Visiting the island of Hvar, many tourists do not plan Vrboska village as a must see destination. They are mistaken because it is one of the most romantic places of an indescribable charm and beauty.
This tiny village on the north coast of Hvar island, lies at the bottom of narrow curving fjord with several bridges, that resembles the famous Venice, sometimes called ‘a little Venice’.
The name Vrboska derives probably from two sources. The first one from Vrbanj, the inland village whose inhabitants established in 15th century a fishing port. The second one comes from Latin word ‘verboscam’ (a wooded bay). Read a more detailed historical overview of this village on Wikipedia if you want to find out more about it.
Vrboska has little more of 500 inhabitants who live mainly of tourism, olive, fruit and wine growing, as well as of fishing. (At the beginning of the 20th century, Vrboska had a sardine factory).
Today is also a lovely tourist resort that has everything you need for a quiet family holiday. It is surrounded by pine trees with several beaches, hotels, numerous private rooms and apartments, and many sports facilities.
Its deep bay has become suitable to anchor small yachts with a well-equipped marina for larger yachts. It’s one of the most protected yachts harbor on Hvar island.
Vrboska Village Bridges
Don’t expect to find numerous bridges like in Venice but it’s so excited to stroll this small village streets and crossing the bridges of this ‘Little Venice’.
I find it astonishing how the local fishermen pass under those bridges with their fishing boats to reach the open sea. The local boat owners have boats with a folding mast in order to pass under the bridge. It is very important to know the high and low tide to be able freely to pass under the bridge.
Vrboska Village – What To See
Vrboska offers to visitors some important cultural and historical monuments as a part of Hvar island attractions.
The 16th century fortress church of St. Mary of Mercy
In the middle of the village stands out a fortified church St.Mary that dominates the surrounding area.
The church was built at the beginning of the second half of the 15th century as a single-nave Gothic church with a rectangular apse.
Since it was not fortified, it was damaged in an attack by the Turks in 1571.
Today’s appearance with protected walls were built several years later to protect local inhabitants.
There are written records that all of the residents were able to find refuge inside the fortified church and to launch attacks in 1579, defeating the Turks invaders.
Today visitors can visit this church and from the church roof can enjoy a beautiful view of the countryside and the sea. Opening hours: Mon-sat 10:00-12:00
Vrboska Village – Church of St. Lovre (Lawrence)
West of a fortified church St.Mary, there is the parish church of St. Lovrinac with five altars. It dates back to the 15th century and was rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century.
The church through the history was burned twice. For the first time in 1512 during the rebellion and again in 1571 during the Turkish invasion.
The interior of the church hides priceless artistic treasures, one of the richest art collections in Dalmatia. It can be visited from Mon-Sun from18:00 to19:00. The entrance is free.
It contains numerous images of famous renaissance and baroque artists. In August, each year (ten days festivity) a big celebration takes place, the ‘Days of St.Lawrence’.
Fishing Museum
Vrboska village had a long and prosperous fishing tradition and high quality fish processing (sardines).
The French company Societe Generale Francaise founded in 1894 a Sardine Factory that was active until 1972.
Sardines and anchovies from this factory were highly demanded because of packaging technology in olive oil, which gave a particularly good taste.
That same year, after the cessation of sardines and anchovies production, it was founded the Fishing Museum, with the aim of preserving the rich fishing tradition in Vrboska village.
Museum has an interesting collection of traditional fishing nets, tools and equipment, as well as tools from old fish processing factory. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the arduous living conditions in the reconstructed home of fishermen.
The museum is open from: Mon-Sun 10.00 AM to12.30 AM and from18.30 PM to – 21.00 PM
Getting To Vrboska
There are several way to reach Vrboska village whether by car ferry , by car, by bus or by fast catamaran (only passengers) via Bol (Brac island).
The fastest way is by seaplane from Split airport or Split downtown seaplane harbor. There is a daily flight to Jelsa.
- By car ferry from Split to Stari Grad
- By car from Sucuraj taking Drvenik (Makarska Riviera) to Sucuraj ferry boat
- By catamaran from Split – Bol – Jelsa
- By bus from Stari Grad ferry port
- By seaplane via Jelsa
Vrboska Village Accommodation
Vrboska offers a wide offer of different types of accommodation from houses, rooms, apartments, holiday villas and some comfortable hotel resorts.
One of top picks in Vrboska is 3 stars Senses Resort located in a secluded and forested bay just 20 m from the sea, close to Soline the most popular family beach.
Vrboska Beaches
Vrboska has one of the best family island beaches on Hvar island, Soline, a short walk through the pine trees from Vrboska in direction of Jelsa town.
This beach has a part dedicated to nudist fans. Vrboska is a place with a long tradition in naturism in hidden nearby coves.
FKK auto camp Nudist is situated in a quiet, wooded cove, only 1 km far from Vrboska.
It is located directly on the coast, in an area surrounded by trees looking at the Brac island.