The travel bug got us and we are off to a summer vacation in Croatia, the perfect summer vacation destination with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea with endless beautiful beaches, yummy fresh Mediterranean seafood, historic old towns with forts, cobblestone alleys, and lots of charm. The locals are the most friendly and hospitable people, beaches offer a ton of water activities  (water slides, ocean parkour, snorkeling, boat rental, outdoor arcades), the local wines are incredible, the olives are delicious, the water is sapphire blue and crystal clear. The list  goes on forever why Croatia became one of the hottest European vacation spots in the last few years. We are huge fans!

Hvar is our favorite island along the Dalmatian coast. It’s the perfect vacation spot for everybody. The port of Hvar is often called a smaller version of St. Tropez, expensive yachts line the harbor to one side while the other side hosts smaller local fishing boats. The old town offers something for everyone: family friendly restaurants, street artist, palm trees with a beautiful view over the Adriatic Sea, historic architecture, fruit and vegetable markets. Although younger tourists love the nightlife in the lively old town, you don’t feel out of place when visiting here with children. The kid friendly Croatians will welcome you and your family at any outdoor bar or tavern. You won’t hear like you do often in beer gardens in New York, “no kids allowed after 7 pm “. I love the European summer life.  

There is so much to explore in the maze of alleyways paved with the traditional Croatian limestone. Kids and adults can get lost here shopping for hours. Endless beaches and crystal clear water for swimming and water sports are located all around the old city on either side. A visit of the fort towering above the old city is a must. 

The local market just off the town square is so amazing. Fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, olive oil and the best tomatoes is only some of the yummy goodies you will find. We also discovered a cured meat and cheese shop run by Poly who also plays in a  metal band!

Our favorite beach in Hvar:

Pokonji Dol is the perfect beach. A beautiful cove with the typical sapphire blue sparkling water. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas or bring your own. Most beaches in Croatia have small pebbly rocks. I first didn’t like it much but when you get those cheap water shoes you will soon start to love it because there is no sand sticking to your sun screened body. Hendrix was very excited to buy one of those beach mats that every souvenir store sells. He even took it back to NY and that’s now an essential piece of every fort he builds. We also carried his fishing net all over Europe!!!!!

Pokonji Dol beach has one of our favorite lunch restaurants, simply called Pokonji Dol. The first time we went we quickly became friends with Maja, the owner. Her husband, the chef cooks the most delicious local food (fresh catch of the day, langostinos etc). They make their own bread, wine and olive oil. Although the restaurant doesn’t sell the olive oil, we became such good friends that she gave me 2 bottles to take home. It felt like being spoiled by your aunt. She also helped us out of pinch when we rented the most horrible place on Flipkey in Stari Grad by renting us one of her family apartments. 

The beach does not only offer swimming from where the sun beds are. You can also swim and snorkel on the side where the rocks are. There is a ladder which helps you to climb up after you jump in the ocean again and again and again. 

One of my favorite parts at this beach is the view onto a tiny island that houses one single lighthouse. I called it my island and we stopped there when we rented a boat. Loved it. Too bad there is no restaurant on my island. Maybe I should open one there?  

You can also rent paddle boats at this beach and Hendrix’s favorite one was the one with the slide. So much fun!

While strolling in the old town one night we found this beautiful gem called Gurme. Its a Croatian Tapas restaurant with a nice twist on local dishes. The minute we sat down we were welcomed by Zoran, the owner, like we have been friends forever. He immediately made us try the prosciutto he cut off right in front of us as well as the  grilled shrimp. Sold. Needless to say that we ate there  many times during our stay in Hvar and became good friends with Zoran. We are still writing  each other and when we return he invited us on a boat trip. We can’t wait to go back.

Our favorite area to stay in Hvar is on the hillside area east of the old town. Twice we rented a beautiful airbnb there with amazing sunset views and easy access to our favorite beach. If you stay anywhere near the old town you don’t really need a car but we like the flexibility to explore so we rented a small one.

 One of our favorite things to do is to rent a boat. Simply go to any of the boat rental companies and they will set you up. Once we are out of the harbor, Hendrix loves to Captain his parents through the Adriatic!

After stopping at ‘my island’ with the lighthouse we made our way to Palmizana, a super beautiful cove with several great restaurants, lots of expensive yachts to admire and a great swimming spot.

The other restaurant you have to go to is Lungo Mare. It’s in a residential area built above the owners garage. The food is outstanding, all traditional Dalmation dishes, fresh catch of the day, special lamb recipes as well as yummy local wine. Hendrix favorite: the Nutella crepe. This was his all time favorite one so far because they way they roll it. The owner is a really funny guy and trust you will hear great stories.