Hvar: Dalmatia's scenic party town

Anchoring at the idyllic Pakleni Islands, charter guests will generally arrive by tender to Hvar harbour. Arriving by sea, the pleasant waterfront promenade is lined with palm trees and the 700 year old ramparts of the Fort above, leading to avenues of boutiques, restaurants, hotels and luxurious spas.

Hvar Town's magnificent piazza, dominated by St. Stephen's Cathedral and bordered by the palaces of Groda and by the cascading stone-built houses of Burag, is considered the most beautiful of its kind in Dalmatia.

And while the history and culture of Hvar are drawcards by day, such as the compelling Fortress Fortica, Hvar Cathedral, Hvar Theatre and the exquisite Franciscan Monastery, once the sun sets, Hvar's main attraction is its nightlife – a magnet for bon vivants of all ages and inclinations.

Hvar is famous the world over for its nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Visitors seldom stir til noon, just in time to enjoy fresh caught seafood and a glass of bubbly or 'Bambus', followed by wandering the beautiful cobbled streets, or zipping around on a hired scooter, until it's time for a meal at any one of the atmosphere-laden restaurants (try the seafood stew and don't skip dessert!), before heading to the swanky club, Carpe Diem for cocktails, followed by dancing til dawn at Fortica, or on the nearby island of Stipanska where parties seldom begin before midnight!

Sophisticated highlights of Hvar Town include a visit to the Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel, next door to Carpe Diem nightclub and boasting the best sea views in town. The glass-fronted bar is the perfect vantage point for watching charter yachts dock in the marina and the spa is just the tonic for pampering from your head to your gel-coated toes.

Your Captain will be able to make your restaurant booking in advance. Hvar is home to some of Croatia's best restaurants, among them Zori on the islet of Palmižana, which is an elegant, modern take on the tavern with a wonderful palm-shaded terrace; Restaurant Gariful which attracts Royalty, celebrities and the who's who visiting Croatia, is located on the waterfront and is considered the island's top seafood restaurant with an outstanding wine and Champagne list and an aquarium floor; Passarola is run by famous chef, Hrvoje Zirojević, who specialises in creative versions of local specialties, matched with top quality local wines; Restaurant Toto's on Palmižana Bay, accessible by boat, is famous for its enchanting outdoor terrace surrounded by palm trees and exotic plants. It specialises in seafood such as squid, sea bass or red snapper from the grill, and equally delectable steak, lamb, chicken or pork, all accompanied with fresh, local seasonal vegetables and salads; Macondo is an authentic Croatian restaurant with a house speciality of 'gregada', fish stew with potato and garlic.

For a coffee or quick snack, Riva, Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel is a pleasant option, or pick up a basket of delicacies from the glorious Deliciae Mediterraneae, the island's oldest market.

There are several less energetic locales in Hvar, such as the bars behind the main square which are welcoming and laid-back, allowing you some space to sample traditional Dalmatian snacks washed down with the pick of the island wines.

Ask your charter Captain about visiting other charming seaside villages on the island of Hvar, such as Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vbroska.

If you're looking for respite from the hectic social scene, your charter Captain will be able to take you to Hvar's more secluded hidden anchorages and bays. Swimming in the azure waters is such a treat, and there are a host of rustic restaurants along the coastline. Further afield, you will be alone with just the sound of the breeze and the waves, warm pebbles underfoot and nothing but nature for company. Bliss!

Contact your charter experts at Luxury Charter Group to plan your next luxury yacht charter holiday in Croatia.