Do you know where the most seductive palm tree on Hvar is? Where do the bridges connect Podva and Pjaca? Where does SG Polje end? Where is the only naturist camp in Dalmatia? Where is the safest Hvar nautical port?
This, and much more, is located in the Croatian Little Venice, Vrboska to be exact.
VRBOSKA
Although it is known as the smallest town on the island of Hvar, Vrboska is a real little treasure of the island.
Located on the northern side of the island of Hvar, it consists of two parts, divided by a narrow fjord: the eastern part of “Pjaca” (with Renaissance and Baroque houses) and the western part of “Podva” (with churches, narrow streets and houses in Renaissance and Gothic style).
The picturesque port town of Vrboska, located in a long bay, is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Hvar. An enchanting fishing village, it delights with picturesque houses, beautiful stone bridges and the charm of a small historic town.
Along one side of the waterfront are beautiful old stone houses and monuments, some of which date back to the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods, while on the other side, beautiful wooden boats with old Latin sails give a special touch to this gentle town. One of the main attractions and a recognizable symbol of Vrboska is the small island of “Škojić”.
The “Fishing Museum” is particularly interesting, presenting a long fishing tradition and a very interesting insight into the history of fishing on the island of Hvar. The museum exhibits traditional fishing equipment, ancient lights, fishing nets and tools.
In addition to the bridge, Vrboska is also adorned with the spirit of sacral church buildings. The most important landmark of Vrboska is the church-fortress of St. Mary. This fortress-tower was built as a defense against Turkish attacks, back in the 16th century. This architecturally unique church is really worth a visit. Then, the church of St. Peter (first mentioned in 1331, one of the oldest preserved churches on the island of Hvar), the church of St. Lovrinca (built in the 15th century, contains numerous paintings by famous Renaissance and Baroque artists), the church of St. Roko (built in 1577 in the Gothic-Baroque style as a vow against the plague) and Kaštilac (a watchtower from the 16th century).
A visit and stay in Vrboska is also worth it because of the truly beautiful beaches for swimming and diving: Milna, Nova Poštica, Soline, Zavala, Rapa, Glavice and Maslinica.
Sports and active holiday enthusiasts can also enjoy sports activities. Cycling or hiking through the nearby Stari Gradsko polje is a fantastic experience and is suitable for all ages.
And all spiced up with a rich eno-gastro offer, after all, we are in Dalmatia and all things mostly happen or are planned at the table, that is, with good traditional food and a drop of Hvar wine. Where else to try Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine specialties than in Vrboska, a town with a long fishing history.
Accommodation in Vrboska is diverse and has something for everyone, and you can choose between holiday homes, hotels, campsites and even apartments right by the sea. Vrboska is also loved by sailors, one of the safest ports on the Adriatic, visited every year by many sailboats and lovers of accommodation on a boat.
Many magical places are located on the island of Hvar, hidden coves and a charming town, but thanks to the chill vibe, beautiful beaches, picturesque corners, it is a place you will always be happy to return to.. Vrboska is a real treasure trove of architectural gems intertwined with an empire of small bridges, tucked away next to a narrow and winding fjord.
And until you visit it, you can check it all out via a virtual walk on LINK.
How to get there:
Vrboska is located near the main state road 116 that runs through the middle of the island of Hvar, from Sućuraj to the east. At the intersection 2 km before Jelsa, you need to turn north and after about 2 km of driving you will reach your destination.
What you can see and visit:
Fortress of St. Mary of Mercy
Church of St. Lawrence
Island of Zečevo
UNESCO Stari Gradsko polje
Fortress Kaštilac
Picturesque bridges of Vrboska
Bike trails
See the beaches at the LINK or download the PLAJA-beach finder application.
Where you can eat and drink:
Restaurants in Vrboska
Bars in Vrboska
Wineries in Vrboska
Special events:
Procession “For the Cross”
Festival of St. Lawrence
Festival of St. Peter
Race of Crazy Boats
Photo gallery
The origin of the name
Vrboska is known as ‘Varboska’ in local dialect. One theory is that the name was derived from the Latin ‘verboscam’, meaning ‘wooded place’. Another theory has it that it was named after Vrbanj, having been founded as the port to that inland village.
Beaches
Vrboska is known for its beautiful shingle beaches, fresh air, crystal clear blue sea and untouched nature.
Gastronomy
Vrboska’s long-standing fishing tradition is reflected in the local cuisine, with lots of little restaurants situated handily right by the sea.
Safe harbour
Vrboska’s safe harbour contains an ACI marina with 119 moorings on the outer side of the port. The marina is open all year.
Accommodation
Vrboska’ offers hotels, family guest-houses, apartments and a nudist camp
The Sardine Factory in Vrboska
On the waterfront, a dominant feature is Vrboska’s Sardine Factory, now derelict, which was founded in 1894, and closed in 1972. At the beginning of the 20th century, when the Sardine Factory and boat-building yard were in full function, Vrboska was thriving, with regular ferry links to Split and Brač Island, a hotel and several fishing companies. It also benefited from a cultural centre, reading room and doctor’s clinic.
Together with the nearby former boat-building yard for wooden boats, the factory’s impressive waterfront building was placed under protection by the Split Conservation Office of the Croatian Ministry of Culture, but this has not prevented it from falling into disrepair, a sad shadow of its former importance.
The Fishing Museum
Vrboska is one of the best-known fishing centres on Hvar, and with its long-standing tradition of processing fish, it is a fitting place for a Fishing Museum. The Museum was founded in 1972 by the Centre for Protecting Hvar Island’s Cultural Heritage. it houses a beautifully presented display of the history of fishing on Hvar, with equipment, tools and photographs tracing the development of the island’s fishing industry.
The Fortified Church of St. Mary
Vrboska’s fortified church was built in the 15th century, and was fortified about 100 years later. It used to contain precious artefacts, especially from the Renaissance period, but damp conditions meant they had to be moved to safer places some years ago. The church is not in regular use, but once a year it is included in the itinerary of the all-night Maundy Thursday Processions.
Night-time charm in Vrboska
Photo gallery
Accommodation
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