Hvar

Just off the coast of Hvar, the group of wooded, mostly uninhabited islets known as the Pakleni Otoci are among the prettiest on the Croatian Riviera. Towards the end of the day, take the scenic ride via a zodiac to this group – some little more than rocky outcrops – to Palmizana, home to Laganini, a lounge bar with direct beach access. Relaxation is the ethos at the lounge, whose name translates as leisurely, unhurried or easy going.

It’s a short but scenic trip by zodiac along the coastal islands to the mainland city of Split, where you’ll meet your local guide. You’ll begin your exploration at the Mestrovic Gallery, the hillside villa built by one of Croatia’s most acclaimed artists of the 20th century as a summer residence for his family, an atelier and a place to exhibit his work. The artist-architect’s work is displayed both inside and in the surrounding Mediterranean-style gardens that he also designed. The top of the property offers incredible views of the Old Town and the sea.

Set sail for beautiful secluded beaches and deserted coves of the Pakleni Islands, located just off the coast of Hvar, near Hvar town. Some of the 20-odd islets are little more than rocky outcrops but most are covered in trees and circled by sandy beaches, making a gorgeous backdrop for scenic sailing on the cobalt waters. A tender will take you to the marina where you will board the sailboat (CK).. Your local captain will plan on anchoring in two different tucked-away bays where you can go for a refreshing swim and do some snorkeling.

It’s a scenic drive from Hvar to the Stari Grad Plain, a fertile agricultural region known as the hora. The area has a timeless quality and beauty, with fields, groves and vineyards that have been preserved, virtually unchanged, since ancient Greeks settled on the island more than 2,400 years ago. The lavender workshop venue is a traditional stone structure set amid acres of the aromatic Mediterranean plant, whose perfume fills the air.

This walking tour of Hvar departs from the pier and heads for the town’s expansive main plaza, the hub of the city's social life and one of the largest squares in Dalmatia. Walk along the promenade past the grand Cathedral of St. Stephen to the Benedictine convent, where the nuns make lace so rare that it has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the heart of the port, you will see the Arsenal and its striking arched portal. Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Dalmatia, it houses what is said to be Europe's oldest public theater, established in 1612.

A speedboat whisks you to the wooded island of Šolta, set roughly midway between Hvar and the mainland city of Split. Used by the Roman emperor based in Split as a nearby getaway, the island remains a low-key retreat more than 1,500 years later. You’ll come ashore in the picturesque harbor of Stomorska, where Solta’s fishermen sell their early morning catch alongside the berths of sleek yachts, before traveling into the interior to visit two different family-operated agricultural businesses. Your first stop is in the village of Gornje Selo.