Escape to classy Hvar in Croatia island that's become the summer stopover for Europe's beautiful people, says ROWENA CARR-ALLINSON

Hvar,  an idyllic island of Croatia just off its Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic Sea, has been recently voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands. With a lovely subtropical climate where palms, oversized aloe cacti, olive trees, vines and lemon trees thrive, the island is a blend of rugged landscapes, fragrant lavender fields, pine groves, ancient stone villages and secluded beaches bathed in sunshine. If you prefer town to country, stay in Hvar Town. This picturesque fortified harbour town is fast becoming a favourite with the stars and the beautiful crowd, who are drawn – on their mega-yachts – to the town’s hip bars, boutique hotels and ultra-cool beach bars. Reaching Hvar is easy – it’s just a short ferry or hydrofoil ride from the coastal city of Split. And what better way to arrive at your destination than across crystal-clear water.

Click here now for amazing offers to Hvar!

WHEN SHOULD I VISIT?
During July and August, the prices, temperatures and crowds increase. However, if you do visit you can enjoy Hvar Summer, a 100-day cultural festival of traditional music, theatre and folklore.

Clubbers and music lovers should visit the old fishing village of Petrcane during either of the first two weekends in July for the British-run Garden Festival (www.thegardenfestival.eu).

The island of Hvar celebrates its patron saint and protector St Stephen on October 2, so if you’re visiting then prepare to party – the central square, which is named after him, comes alive. Avoid visiting during the winter months as nearly everything is closed.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
If you don’t have a yacht, don’t panic – the Suncani Group offers a clutch of hip boutique hotels on Hvar. In Hvar Town itself there’s the super-slick Riva Yacht Harbour Hotel, where Sharon Stone and Kevin Spacey have checked in. Sip a cocktail on the waterfront terrace as the sun sets and gaze out at the Paklinksi islands in the distance.

Opposite the Riva is the equally chic Adriana Marina Hotel, with its cool rooftop bar complete with Philippe Starck furnishings, lovely pool deck with white draped cabanas, funky top-floor nightclub, indoor and outdoor pool and chic Sensori Spa. OK! loved the hotel’s sleek designer rooms, the lavender-scented shower gel and the fabulous Val Marina seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Want incredible offers to Hvar? Click here now...

WHERE WILL I SPOT A CELEB?
Hvar’s medieval harbour is a must on any cruising celeb’s Croatan sojourn, with Steven Spielberg, Roman Abramovich, Pierce Brosnan and Gwyneth Paltrow being sighted off-shore. Beyoncé and Jay-Z were also spotted on board a huge yacht cruising the Croatian coastline last year.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
Hvar Town’s main square is full of pizzerias and small local restaurants where you can indulge in some tasty fare at good prices, or investigate the back streets for a more genuine konoba (traditional restaurant) experience. OK! loved the deep-fried fresh local squid and the squid ink risotto, a Croatian speciality. For people-watching and sea views, have a leisurely lunch on the terrace at the Riva Hotel. OK! loved the simple bar menu with fresh pasta and a glass of local red Plavac Mali wine.

Take a short boat ride to nearby island of St Clement for lunch at Zori. With its palm-fringed terrace and twinkling lights, it’s the place to sample fresh grilled lobster with a glass of island-made wine. On another nearby island, Zdrilca, OK! enjoyed a laid-back lunch at Antonio Patak, where it’s all about fresh seafood and a cracking location.

WHERE CAN I HANG OUT?
Just a ten-minute boat ride from Hvar is the island of Stipanska, where you’ll find the super-cool Carpe Diem (www.carpe-diem-hvar.com) beach club. The hip club has a thatched-roofed restaurant and bar, day beds, a beach volleyball court and that lovely exclusive feeling you can only get somewhere accessible by boat. No wonder Nicky Hilton loved it so much. On your return, stop off at the Carpe Diem bar in Hvar Town and enjoy cocktails in one of the stone alcoves.

Another fashionable haunt is Bonj Les Bains restaurant and beach club, housed in a beautifully restored 1930s building, surrounded by pine groves and overlooking the secluded Amfora Bay. Get your hotel concierge to book one of the private stone cabanas, a couple’s massage at the Sensori O spa or lunch at its bayview Veranda restaurant.

WHERE CAN I SHOP?
Stroll along Hvar’s harbour front and you’ll find Badalo’s sexy sandals and snakeskin shoes and Aqua Maritime for all things stripey – from shorts to towels and T-shirts. There’s also a tiny mall with Benetton, Faith for funky clothing and a small supermarket. At shoe boutique Anyway, OK! picked up a pair of must-have gladiator sandals for a great price. For brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, there’s The Core store, while yachties should stop at North Sails. For local produce such as lavender oil, shell bracelets and vinegar, try the stalls that gather close to the town square.

WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE SIGHTS?
Hvar Town’s medieval harbour, with its palm tree and bar-lined quayside, is a sight in itself. Its Venetian piazza, renaissance cathedral and 13th century Arsenal (a former naval dockyard that’s now a modern art gallery) sit pristine in the sunshine, while the centuries-old honey-coloured stone mansions in the back streets are hauntingly beautiful. OK! loved the climb up the steep steps to the fortress and the awesome view stretching over the islands once we made it to the top.

Hvar is also the place to hit the beach, go snorkelling or try island hopping. Visit the Pakleni archipelago’s 18-odd islets (St Clement is the largest, while many are uninhabited), which all feature secluded beaches, tiny restaurants and crystal clear waters. To avoid hiring a speedboat for the day, get from A to B on a regular taxi-boat. On St Clement, head to Palmizana cove or enjoy the beachfront’s laid-back vibe. On Hvar there are lots of tours available too with companies such Hvar-Adventure or Culinary Croatia, including vineyard tours, kayaking or horse-riding expeditions.

HOW CAN I GET THERE?
Cadogan Holidays (08445 600 500; www.cadoganholidays.com) can tailor-make packages to Hvar. Room rates at the Adriana Marina Hotel start from £280 per night and from £145 at the Riva Yacht Harbour Hotel.

Visit www.suncanihvar.com for more special packages.