2585 Travel Guide

Fortica (also called Španjola) stands on the ridge above Hvar town, a star-shaped fortress built by the Venetians in the 16th century overlooking the Adriatic and its islands. The climb is about 20 minutes up stone steps to boundless views — the best spot for sunset and harbour panoramas. A small exhibition inside tells the island's defence history; after dark, the party town below and sea lighthouses echo each other, past and present overlapped.The fortress silhouette at night stands more aloof than by day.