Respectful guests deserve respectful hosts

We aim to provide a high standard of hospitality. As our guest, you can expect cleanliness in your accommodation, in restaurants and cafes, on the beach and the streets. If you need assistance, whether for a minor problem or a medical emergency, you can expect that your host, local neighbours or the Tourist Board personnel will help you to find the right solution. Before booking, contact your host to make sure the accommodation can meet your needs, for instance if you want air conditioning (or heating in the cooler months), or if you intend to bring a pet with you.

Respectful hosts and the law

For any overnight stay, whether in a hotel or a private rental accommodation, to comply with the law your host has to register you in the eVisitor system. Registration is partly a safeguard for you, as it proves your accommodation was operating legally, and it provides a point of reference in rare situations such as an accident or sudden illness.

How to enjoy the island

There is plenty to enjoy! The beautiful views, balmy autumns and generally mild winters; as well as summertime beach holidays, the environment is tailor-made for cycling and walking; plenty of restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and patisseries for relaxing and socializing; opportunities for tasting and learning about the island’s wines and olive oils; music, films, sometimes plays.

Religious feasts are an important part of the island’s calendar of events. Each village celebrates its saint’s day with a special mass, followed by feasting, music and dancing. The outstanding event in our area is the all-night Maundy Thursday to Good Friday Procession, called ‘Za Križen’ (‘Following the Cross’), round six villages. This is an experience which attracts a lot of visitors as participants or spectators.

Positive socializing

Being largely a family destination, the Hvar island region has a long tradition of hospitality which leads to lasting friendships between hosts and guests. Goodwill is a two-way process. Guests who respect local customs are the most welcome. Although the island is a holiday destination, walking around towns in a bathing costume is not allowed. Shorts are not acceptable dress for entering any of the churches. 

Caring for the island

We are all responsible for looking after our precious environment.

Rubbish management

Controlling rubbish efficiently is a worldwide problem. Litter is a bane: please do not drop cigarette stubs or other detritus on the ground or in the sea –If you have a dog, please do not leave dog mess anywhere on public paths, open spaces or private land: collect it up and dispose of it in the nearest rubbish bin.

Thoughtful disposal

If not recycled at your home bottles can be also returned to the main supermarkets for a refund: please check the details in your locality. Used batteries can be disposed of in special boxes in the main supermarkets. Please, never put anything other than toilet paper down the lavatory.

Respect the natural environment

The island is home to protected species of plants, such as the wild orchids and the Dalmatian black pine (pinus nigra), there are many protected species in the sea, such as the highly endangered noble pen shell (fan mussel, pinna nobilis), dolphins and other mammals, as well as fish, reptiles, plants and corals. 

Damaging protected species of any kind is a criminal offence, which risks incurring a fine.

Take care of yourself

Drink water! 

Summers on Hvar can be very hot indeed, and even out of the high season, daytime temperatures can be high. So make sure you keep well hydrated by drinking plain water at regular intervals throughout each day, especially if you are physically active. There is no need to buy bottled water, the tap water is excellent.

Coping with sun and heat

Protect yourself from excess exposure to the sun, whether lazing on the beach, walking, jogging or cycling. Stay in the shade at the hottest times of day, cover your head, and do not over-expose your skin. Equally, you should avoid excessive cooling. Air conditioning in a vehicle or a building should not be more than about 5 degrees less than the ambient temperature.

Exploring

Exploring Hvar is a great experience. It’s best to go with a dedicated guide, but if you go on your own, make sure you know your route. Dress appropriately, always carry water with you and a mobile phone in case of emergency. Cyclists are recommended to use the old minor roads. Be warned: bicycles and are not allowed through the tunnels (Maps for cyclists can be obtained from the Tourist Board offices or online via their websites).

Respectful guests how you can help us.

Your interactions with local people can help to make your visit an especially positive experience. We enjoy the diversity, which visitors from all over the world bring to our island. As hosts, we hope our guests will equally enjoy getting to know our culture as well as respecting our customs.