croatia has to offer, from remote villages slumbering through siesta time to trendy bars frequented by golden-skinned jetsetters.

It’s been a popular holiday destination since the mid-19th century, when the establishment of the “Hygienic society of Hvar” made it a genteel spa location for a recuperative rest-cure, and inhabitants of the 68km-long island are justifiably proud of its illustrious, Venetian-influenced past and reputation as one of the most beautiful Croatian islands.