Hvar Town and the Pakleni Archipeligo
The capital of the island is about 20 minute drive from Nine Olives. You can easily get a taxi or a bus from a stop 100m from the house.
The new road goes through a tunnel under the high ridge that separates the towns. The old road twists up and over, offering exceptional views (and a good workout for serious cyclists).
Hvar Town has good shops and places to eat and drink including the iconic bar Carpe Diem
Private waterbuses leave there regularly (especially during the high season) for the Pakleni Islands (sometimes called Paklinski Islands), a short distance off shore, taking about 10-20 minutes. There are water buses in Hvar Town, but the best option, especially if you are a large party, is to hire a fast boat. Denis at Hvar Boats can take you.+385 95 891 0626. www.hvarseatours.com . He charges €60- €120 in each direction, depending on which island you are going to. There is a lovely path down the centre of the island, starting at the Meneghello Art Hotel (which is worth popping into). Toto’s is perhaps the best place to eat at Palmizana. It is best to reserve. Ask for a table overlooking the bay. +385 21 718 242. They rent recliners on the narrow, but beautiful, beach in front.
Palmizana
This is a great day out.
There is a unique and long-established "art" restaurant, part of a small resort, run by the Menegello family Palmižana Meneghello
There are three restaurants at the beach, which is very beautiful.
Fine dining Zori Timeless and Bacchus
More informal Toto's, which is perhaps the best option. t is best to reserve. Ask for a table overlooking the bay. +385 21 718 242. They rent beach recliners.
A beautiful path that runs from the Meneghello hotel down the middle of the island, with great views on either side, to a tiny hamlet. There are two local restaurants there serving fresh local produce amongst vineyards and olive groves The Fisherman's House and Konoba Dionis
Carpe Diem
A famous club, an outpost of a bar on the quayside in Hvar Town, where you can chill or party by day and night.
South Side of the Island
The journey is an experience in itself, the road passing through a narrow rock hewn tunnel (from Pitve to Zavala), cars going one way at a time, then along the coast. Croatia's most famous wine is made here from the Plavac grape, the precipitous south facing vineyards producing incredibly intense flavours. Bilo Idro is a unique wine cellar and restaurant on the tiny, picturesque dock at Sveta Nedilja (24km from Nine Olives). There are lovely beaches there and at other places along the coast with crystal clear water.
Bol
The lovely town of Bol, on the neighbouring island of Brac (which is visible from Nine Olives), with its iconic Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, makes a great day trip. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
Boat operators in Stari Grad that can take you there are:
Pharos Boats:
They use a RIB boat accommodating up to 8. The charge for a day trip is 500 euros. Vlado will give you a 15% discount if you mention Nine Olives.
Vlado Matijević.
Tel / WhatsApp: +3850981674532.
hello@farosboats.com. www.farosboats.com
Oliva: Antonijo Roić +385 91 561 6808 They normally use their red or blue speedboats. Pictures on Instagram: oliva.taxi.boat
