Paul Bradbury
Author of and the island's first comprehensive guidebook, Hvar: An Insider's Guide to Croatia's Premier Island, I also write for leading Canadian online magazine, Suite101.
Some Dalmatian Foods to Try on Hvar
Hvar is a gastronomic delight and there are plenty of local delicacies worth exploring.
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Disabled Beach Access in Stari Grad
New disabled beach access for Stari Grad in 2011.
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The Faros Marathon in Stari Grad
One of the world's toughest swimming races takes place every year in Stari Grad.
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Public Review of Stari Grad Masterplan
Public debate on amendments to the Stari Grad masterplan commences on October 31
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Come to the Gariful Squid-Hunting Championship!
The 3-day Peskafondo squid-hunitng championships, organised by leading Hvar Town restaurtant Gariful, kicks off on Wednesday, October 26.
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Bebic Wins Tourism Mayor of the Year
Congratulations to Hvar Town's mayor, Pjerino Bebic, for scooping the award for best mayor at the Days of Croatian Tourism awards.
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Mediterranean Monk Seals Spotted off Hvar
At least seven rare Mediterranean monk seals are living in the Adriatic, according to Jasna Antolovic, head of the Mediterranean Monk Seal Association
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What's in a Name? How to Pronounce Hvar?
So just how do you pronounce this beautiful island?
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Five Things You Never Knew About Hvar
Iceland, 1932, chisels, ferries and postmen
There is lots of information available about Hvar, and much knowledge. But did you know...
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Dolphins on Hvar (and the Day the Dolphin Came to Stari Grad)
Hvar's seas are rich in marine life
A photograph by Massim Rosen wins Best Photo in a competition run by the Croatian National Tourist Board, a reminder of the prevalence of dolphins around Hvar. One dolphin even swam into Stari Grad harbour in 2005!
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Hvar Story Wins 2011 Guardian Readers' Award
Account of encounter with naked harpoon lady wins top prize
Congratulations to Dana Smith, winner of the 2011 Guardian Readers' Writing Competition for a superbly-written account of her recent holiday on Hvar.
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Photo Blog: Hvar in November
Of birds and fishing boats
The speedboats and mega-yachts are gone. In November the seas belong to the fishermen.
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Hvar Nightlife: Party Like a Prince in 3 Easy Steps!
Fancy a royal night out? Eat, Drink, Party Prince Harry Style!
Just where does one go for the complete night out in Hvar Town? What is the perfect combination for a top notch evening of entertainment in the capital of Lonely Planet's Number 5 destination for 2012? We retraced the haunts visited by Prince Harry on his famous trip, and declare he has impeccable taste (and some balance issues) with dinner at Gariful, cocktails at Sidro and raving at Veneranda.
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Need a Website? The Duka is Coming to Hvar!
Travel and Tourism Website Specialist Moving into Eastern Europe
Innovative web designer to spend winter on Hvar
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Hvar in History: A Novel Way to Fall in Love (1935)
Plane crash in Hvar Town leads to romance
An alternative way of arriving on Hvar, indicating perhaps that the need for an airport has been there for longer than first thought.
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Hvar News: Monks or Seals?
An example of how a news title can conjure up a very different image
Always check your title before publishing. The photo to the left was sent by a reader with hysterical thanks for an article about seals.
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How Many Tourists Actually Visit Hvar Every Year?
A look at the 2010 official tourist statistics
Hvar is one of Croatia's premier tourist destinations, but how many people actually visit the island? And where do they go? We take a look at the official tourist statistics for 2010 in the first of a series.
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Hvar Theatre Celebrates 400 Years in 2012
Oldest municipal theatre in Europe will mark anniversary
Another reason to visit Hvar Town next year is to take part in the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the oldest municipal theatre in Europe.
Photo Blog: Remembering Vukovar
Hvar remembers Vukovar anniversary
The 20th anniversary of the fall of Vukovar is commemorated all over Croatia.
