Hora Hvar in Stari Grad Plain – Traditional Peka, Wine Tasting and Authentic Agritourism on Hvar Island

Hora Hvar is a unique agritourism venue and restaurant located in Stari Grad Plain, just a short distance from Stari Grad on Hvar Island. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, dry stone walls, and fragrant Mediterranean herbs, it offers a different gastronomic experience compared to seaside restaurants. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional Dalmatian peka, sample local wines and olive oil, and immerse themselves in rural life in one of the island's most historically significant areas.

The standout feature of Hora Hvar is 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 unnecessary complexity. Visitors can combine their meal with a tour of the estate, meet the farm animals, and stroll through the fields, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.

Traditional Dalmatian Peka – The Main Specialty of Hora Hvar

One of the primary 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 flavours while remaining juicy.

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

In addition to meat peka, arrangements can also be made for fish or octopus under the peka.

It is important to note 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 Stari Grad Plain

Hora Hvar is particularly renowned for its wine tastings.

The estate features vineyards where visitors can sample wines characteristic of Hvar Island and Dalmatian viticulture.

Notably, the bogdanuša stands out, an indigenous white variety associated with Hvar Island. 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 complemented with local prosciutto, dried sausages, cheeses, marinated anchovies, bread, and olive oil.

The advantage of such an experience is that wine tasting occurs not in a typical urban wine bar, but amidst 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 producing a variety of local products.

Among these are homemade 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 ideal for guests who wish to sample more traditional flavours without ordering a large main dish.

Olive oil is an essential part of the experience, as Stari Grad Plain 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 according to the season and the vegetables currently available on the farm.

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

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

It is best to announce any vegan or other special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Animals and Farm Tours

One of the more intriguing aspects of Hora Hvar is the opportunity to learn about the farm.

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

Visitors can experience farm life and see how the products served in the restaurant are produced.

This is particularly appealing for families with children, as spending time in nature and interacting with animals can be just as enjoyable as the meal itself.

This experience sets Hora apart from a typical restaurant: here, food is intertwined with the landscape and agricultural traditions from which it originates.

A Restaurant in the Heart of UNESCO-Protected Stari Grad Plain

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

Stari Grad Plain, also known as Hora or Ager, is an exceptional cultural landscape whose arrangement of agricultural parcels dates back to the time of Greek colonisation of the island in the 4th century BC.

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

It is among these parcels, vineyards, and olive groves that Hora Hvar is situated.

Unlike restaurants along the Stari Grad waterfront, here there is no urban hustle and bustle or constant flow of tourists. The surroundings are peaceful, open, and connected to nature.

It is especially 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 Stari Grad Plain, east of Stari Grad, towards the interior of the island.

The most practical way to get there is by car, although cycling is also an interesting option for guests wishing to explore the agricultural landscape.

The route leads through areas of vineyards and olive groves, alongside the traditional dry stone walls that are a distinctive feature of Stari Grad Plain.

As the restaurant is situated outside the settlement, it is advisable to check the exact route and make a reservation before setting off.

Parking at Hora Hvar

Unlike restaurants in the pedestrianised centre of Stari Grad, Hora is located on a farm accessible by road.

Arriving by car is convenient, 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 Stari Grad Plain.

Reservations and Planning Your Visit

It is advisable to book a time for your visit to Hora Hvar, especially if you plan to have lunch or partake in a wine tasting.

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

When making arrangements, 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 lovely 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 lovely option for guests wishing to take home something connected to the tradition of Hvar's agricultural landscape.

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

What to Visit Near Hora Hvar?

The most significant attraction in the vicinity is Stari Grad Plain, which is worth exploring on foot, by bike, or by car.

Particularly interesting are the traditional dry stone walls, olive groves, vineyards, and ancient 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 intriguing gastronomic destinations near Stari Grad, offering 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 genuine farm.

Its location in the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain adds extra value to the entire experience.

For guests wishing to discover authentic island cuisine, spend time among the vineyards, and enjoy homemade food away from the urban crowds, Hora Hvar is an exceptionally appealing choice.

Useful Information

• Name: Hora Hvar.
• Location: Stari Grad Plain, 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, by 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 meet animals and learn about agricultural production.
• Ambience: Open space among vineyards, olive groves, and dry stone walls.
• Reservations: Recommended; advance order required for peka.
• Access: Most practical by car, cycling is also possible.
• Parking: Check parking availability when making a reservation.
• Products for purchase: Wines, olive oil, and lavender products.
• Nearby: UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain, Stari Grad, and surrounding vineyards.
• Recommended for: Lovers of local food and wine, families, couples, and guests seeking an authentic island experience.