Sućuraj is located on the easternmost tip of the island of Hvar, and is the settlement that is closest to the Croatian mainland.
It is just 3 nautical miles from Makarska on the mainland, and just over 77km from Hvar Town, the center of the Hvar island.
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Since it is on the tip of the island, the town is surrounded on two sides by the sea – the Pelješac Peninsula on side, and the Adriatic Sea on the other.
The third side is protected by the Biokovo Hills.
Sućuraj Hvar is the smallest town on the island, with just about 400 permanent residents, but mention of it has been made as far back as the 14th century, in ancient documents that are preserved till today.
Interestingly enough, there is also mention of Sućuraj in Homer’s epic, Illiadie (Iliad), where the town is referred to as Kila.
In the Iliad, the town is described to be located on the east of Leke island which is now known as Island Of Hvar.
According to legend, Sućuraj Hvar is where Agamemnon, the fabled king of Mikena, destroyed his enemies!
There have also been archeological finds that point to an ancient culture.
The point to the existence of two neighboring towns, which sank to the bottom of the sea during a massive earthquake.
These ruins are still there under the sea off the coast of Sućuraj Hvar Island.
Over the centuries, this little town has been settled by the Illyrians, Romans, Slavs, Venetians and the French.
The town reached its zenith during the rule of the Venetian Empire in the 17th century, when Sućuraj Croatia became a stronghold against attackers.
Sućuraj Hvar is by itself a cultural monument, as it is one of the few towns that has carefully preserved the different archeological forms of its varied past, despite the fact that the town has been destroyed many times in the past.
Besides giving the town its cultural status, this effort by the people of Sućuraj has also made it one of the most beautiful towns in the region.
Today, Sućuraj’s economy is based on fishing, agriculture and tourism.
Top Things To Do In Sućuraj – Hvar island
With so much history, Sućuraj Hvar is obviously a place for history buffs.
However, it is perfect for family vacations too.
The beaches right in the center of the town make it perfect for families wanted to get some time out without having to travel too far.
Sućuraj Beaches
There are two beaches around the center of Sućuraj On Hvar Island – Bilina and Česminica.
Česminica beach is a beautifully arranged beach, located on the southern shore of the town.
The shore is shallow and long, making it perfect for families and children.
There is a small bar right next to the beach where you can get your refreshments.
Bilina beach is located on the northern side of the town, in the shadow of Biokovo mountain.
From this beach, you can see across the sea to Makarska’s coast!
However, these are not the only two beaches in the area.
Every visitor can find their own place in the sun thanks to the many lovely bays and inlets that surround the town.
In fact, Perna Bay, located just 1.5 km away from Sućuraj, and Mlaska Bay, about 3 km away, are rarities in the Adriatic region, since they both have fine sandy beaches.
The Churches of Sućuraj
The Church of St. Anthony of Padova has been constructed mixing the Baroque and Gothic architectural styles, and is one of the most noteworthy sights to see in Sućuraj Hvar.
Another cultural and religious monument that you should visit is the Augustine monastery and the Church of St. George.
While the construction of this building was started in the 13th century, it was only completed in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Sadly, only parts of the original monastery now remain.
You could also visit the parish church of St. George (from who the town actually got its name), which was constructed at the end of the 19th century.
Walking Through the Town
Because of its role as a defensive town, the architecture of the houses in Sućuraj on Hvar island is very unique, and a stroll through the town is a must to really imbibe the atmosphere of the place.
The buildings are all interconnected stone houses, that have closed streets – as if you are walking through tunnels.
It is this style that kept the townspeople safe from the marauding pirates that would sail down the river Neretva.
While you walk through the town you should also see the fort that was built by the Venetians in 1613, the lighthouse that guards the town and shows seafarers the way and just take in the beauty of the little town.
Gastronomic Delights
The Mediterranean cuisine of the town is delicious, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious local wines that are so good that they are exported to different parts of the world.
The locally produced olive oil is also a must try as is the brandy and the fish.
The many restaurants in Sućuraj Hvar also serve some of the most delicious Dalmatian fare that you will have the chance to eat.
Activities In Sućuraj
Besides the many lovely beaches, the town itself with its architectural marvels, and the lovely wine and food, you can also indulge in day and night fishing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, bicycling, attending cultural events that take place in the summer.
If you get a chance to, attend the Ribarske Noći – The Nights of the Fishermen.
This is a feast that is held in the summer and is a wonderful experience.
Accommodation in Sućuraj Hvar
There are no real hotels in Sućuraj, so accommodation is mainly of three types – apartments, houses or campsites.Check link for accommodation.
There is even an auto camp called Mlaska.
Yachts can dock in the marina.
Getting to Sućuraj On Hvar Island
By Ferry:
If you are not already on the island of Hvar, then the best way to get to Sućuraj is by ferry from Drvenik via the Makarska.
It will take you a maximum of 30 minutes for the crossing.
Ferries ply this route between 10 and 11 times a day in the summers, and about 6 times a day in winters.
However, at peak season, the ferry operates more frequently when required.
If you are traveling by road from Dubrovnik, Sarajevo or Mostar, then you need to drive to Ploče, and head northwest for another 25 km.
By Plane
If you are coming in by air, it is best to land at Split or Dubrovnik, from where you will have to travel by road and then ferry.
You can also take a ferry from Split to Stari Grad, and then drive 61 km to Sućuraj Hvar island.
However, this is the more expensive option, though the view is really worth it!
By Car Or local Bus
If you are already on the island, then you can also travel from Hvar Town (77 km) or Jelsa (61 km) by car or local bus.
There are bus services from other parts of the island, but they usually operate only on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, so if you’re using local transport networks, plan your trip to Sućuraj Hvar island in advance.
You can also use the taxi service but it is quite expensive.
By Yacht
If you are coming by sea in a boat, yacht or ship, then you can dock directly at Sućuraj Hvar Island port, which is located at the town center.
A very important tip for those traveling to Sućuraj Croatia by car.
Make sure your gas tank is full, because the nearest gas station from Sućuraj Hvar on the island is 51 km away!
Check other nearby holiday destinations
- Things To Do In Jelsa Hvar Island
- Travel Guide On Vrboska Island Of Hvar
- Travel itinerary on Stari Grad On Hvar island
- Top Things To Do In Hvar Town Croatia
- What To See In Zavala On Hvar
- Sveta Nedilja Hvar Island – Best Things To Do
- Visit Milna On Hvar Island
- Best Things To Do In Split Croatia
- Dubrovnik Croatia – Attractions, Islands & Things To Do
- Things To Do On Island Of Korčula Croatia
- Things To Do In Makarska Riviera
- Hvar Island Travel Guide
- Island Of Lastovo – Places to visit