The Hvar island has been inhabited since ancient times. The first findings from this area are the remains of the Hvar culture (3500 – 2500 B.C.) from the Neolithic found in the Grabčeva and Markova špilja (cave). In 4th century B.C. Greeks from the Pharos island came to the island and grounded the Phasos settlement in the area of today’s Stari Grad. Hvar was important in Roman times and later as well. Nowadays, the remains of ancient cultures can be found all over the island, in towns and in the middle of fields. Stone fences have been there for thousands of years.

Zavala is one of the villages on the south coast of the Hvar island, which is well known for its special microclimate. It almost never rains here in summer, yet it is not to hot due to pleasant light wind. No mass tourism is found here; because of the tunnel no buses and big vehicles can reach Zavala.

Steep hillsides above Zavala and other villages on the south coast of  Hvar are grown with vineyards of the Plavac Mali grapes, from which exceptional wine is produced. Special climate conditions make ecological production possible and the wine even better.

The Hvar town is certainly one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic coast. It attracts more and more travellers and tourists from all over the world every year. It is very nice to walk down its narrow streets among old stone houses, to see the cathedral, Arsenal, some museums, laces from agaves, that are still hand-made in the nunnery, or to visit a performance in the Hvar’s theatre dated 1612. Other island towns are interesting as well; first of all Jelsa, the closest town to Zavala. It is well known for numerous events during the summer. Don’t miss Stari Grad, the fist town on the island, and the old fishing town Vrboska.

Hvar is interesting the whole year through. Outside summer months you’ll find a really calm place with pleasant locals. Every season brings something special. In early autumn grapes and olives are picked. In late autumn and winter, when most European cities experience rain, snow and fog, Hvar is sunny and nicely warm. At that time the slopes are coloured in violet with rosemary blossoms; you can see oranges and lemons on the trees in front of the houses. In spring thousands of flowers and bushes bloom, dry lawn gets green.

Locals carefully preserve traditional habits and customs and carry them from one generation to another. It is especially interesting to visit Hvar during Easter to see the 500 years old traditional "Following the Cross" Procession organised by people from Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboske.

Other traditional fests are also attractive. Different towns and villages celebrate name days of their patrons. They also organise many musical, folklore and other events. In May you can visit Poetry days of Hanibal Lucić in Stari Grad and the Days of Theatre in Hvar. In Jelsa, summer evenings are organised in July and August, musical and theatrical events called Nights of Antun Dobronić. Every town also prepares a Fisherman’s night, like Vrboska in early August. In the last weekend of August a Wine Fair is organised in Jelsa.

We are sure you'll find many exciting things to do here.