By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor
Hvar, Croatia, is one place that has long been on my travel and nightlife bucket list. I have heard about it for years and finally had the opportunity to put “boots on the ground” and check it out myself.
I had spent a day in Split, the main city of Croatia, and noted that it is only a one-hour catamaran ferry ride to Hyvr. The price is 25 Euros. Pro’s Tip: A slower boat, which locals call the ferry, goes to another part of Hvar and it’s a 20-minute drive to reach the main part of Hyvr Town. There are buses but know to take the catamaran and not the ferry..
Another thing to know is there is more than one company that has ferries to Hvar from Split. I did not know this until I attempted to board one and was informed that my ferry would be arriving in basically the same spot. So when another ferry came in, I assumed that was it, but was told no, that it was the “black boat” on another dock. This caused a bit of confusion so I asked the guy at the luggage storage place and he said it takes off from that dock.
I went back to the ticket office and asked a guy in a captain’s-type of shirt who looked like he knew the situation. When I doubt, find someone who looks like they know the answer! He asked at the window of the ticket office and confirmed it was indeed the “black boat.” So I headed that way, picking up a couple of cute girls along the way as we strolled to the ferry, somewhat confident we were going to the right place.
Once I figured out which ferry to take – I had a pleasant ride where I was able to catch some additional shuteye. Upon arriving, I grabbed a room and pulled a beer out of my backpack that I had brought with me from Split on its small balcony. I then set off to explore the island.
It’s a small place with everything pretty much situated around a wide harbor.
My first impressions were that “gee, there’s lot of bars here!” There are a dozen or so bar/restaurants along the harbor and smaller bars tucked into little holes in alleys. Most appeared to be more high end than I had expected – or wanted. One place, for example, had people drinking champagne. I had envisioned beer and shot-slamming places like on Ios in Greece, not Vegas.
Finding A Room In Hvar Off The Ferry
Because of my past travels to the Greek Islands, I refused to get a room in advance. The internet and booking sites have almost ruined the experience by taking all the personality out of it. I always find a bit of thrill in traveling to these places and not planning too far ahead.
It used to be that there were dozens of locals waiting off the ferry holding “Rooms To Let” signs and you would simply approach one and inquire about the location and price of a place. If one did not suit your needs and budget, then another one would, so you never had to worry about finding a room. Now, tho, the internet has all but wiped out that travel experience. Still, I was fairly confident that in mid May, I could find a room, even in a place as popular as Hvar.
I did, too. And for just 60 Euros a night. I spotted a tour office called Fontana – on the right not far from the ferry – that included “rooms” on its sign so I simply presented myself there and within about five minutes a lady came out who has connections to all types of rooms in a variety of prices. I asked her if it’s possible to get a room so easily during the high season months of July and August and she said yes. By the way, a couple of searches for Hvar hotels revealed prices of 140-300 Euros, so I saved a bundle by not booking via the internet.
One final note on getting rooms in these European locations, especially on frequently-visited islands. They are often small family-run places that are extremely clean. They are small and basic, yes, but have WiFi and sometimes even a kitchen. Most importantly, they are not dumps.
Try THAT in America!