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 renowned cultural and tourist events on the island of Hvar. It takes place in early summer in the historic village of Velo Grablje, once the centre of lavender oil production, offering visitors a unique blend of lavender scents, local gastronomy, traditional crafts, music, and socialising among ancient stone houses.

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

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

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

The first Lavender Festival was held on 20th and 21st June 2009, aimed at preserving the memories of the time 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 while also revitalising a village that had lost most of its inhabitants during the 20th century.

Velo Grablje has a long history of producing aromatic oils. As early as 1892, the Rosemary Cooperative was established, marking the first cooperative on the island of Hvar and a significant milestone in the organised production of essential oils.

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

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

Today, the festival preserves the memory of this history while simultaneously showcasing 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 observe 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 harvesting usually involves a group trip to the fields, 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 fields around the village take on a characteristic purple hue, and the air is filled with the scent of aromatic herbs.

It is worth noting that today's lavender fields are not as extensive as during the peak of production. Nevertheless, the remaining fields and traditional harvesting provide a lovely insight into one of the most significant aspects of Hvar's agricultural history.

Traditional Distillation of Lavender Oil

One of the most recognisable features of the festival 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 a process that has been part of the daily life of many Hvar families for decades.

This part of the programme appeals to both adults and children as it provides a direct insight into a production method that once held great economic importance.

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

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 linked 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 visitors interesting souvenirs, it plays an important role in promoting local production and preserving knowledge about the cultivation and processing of aromatic herbs.

Dry Stone Wall Workshops, Exhibitions, and Cultural Programme

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

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

Dry stone walls are one of the most recognisable 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 organised.

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

This programme allows visitors to explore various aspects of island heritage, from agriculture and construction to family customs and daily life, in just a few hours.

Concerts, Performances, and Evening Atmosphere

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

Concerts, theatre performances, and other cultural events are held among the old stone houses. The programme changes each year, encompassing 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 programme surrounded by stone walls, Mediterranean vegetation, and the peaceful atmosphere of Velo Grablje.

For visitors wishing to experience the festival in its most vibrant form, staying until the evening hours is particularly appealing, as the streets fill with music and socialising.

Local Food and Gastronomy During the Festival

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

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

In Velo Grablje, there is the Konoba Zbondini, 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 contemporary approach to Mediterranean cuisine and a panoramic view of the island landscape.

In nearby Malo Grablje, there is also the Konoba Stori Komin, appealing to lovers of traditional dishes cooked under peka.

During the festival, food offerings may expand with additional stalls and festival catering options.

When Does the Lavender Festival Take Place?

The Lavender Festival traditionally occurs at the end of June or the beginning of July, coinciding with the blooming and harvesting of lavender.

The exact dates change from year to year.

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

Visitors can participate in lavender harvesting, dry stone wall workshops, distillation demonstrations, exhibitions, and a musical-theatrical programme.

For future editions, it is advisable to follow the latest announcements from the organisers.

For the latest information, exact dates, and the programme of the Lavender Festival, follow the Facebook page of the organiser – 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 kilometres from the town of Hvar.

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

The road winds through 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 advisable to set off early and account for possible delays when arriving in the village.

For guests staying in the town of Hvar, organised transport may also be a practical option if provided in the programme 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 organised due to the large number of visitors.

It is best to follow the instructions of the stewards and organisers and use permitted parking areas outside the narrowest historical core.

From the parking area 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 centre.

Before setting off, it is useful to check whether the organisers publish special traffic, parking, or transport instructions.

What Else to Visit in Velo Grablje?

The festival is an excellent opportunity to explore Velo Grablje itself.

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

At its centre is the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian, built in 1886 on the site of an older church. It is particularly valuable for its wall paintings from 1913 and 1914.

In the vicinity, there are also old paths that residents once used to reach fields and neighbouring 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.

Throughout the 20th century, lavender was a symbol of the work, perseverance, and economic life of numerous island families. Today, this history is revived through the festival and presented to new generations.

The festival's greatest appeal lies not only in the scent of lavender but in the combination of an authentic location, traditional skills, local food, and cultural programming.

For guests who know Hvar primarily for its beaches, the town of Hvar, and nightlife, the Lavender Festival offers a chance 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 2nd to 4th July 2026.
• Inaugural Edition: The first edition was held in 2009.
• Organiser: Pjover association, with support from the Town of Hvar and the Hvar Tourist Board.
• Main Features: Lavender harvesting, essential oil distillation, local products fair, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Cultural Programme: Concerts, theatre performances, and other activities according to the programme 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 organisers 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 centre of Velo Grablje, and Malo Grablje.
• News and Announcements: Facebook page of the Pjover association – follow posts for current dates, programme, and information about the festival's organisation.