When it comes to the active life Hvar is a place of seemingly endless potential. While sunbathing and swimming are obvious and understandable priorities for most visitors in high summer, there is never a bad time of year for walking or cycling.
Sailing
The Dalmatian islands are perfect for relaxed flotilla sailing and a huge variety of sailing trips are offered by the big international travel agencies, many of which take in Hvar Town, Stari Grad,or lesser-known marinas such as Sveta Nedjelja. In addition, local travel agencies offer a range of water-borne trips in craft of all shapes and sizes, ranging from half-day tours of the Pakleni islands, evening trips to savour maritime sunsets, day-long excursions around the island of Hvar, or tailor-made private tours based around your own interests and requirements. Speedboat tours to the famed Blue Cave of Biševo, just beyond the island of Vis, is an outstandingly popular day trip from Hvar.Climbing
Hvar is an increasingly popular rock climbing destination with crags above Milna, Pokrivenik,Lučišća and Šuplja stina just outside Sveta Nedelja attracting specialists from around Europe. Routes have been prepared professionally by local experts: the enthusiast-run site Hvar Climbing ( hvarclimbing.com) carries information and advice. There is a Climbing Festival, based on Jelsa but involving organized climbs, every spring.There are also several Via Ferrata (hair-raising ropes-and-steel walkways requiring helmet, clips and a modicum of previous experience) above Sveta Nedjelja, on the way to Sveti Nikola peak.
Cycling
The island is perfect for cycling, especially in spring, early summer and autumn. Cycling can be gruelling in midsummer due to high temperatures and heavy traffic, when you should carry plenty of water and make good use of the early morning hours. Much of the island's rugged, up-and-down terrain seems to have been made with mountain biking in mind. All manner of two-wheeled craft can be rented out from the usual outlets in Hvar Town.
Hiking
Given that most of the island is made up of agricultural land, rural communities and Mediterranean wilderness, the possibilities for hiking are limitless. You might start with relaxing coastal strolls before branching out onto the dirt roads to abandoned villages, or making an assault on the mountain paths leading up onto the ridge that dominates the centre of the island. Particularly exhilarating is the ascent of the island's highest point, Sveti Nikola, from the coastal village of Sveta Nedjelja.Sea Kayaking
One of the most popular ways to see the Pakleni islands is to paddle your way over in a kayak - either as part of a guided mini-flotilla or on your own (there are plenty of places renting them out).SUP-ing
It's impossible to visit an Adriatic beach these days without bumping in to SUP users eagerly launching their boards into the waves. Paddling around on a SUP is certainly a brilliant way to explore the coast, or travel from beach to beach. They can be rented almost everywhere, and many operators offer classes for beginners.Jeep Safaris
Inland Hvar's multitude of unpaved roads and gravelly trails are ideal for a spot of off-roading, with a number of local operators offering 4WD trips to off-the-radar destinations, with abandoned highland villages, lavender plantations and rocky heights with fantastic views featuring among the likely targets.Buzz around in a Beetle
The island's car-rental agencies are so enthusiastic about the VW Beetle cabriolet that they have made it into something of a Hvar trademark. If you are into the idea of hiring a vehicle, then there are few better ways of exploring the island that in one of these bright-coloured machines with the roof folded down.Tips for leisure activities for the whole family to enjoy:
Activity specialists
The main company is Hvar Adventure: www.hvar-adventure.com
Kayak & Sup Hvar: www.kayaksup-hvar.com
Climbing at Sveta Nedjelja: Cliffbase www.cliffbase.com
Outdoor gym
You can tone up your muscles on the outdoor fitness machines on Šetalište Tonija Petrića, up behind the Bonj beach pavilion and next to Galeb beach in Križna luka.
Children's playpark
The šumica children's park, beside the seaside path on Štelalište Tonija Petrića, comprises slide, see-saw, climbing frames and several things for clambering around on, all rendered in natural woods.
There's another, smaller playground beyond the Franciscan Monastery on Šetalište put Križa.
The third one is next to Galeb beach in Križna Luka.
