May 24, 2024 – There are few more idyllic places to be than Dalmatia before the peak season – a look at Hvar in June.
Over my 13 years living on the island of Hvar, I slowly got into the rhythm of the island life and its calendar. It was most popular in peak season, of course, when every local I knew had about five jobs catering to the needs of its thousands of guests. Then came delightful September and the grape harvest, then October and the olive harvest, then Christmas.
The new year was always peaceful, the quietest time of the year, until the island slowly awoke with Easter and its religious processions and celebrations. And then to one of the most special times of the year – the early season before the school holidays, with azure skies and inviting seas – the perfect beach holiday without the crowds.
But Hvar is much more than just a beach destination – it has no less than 6 UNESCO heritages, for example, and these do not include the oldest public theatre in all of Europe. And with water temperatures at optimal levels, and family holidays a month away due to school, June is a fabulous time to visit, and there is plenty going on over the next few weeks to showcase the diversity of this magical island.
Starting tomorrow for those of more active persuasion. The annual Hvar Half Marathon, surely one the most beautiful races in the world (where else can you see the glistening Adriatic on both sides of the road) from Stari Grad along the old town to Hvar Town, takes place tomorrow. There is still time to register if you are on the island.
There is a much bigger focus on culture in June, with the centrepiece being the 63rd Hvar Summer Festival, an island institution for over six decades, and Hvar Town will host a range of excellent concerts and exhibitions in some of its fabulous and lesser visited locations (I fondly remember a string quartet performance in the cloister of the Franciscan Monastery many years ago) all the way through until September. The full programme will be announced shortly, and you can get the latest details on the official website.
June is also the month of art on Hvar, with two particularly eye-catching events. Sketch by the Sea from June 7-9 is an exhilarating Urban Sketching workshop set against the captivating backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Over the course of three days, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the art of urban sketching, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Hvar. The workshop will revolve around the exploration of techniques related to composition, colour, and form, all while drawing inspiration from the stunning coastal landscapes and urban scenes of Hvar.
Art of a different kind at the same time, with the return of the second edition of the popular Hvar Bodypainting Weekend. The opening day, will be dedicated to an exciting contest with € 3.500 cash prizes where artists will meet at the ancient theatre to compete across two categories, interpreting the theme of “World Ocean Day.” The second day artists are invited to showcase their talent in a jam session, The picturesque backdrop of Hvar promises to elevate the entire experience, making it a truly unforgettable celebration of art and creativity. More details here.
There will be plenty of music throughout the month, but perhaps the highlight will be on June 22 with a salsa evening hosted by the phenomenal group CUBISMO.
Or perhaps you would just like to chill with a coffee on the riva, watching the world go by in Hvar’s exclusive harbour, where fishing boats mingle with super yachts. Or head out to the island’s wineries and explore an island with award-winning wines, including grapes of up to 7 local varieties indigenous to the island.
Hvar in June – be as active or as lazy as you want. If you want a great and lazy start to the day, my top tip is the breakfast at Hotel Adriana (as I have written previously) – the best breakfast I have had on the coast (and open to non-residents), both in terms of quality and that superb people- and harbour-watching terrace. And if you are looking for hotel accommodation, there is no wider choice than the Suncani Hvar Hotels range – you can check out availability and offers here.
