Hvar: Croatia's Sunny Gem

• HelloBok
  [Bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprosti
  [Oh-pros-tee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gles-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, mogu li vidjeti jelovnik?
  [Moh-leem vahs, moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lohv-neek?]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Upomoć!
  [Oo-poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je pre-skupe
  [Toh yeh preh-skoo-peh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [Gdyeh yeh...?]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ...)]

Hvar's history dates back to ancient times when it was first inhabited by the Illyrians. The island was known as Pharos by the Greeks, who established a colony there in 384 BC. This marked the beginning of Hvar's long and storied history as a key location in the Adriatic Sea.

Following the Greek period, Hvar fell under Roman control. The Romans brought their advanced infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and fortifications, which left a lasting impact on the island's development. Many Roman artifacts and ruins can still be found on the island today.

In the medieval period, Hvar became an important center of trade and culture. In 1278, the island came under the control of the Republic of Venice. Venetian rule brought prosperity and architectural advancements, many of which are still visible in the town's structures, such as the Hvar Cathedral and the Arsenal.

During the 16th century, Hvar faced threats from the Ottoman Empire. To protect the island, the Venetians built the impressive Fortica, or Spanjola Fortress, which overlooks the town of Hvar. This fortress played a crucial role in defending the island from Ottoman attacks and remains a significant historical landmark.

The early 19th century brought the Napoleonic Wars, during which Hvar was briefly under French control. After the fall of Napoleon, the island became part of the Austrian Empire. This period saw further development and modernization, with the construction of new public buildings and infrastructure.

Hvar, like much of Croatia, was affected by the turmoil of the 20th century. During World War I, it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and following the war, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. World War II brought further challenges, with the island experiencing occupation and resistance movements.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Hvar became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia until Croatia gained independence in 1991. Today, Hvar is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The island continues to attract visitors from around the world, eager to explore its historical sites and natural beauty.

Hvar is easily accessible from the mainland of Croatia. The nearest international airport is Split Airport (SPU), located about 25 kilometers from the city of Split. From Split, you can take a ferry to Hvar Town. Jadrolinija and Krilo are the two main ferry operators that provide regular services. The journey by ferry takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of service. Alternatively, you can reach Hvar by taking a catamaran from Split, which is faster but may have limited space for luggage.

Hvar is a relatively small island, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses operate between major towns like Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Jelsa. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Renting a scooter or a bicycle is a popular and convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. Car rentals are also available, but keep in mind that parking can be challenging in peak tourist season.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Hvar, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and remote areas. ATMs are available in Hvar Town and other major settlements, but fees may apply for international cards. Consider exchanging some currency before you arrive or at a bank in Split.

Hvar is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular travel spot, it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but be vigilant in busy areas like Hvar Town and during popular events. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places and during the night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to the police, fire department, and medical services. Hvar Town has a medical center and several pharmacies for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For more serious medical needs, you may need to be transported to a hospital in Split.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, especially if you plan on exploring the island on foot or by bicycle. However, avoid wearing swimwear or very revealing clothing away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Buses can get crowded, so be prepared for delays. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'dobar dan' (good day) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'gregada' (fish stew) and 'pašticada' (braised beef). Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hvar 'like a local,' visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, olive oil, and lavender products. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Pakleni Islands, a short boat ride from Hvar Town, for pristine beaches and clear waters. For a unique experience, hike up to the Spanish Fortress for a panoramic view of Hvar Town and the surrounding islands.