THE PERFECT DAY TRIP FROM HVAR, CROATIA

I recently had a friend reach out to me because she is heading to Croatia for a few weeks! Croatia is a stunning country so it is super tough to choose how to spend your time because there is so much gorgeous coastline to explore. But, when I think about Croatia, my mind instantly goes to Hvar. When I visited Croatia I stayed on Hvar Island for almost a week and fell in love with it! I checked in with the tour company I used for exploring some of the islands and caves off of Hvar and they are still super busy giving awesome tours, so I wanted to write about my experience with them.

I have read that the areas this tour visits are getting very crowded with tourists so keep that in mind when you are booking, I would recommend visiting in the shoulder season. We visited in September and it wasn’t busy, but that was also two years ago so I’d ask the company when the best time to visit is. I do know they typically work with the islands to make sure you have the most intimate visit possible so if you are on this specific tour you should be good to go!

Why ilirio’s three caves tour?

First of all, this tour came highly recommended by our Airbnb host, she told us many of her renters have gone with this company and really enjoyed it. Also, their TripAdvisor reviews were awesome as well! So after hearing this we decided to book and couldn’t agree more. I looked and Ilirio’s three caves tour has raised their prices a bit since I’ve gone but in my opinion, it is still worth it! You have an 8-hour tour with a small group and you visit the most beautiful places. From Hvar, this price is about $85 US dollars and if you are coming from Split, it is about $105 US dollars.

what to expect on Ilirio’s three caves tour

This is one my favorite tours I have ever done. Our tour guide, Ivan, was incredible, very knowledgeable about the area and we lucked out on having a fun group! When you first see the boat arrive, you are probably going tothink what!? Is this for real!? It looks like a little ducky boat.

But once we got in we realized it was extremely stable and cut through the water no problem (the tour will be canceled if the sea is too rough) on this tour you travel 70 nautical miles!

STINIVA BAY AND VIS ISLAND

This was a beautiful smooth stoned beach. Ivan told us it was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and you can see why! When you arrive, you anchor the boat and then swim in. On the beach there is a cute fisherman’s shack and bar, here you can enjoy a beer on one of the most exclusive and beautiful beaches in Europe! We also learned from Ivan that Vis Island was used in WWII. Stiniva Bay is known to get very crowded so definitely book a tour so they can bring you at the least busy time!

CLIFF JUMPING AND SWIMMING

There will be many opportunities to jump off and swim on this tour. I lost count how many times we stopped and Ivan asked if we’d like to take a dip but it was at least 8 different cliffs to jump off of!

THE GREEN CAVE

Due to its geomorphological characteristics, The Green Cave has recently become a protected area of the Republic of Croatia. The name Green Cave comes from the color of the water on the inside of the cave. The water just outside of it is blue but once you enter it and the sun is shining on it, you’ll see the green. The comes from green algae that is on the bottom at the cave entrance.

SECRET CAVE

I so wish I had pictures of this place, this was one of the coolest things I have ever done. When you approach this “cave” you think,  “Ummm where is it?” because uou just come to this rock face. Then you must swim about 3 feet under the rock and then you will be in this small cave. So surreal in there. If you are claustrophobic I do not recommend participating in this part, but it was one of my favorite things during my months in Europe. It was SO out of the ordinary. You will have to book this tour to see this magical place because it would be impossible to find on your own!

BLUE CAVE on bisevo island

Also a very surreal moment, and definitely the main event of the tour. This is obviously a bit more touristy, but it is worth it to see this beautiful cave. Now, just so you are aware this is an eight hour tour, but you only spend about 5 minutes in this cave. Many boats need to visit it and with the tide, they are very strategic about it. Speaking of strategic come prepared for a long wait to get on a boat and actually head into the cave. They have a number system and everything! We only waited about 45 minutes (beautiful scenery while you wait and drinks available, so no one should be complaining) but we did talk to a few people back on Hvar that said they waited 3 hours in line, so plan your day and time wisely when you book. Ask the tour company what days are the best and least busy.

If I were you I’d book this tour as soon as you get to Split or Hvar because it does fill up! If you have your whole trip booked you can even book ahead online at Ilirios Hvar Three Caves Tour. To learn more about my trip to Croatia you can read my 5 Day Itinerary for Split and Hvar here, I talk a bit about the tour as well!