Island Hvar - Pakleni Otoci (Pakleni Islands), Day Trip from Villa Yanko

Many amazing coves and beaches surrounded by the clearest turquoise Bluewater …the white-washed towns and historic cobbled streets of Stari Grad and Vrbovska to the clear blue water sand, and beautiful beaches and coves of the island’s south, the crystal clear water and deserted lagoons of the Pakleni islands, to the quaint, home-style restaurants serving delicious Dalmatian fare; and the photogenic rolling hills swathed in layers of fragrant lavender, olive trees, and vineyards, Hvar Island so much more than just the glitz and glamour to its island’s capital - Hvar Town.

Hvar Town

Hvar town is a Mediterranean dream, full of rustic cobblestoned streets, stunning beaches, and ancient history.

Nestled in a picturesque cove on the western side of Hvar Island lies the historic and stunning Hvar town, by far and away one of the most beautiful places you ever laid eyes on.

A rustic Mediterranean town that only ever existed in our imagination, in the scent of jasmine carried on a gentle sea breeze…

It's a town where stunning Venetian architecture, ancient fortresses, and winding old town lanes are illuminated each afternoon by outstanding sunsets.

A town where incredible restaurants serve the day’s best catch, a town where world-class bars keep revelers coming back again and again; and where some truly down-to-earth locals exist.

Hvar attracts tourists for decades. With its record of 3053 sunny hours per year.

Hvar is a great example of the Mediterranean environment and landscape. The group of islets called Pakleni otoci in front of the town create a crown at the beauty of Hvar and protect the little port. Filled with yachts the port in summer months is an attraction itself in front of the 400 year old first public theatre in Europe (about it below - Historic theatre Hvar).

Pakleni Islands (Pakleni otoci)

Like a necklace of brilliants Pakleni otoci (Pakleni islands) have spread in front of the port of Hvar. Over six miles long group of islets represents one of the biggest attractions of Croatian tourism. Spending a day there, you will feel adventurous at a distance of only several hundred meters from island Hvar. In the archipelago, you will always find a hidden place for yourself. there you will feel safe but will feel like being far away from civilization. Mild nature will help you to relax and rest.

The biggest islet called Sveti Klement offers the facilities of a modern marina and there is no doubt you will adore the restaurant offered there. Numerous Hollywood stars and celebrities have already tested it for you :-).

Keeping strictly to the Croatian language, Pakleni otoci would suggest the meaning like HellishIslands. However, this place is far away from hell. This is rather heaven. The name comes from paklina, the kind of tar used in shipbuilding in the past.

Historic Theatre of Hvar

Hvar theatre was built in 1612 on the first floor of Arsenal (the highest level monument of national significance to the Republic of Croatia) during the reign of the industrious Duke Petar Semitecolo. Monumental Arsenal in the center of the historical core of Hvar is one of the most significant military-maritime buildings of its kind on the Mediterranean. The transom of the gate to the theatre Belvedere - fontik terrace along the northern facade of Arsenal reads ANNO SECVNDO PACIS MDCLXII. The year 1612, as stated in the sign is the second year of social peace between the squabbling classes of the Hvar Commune.

By building the theatre Semitecolo offered to all classes equally the facilities for cultural and social events. This way, in at that time almost unimaginable democratic way, he created the first European public theatre.

In the chronology of the European oldest theatres, right after Theatre Olympic, Vicenza from 1585, and Teatro Antica from Sabionetta (1588) we have a theatre of Hvar from 1612. This early year of creation ensures the theatre of Hvar enters the overall history of theatre.