Travel Guide Stari Grad: Discover the Heart of Hvar Island
Welcome to Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town and one of the most charming destinations on the Adriatic. When planning your stay at Holiday House Oleas Stari Grad Hvar, you are not just choosing premium accommodation—you are placing yourself at the historic center of an island world-renowned for its heritage, untouched nature, and exquisite Mediterranean lifestyle.
Ancient History Meets Mediterranean Serenity
Founded by the Greeks in 384 BC as Pharos, Stari Grad boasts over 2,400 years of history. A stroll through the winding stone alleys surrounding Holiday House Oleas feels like stepping back in time. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the “Stari Grad Plain” (Starogradsko Polje), still showcases ancient Greek land division and invites you to explore olive groves and vineyards by foot or bicycle.
Highlights and Activities near Holiday House Oleas
Staying at Holiday House Oleas Stari Grad Hvar means having the town’s most iconic landmarks within walking distance:
- Tvrdalj Castle: The stunning Renaissance summer residence of poet Petar Hektorović, featuring its famous emerald fishpond.
- The Riva: Stari Grad’s vibrant waterfront promenade, perfect for a morning coffee or a sunset dinner.
- Beaches: Discover hidden bays like Arkada or enjoy family-friendly swimming spots with crystal-clear water just a short distance away.
Culinary Delights and Island Flavors
The gastronomy in Stari Grad is defined by fresh seafood, world-class olive oil, and the island’s famous wines. From your base at Holiday House Oleas, you can easily explore local konobas (traditional taverns) serving authentic specialties like Gregada (a traditional fisherman’s stew).
Your Perfect Gateway: Holiday House Oleas Stari Grad Hvar
At Holiday House Oleas, our goal is to provide more than just a place to sleep; we offer a true home away from home. Benefit from our central yet peaceful location, allowing you to soak up the authentic atmosphere of Hvar at your own pace. Whether you are chartering a boat to explore the Pakleni Islands, visiting the Fortica fortress in Hvar Town, or simply relaxing in our garden, Stari Grad is the ideal setting for your next getaway.
gastronomy scene
Eremitaž
Very good food in an old stone house, 10-15 minutes away from the property by walk. They exist for a long time and are still there while others disappeared.
Hora Hvar
Zuvela family are continuing the traditions of the Ancient Greeks today. With some 32,000m2, the working farm is an oasis of heritage and organic produce, a world away from the beach and busy coastal towns. With animals for the children, a range of organic food and wines produced by the family, and catering for groups for the most traditional of Dalmatian meals, Agroturizam Pharos is waiting for your visit to show you a different side of Hvar, taking you back to the time of the Ancient Greeks. (Info taken from Hora website).
Konoba Stori Komin
A restaurant “Konoba Stori Komin” with a beautiful view on the top of the village in the abandoned village Malo Grablje. It´s almost on the other side of the island (from Stari Grad).
Jurin podrum
Nice little restaurant in the old town of Stari Grad.
Tiha Lounge Bar
A lounge bar close to the water reachable by a longer walk or taxi boat which starts in town in front of the court at the left side of the harbour.
Tramonto
Best sunset view combined with a drink or coffee.
Markets
Some markets in Stari Grad
Tommy Hipermarket
Large supermarket, 2 minutes away from the property.
Tepić
Very good bakery, 2 minutes away from the property.
Sightseeing features
Some attractions in Stari Grad and surroundings.
Fortress of Petar Hektorović
Malo Grablje
Malo Grablje is an abandoned little village which was left because of an insect (phylloxera). A restaurant “Konoba Stori Komin” with a beautiful view is available on the top of the village.
Brusje
In the surroundings of Brusje you should find some of the Lanvender fields (mostly until the end of June). The most Lavender fields were destroyed by fires and other factors.
Vrboska
Vrboska is called “little Venice”. It´s a small and charming little town with beautiful beaches, about 10km away from Stari Grad.
Jelsa
A charming town on the island.
Grapčeva cave
Grapceva cave is the cradle of Hvar’s culture and civilization. The cave is one of the prehistoric findings dating back to the New Stone Age (Neolithic Period) 5000 – 4000 years BC and one of the oldest discoveries in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean.
Hvar
The biggest town (Hvar town) on the island with a fortress is worth checking it out before 12pm or after 6pm.
Spanish Fortress
A fortress in Hvar town with a beautiful view.
