Croatia: Hvar

We were lucky - the weather was perfect for a late September cruise on the Adriatic - temperature in the mid-twenties, clear blue skies and the sea was calm.  The Azamara Quest was small with only 600 guests - once you've tried this size of cruise ship, there is no way anyone would want to go back on the big boats ever again.

But all that aside, our first destination in Hvar, Croatia was the best stop on the 7 day cruise. The town was small, quaint, quiet and very clean - the people dignified, the service staff helpful. The waters were so clear you can see all the way to the bottom.  And it has the best squid we tasted in the two weeks we were in Croatia and Italy. It's the little island paradise of Croatia - my only hope is that it stays that way.

We explored on our own and wandered into the narrow winding streets that led up to the old fortress. It was not a difficult walk and gave us glimpses of everyday life in the town.  

View from the quay

The Arsenal - this is now a theatre on the second floor

The expansive square

One of the prettiest buildings in the square - housing a pharmacy

View as we hiked up the hill towards the fort

One of many steps

The fort and the old walls of the city

Enchanting!

  

It is one of the more attractive forts we have visited - brings to mind El Morro in Cuba

Even higher up - the view is worth the hike to the fort!

St. Francis praying hard in front of the monastery bearing his name

                                Cloisters inside the San Francisco Monastery

A roasting lamb made us wish we were having dinner there but we had to go to the concert

Cool shops

Cobbled walks - no problem!

Is this going to be a pet or dinner?

Best squid ever and risotto for afternoon snack

Incredibly clear waters

This is supposed to be one of the town attractions - if you can find it.  It is called the Palace - well, it used to be one.  It took us all day to find it because we were not told that it is now a hotel!

Dusk in the harbour

Sunset in Hvar


Finally, the highlight of the day - a concert by cellist Ana Rucner, the dynamic Croatian musician whose performance made this such a unique experience.  Take a look at a short clip of her show, and a show it definitely is...

Ana Rucner Concert