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Photo Blog: Caric Wines and Jelsa Churches
The Caric wines of Svirce and St. John's Church in Jelsa
Discover authentic Hvar by trying out the local wines at a tasting in one of its numerous pretty squares.
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Foods to Try on Hvar: Octopus Salad
Not sure about octopus? Try the salad, it's delicious
Not too keen on the idea of eating octopus? Why not try a gentle and delicious starter to get you going: the Dalmatian speciality that is octopus salad.
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How Many People Live on Hvar? And Where are They?
A look at the Provisional 2011 Census Results
How many people actually live on Hvar? And where are they based? The provisional numbers released from the 2011 census provide the closest guestimate available. Some of the numbers are surprising.
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Learning Croatian: Lesson 2 - Mastering Hvar Dialect
Why Japanese is as useful as Croatian on Hvar
Lesson 2 of the insider's guide to speaking Croatian like a local. This week, a look at the differences between classic Croatian and Hvar dialect.
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Kids Activities: Tennis Lessons on Hvar
Gariful offers lessons twice a week
Looking for the next Croatian Wimbledon champion? You may find them on Hvar. Gariful Tennis Center announces programmes for tennis lessons for children.
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Buying a House from a Strange Man in a Straw Hat: Jelsa (August 2002)
Part 3 of Notes on a Small Island: Expat Living on Hvar
Part 3 of Notes on a Small Island, an expat's journey from Somalia to life on Hvar. House search and pre-contract! (with link to the beginning)
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Photo Blog: Going to Work with Hvar Adventure
The Perfect Job on the Perfect Island
Imagine a young company of dedicated locals, all born on the most beautiful island in the world. Imagine a young company of dedicated locals who are passionate about what they do. Imagine a young company of dedicated locals who offer the best activity portfolio in the Adriatic, with great service, humour and prices. Meet Hvar Adventure.
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Google Street View Comes to Hvar
Roads, tunnels, signs, house names. And now this!
The arrival of Google Street View on Hvar is the latest in a line of 'improvements' on mapping the island.
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Gariful does it Again! Horse-Riding on Hvar This Weekend
Horse-riding at Gariful Sports Center this week
Not content with serving Prince Harry a fish extravaganza, Gariful's latest community activity in Hvar is... horse riding!
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What IS that bare hill on the road from Stari Grad to Jelsa?
Modern agriculture versus traditional methods
A barren hilltop has appeared on Hvar's green island on the road from Jelsa to Stari Grad.
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Photo Blog: Spring Cleaning in the Vrboska Fortress Church
Some rare sunshine for church pews
The centrepiece of Vrboska's old town is its impressive fortress church, which undergoes the odd spring clean.
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In Stari Grad? 25 Walks to Enjoy!
Superb book with useful walking routes from Stari Grad
Going to Stari Grad and fond of walking? There is only one book you need.
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Introducing Hvar's Grape Varieties
An overview of Hvar's grapes
If you are looking for oaky Chardonnays or heavy Cabernet Sauvignon on Hvar, you will be disappointed, but there is plenty to delight in the indigenous grape varieties, as well as the odd surprise. Meet the ancestor of Zinfandel, for example.
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Photo Blog: View to the Mainland from Jelsa
The Biokovo Mountains as seen from Hvar
The pinkish-purply view of the Biokovo mountains as seen from Jelsa.
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Ten Things to Look Out for on Hvar in 2012
A busy and diverse calendar for Lonely Planet's Number 5
From lavender and dormouse festivals to full moon parties and sailing regattas. 2012 will be a busy year for the island of Hvar. Some pointers for your diary.
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A History of Wine on Hvar: 2400 Years of Tradition
Hvar's wines are attracting international attention. A guide to the island's ancient tradition.
Wine has been produced continuously on Hvar since the Ancient Greeks arrived in 385 BC. The quality of the island's wines is beginning to attract international attention, with Zlatan Otok (Golden Island) leading the way from its base in Sveta Nedjelja. In the first of an in-depth series on the wines of Hvar, a look at its history with influential vintner Ivana Krstulović Carić.
