July 18, 2019 – Stari Grad on Hvar is providing a great summer programme on a limited budget. Next up cabaret and a jazz and wine festival.
One destination which is moving very much in the right direction these days is Stari Grad on Hvar. An extended riva to develop its nautical credentials, new 4-star owners of its troubled 2-star hotels, and two planned 5-star hotels, one of which will open next year.
But more impressive is what is happening in the town itself. The historic old streets of the oldest town of Hvar, dating back 2,400 years, are among the most authentic and best preserved in Croatia. No cheap Chinese souvenirs here (or very few), the narrow warren of streets offer stores offering authentic local products, art galleries and bags of authentic charm. Along with Korcula Town, it is the best place I have visited this summer. Here was my stroll around the town a few weeks ago.
There is a new dynamism in the tourist board and tourist direction. After many months without a director, a new one has been installed, and his vision of the town is already paying dividends. There are several new festivals these summer, including one for honey and the first international Pelinkovac festival.
The diverse programme is set to continue tonight with an evening of cabaret at the summer cinema, as Stari Grad then eases itself as the main host of what looks like a fantastic event – and one being held also in Hvar Town, Jelsa and Bol on the island of Brad – the Jazz and Wine Festival.
I have very fond memories of wine tasting evenings with music on the Stari Grad square of Skor – authentic Dalmatia at its finest.
The festival will be held in Stari Grad on July 20-24, then Hvar Town, Jelsa and Bol. You can see the full programme (in Croatian – Google Translate is your friend) here. And get a flavour of the atmosphere from the trailer below. Follow the official Facebook page here.
Want to learn more about Stari Grad? Here are 25 things to know.
