Hora Hvar in Starogradsko Polje – Local Peka, Wine Tasting and Authentic Agritourism on Hvar Island

Hora Hvar is a unique agritourism and restaurant located in Starogradsko Polje, near Stari Grad on Hvar Island. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, dry stone walls, and fragrant Mediterranean herbs, it offers a different culinary experience compared to seaside restaurants. Visitors come here for traditional Dalmatian peka, tastings of local wines and olive oil, and to learn about rural life in one of the island's most significant historical areas.

The uniqueness of Hora Hvar lies in its farm-to-table concept. A large portion of the ingredients comes from its own farm, and the food is prepared using traditional recipes, without unnecessarily complex additions. Visits can be combined with a tour of the estate, interaction with farm animals, and a walk through the fields, which have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008.

Traditional Dalmatian Peka – The Main Specialty of Hora Hvar

One of the main reasons to visit Hora Hvar is the traditional peka, one of the most renowned dishes in Dalmatian cuisine.

The food is slowly cooked under a metal lid covered with embers, allowing the meat, potatoes, and vegetables to develop rich flavors and remain juicy.

Particularly noteworthy are the peka dishes featuring local lamb and veal. The meat is prepared with potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and the long cooking process gives it a characteristic tenderness.

In addition to meat peka, it is also possible to arrange for fish or octopus under the peka.

It is important to know that peka must be ordered in advance. Its preparation takes several hours, so it is not a dish that can be expected immediately upon arrival without a reservation.

For guests wishing to experience a traditional Dalmatian lunch in nature, peka is one of the best choices.

Wine Tasting Among the Vineyards of Starogradsko Polje

Hora Hvar is particularly known for its wine tastings.

The estate includes vineyards where visitors can taste wines characteristic of Hvar Island and Dalmatian viticulture.

Notably, bogdanuša, an indigenous white variety associated with Hvar Island, stands out. Its freshness pairs well with lighter Dalmatian dishes and local cheeses.

Other offerings include pošip, rosé, and plavac mali, including a richer barrique variant.

Tastings can be combined with local prosciutto, dried sausages, cheeses, marinated anchovies, bread, and olive oil.

The advantage of this experience is that wine is tasted not in a typical urban wine bar, but in the setting of the vineyards and fields from which much of the island's gastronomic tradition originates.

Local Cheeses, Prosciutto, and Olive Oil

Hora Hvar is not just a restaurant but also a farm that produces various food items.

Among these are local cow, sheep, and goat cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables.

A particularly interesting offering is the tasting platter featuring a combination of local cheeses, prosciutto, sausages, olives, and bread.

This selection is suitable for guests who wish to sample more traditional flavors without ordering a large main dish.

Olive oil is an important part of the experience, as Starogradsko Polje has a long tradition of olive and vine cultivation.

Vegetarian Dishes from Seasonal Vegetables

Although Hora is known for its lamb, veal, and traditional peka, it also offers vegetarian meals.

The composition of these dishes changes depending on the season and the vegetables currently available on the farm.

Instead of a fixed, extensive vegetarian menu, the focus is on simple homemade dishes prepared from fresh ingredients.

For guests who do not eat meat, this is an interesting opportunity to explore Mediterranean cuisine through seasonal vegetables, local olive oil, and regional products.

Vegan or other special dietary requests are best communicated at the time of reservation.

Animals and Farm Tours

One of the more interesting features of Hora Hvar is the opportunity to learn about the farm.

On the estate and associated agricultural land, various domestic animals are raised, including sheep, goats, chickens, and other animals that play an important role in food production.

Visitors can learn about life on the farm and see how the products served in the restaurant are made.

This experience is particularly appealing to families with children, for whom being in nature and interacting with animals can be as attractive as the meal itself.

This experience distinguishes Hora from a typical restaurant: here, food is not separate from the landscape and agricultural traditions from which it originates.

Restaurant in the UNESCO-Protected Starogradsko Polje

The location of Hora Hvar is one of its greatest advantages.

Starogradsko Polje, also known as Hora or Ager, is an exceptional cultural landscape whose arrangement of agricultural plots dates back to the time of Greek colonization of the island in the 4th century BC.

The Greeks divided the land into regular plots bordered by dry stone walls, and much of this layout has been preserved to this day.

