Hvar is rich in beaches, and there is a very vibrant naturist scene, with several several secluded given over to FKK tourists.
Given the traditional British reserve and the German love of naturism, it is perhaps surprising that the origins of the very large Croatian naturist tourism sector are credited to a naked British king. After adbicating and marrying Wallace Simpson, Edward VIII asked for and was granted permission to swim naked on the island of Rab on a beach which is still known as ‘English beach’ today.
Hvar is at the forefront of naturist tourism in Croatia, and FKK visitors have many options when considering their Hvar holiday. The naturist beaches and campsites are set in secluded areas of the island, so worried parents concerned that their children may stumble on FKK beaches can relax.
Hvar’s naturism tourism was given a boost by CNN late last year as the American network named the tiny island of Jerolim as the best FKK beach in the world. Part of the stunning Pakleni Islands, Jerolim can be reached by short water taxi from the harbour in Hvar Town.
Another naturist island off Hvar worth investigating is Zecevo, which sits close to Vrboska on the northern coast. Either rent your own small boat for the day, or arrange a transfer from either Jelsa or Vrboska.
Vrboska is at the heart of naturist activities, and hidden through the pine trees about 1km from the centre of the town is the island’s biggest naturist campsite and accompanying beach, with many tourists returning year on year to this piece of FKK paradise. There are other naturist camping options as well, including Camp Mlaska, 2km outside Sucuraj, half of which is given over to naturist tourism.
The general approach to nudity is somewhat relaxed on the island, and it is not uncommon for some topless bathing on the island’s many beaches, but the full naturist beaches are very separate. Of course, the more you go off the beaten track, the less you know what to expect, as a British housewife found last year, when a naked harpoon-wielding cavewoman appeared from nowhere in their secluded cove before jumping into the sea to fish. Her account of the incident earned Dana Smith first prize in The Guardian’s 2011 Readers Competition.
