November 16, 2017 – Could 2018 be Hvar’s year? In addition to celebrating its special 150th birthday, it has also just been nominated at Best Destination in Europe 2018. We couldn’t agree more.
Way back in May 1868, the founders of organised tourism in Europe on an idyllic Dalmatian island nicknamed the Austrian Madeira could not have foreseen just how their little tourism idea would grow.
The founding of the Hvar Health Society, which is credited as the start of organised tourism in Europe, celebrates its 150th year in 2018, and what a tourism story the island of Hvar has experienced in the intervening years!
An island with more UNESCO heritage than any other in the world.
Home to the oldest public theatre in Europe (and I am hearing stories that it could be reopened next year).
The sunniest island in Europe.
Home to the world’s best naturist beach in 2011, according to CNN.
Regularly listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful islands in the world.
An island which is now a global superstar for so many reasons – beaches, nightlife, nature, food and wine, sailing… cycling. The profile of Hvar as a cycling destination is about to be raised considerably, as one of the world’s top cycling teams, Bahrain Merida, arrives for winter training next month.
And now, another accolade to potentially be added to Hvar’s impressive portfolio, as the Stari Grad Tourist Board announced on its Facebook page that Hvar island has been nominated for the European Best Destinations website Best Destination in Europe 2018.
Yes, the same website which did so much to elevate winter tourism in Zagreb, with the capital winning Best Christmas Market in Europe 2016 and 2017.
More details on the voting process and period as we get it, but TCN will be taking an in-depth look at Hvar’s many diverse attractions in the build up to final voting.
How fitting it would be for Hvar to be crowned Best European Destination in the 150th year since organised tourism began on the very same island.
