The 2016 edition of Hvar: An Insider’s Guide is close to being written, and this, the third edition, will be the biggest ever, with all sections updated and a lot more info that the previous two editions.
Unlike the previous two editions, it will be be available online on Amazon, both in paperback and on Kindle. I have learned my lesson the hard way about self-publication and self-distribution. This way, the book will also be available online to people before they arrive on Hvar. If you are looking to buy it on the island, it will sadly not be available.
The paperback version will be priced at £9.99 and the Kindle version will be available for US$9.99. I will also try and offer a double book – this guide book and my last book about a decade of living on Hvar as an expat, Lavender, Dormice and a Donkey Named Mercedes, so that you can buy both books in one. Ah, the joys of Amazon Print on Demand.
As long as I can keep going with all my other commitments, the book will be available in time for Easter. Just so you know what you are getting, here is the finalised detailed list of contents.
INTRODUCTION
Why Hvar?
When to Go?
Five Festivals Not to Miss
Five Tours Not to Miss
Events in 2016
What’s in a Name? How to Pronounce ‘Hvar’?
Exclusive Hvar: Which Celebrities have REALLY Visited the Island?
A History of Tourism on Hvar, the Oldest Organised Tourism in Europe
A Brief History of the Island
Is Hvar Really a Party Island?
Behaviour on Hvar: A Request
UNESCO Heritage: No Island in the World Has More
Featured Village: Velo Grablje
CHAPTER 1: GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Flights to Croatia
Seaplanes
Ferries to Hvar
From Split Airport to the Split Ferry Terminal
How to Buy Ferry Tickets in Split
How to Get to Hvar from Dubrovnik
Buses and Trains to Split
Car Hire: Island or Mainland
Buses on the Island
Scooter and Boat Hire
Taxis on Hvar
Hitchhiking
Driving on Hvar
A Brief Tour of the Main Roads
CHAPTER 2: WHERE TO STAY
Hotels
Hostels
Private Accommodation
Camping
Registering Your Stay
The ‘Sobe’ Ladies and Finding Accommodation
CHAPTER 3: GUIDE TO THE PAKLENI ISLANDS
Sveti Klement, from Palmizana to Vlaka
Marinkovac, from Carpe Diem Beach to Zdrilca and Mlini
Jerolim
Galesnik
Water Taxis
CHAPTER 4: THE TOWNS OF HVAR
Hvar Town
Stari Grad
Jelsa
Vrboska
Sucuraj
CHAPTER 5: THE VILLAGES OF HVAR
Pelegrin Peninsula
Milna, Zarace and Dubovica
Basina and Mudri Dolac
The Hilltop Villages
The Kabal Peninsula
Through the Pitve Tunnel
Humac and Grapceva Cave
From Jelsa to Sucuraj
CHAPTER 6: BEACHES
Top 5 Beaches on Hvar
Beach Clubs on Hvar
Beaches on Pakleni Islands
Beaches in Hvar Town
Beaches in Stari Grad and the Kabal Peninsula
Beaches in Vrboska and Jelsa
Beaches on the South Side
Unspoilt Beaches of Eastern Hvar
Naturism on Hvar
CHAPTER 7: ACTIVITIES
Water Activities
Inland Active
Inland Gentle
Kids Activities
Day Trips
CHAPTER 8: THE WINES OF HVAR
History of Wine on Hvar
Grape Varieties
Plavac Mali, an Ancestor of Zinfandel
Hvar Rose: and Undiscovered Gem
Hvar Wine Association
Hvar Wine Producers: 6 Not to Miss
Hvar Wine Tasting Tours
Croatia’s Master of Wine Capital
The Rise of the Hvar Wine Bar
CHAPTER 9: FOOD AND DRINK
Some Typical Dalmatian Specialities to Try on Hvar
Some Typical Dalmatian Recipes
Traditional Drinks on Hvar
5 Restaurants Not to Miss on the Water
5 Restaurants Not to Miss Inland
5 Restaurants on a Budget in Hvar Town
CHAPTER 10: SHOPPING
Supermarkets on Hvar
Souvenir Shopping
5 Shops Not to Miss
CHAPTER 11: PRACTICALITIES
Visas
Health and Emergency
Money and Banks
Phone and Internet
Public Holidays
Weather
Language
Safety with Children
Water and Electricity
Laundry
Buying Property on Hvar
Hvar and the Environment
CHAPTER 12: THE TOTAL HVAR PROJECT
From Somalia to Hvar: How I Came from Hell to Paradise
About This Book, and a Request
Total Hvar: Quality Information for a Quality Island
Total Croatia News
Acknowledgements
USEFUL NUMBERS
MAP
