The stunning Croatian island of Hvar is famously beautiful. Consistently one of the top ten islands in the world according to Conde Nast, it is a rather unique place that is unusual for the area for having a large fertile coastal plain and fresh water springs. Its hillsides are covered in pine forests, with vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields and it boasts both mild winters, and warm summers with long sunny days. The coasts of the island are dotted with perfect sandy beaches and pretty marinas full of boats and yachts and lovely little towns and settlements dot the countryside.
However, there is one feature, above all others, that helped propel this pretty island into the spotlight; its iconic lavender fields. In fact, the incredible images of endless fields of lavender tossed by playful breezes are what first caught the attention of the world and made many add the island to their bucket lists. While the island no longer looks quite like those famous pictures, it is still a stunning place and a must for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Split-Dalmatien.
However, there is one feature, above all others, that helped propel this pretty island into the spotlight; its iconic lavender fields. In fact, the incredible images of endless fields of lavender tossed by playful breezes are what first caught the attention of the world and made many add the island to their bucket lists. While the island no longer looks quite like those famous pictures, it is still a stunning place and a must for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Split-Dalmatien.
Just 50 years ago, the fragrant island of Hvar accounted for 8% of the entire world’s lavender production. The small village of Velo Grablje, until recently, had a startlingly small population of just five people and was once the centre of lavender production for all Dalmatia. Today, sadly, those rolling fields of the blooms no longer exist in their former glory, greatly disappointing people who saw images of the island decades ago. Economic hardship, devastating forest fires and emigration have decimated that lavender industry.
Yet, Hvar’s lavender story is a fascinating one, and one which is undergoing a revival with the rebirth of that village, Velo Grablje. Thanks to the work of some enthusiastic locals, the village is thriving thanks to its lavender heritage, and its population has increased (to 14 but it's still an improvement!). Most importantly, there is an annual Lavender Festival at the end of June, which is the optimum time to visit. However, lavender is in bloom usually from late May until mid-July and tours can be arranged to see the flowers.
Yet, Hvar’s lavender story is a fascinating one, and one which is undergoing a revival with the rebirth of that village, Velo Grablje. Thanks to the work of some enthusiastic locals, the village is thriving thanks to its lavender heritage, and its population has increased (to 14 but it's still an improvement!). Most importantly, there is an annual Lavender Festival at the end of June, which is the optimum time to visit. However, lavender is in bloom usually from late May until mid-July and tours can be arranged to see the flowers.
While those iconic images of the lavender fields may no longer be a reality, this beautiful island is still worth visiting and the more people visit, the more they are able to reclaim the Hvar that once was. Who knows, maybe, in years to come, the island will hang heavy with the scent of lavender once more?
