The Lavender Festival in Velo Grablje on Hvar – The Scent of Lavender, Island Tradition, and the Most Unique Summer Festival in the Island's Interior

The Lavender Festival in Velo Grablje is one of the most well-known cultural and tourist events on the island of Hvar. It takes place at the beginning of summer in the historic village of Velo Grablje, once the center of lavender oil production, and offers visitors a unique blend of lavender scents, local cuisine, traditional crafts, music, and socializing among old stone houses.

Unlike large summer events by the sea, the Lavender Festival occurs in the tranquil setting of Hvar's interior, among dry stone walls, olive groves, and former agricultural terraces. During the festival, the village comes to life again, and visitors can participate in lavender harvesting, learn about the process of essential oil production, taste island specialties, and enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.

The event is organized by the Pjover association, which focuses on preserving cultural heritage and revitalizing Velo Grablje. Over the years, the festival has become one of the recognizable symbols of Hvar's lavender tradition.

History of the Lavender Festival – How Did the Event Begin?

The first Lavender Festival was held on June 20 and 21, 2009, with the aim of preserving memories of the period when lavender and essential oil production were among the most important sources of income for the residents of Velo Grablje.

The idea originated from the Pjover association, which sought to preserve the tradition of lavender cultivation and to revive life in a village that lost most of its population during the 20th century.

Velo Grablje has a long history of aromatic oil production. In 1892, the Rosemary Cooperative was established, the first cooperative on the island of Hvar and one of the significant milestones in organized essential oil production.

Systematic lavender cultivation began in the late 1920s, and over the following decades, Velo Grablje became one of the most important centers for lavender oil production in Dalmatia.

At that time, lavender was much more than a fragrant plant. Its production provided income for many island families and was an important part of Hvar's economic life.

Today, the festival preserves the memory of this history while also representing contemporary producers, traditional crafts, and the island's cultural heritage.

Lavender Harvesting – One of the Most Interesting Parts of the Festival

A special experience of the Lavender Festival is the traditional harvesting in the fields above Velo Grablje.

Visitors can see how lavender is hand-harvested, learn about the tools that were once used, and discover how much work was required to produce essential oil.

Participation in the harvest is usually organized with a group trip to the plantations, where practical demonstrations are accompanied by discussions about lavender cultivation and processing.

The best time to visit Velo Grablje is during the blooming period, typically at the end of June and the beginning of July. At this time, some plantations around the village take on a characteristic purple hue, and the air is filled with the scent of aromatic herbs.

It should be noted that today's lavender fields are not as extensive as during the peak production period. Nevertheless, the remaining plantations and traditional harvesting provide a nice insight into one of the most important parts of Hvar's agricultural history.

Traditional Distillation of Lavender Oil

One of the most recognizable festival activities is the demonstration of traditional lavender distillation, known locally as cooking lavender.

During the demonstration, visitors can see how the harvested aromatic herbs are processed using steam and how essential oil is extracted from them.

It is particularly interesting to observe the old distillation devices and learn about the process that has been part of the daily life of many Hvar families for decades.

This part of the program is appealing to both adults and children as it provides direct insight into a production process that once held significant economic importance.

Alongside the distillation demonstration, discussions, exhibitions, and other activities related to the history of lavender and rosemary cultivation are often organized.

Lavender and Local Products Fair

During the festival, producers of lavender, aromatic herbs, and other local products gather in Velo Grablje.

Stalls feature essential oils, lavender sachets, soaps, cosmetic products, and various souvenirs related to island tradition.

Particularly interesting are local honey, olive oil, wines, brandies, and products made from rosemary, sage, and other Mediterranean herbs.

The fair is a good opportunity to meet smaller producers and purchase authentic Hvar products.

In addition to offering interesting souvenirs, it is also important for promoting local production and preserving knowledge about the cultivation and processing of aromatic herbs.

Dry Stone Wall Workshops, Exhibitions, and Cultural Program

The Lavender Festival is not solely dedicated to lavender. A significant part of the program is related to the preservation of traditional architecture and the history of Velo Grablje.

Particularly interesting are the dry stone wall construction workshops, where participants can learn the technique of stacking stones without binding material.

Dry stone walls are one of the most recognizable elements of the Hvar landscape. Generations of residents built them to demarcate land, protect crops, and shape agricultural terraces on rocky slopes.

During the festival, photographic exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and workshops for children and adults are also organized.

Special attention is given to historical photographs of the village and the former lives of its residents.

This program allows visitors to learn about various aspects of island heritage, from agriculture and construction to family customs and daily life.

Concerts, Performances, and Evening Atmosphere

In the evening, the Lavender Festival takes on a different ambiance.

Concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events are organized among the old stone houses. The program changes each year and includes various musical styles and performances by local artists.

The uniqueness of these events lies in their setting. Instead of a large city stage, the audience enjoys the cultural program surrounded by stone walls, Mediterranean vegetation, and the peaceful atmosphere of Velo Grablje.

For visitors who want to experience the festival in its most vibrant form, it is particularly interesting to stay until the evening hours when the streets fill with music and socializing.

