Here we are at the beginning of August and it’s been a doozy of a summer so far. Between the sweltering temperatures and the cloying humidity, it’s been difficult to breathe some days, let alone get up the energy to move. These are the days of the Dalmatian fjaka, sort of like a Spanish siesta,…
The last time we were treated to aerial views of the island was when we flew in the seaplane, now sadly no longer an option. But this week, himself was invited for a tour of Hvar and Korčula from a two-seater plane. Take-off from Stari Grad International airport, where there are currently several planes on…
To get a good photo of a butterfly, ideally it comes to us, and is considerate enough to land peacefully while we grab the camera! This guy visited us at the Artichoke wine bar in Jelsa while we were having lunch. Not one I’d seen before, with yellow markings on a very dark upperside. Trouble…
I’ve wanted for some time to write an article about the Hvar statute of 1331, which appears to be everyone’s favourite supporting evidence for the antiquity of their village, church, tower, field or whatever. Does it actually support all these claims, I wondered? Does a codex of law actually mention all these places? And what…
For most of us, seaplanes seem an echo from the past, a remnant of times gone by, when travel was more adventurous, more glamorous. But they’re also visions of the future for Europe’s many islands and remote coastal areas – for example Scotland’s west coast, the Croatian islands, Italy and Greece. And around the rest…
It’s good to see traditional island products being made, especially when given an innovative twist. And although everyone and their granny has their recipe for marmalade, it’s highly unusual to find a tomato marmalade – and very yummy it is too! We found it pairs excellently well with cheese. The marmalade in question is made…
Hvar is the island of wine, and in many vineyards the grapes are ripening, almost ready for harvest. Our 5th day of painting took us right in amongst some old vines, near the village of Svirče. As vineyards go, this one is rather impressive, mostly large rocks with pockets of soil for the vines. Around…
Looking for a light and tasty lunch in Jelsa today, we thought to try the recently opened Artichoke, which comes highly recommended by Total Hvar. It’s in a great location on the Riva, just next to the boat club, so has a lovely view of the harbour. Owner Dino Pavičić, who also started the Mojito…
At the heart of Vrboska is one of the more unusual churches that you’ll ever see – the church fortress of St Mary of Mercy has high walls, battlements and an impressive ravelin defending the front door. Originally financed by the local people, it was extended and fortified in 1575 to be a refuge in…
This week marked the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto on 7th October 1571, which still ranks as one of the major events in the history of the Mediterranean, and indeed around the world. The Ottoman fleet was defeated by the Holy League in what was the last sea battle to be fought by man-powered…
Go Hvar 
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