Zarace (island Hvar) Locate On Map

Zarace is a picturesque small settlement located on the south side of island Hvar which is considered to be one of the ten most beautiful islands of the world. It is situated in a bay of the same name that has a large pebble beach only 8 km from the city of Hvar. Zarace is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, olive groves and agaves. It can be reached by car or by boat from the Hvar port. In Zarace there ae two beautiful coves with pebble beaches. The one turned to the east is called Velo Zarace and the one towards west is called Malo Zarace. The beaches are surrounded by impressive rocks that are real beauties of nature. Just a little away from the center of Zarace there is the sandy Dubovica beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island Hvar located in a cove that shelter is from various winds. It is great for families with kids as well as for diving and snorkeling lovers.

Zarace administratively belongs to the town of Hvar which is located on the south-west coast of the island in a beautiful bay sheltered by the Pakleni islands. It is a place with a turbulent history that has become one of the most visited tourist destinations of the Adriatic coast. In Hvar guests can see numerous cultural monuments such as Arsenal, City Lodge, Castle, Cathedral, Franciscan Monastery, and many more attractions.

Accommodation in Zarace is available in private houses, apartments and rooms.

In Zarace there are a few restaurants that serve traditional Dalmatian specialties but also international dishes. Zarace is a great destination for a quiet vacation and those looking for a night life can go to the town of Hvar that has many beach bars and two discotheques.

From Hvar guests can join group or private boat excursions organized for tours of the islands of Brac, Solta and Vis. Private boat transfers are available for a fast guest transfer to Split or any other location of the Adriatic coast. Boat rentals are available in Hvar and guests can hire a boat for exploring the amazing coast of island Hvar.

The town of Hvar is located 8 km from Zarace on the south-west part of the island. It is an ancient town with a great and long history. Guest can enjoy exploring its cultural and historical heritage as well as the many natural beauties of this place. There are numerous facilities for various sports activities here such as wind surfing, diving, hiking, biking, football, tennis, basketball, volleyball and many more.

Near Zarace above the settlement of Sveta Nedilja guests can visit a cave that was inhabited in the Neolithic times. The Augustinians built a monastery in that cave and also a small church in the 15th century. The ruins of the monastery can still be seen whereas the church was completely preserved. Visitors can easily reach the cave and enjoy an amazing view of Sveta Nedilja, the island of Korcula and the open sea from there.

Split is one of the most popular tourist locations in Croatia. The old part of the city is under the UNESCO protection as a part of the World Cultural Heritage. Some of the sights here are:
- Diocletian’s Palace
- Peristil
- The Cathedral of St. Duje
- Prokurative
- Riva
- Monument of Bishop Grgur of Nin
- Jupiter Temple
- Museums of Split
- Churches of Split
- Castle of Mestrovic
- Fort Gripe

Guests can join group or private boat excursions organized for tours of the islands of Brac, Solta and Vis from Hvar. Private boat transfers are also easily arranged for a quick guest transfer to Split. Boat rentals are available in Hvar.

Two ferry lines and two catamaran lines connect the island Hvar to the mainland. Ferries departing from Split dock in Stari Grad, and those leaving from Drvenik dock in Sucuraj. Catamaran lines make stops in Hvar and Jelsa from Split and Brac.

The distances from Zarace to the other Croatian and European cities are:
- Split 52 km,
- Dubrovnik 187 km,
- Zadar 209 km,
- Rijeka 465 km,
- Pula 571 km,
- Zagreb 461 km,
- Ljubljana 518 km,
- Vienna 816 km,
- Budapest 802 km,
- Belgrade 850 km,
- Milano 959 km,
- Genova 1083 km,
- Berlin 1515 km.

The climate in Zarace is typical Mediterranean. The summers are long hot and dry, and winters are mild and rainy.

Accommodation in Zarace can be found in beautiful private stone houses, apartments and rooms.

Airport Split +385(0)21 203 555
Bus Terminal Split +385(0)60 327 777
Jadronilija Split +385(0)21 338 333
Airport Dubrovnik +385(0)20 773 100
Bus terminal Dubrovnik +385(0)60 305 070
Jadrolinija Dubrovnik +385(0)20 418 000
General information 18981
Information on phone numbers in Croatia 11888
Information on international phone numbers 11802
Weather Forecast and Road Conditions +385(0)60 520 520
Croatia Traffic Info 0800 9987
Road assistance 987
Emergency number 112
Police 192
Fire department 193
Ambulance 194
Road help 987
Sea help 9155

Group or private boat excursions can be joined by guests for touring the islands of Brac, Solta and Vis from Hvar. Private boat transfers are also easily organized for a fast transfer of guests to Split. Boat rentals can be found in Hvar.

From a historical perspective, not much is known about the origin of Zarace. It is assumed that the village was established in the 19th century on an estate that belonged to the Dominican Order. The village of Zarace was always a small settlement that stayed on the margins of the history of larger focal points on the island.

There is a legend about Zarace saying that a long time ago an Arabian ship that carried treasure sailed along the southern coast of Hvar.
Its crew consisted mostly of able seamen who knew each Mediterranean port extremely well. The experienced sailors went through many storms and battles with that vessel, and were completely confident that there was nothing at sea that could surprise them. But their ship got caught in a big storm along the southern coast of the island of Hvar ending their journey, far from their home. The ship sank taking almost half of its courageous crew down with it.

The survivors found their rescue in the bays of the village of Zarace. The captain decided that on the safe location up on the hill, where the waves could not reach them just as the possible attacks from the sea, they would form a village known now as Zarace.