Exploring Hvar Island by Hire Car: Your Ultimate Guide with Rhinocarhire
Hvar Island, nestled in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia, is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. While exploring the island, renting a car can be a fantastic way to experience everything Hvar has to offer. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the benefits of hiring a car in Hvar, provide essential information on distances, routes, road conditions, and attractions, to ensure your trip is both memorable and hassle-free.
Benefits of Hiring a Car in Hvar:
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Flexibility: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Hvar at your own pace. You can visit off-the-beaten-path locations, picturesque viewpoints, and hidden gems that may not be easily accessible by public transport.
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Convenience: Hvar has a well-maintained road network, making it convenient to travel to different parts of the island. No need to rely on timetables or schedules; you can come and go as you please.
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Scenic Drives: Hvar boasts some of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. With a car, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas along the way, especially if you take the coastal road from Hvar Town to Jelsa or drive up to the island's highest peak, Sv. Nikola.
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Access to Remote Beaches: Hvar is renowned for its beautiful beaches, many of which are tucked away in secluded coves. A car allows you to explore and discover these hidden paradises.
Practical Information for Hiring a Car in Hvar:
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Nearest Airport: The closest international airport to Hvar is Split Airport (SPU), located on the mainland. To reach Hvar, you'll need to take a ferry or catamaran from Split to Hvar Town. The distance from Split Airport to Split Port is approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), and the transfer can be easily arranged.
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Road Conditions: The roads on Hvar Island are generally well-maintained, but some smaller roads may be narrow and winding. Exercise caution, especially when driving in rural areas. Most rental cars are suitable for the island's road conditions.
Recommended Attractions and Distances:
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Hvar Town: The island's main hub, known for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful harbor. It's often a starting point for exploring the island. Hvar Town is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Stari Grad, the main ferry port on the island.
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Jelsa: A charming town known for its wine production and serene atmosphere. It's about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Hvar Town, with a scenic coastal road connecting the two.
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Stari Grad: The oldest town on the island, famous for its UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain and historic sites. It's only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Jelsa.
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Beaches: Hvar offers numerous beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular ones include Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) in Bol (accessible by ferry), Dubovica Beach (approximately 9 kilometers from Hvar Town), and Palmižana Beach on Pakleni Islands (reachable by water taxi).
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Sv. Nikola: Hvar's highest peak offers panoramic views of the island. It's about a 30-minute drive from Hvar Town.
In summary, hiring a car in Hvar allows you to fully embrace the island's natural beauty and rich culture. With convenient access to the nearest airport in Split, minimal tolls, well-maintained roads, and the flexibility to explore at your leisure, you can make the most of your Hvar adventure. Be sure to visit Hvar Town, explore charming towns like Jelsa and Stari Grad, and bask in the beauty of Hvar's pristine beaches and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, a car rental on Hvar Island is your ticket to an unforgettable experience.