It really is a remarkable village and one of the great success stories on Hvar in the last ten years, a story which should be more widely told.
We have written a lot about the rise of the village of Velo Grablje quite a bit over the years, but the story never ceases to amaze. Once the home of lavender production for all Dalmatia, emigration and economic hardship reduced the village to just five full-time inhabitants. As beautiful as the village was, there was an air of abandonment to it.
Enter the energetic youth with ties to the village, and the sterling work of the Pjover association has been the driving force for change and a celebration of the village’s history and traditions. Various renovation projects and the hosting of the annual lavender festival are major visible successes, and the village population has grown steadily to 14, including one (very nice) German lady, who is also mother to the first child living in the village for quite some time.
A further milestone of renaissance arrived this year, with the opening of the first restaruant. Konoba Zbondini, offering everything that is traditional about Hvar, has been an absolute hit for 2015, as well as a valuable addition to tourists looking to head to the hills and discover the real, authentic Hvar. Follow the restaurant here on Facebook – run by one of the nicest families on Hvar.
And just when many other places are closing up for the winter, Velo Grablje is doing the opposite, and all the weekend action will be taking place in the village pub this weekend, as Pub ‘Mali Zeleni’ opens up for a little weekend fun. More info on the flyer above, or follow events through the winter on their Facebook page.
Many inland villages in inland Dalmatia are dying slowly. The opposite is true in Velo Grablje. A spectacular location and an even better story. I encourage you to visit.
