Stari Grad Plain
Historical Site Ancient agricultural landscape preserving Mediterranean field layout
On Hvar island, Stari Grad Plain preserves the ancient Greek land-division system: dry-stone walls, vineyards and olive terraces that survive as a cultural landscape. Tourists cycle, walk and study agricultural history.
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The Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar is a well-preserved agricultural landscape originally laid out by ancient Greek colonists and valued for continuity of land use and traditional farming patterns. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008.
The agricultural layout dates to the founding of the Greek colony of Pharos (Faros) in the 4th century BCE and has been used and managed across successive periods, preserving ancient field boundaries, terraces and land-use practices. The durability of this rural system is the site’s key cultural value.
The plain lies on the northern side of the island of Hvar, adjacent to the small town of Stari Grad, and is visible from the coastal road that links islands and towns across central Dalmatia.
- Antiquity of land use: The plain preserves an ancient agricultural landscape established by Greek colonists, illustrating land division and farming practices maintained continuously for over two millennia.
How to Get to Stari Grad Plain #
The Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar is reached by ferry from Split: Jadrolinija and other operators run car ferries to Stari Grad (journey time roughly 2-3 hours), or high‑speed catamarans sail to Hvar town (then a local bus or taxi to Stari Grad, about 30-40 minutes). The plain is immediately outside Stari Grad town and is easily reached on foot or by bicycle from the harbour.
Tips for Visiting Stari Grad Plain #
- Go outside high summer-spring and autumn offer cooler conditions and far fewer tourists, making it easier to explore the ancient field patterns around Stari Grad Plain.
- Start from Stari Grad town and follow the marked rural paths that radiate from town into the plain; walking or cycling these low-traffic lanes reveals the original Greek/Hellenistic field layout that casual passersby miss.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the dry‑stone walls and terraces and to avoid the midday bustle in Stari Grad during the high season (July-August).
Best Time to Visit Stari Grad Plain #
Best to visit the Stari Grad Plain in late spring or early autumn for comfortable temperatures, good light and fewer summer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Stari Grad Plain #
Stari Grad Plain's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (753 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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