Smaller Tourist Resorts on Hvar: Basina and Mudri Dolac

The lesser known villages of Mudri Dolac and Basina on Croatia's premier island offer tourists a peaceful alternative close to the northern coastal towns.

While the majority of tourists on the northern coast of Hvar head for the historic towns of Stari Grad, Vrboska and Jelsa, the little village of Basina has a loyal following of regular guests, attracted by the quieter pace of life and excellent views.

Basina: A Summer Resort

Almost deserted in winter, the village comes alive in summer as many owners open up their holiday homes either for rental or personal use. It is also a popular stopping off point for sailors, who are attracted by the village's three inlets, excellent swimming and good restaurant.

The village consists mostly of holiday homes and, like Ivan Dolac, there are plenty of accommodation offers on the web, but independent transport remains an issue, as there is no bus service to the village. Basina is situated about 4km from both Vrboska and Stari Grad, so it is possible to walk. A little shop is operational in season for essential supplies, with the supermarkets in the towns the best option for a more comprehensive shop.

There is a restaurant in Basina, Ivelja, a family-run affair from home and featuring home-grown produce from the garden in front of the restaurant. The menu is traditional Dalmatian fare and is accompanied by home-made wines of a good standard. To reach Basina, take the main Stari Grad to Jelsa road and turn left at the sign for the village, then continue for about 2km and a right turn takes a sharp descent into the village and down to the water.

Stonehouse Hvar: An Exclusive Stone Complex

Clearly visible through the pine forests above Basina from many points of the island is the ambitious Stonehouse Hvar project, an exclusive stone complex with accommodation for 22 in individual stone buildings of great character.

With luxury features such as a sauna and infinity pool and one of the most striking terrace views on Hvar, the complex is being restored with attention to authentic detail. Construction is currently on hold and the original investor is open to sale or co-investment. Once completed, Stonehouse Hvar will be one of the most exclusive destinations on the island.

The Village of Mudri Dolac

Driving past the turning for Basina, the road eventually comes to the tiny fishing village of Mudri Dolac, where a local family has built a small but modern campsite, with showers, toilets and 10 plots under pergolas of vines. There is also a restaurant, where fish caught by the owner appears regularly on the menu.

Both Mudri Dolac and Basina have the great advantage of being off the beaten track but very close to the main tourist centres, and only a ten-minute drive from the main Stari Grad ferry.