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Photo Blog: Winter Morning in Vrboska
Of birds and fishing boats
Activity in Vrboska's marina is almost at a standstill in winter, giving the birds a chance to socialise on the high seas.
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Kids Holidays in Croatia: Jelsa on Hvar
Hvar is a great destination for children and a family holiday
Hvar is a great family holiday destination, and there is plenty to do for the kids.
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Dubokovic Plavac Mali 2718 Hours of Sun: Here's November's!
Hvar's year-round sunshine contributes to a great wine
One of Hvar's most sought-after wines is Ivo Dubokovic's '2718', named after the annual hours of sunshine on the island. Here is November's sunny contribution.
Photo Blog: Zavala from the Air
Panoramic views of the southern resort
Some great shots of one of Hvar's most popular resorts, taken on a recent panoramic flight.
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A Stari Grad Meeting Point: Pizzeria Marko
Stari Grad living Part 2
The second part of South African Beatrix Roux's experiences of Stari Grad. The importance of one of Stari Grad's most social meeting points: Pizzeria Marko.
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Hvar in History: Evacuation to Egypt
The tale of evacuation from Hvar to Egypt
An astonishing tale of the relocation of more than 2,800 residents from Hvar, who joined more than 20,000 other Dalmatians to the Egyptian desert in 1944, and established a fully independent tented community.
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How Many Tourists Visited Hvar in 2011?
A summary of the 2011 official tourism stats
A look at the official tourism statistics for Hvar in 2011. How many people came, for how long, and where were they from?
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Photo Blog: Mooring in Hvar Town
Nighttime scene from Hvar Town's waterfront
Another great shot by local photographer Jaksa Kuzmicic. The Hvar Town waterfront at night.
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Tourist Board Markets Croatia... Without Hvar
The New Tourism Star of the European Union
2012 sees a new slogan for Croatian tourism and, it seems, a new focus, as the tourist board's promotional video omits Hvar entirely.
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Photo Blog: Bike Display on Jelsa Main Square (2002)
Stunning display of bicycle skills from Stella Mare Bike Camp
Some great pictures from the Stella Mare Bike Camp's displays on Jelsa' main square, including the President of the Hvar Winemakers Association as you have never seen him before.
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Thought Hvar Was Only Open in Summer? Stella Mare Bike Club
FANTASTIC biking holidays in Zavala
Thought there was nothing for kids to do on Hvar, and that it was only open in the summer months? Think again...
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Where Did Sucuraj's Tourists Come From in 2011?
Who visited Sucuraj in 2011?
Part four in our six-part analysis of the official 2011 tourism statistics for the island of Hvar. Today we head east to the town of Sucuraj.
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Hvar's Prettiest Bay? The Beach at Dubovica
Delightful Dubovica bay on the road from Stari Grad to Hvar
It does not have the best access, but that does not stop hundreds of people clambering down to Dubovica bay each year. Is this Hvar's prettiest bay?
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Never Met an Octopus Downtown? Come to Hvar!
Look out for our 8-legged friends on the streets of Hvar Town
Hvar Town is so busy in season, with yachts, celebrities and Aussie backpackers, that it is difficult to notice the small details. Come back to a less crowded riva in October, however, and the empty streets are frequented by surprising pedestrians. The day an octopus came for a walk in Hvar Town.
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The Panic Sets In: Sarajevo (August, 2002)
Part 4 of Notes on a Small Island: Expat Living on Hvar
Part 4 of Notes on a Small Island, an expat's journey from Somalia to life on Hvar. Pre-contract, complete with legal cigarette ash, signed, and the panic sets in... (includes link to Part 1)
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Famous Sons of Hvar: Ivan Vucetic
First in a series of famous people born on Hvar
The island of Hvar is well-known as a celebrity destination, and there are a number of famous people who visit every year. It is not all one-way traffic, however, and some people born on Hvar went on to distinguished careers elsewhere. We begin with the father of dactylosopy (fingerprint identification to you and me).
