Hvar’s mountain roads meander through rich agricultural landscapes, fields of lavender and sleepy, or sometimes abandoned, villages, making them well-suited for exploring by bicycle and allowing you to take in the island’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace. This half-day, private bike tour winds its way along some of the island’s flatter roads as your guide points out ancient agricultural terraces cleared by the Greeks. You’ll also see small settlements and panoramic viewpoints along the way. The tour proceeds at your own pace and you’ll have plenty of time to pause to take in the views, making it a leisurely introduction to the island’s interior.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel by your driver and taken to the starting point in Stari Grad, where your private guide for the day will set you up with a multi-speed bicycle and helmet.
Leaving the fortified houses and quaint laneways of Stari Grad behind, head to Stari Grad Plain, the agricultural region around the town, on trails built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. Cleared by the Ancient Greeks to create arable terraces for olives, grapes and lavender, this UNESCO-protected Cultural Landscape has been in use ever since, its stone walls and terraces little changed since they were built.
From here you’ll set off on a peddling tour of the northwestern section of the island where you’ll see limestone cliffs, olive groves and rosemary fields and pass along roads lined with strawberry, carob and wild almond trees. Passing through rolling farmland and small villages, get sweeping views of the island’s interior and possibly see some of the local harvests taking place depending on the season.
The ride typically lasts for around three hours with stops made along the way for photos or to relax and take in the scenery. In addition, your guide will provide refreshments as needed. When you’ve finished the tour, you’ll be driven back to your hotel to relax.