Five Hvar Tours Not to Miss This Summer

With Hvar' reputation for beaches and nightlife, tourists should have little difficulty finding both, but what else is there to do on Hvar, and which tours are recommended? There is plenty of stuff going on on the island, much of which doesn't make the tourist brochures.

Here are my top five tours for 2012 on Hvar: 

1. Secret Hvar Off-Road Safari

Not so secret any more, Siniša's outstanding tour of the hidden places of the island has been discovered by Lonely Planet, for which hearty congratulations. The tour has been specifically designed by Siniša, a native of the island, with as good an understanding and knowledge of Dalmatian culture and history as anyone I know. The man is a legend, the tour fabulous - don't miss it. www.secrethvar.com 

2. Panorama Flight

Hvar has a little airstrip near Stari Grad, and while we won't be receiving any Airbus 380 any time soon, small planes do land there, as you can see from the video above, which also includes some great footage of flights over Hvar. From June 30 to September 1, panorama flights for up to three people are available - with or without champagne. The standard flight is approximately 30 mins flying time, and the price including collection to and from Hvar Town is 200 euro all included (250 including champagne). Contact us for more details and to book. 

3. Grapčeva Cave

(With thanks to Romulić & Stojčić for the photo, all rights reserved).

Travel back several thousand years to Neolithic times with a guided tour of Grapčeva Cave near Humac on eastern Hvar. Guided tours are available from mid-June to mid-September, and by appointment at other times. Apart from the stunning cave, take in also the abandoned shepherd's village of Humac, from where the tour starts, ending with a great rustic dining experience at Konoba Humac. More information and tickets from the Jelsa Tourist Board www.tzjelsa.hr. 

4. Hvar Touristik's Discover Stari Grad

Of the many people I have been working with this winter, few have been more active than leading Stari Grad agency, Hvar Touristik. Keen to add more attractions to Croatia's oldest town, we have been working together to try and get some new tours going. A great initiative of theirs which deserves our support. New for 2012 in Stari Grad - take your pick from the island's first honey tour, an art gallery walking tour with wine, an organic introduction to the Stari Grad Plain or a walking tour of central Hvar. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more.

5. Hvar Tours Wine Tasting

Hvar's wines are attracting increasing attention around the world, as the secret of Plavac Mali is slowly coming out. Why not find out what all the fuss is about and take a wine tour with Hvar Tours, including a visit to the impressive Romanesque tasting rooms of Andro Tomić in Jelsa. Roman togas optional! www.hvartours.com