2019-09-24 Soline Bay, St Klement Island to Starigrad, Hvar Island, Croatia

This morning we depart Soline Bay in south west of St Klement Island and head west then north
With much marine traffic and choppy waters we make our way back to Hvar Island
Once around the north west point of Hvar Island the waters appeared to be much more calmer
Spectacular scenery looking north towards Brac Island
Motoring east again along the northern coast of Hvar we pass several beautiful bays
Today we decide to visit the old town of Starigrad which is at the end of a long protected bay and next to prime agricultural land
Starigrad is one of the oldest towns in Europe with Neolithic tribes occupying the land between 3500 and 2500BC
Fortunately we were able to secure a mooring in the busy port
Starigrad being such a long narrow sheltered port has multiple berths for visiting yachts
Yacht races and sailing are extremely popular around the island of Hvar
Once settled we all set off for a stroll around the lovely old town
While out we decide to stock up on a few essential supplies
On both sides of the long narrow waterway of Starigrad there are numerous yachts and boats lining the shores
We head towards Tvrdalj Castle (on this site in ancient times, a castle stood here) which is a popular landmark to visit while in Starigrad
Petar Hectorovic, a 16th Century Croatian poet (1487-1572) created Tvrdalj Castle which became his summer residence
The noble poet fortified his house so that it could act as a shelter for the local citizens while Hvar came under the attack of the Ottoman Turks in the 1500’s
We visit the residence with it’s beautiful gardens and fishpool which were all created and designed by the poet
Beyond the fortified walls of the entrance and the well preserved Renaissance building are beautiful gardens with many trees and plants
We continue our visit around the delightful town which is believed to be one of the oldest towns in Europe
Cycling tours around the small towns are very popular on the islands of Croatia
There are many delightful bars and cafes along the water’s edge
Returning to the boat we enjoy a Pimms aboard before dining out this evening
Too many nice choices for dining out in Starigrad
We return to a restaurant we had seen while strolling around the town in the afternoon
We start our dinner with a large pot of mussels to share
The salmon carpaccio was also a good choice
John and Mary share a delicious pot of fish stew
Ric and I as usual make the same choice …. grilled seabass with vegetables

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