Activity Holidays in Croatia: Rock Climbing on the Island of Hvar

Famed for its beaches, pristine sea and endless sunshine, Croatia's premier island is the perfect location to do some rock climbing in a stunning setting.

The lure of a lazy afternoon at the beach or a beer at one of the many waterfront cafes on may be the ideal vacation for many, but there is much to offer the more adventurous tourist on Hvar, whether that be water-based activities or active sports on the island itself. One that is growing in popularity is rock climbing, according to local adventure sport experts, Hvar Adventure.

Rock Climbing on Hvar

In addition to pristine seas, the most sun in the Adriatic and a climate that led to the first organised health tourist resort in Europe, Hvar has some spectacular cliffs which make it ideal for rock climbing. Rock climbing is a relatively new sport on the island, but one with huge potential. The first bolted rock climbing areas came into being in 2002 and 2003, and there is now a growing selection of rock faces to tackle.

Apart from the obvious challenge of the climb itself, there can be few locations with a more spectacular backdrop than the cliffs on offer on Hvar, where the sea is so clear that climbers can see to the bottom.

Best Climbing Locations: Sveta Nedelja, Velika Stiniva, Milna, Stracine

There is an expanding range of climbing options open to enthusiasts which are dotted around the island. The main locations can be summarised as follows:

• Sveta Nedelja, on the south of the island and home to the infamous Plenkovic winery, has more than 100 routes (grade 5a - 8a)
• Velika Stiniva, a picturesque village on the northern coast of eastern Hvar has more than 50 routes (grade 4c - 8b)
• Milna, a fishing village and popular restaurant destination close to Hvar Town, has 16 routes (grades 5a - 7b)
• Stracine, close to Stari Grad, has 16 routes (grades 5a - 6c)
• Hvar Town has 11 routes (grades 5a - 7b)

Local NGO Stina Developing Routes

One of the driving forces of the development of new routes has been local NGO Stina, which has been working to develop climbing routes on Hvar. Many of the routes have been bolted by the well-known Slovenian climber and route maker, Vili Gucek, who was the first person to climb an 8a on the island.

Rock Climbing School on Hvar

As part of its rock climbing offer, Hvar Adventure also runs rock climbing schools out of season, the ideal time to explore the island's crags, with its milder winter temperature and sunny weather. All equipment is provided.

Rock climbing on Hvar is an excellent way to get a different perspective of this beautiful island. Another excellent way to discover hidden parts of Hvar is to try an off-road Jeep safari.