Hvar: This Croatian Island is a Playground for Thrill-Seekers

In a surge driven by travelers seeking adrenaline-fueled experiences, the global extreme tourism market is projected to skyrocket from 2022’s revenue of $24.2 billion to $91 billion by 2032—an unprecedented 14.4% growth. Prepared for this new age of exploration is Croatia’s sunniest island, Hvar – a treasure trove for travelers seeking adventure.  

From new rock-climbing sites featuring unparalleled views of the Pakleni Islands to walking across the island’s highest peak on steel steps, there are endless ways for adrenaline junkies to get their fix on Hvar.   

• Walk on Iron Steps Along Hvar’s Highest Peak: Even amateur climbers can experience Hvar’s highest peak, Sveti Nikola. Cliffbase’s Via Ferrata Hvar allows adventurers of all levels to climb from the steep wine vineyards of Sveta Nedjelja to the plateau just below the mountain’s peak, including a heart-pumping walk over a bridge 260 feet in the air across a protected climbing route with iron steps, bridges, and cables. 
• Scale the Island with the Most UNESCO Heritage Sites: For a thrilling way to discover the island, try a rock-climbing tour, allowing you to discover Hvar’s varied terrain while being suspended in the air. There are a variety of climbing areas, journeying across cliffs stretching over the sea, into quiet inlets, and over Hvar Town. The island even recently opened a new climbing area with magnificent views of the Pakleni Islands, “Glova od bure.”
• Bike through 100+ Trails– Thanks to the scenic and varied terrain, Hvar is a treasure trove for cyclists. The island’s stock as a cycling destination rose considerably a few years ago when one of the world’s top cycling teams, Bahrain McLaren, came to the island for winter training, three years in a row. Hvar’s trails take bikers through UNESCO World Heritage sites, across lavender fields, past secluded villages, and along the coast.  
• Explore Bioluminescent Caves and Historic Shipwrecks - Laid back travelers can discover the island by sea, with Suncani Hvar Hotels’ snorkeling tours. Choose between sailboat and speedboat tours, visiting destinations like the otherworldly blue and green caves, sunken shipwrecks, the fascinating underwater scenery surrounding the Pakelini Islands, or the shores of the limestone Red Rocks.

Après Adventure: 

• Rental Home Built Into a Cliff: At the same site as the Via Ferrata, a home built into limestone rock is available to rent – highlights include a cave connecting guests to a wine cellar, “limited WiFi” in order to disconnect, and sea kayaks. 
• Wine Tasting in a Cave: Adjacent to Sveti Nedjelja, sits an intimate wine cellar built in an old limestone chasm that hosts unique wine tastings. The wine is produced onsite and Sveta Nedjelja’s remote location allows the grapes to be produced in a natural, organic way, away from pesticides, and harvested in the sun that the island is famous for.
• Hotel Check-Ins: Check into the eco-conscious Beach Bay Hvar Hotel running on solar power, Hvar's first sustainable hotel and Croatia’s first hotel to join UNESCO’s newest tourism program, Sustainable Travel Pledge.