With over a thousand Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is the island that is most popular and voted as one of the best of the best. If you're longing for peace, gourmet food, fun in the sun and zipping along the sea, you can satisfy all of life's little treasures right here in Hvar.

Hvar (pronounced hwahr) has been a popular resort destination for over a century. Croatia is a member of the European Union, and my guess is...you'll begin to see and hear a lot more about the charm of Croatia. As you make your way into town you'll pass the harbor and enjoy the crystal clear water filled with charming vessels.

Hvar has a mild Mediterranean climate and alluring beaches of pebble, smooth sun-bleached stone and white sand. It's one of the sunniest spots in Europe, with sunshine averaging about 2,720 hours a year.

The main piazza - St. Stephen's Cathedral

Hvar Town has one of Dalmatia's largest town squares, a large 17th-century building that later became a Renaissance theatre, and the Cathedral of St Stjepan, a splendid example of the Dalmatian Renaissance with a four-level bell tower.

Everywhere you walk the cobblestone streets and winding pathways change color as the sun begins to set.

We stayed at the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort which includes the Bonj Les Bains beach club, a 1930's white stone colonnade and the island's most glamorous spot for soaking up the rays.

The Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort offers a wide range of water activities, a smooth sandy beach, paddle boards, snorkeling and if you have a chance you'll want to rent a boat. We rented one for 6 hours and it was a blast, we had so much fun exploring the islands, tossing you anchor anywhere you want, diving in and swimming in crystal clear water.

Benedictine Convent and Church of St. Anthony the Abbot, 17th-18th cent.

The Benedictine Convent has been located here since 1664, originally in the residential complex of the poet Hanibal Lucić's family (1485-1553), which was left by his daughter-in-law Julija in her will to the Benedictines in 1591. Next to the convent is the Baroque church of st. Anthony the Abbot and John the Baptist from the 17th cent.

We found GIAXA on our first night in town. Their stunning light fixture instantly caught our attention. In the 15th century, during the Venetian rule, Hvar became the major port on the east coast of the Adriatic. The city walls were completed in 1450 and the Franciscan Monastery is under construction (1461). By the end of the century, a noble family called Jakša built a family palace of Late Gothic style. After five hundred years of upgrades and changes, you will find GIAXA (Venetian name for Jakša). Beautiful setting, a true culinary experience from chef Marko Krolo. (credit cards accepted).

BACCHUS - By far our favorite lunch experience. Bacchus Palmizana (on the Pakleni islands) You will need a boat to enjoy Bacchus and it's worth it!

Wrapped in an oasis of tranquility, enjoy an amazing view and loose yourself in the shade of an olive grove. The service was exceptional and the food was incredibly satisfying...so we returned the following day .(Bacchus takes credit cards).

Favorite dishes were the grilled calamari, garlic spinach, grilled fish, and you can't beat the view. We loved it so much we returned the next day for lunch. Try to get a table by the water, but everywhere you sit is a great experience. The olive trees are magical and provide excellent shade for a sunny day.

Bacchus is a family run restaurant, located in their own olive grove, the restaurant offers a natural, tranquil atmosphere along with a specific method of cooking in a traditional bread oven. Overall it was a terrific experience.

There is plenty of spaces available to anchor a boat, large or small. It all flows effortlessly.

After a tasty lunch, head back to your boat for a refreshing swim. The water temperature is just the right amount of chill and feels exhilarating when you take the plunge.

After spending the day on the sea, I had my family drop me off in the harbor for a little afternoon shopping. Easy in, easy out.

I found YUYU to be the best boutique on the island. You can find everything you need to remember your trip from here. The overall dress-code is casual, a kaftan, shorts sandals...it's really all you'll need.

Bathing suite, shoes, clutches, jewelry, and adorable kaftans.

We found MACONDO on the second night of our trip and returned the following night for a repeat performance. The owner is there on hand, along with an attentive staff and the food was fresh and excellent. Be sure to sit outside on the walkway, which makes for a fun people watching experience. Many of the customers are locals, and that's usually a good sign.

I had fish every night while we were in Croatia. The food is simple, fresh and delicious. It's also really well priced. Here you will need Cash.

Amfora Grand Beach Resort - Most rooms have a birds eye view. If you stay here you will have access to the private beach club Bonj les bains and it's about a 5-minute walk along the sea into town.

The Bonj 'les bains' beach club offers lounge chairs, towels, umbrellas and private pontoons for all-day shade.

When you're ready to head to your next island you will want to take the ferry; it was a delightful, smooth, easy and relaxing ride. I suggest your tickets a day or two before you depart.

Hotel Adriana is located in town with this amazing view of the harbour. The Amfora and the Adriana are the main hotels. I noticed several apartments when strolling along inside the town that looked charming, I think that's worthy of looking into.