Vrboska

Vrboska sits on Hvar’s northern coast, deep inside a narrow, winding inlet crossed by small stone bridges. The settlement divides into Pjaca, lined with Renaissance and Baroque houses, and Podva, where churches and Gothic-Renaissance lanes predominate. Its commanding landmark is the fortified Church of St Mary, built in the 15th century and strengthened about a century later against Ottoman attacks. St Lawrence’s Church holds works by Renaissance and Baroque artists, St Peter’s was first recorded in 1331, and the votive Church of St Roch dates from 1577. The Fishermen’s Museum, founded in 1972, presents nets, tools, lamps and photographs from Vrboska’s maritime tradition. A sardine factory established in 1894 and closed in 1972 recalls the village’s industrial phase. Swimming is spread among Soline, Zavala, Milna, Maslinica and other coves; Soline lies about one kilometre from the centre, while Milna has a sandy bottom and plentiful natural shade. Vrboska connects by road to the island’s D116 state road, and its sheltered harbour contains an ACI marina operating throughout the year.

Vrboska developed as the harbour of inland Vrbanj, deep inside an inlet on Hvar’s northern coast. The narrow channel divides it into Pjaca, marked by Renaissance and Baroque houses, and Podva, characterised by churches and Gothic-Renaissance lanes. Stone bridges crossing the two sides inspired the nickname Little Venice, while the islet of Škojić remains a local symbol. Fishing has shaped Vrboska’s identity: the waterfront once held a wooden-boat yard and a sardine factory established in 1894. The sheltered bay continues its maritime role through the ACI marina, while the Fishermen’s Museum preserves equipment and photographs from Hvar’s fishing tradition.