Best things to do in Hvar

Spanish Fortress features an impressive collection of amphorae and other objects from ancient times and the Middle Ages. From the town square, walk north, passing the main city gate. Climb the stairs of the medieval city walls to the fortress. Perched on a hill, it offers a panoramic view of Old Town and Pakleni Islands. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, the fortress was restored after the explosion of the powder chamber in 1579. The French added some reinforcements during their rule. Austrians built the barracks and observation post.

Nestled in a protected cove fringed by cypress and pine trees, Mlini Beach attracts beachgoers with it sparkling turquoise waters and relaxed vibe. Far removed from tourist crowds, this pebble beach offers a choice of swimming and sunbathing spots. Cafes and restaurants line the seaside promenade, while the center of the village--with the little brook meandering through its center--retains its rustic charm. For more activities, take a water taxi to Dubrovnik Old Town or sail off the coast to one of the nearby small islands.

More than just a beach, Dubovica Beach sits nestled in a cove surrounded by hills and features an 18th-century countryside house on a rock above the sea. Nature and antiquity meld into one, making this bay one of the most photographed ones in Croatia. You can swim in the clear waters, sheltered from the wind in this cove. The steep drop off makes this a good spot for distance swimming, and the beachfront features smooth stones and pebbles.

Sitting just a short walk from the bustle of Hvar's main square, Franciscan Monastery holds a rich collection of museum exhibits and art in a peaceful seaside setting. Browse the collection of Greek, Roman, and Venetian coins, check out the 16th-century Ptomely's Atlas, and gaze at the grand and detailed 2 x 8 m (6.5 x 26 ft) depiction of the Last Supper from the same period. In the monastery garden, a 300-year-old Cypress tree provides respite from the often-intense Adriatic sun.

Overlooking Hvar's main square, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings on the island, notable mainly for its beautiful 16th-century bell tower. Although a prior Christian church stood on the site as early as the 6th century, the latest structure dates mostly from the 18th century. The building's architecture and interior design exhibit a mixture of styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque. As you enter the nave, notice the pulpits, altars, and paintings by Venetian artists--the oldest image you'll see there is a work from the 13th century.

Pakleni Otoci offers many peaceful coves for diving, underwater fishing, swimming, and water sports. The name is popularly translated as Hells' islands, but it originally derives from "paklina," an archaic word, meaning "tar." The islands are especially popular with visitors who have smaller yachts. If you're such a visitor, moor your boat in the Palmizana marina and watch the waves wash onto the sandy cove surrounded by pine forests. Go scuba diving near Vodnjak--the island the mayor wanted to rename Facebook. For a lovely dinner, head to Galesnik, a former artillery fort-turned-eco-island. The islands are full of naturist beaches, which feature showers and charming shops.