Slept in till 8ish seeing as was a late finish last night. Our room is small but comfortable - Zorica and her family live upstairs. Put a load of washing on and wandered out to check out Hvar in daylight. OMG - it's divine! Every turn is yet another postcard scene! Just incredibly beautiful! Short stroll around the corner to port area and wow!.....certainly lifestyles of the rich and mega rich.....with plenty of young back packers thrown in! The yachts!! Amazing! Had breaky just soaking it all in. Plenty of people heading off on day trips to one of the nearby islands. Croatia has a total of about 1300 islands! Needed a trip back to collect my sunnies - going to be yet another scorcher of a day! Being Sunday mass was in progress in the Cathedral of St Stephens which forms a stunning backdrop to the square - built in the 16th and 17th centuries at the height of the Dalmatian Renaissance. We walked back around past the port again and continued around the next cove to Our Lady of Charity church (mass on here also) and the Franciscan Monastery and Museum - unfortunately closed on Sundays. Was interesting following the stations of the cross shrines along the perimeter of the cove. Extensive array of water craft as well as plenty of holiday makers out enjoying the sun and water. Decided to meander back into town, get the car, find the petrol station and refuel in preparation for our fairly early departure tomorrow. Once that was accomplished drove around the areas that were accessible - a few more beach areas, then up to the Fortress. This would save the trek up the hill later as it really is extremely hot.
The views from the fortress were mind blowing! It represents the main fortification of the town and port that provided protection for centuries. It's foundations date back to the first half of the 1st millennium BC while construction of the present day fortification began in 1282.
We drove around a few more beach areas before returning the car to the car park. Grabbed something to eat (fruit at the market) and explored a few of the narrow stone streets before venturing around the other side of town to the fancy Bonj Les brains beach. Beautiful hotels - especially the Amfora with its impressive pools and water slides positioned just above the beach. Enjoyed a couple of hours relaxing, swimming (water was icy cold), people watching and having a pivo. Feeling a tad conspicuous on the beach - think I'm the only woman in Europe not wearing a brief bikini - regardless of age and body shape!
Back to our room for a rest before freshening up for dinner.
Found a lovely restaurant on one of the narrow cobbled streets off the square, called Luna, with a roof top terrace. Really enjoyed our fish and squid - not so fussed on this particular Croatian wine from Hvar (prefer George's wine back at Casablanca).
Strolled after dinner in the pleasant cool of the evening - had apple strudel (strudels popular in Croatia) and a Baileys at a cafe on the a square. Then back to Casablanca for a nightcap! Will sleep well tonight - big day ahead!