Fjori Fora Garden – Scented Garden of Hvar in Gdinj

Fjori Fora Garden is one of those locations that explains why the interior of eastern Hvar is as interesting as its coves and beaches. In Gdinj, among stones, dry stone walls, and the scents of Mediterranean herbs, a garden has been established dedicated to plants that have been part of daily life on the island for generations.

Covering approximately 2,500 square meters, the garden hosts over 80 plant species, making it not just a beautifully arranged yard but a place to explore the plant world of Hvar – from lavender, rosemary, and sage to various edible, aromatic, and other wild herbs.

Garden Originating from the Old Hvar Landscape

The area where Fjori Fora Garden is located was once a vineyard and a field of lavender and rosemary with a few olive trees. The old dry stone walls have not been removed; instead, they have become part of the current layout of the garden, dividing it into six smaller fields.

In these fields, plants are arranged according to the different ways they were used on the island – among other things, as edible and aromatic herbs, raw materials for natural preparations, and plants related to old crafts and the daily life of the islanders. Therefore, walking through the garden resembles a small living display of Hvar rather than a classic botanical garden.

Walking Through Six Plant Fields

A circular path runs through the garden, connecting all six sections. The plants are not only planted in regular decorative beds – some grow in high wooden beds, while others are planted directly in the rocky Hvar soil, maintaining the feel of the natural island landscape.

At the end of the tour, there is a resting area and a presentation space for Fjori Fora products. The garden also features a small shop selling plant products and souvenirs, while the shaded resting area provides a place to pause before continuing the visit.

More than Just Sightseeing

The garden can be visited independently, which is a good option for those who wish to stroll peacefully and examine the plants at their own pace. Organized programs are also available, allowing visitors to learn about the plants through scent, taste, and their traditional uses.

Guided tasting tours and programs related to aromatic herbs and essential oils can be particularly interesting. Such tours are more meaningful with prior arrangement, especially if the goal is to visit the garden as part of an organized trip rather than just a brief stop.

Lavender and Family Tradition of Gdinj

Fjori Fora is connected to the Ćurin family, who have been cultivating lavender and other aromatic herbs on Hvar since 1955. The herbs are traditionally harvested by hand, and this connection to the island's nature inspired the idea for the garden and products based on Hvar's plants.

The name Fjori Fora carries a local character – it means "flowers of Hvar," thus the garden represents a small cross-section of the plant world of the entire island in one place.

When the Garden is Most Interesting

The appearance of the garden changes throughout the season. The flowering period of lavender and other aromatic herbs is particularly attractive as the area becomes vibrant with colors and scents, but the concept of the garden is not solely tied to lavender. During the visit, numerous plants that grow naturally on Hvar can be encountered, many of which often go unnoticed along the island's roads and paths.

Due to the open space and strong summer sun, it is more pleasant to explore the garden outside the hottest part of the day. Some resting areas provide shade, but the majority of the tour takes place in the open Mediterranean space.

A Good Addition to Exploring Gdinj

Fjori Fora Garden complements a stay in the coves around Gdinj particularly well. Instead of experiencing the area solely through swimming, visitors can see another side of eastern Hvar – dry stone walls, cultivated land, aromatic herbs, and the tradition that has shaped the lives of the local population for decades.

A visit can be combined with a trip to the northern coast of Gdinj and the Pokrivenik cove, where Restaurant Preza is located, or with visits to other coves and beaches in the Gdinj area.

Useful Information

  • Type of Location: Educational-interactive botanical garden of wild and Mediterranean herbs
  • Location: Gdinj 25, eastern part of Hvar Island
  • Area: Approximately 2,500 m²
  • Plants: Over 80 different plant species
  • Layout: Six separate plant fields connected by a circular path
  • Visiting: Possible to visit independently, while certain guided and tasting programs are organized by arrangement
  • Facilities: Resting area, presentation and tasting space, and sales of plant products and souvenirs
  • Access: Gdinj and the garden are accessible by car via the main island road; the garden is located near the settlement, not in one of the coastal coves
  • Parking: There is space for vehicles near the site, but it should not be represented as a separate public parking area
  • Shade: The resting area provides shade, while a significant part of the tour is in the open
  • Special Feature: The garden was created on a former vineyard and fields of lavender and rosemary, preserving old dry stone walls as part of its current appearance