Local Food and Gastronomy During the Festival

During the Lavender Festival, traditional Dalmatian dishes are also offered.

Visitors can taste island specialties, homemade sweets, and other products that fit well with the character of the event.

In Velo Grablje, there is the Zbondini Tavern, known for traditional dishes such as pašticada, peka, and Hvar gregada.

On the hill above the village is the Alavia Hvar Restaurant – Soul Food, which offers a more modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine and panoramic views of the island landscape.

In nearby Malo Grablje, there is also the Stori Komin Tavern, interesting for lovers of traditional dishes cooked under peka.

During the festival, the food offerings may be expanded with additional stalls and festival catering services.

When Does the Lavender Festival Take Place?

The Lavender Festival traditionally takes place at the end of June or the beginning of July, during the period associated with the blooming and harvesting of lavender.

The exact dates change from year to year.

The program began in the town of Hvar, while the central part of the festival is organized in Velo Grablje.

Visitors could participate in lavender harvesting, dry stone wall workshops, distillation demonstrations, exhibitions, and a musical-theater program.

For future editions, it is necessary to follow new announcements from the organizers.

For the latest information, exact dates, and the program of the Lavender Festival, follow the Facebook page of the organizer – Pjover association.

How to Get to the Lavender Festival in Velo Grablje?

Velo Grablje is located in the interior of the island of Hvar, approximately ten kilometers from the town of Hvar.

The village can be reached by car via a road through the hilly part of the island, and the drive from the town of Hvar usually takes about twenty minutes, depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions.

The road passes among dry stone walls, olive groves, and Mediterranean vegetation, and in some sections, it is narrower and winding.

During the festival, a higher number of vehicles is expected than usual, so it is best to start early and account for possible delays when arriving in the village.

For guests staying in the town of Hvar, organized transportation may also be a practical option if provided in the program of a particular edition of the festival.

Parking During the Lavender Festival

Velo Grablje is a small historic village with narrow streets and limited space for cars.

During the festival, traffic and parking may be specially organized due to the large number of visitors.

It is best to follow the instructions of the traffic attendants and organizers and to use permitted parking areas outside the narrowest historical core.

From the parking lot to the festival activities, it may be necessary to walk through the village streets and stone passages.

For this reason, comfortable footwear is recommended, especially if you plan to participate in lavender harvesting or workshops outside the village center.

Before departure, it is useful to check whether the organizers publish special traffic, parking, or transportation instructions.

What Else to Visit in Velo Grablje?

The festival is an excellent opportunity to get to know Velo Grablje itself.

The village is known for its traditional stone houses, dry stone walls, and former agricultural terraces.

In its center stands the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian, built in 1886 on the site of an older church. It is particularly valuable due to its wall paintings from 1913 and 1914.

In the vicinity, there are also old paths that residents once took to the fields and neighboring villages.

A particularly interesting excursion is to Malo Grablje, an almost abandoned stone village west of Velo Grablje, known for its old houses, narrow passages, and the Church of St. Theodore.

A visit to the festival can thus be combined with a tour of two historic villages and an exploration of a different, less touristy part of the island of Hvar.

Why is it Worth Visiting the Lavender Festival?

The Lavender Festival is one of the events that best represents the connection of the island of Hvar with its agricultural and cultural heritage.

Lavender was a symbol of labor, perseverance, and the economic life of many island families during the 20th century. Today, this history is revived through the festival and presented to new generations.

The greatest attraction of the festival is not only the scent of lavender but the combination of an authentic place, traditional skills, local food, and cultural programs.

For guests who know Hvar primarily for its beaches, the town of Hvar, and nightlife, the Lavender Festival offers an opportunity to discover a completely different side of the island.

Useful Information

• Event Name: Lavender Festival (Festival Levande).
• Location: Velo Grablje, island of Hvar; some festival events may also take place in the town of Hvar.
• Type of Event: Cultural and tourist festival dedicated to lavender and island tradition.
• Timing: Traditionally at the end of June or the beginning of July.
• Last Held Edition: 18th Lavender Festival, from July 2 to 4, 2026.
• First Edition: The first edition was held in 2009.
• Organizer: Pjover Association, with the support of the Town of Hvar and the Hvar Tourist Board.
• Main Activities: Lavender harvesting, essential oil distillation, local products fair, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Cultural Program: Concerts, theater performances, and other activities according to the program of each edition.
• Gastronomy: Traditional Dalmatian dishes and local island products.
• Access by Car: Via road from the town of Hvar to Velo Grablje.
• Parking: According to available spaces and traffic instructions from the organizers during the festival.
• Clothing and Footwear: Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for harvesting and walking through stone streets.
• Recommended For: Families, lovers of tradition, lavender, gastronomy, nature, and cultural events.
• Nearby: Church of St. Cosmas and Damian, historic center of Velo Grablje, and Malo Grablje.
• News and Announcements: Facebook page of the Pjover Association – follow posts for current dates, program, and festival organization information.