Stari Grad Plain, Dalmatia Travel Guide

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Explore Croatia's Stari Grad Plain: a UNESCO site showcasing ancient Greek agriculture, where time stands still in a landscape of vineyards and olive groves.

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Stari Grad Plain

The Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as the best-preserved Greek agricultural system in the Mediterranean. Established in the 4th century BC by Greek colonists, its original layout of geometrically divided plots separated by dry stone walls remains in use today, cultivating the same crops for 2400 years.

A brief summary to Stari Grad Plain

Stari grad bb, Stari Grad, 21460, HR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Stari Grad Plain.

Explore the plain by bicycle for a leisurely way to see the ancient stone walls and agricultural plots.
Visit local wineries and farms within the plain to sample traditional Croatian wines and olive oils.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain and bring water, especially during the hot summer months.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby town of Stari Grad to explore its charming streets and historical sites.
Consider visiting in the shoulder season (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

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Explore Stari Grad Plain on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Stari Grad Plain, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Stari Grad town, the Stari Grad Plain is easily accessible on foot. Head east, following the main road out of town. Look for signs directing you towards the plain. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside. There are no entrance fees or specific costs associated with walking to the plain.
Public Transport

If arriving by ferry to Stari Grad, take the bus from the ferry terminal to Stari Grad town center. From there, follow the walking directions to the plain. A single bus fare costs around €2-€3. Alternatively, buses connect Stari Grad with other towns on Hvar, such as Hvar Town and Jelsa, providing access to the plain from various locations on the island.
Taxi

Taxis are available at the Stari Grad ferry terminal and in the town center. A taxi ride from the ferry terminal to the edge of the Stari Grad Plain costs approximately €15-€20. Ensure the taxi meter is running or negotiate the fare beforehand. Several taxi services operate in Stari Grad; Taxi Nikola (+385 21 91 512 9322).

Discover more about Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad Plain, also known as Ager, is a remarkable cultural landscape on the island of Hvar, Croatia, bearing witness to ancient Greek agricultural practices. In the 4th century BC, colonists from the island of Paros established a sophisticated agricultural system here, dividing the land into a grid of rectangular plots. These plots, known as 'chora,' were demarcated by dry stone walls, a technique that has ensured the preservation of this unique landscape for millennia.This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing how the ancient Greeks organized and cultivated land. The fertile plain, benefiting from Ice Age loess deposition, has been continuously used for agriculture, primarily for grapes and olives, since its initial colonization. The enduring nature of this agricultural activity provides a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to witness a landscape shaped by over two millennia of human interaction.Exploring the Stari Grad Plain reveals not only the ingenuity of the ancient Greeks but also the resilience of traditional farming practices. The landscape is dotted with ancient stone walls, small stone shelters called 'trims,' and remnants of a water collection system, all testaments to the resourcefulness of the early settlers. Today, the plain stands as a living museum, where the past and present intertwine, offering a unique and enriching experience for those who venture into its ancient fields.