It is among these plots, vineyards, and olive groves that Hora Hvar is located.

Unlike restaurants along the old town waterfront, there is no urban hustle and bustle or constant flow of tourists here. The environment is peaceful, open, and connected to nature.

It is particularly pleasant during the late afternoon when the light is softer, and the view of the vineyards and fields is even more beautiful.

How to Reach Hora Hvar?

Hora Hvar is located in Starogradsko Polje, east of Stari Grad, towards the interior of the island.

The most practical way to reach it is by car, although arriving by bicycle is also an interesting option for guests who wish to explore the agricultural landscape.

The route leads through the area of vineyards and olive groves, along traditional dry stone walls that are a recognizable feature of Starogradsko Polje.

Since the restaurant is located outside the settlement, it is advisable to check the exact route and reservation before departure.

Parking at Hora Hvar

Unlike restaurants in the pedestrian zone of Stari Grad, Hora is situated on a farm accessible by road.

Arriving by car is practical, but it is useful to check parking availability and vehicle access before visiting with a larger group.

Guests arriving by bicycle can combine their visit with a tour of Starogradsko Polje.

Reservations and Planning Your Visit

It is advisable to make a reservation for a visit to Hora Hvar, especially if you plan to have lunch or a wine tasting.

Advance ordering for peka is particularly important, as it is a dish that requires long preparation.

When arranging your visit, you can choose a wine tasting with local products, a full meal, or a combination of a gastronomic experience and a farm tour.

For families and larger groups, it is recommended to announce the number of people in advance.

If you prefer a quieter visit and more pleasant temperatures, late afternoon is especially nice for spending time among the vineyards.

Local Products as Souvenirs from Hvar

In addition to food and wine, Hora Hvar offers products related to the farm.

Particularly interesting are the olive oil and lavender products, including scented sachets and handmade soaps.

This is a nice option for guests who wish to take home something connected to the tradition of the Hvar agricultural landscape.

Unlike typical souvenirs, the emphasis here is on products that arise from the cultivation of olives, lavender, and other Mediterranean crops.

What to Visit Near Hora Hvar?

The most important attraction in the vicinity is Starogradsko Polje, which is worth exploring on foot, by bicycle, or by car.

Particularly interesting are the traditional dry stone walls, olive groves, vineyards, and old field paths that reveal the long history of agriculture on the island.

In nearby Stari Grad, it is worth visiting Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, the Church of St. Stephen, the Stari Grad Museum, and the picturesque Škor Square.

A visit to Hora can also be nicely combined with a tour of the villages in the interior of Hvar, where a quieter island lifestyle has been preserved.

Why Visit Hora Hvar?

Hora Hvar is one of the more interesting gastronomic destinations in the vicinity of Stari Grad as it offers much more than a typical restaurant meal.

The main highlights are traditional peka, wine tasting of Hvar wines, local cheeses and cured meats, and the experience of being on a real farm.

Its location in the UNESCO-protected Starogradsko Polje adds extra value to the entire experience.

For guests who wish to explore authentic island gastronomy, spend time among the vineyards, and enjoy homemade food away from urban crowds, Hora Hvar is an exceptionally interesting choice.

Useful Information

• Name: Hora Hvar.
• Location: Starogradsko Polje, near Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
• Type of establishment: Agritourism, restaurant, and wine tasting venue.
• Cuisine type: Traditional Dalmatian, Croatian, and Mediterranean.
• Main specialty: Peka with lamb or veal, with prior order.
• Other types of peka: Fish and octopus, by prior arrangement.
• Wine tasting: Bogdanuša, pošip, rosé, and plavac mali.
• Local products: Olive oil, cheeses, prosciutto, sausages, and other agricultural products.
• Vegetarian options: Seasonal vegetable dishes.
• Farm experience: Opportunity to learn about animals and agricultural production.
• Ambiance: Open space among vineyards, olive groves, and dry stone walls.
• Reservations: Recommended; prior order for peka is mandatory.
• Access: Most practical by car, bicycle access possible.
• Parking: Check parking options when making a reservation.
• Products for purchase: Wines, olive oil, and lavender products.
• Nearby: UNESCO-protected Starogradsko Polje, Stari Grad, and surrounding vineyards.
• Recommended for: Lovers of local food and wine, families, couples, and guests seeking an authentic island experience.