Hvar, Croatia/Under Sail
The Panorama remained at anchor throughout the evening just off the medieval port of Hvar. After breakfast our Zodiacs were dropped and we began shuttling ashore. We were scheduled to spend our morning in the small port town of Hvar on the island of the same name. The town is located on the west end of the island and would be ours to explore for the morning.
Once our group was ashore, we were divided into two groups beginning our tour at the Franciscan monastery. The art collection provided a very interesting beginning to our walking tour of Hvar. In the outer gardens of the monastery the oldest Cypress tree in Croatia still stands. The back patio afforded a great view of the Panorama at anchor and the giant Cypress provided shade on this warm morning.
From the monastery we made our way along the harbor. Drawn to the scent of lavender we stopped to visit a special tradesman selling products made from local lavender grown on Hvar. Lavender is a vital part of island life on Hvar. In 1924 a disease hit the vineyards of Hvar. People began planting lavender and were very successful, and this became the most important agricultural business of the island. The lavender is grown in two villages, Brusje and Velo Grabje. Each village has its own distillation method for the lavender essence. Approximately 100 hectares of lavender is being grown on Hvar today. The crop is usually harvested in the latter part of July. During this very hot period of summer the harvest is divided into two parts of the day. The harvest lasts twenty days with work beginning at 4:00am, and then resuming just after sunset.
The lavender of Hvar has been analyzed in Vienna, Austria and it was determined that the quality of the plant and especially its constituents along with the distilling done on Hvar can be some of the best in the world. Today the lavender essential oil of Hvar are shipped all over the world, continuing a traditional use of lavender as a perfume as it has been for thousands of years.
Rounding a corner at the end of the harbor we found ourselves in the main square or Placja. The Sveti Stjepan cathedral was situated at the far end with a large unusual bell tower on one side. The Venetian influence was truly amazing throughout Hvar. Wandering through the side streets leading up one hillside we found many beautiful Venetian palaces, one after another. Nestled in many of these side streets were small cafes, interesting shops and courtyards turned into restaurants shaded by large trees. These fine establishments offered sumptuous meals prepared from the fresh seafood of the Adriatic Sea along with traditional Croatian dishes.
Several of us chose to remain ashore and enjoy the fine food of Croatia on our last afternoon ashore. All too soon it was time to return to the Panorama for an afternoon of cruising. The anchor was lifted just after 2:00pm and shortly the engines stopped and we could feel the ship heal slightly as we cruised quietly and under sail!
What a lovely way to finish our last day on board the Panorama. Our journey had taken us through four countries exploring land and people. The landscape and traditions of each place had been a daily experience, only enhancing the diversity and beauty of the unique part of the world called the Dalmatian Coast.