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The Hvar Winemakers Association
Hvar winemakers come together to promote its wines
The promotion of Hvar's wines became a little more organised last year. Introducing the Hvar Winemakers Association
Photo Blog: Stari Grad at Night
Stari Grad at night by Vedran Janic
Take a wander round the streets of Stari Grad after dark, and enjoy some of the island's most atmospheric streets, one of which is captured here by Vedran Janic.
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Where Did Vrboska's Tourists Come From in 2011?
A look at who visited Vrboska in 2011
In the third of our six-part series looking at the official tourism statistics for 2011 on Hvar, today we visit 'Litte Venice' - Vrboska.
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Sail into the New Year with Hvar Adventure Sailing School!
Special Sailing School Course over New Year
Thought the Hvar tourist season ended in the summer? Think again. We go right to the wire with a sailing regatta, New Year specials at Hotel Adriana, and the chance to learn to sail with Hvar Adventure.
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More Awards for Boris Buratovic's Hvar Honey
Top prize in Split for Buratovic's rosemary honey
Congratulations once again to Boris Buratovic from Stari Grad for yet another award for his rosemary honey, one of a number of excellent natural products to try on Hvar.
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Hvar Wines To Exhibit in Zagreb Fair
Hvar wines to exhibit at Zagreb wine fair
Some of Hvar's leading wine producers will be exhibiting at the Zagreb International Festival of Wine and Culinary Art on November 25-26, while Caric wines will also be available at a separate event on Friday evening.
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Why Not Get Married on Hvar?
Romantic Hvar is the perfect place to tie the knot
With its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife and picturesque Pakleni Islands, there are few better locations in the world to stage a wedding. Here are some practical things to consider if you are planning a wedding on Croatia's premier island.
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Where did Jelsa's Tourists Come From in 2011?
A look at who visited Jelsa in 2011
The second in our six-part look at the official tourism numbers on the island of Hvar in 2011. Today we look at who came to stay in Jelsa.
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Photo Blog: 1969 Plavac Mali, Anyone?
Hvar wine fans in the USA
Some interesting shots from the Zlatan Otok photo album by confirmed Hvar wine fans, Vinum USA
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Photo Blog: The Animals of Hvar
Donkeys on Hvar
Are there any animals on Hvar?
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Where Did Stari Grad's Tourists Come From in 2011?
The Top 10 Visiting Nations to Stari Grad
The Regional Tourist Board has kindly shared their official statistics with Total Hvar for the first ten months of the year. In the first of a six-part series, we look at who came to Stari Grad in 2011.
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Work in Tourism in Jelsa? It is Time to Learn French!
Jelsa more popular than Hvar Town in 2011
Forget the celebrities in Hvar Town, the Frenchmen in the know are heading to Jelsa!
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Photo Blog: Pigeons and Children
Hvar is a very child-friendly island
Hvar is a great place for kids, and tired parents can look forward to lazy coffees on the island's various squares, as their children run around chasing pigeons.
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Naturist Beaches on Hvar: Jerolim in CNN's Top 15 FKK
More recognition for Hvar, this time its beaches
Hvar is a very popular destination for naturists, and has a quality offer, one that has just been acknowledged by CNN.
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Rental of the Week: Villa Jagodna, Ivan Dolac
Pool, Sea Views, Beach access, Peace!
Looking for a summer rental on Hvar with sea view, small pool and peace and quiet? Check out Villa Jagodna near Ivan Dolac, which sleeps six.
Understanding Fish Names on the Croatian Menu
Not sure which fish you are ordering?
Do you know your Zubatac from your Sveti Petar? Ordering fish from a Croatian menu can be a challenge. Help is at hand with this comprehensive fish translation guide.
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Photo Blog: It DOES Rain on Hvar...
Spectacular Thunderstorm in Hvar Town
2,724 hours of sunshine, the most on the Adriatic every year. A green, green beautiful island. How do they manage it without rain? A little secret - it does rain on Hvar, after the tourists have left.
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