While Hvar, Croatia, is best known for its marinas, beaches and lively nightlife, the island also hides a wealth of lesser-known oceanic and culinary experiences. From sipping wine in an underwater cellar to dining on secluded islets and sampling oil from millennia-old trees, Hvar offers authentic moments for curious travelers.
© Hvar Tourist Board
Sip Wine from an Underwater Cellar
At the award-winning Zlatan Otok winery, wine is stored and presented in a cellar located beneath the sea. The winery and its restaurant sit on a pier and are open for lunch, dinner and tastings. After dining, visitors can descend to the stone cellar to see wooden barrels and peer through windows into the surrounding water, creating a memorable, sensory experience that connects glass, bottle and sea.
© Cliffbase
Walk Iron Steps to Hvar’s Highest Peak
Adventurous visitors and casual climbers alike can reach Sveti Nikola, Hvar’s highest peak, on a Via Ferrata route operated by local guides. Beginning near the steep vineyards of Sveta Nedjelja, the route features iron steps, cables, bridges and a dramatic walkway more than 260 feet above sea level. The climb blends adrenaline with spectacular vistas over vineyards, sea and island-studded horizons.
Taste Olive Oil from One of the World’s Oldest Trees
Hvar is home to an extraordinary olive tree estimated at around 2,500 years old—far older than the typical olive tree lifespan. This ancient tree is a highlight of guided bike tours to Zastražišće, which include olive oil tastings and lunch. It stands among more than 200,000 olive trees on the island, many contributing to award-winning olive oil production and a storied agricultural tradition.
Discover a Wine Cellar in an Abandoned Tunnel
An unexpected cellar lies inside a tunnel originally constructed by the Yugoslav army in 1963. Winemaker Zlatan Plenković repurposed a former water-storage room into a cool, hidden space for wine aging. The tunnel cellar is discreet and intriguing—an offbeat stop for those exploring the island by car or on wine-focused excursions.
Stay in a 15th-Century Home in Hvar Town
For history lovers, Villa Varda – Latica (historically known as the Bevilaqua House) offers accommodation in a restored 15th-century mini-palace located beside the Church of St. Annuziata. Restored with attention to period detail, the house provides a chance to sleep in centuries-old surroundings while enjoying modern comforts and easy access to Hvar Town’s narrow streets and waterfront.
© Hvar Tourist Board
Dine in a Former Military Fortress
Galešnik, an uninhabited islet among the Pakleni Islands, offers an intimate escape from crowded summer spots. The islet’s eco-restaurant serves dinner at sunset, set within a landscape that once functioned as a Franciscan quarantine site and later a military fortress. The combination of history, sea air and island-grown produce makes dining here a peaceful, memorable experience.
Hvar’s blend of sea, soil and history invites exploration beyond its popular beaches and nightlife. Whether you prefer tasting ancient olive oil, following vineyard trails to cliffside vistas or discovering secret cellars and island restaurants, Hvar rewards travelers who look beyond the obvious.