Hvar is often referred to as the lovliest Dalmatian island and perhaps because it is the sunniest place in Croatia may have something to do with this. To add to Hvar's beauty there is an abundance of wild flowers such as lavender, rosemary and heather whose perfume adds something special to the island's atmosphere. Hvar Town is a small, charming harbour town set against a backdrop of steep hills with plenty of interesting Mediaeval buildings. Important sights in the town include the Renaissance Cathedral of St Stephen's, the Gothic Arsenal and the Venetian fortress at the top of the hill within whose walls the islanders fled for sanctuary during the invasion of the Turks in 1571. The view from the fortress offers a truly magical Mediterranean sunset.

Brac is one of the largest of the islands in the central chain but tends to be quieter than its more popular neighbour, Hvar. It is covered with olive groves and vineyards and thick pine trees; its famous white stone has been used in the construction of the Whitehouse, Diocletian's Palace and Liverpool Cathedral. Many places to stay are in and around Bol with its famour Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach. The two main resorts on the island are Bol, a windsurfers' paradise, and Supetar which is a more established resort with a fine old town and plenty of facilities for the visitor.