Hvarski botanički vrt

Hvar Botanical Garden (Hvarski botanički vrt) is a small, homegrown botanical garden in the village of Dol, a short drive from Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Unlike the manicured botanical gardens of major cities, this is a personal, rustic project: it was created and tended over the years by Matko Roić, a primary school teacher from Stari Grad who set out to document and preserve the native plant life of the island.

How do you get there?

The garden sits in the village of Dol, on the road connecting Dol and Vrbanj, in an area known as Katovnica. From Stari Grad it's a drive of about fifteen minutes inland, away from the coastal crowds. It makes a natural stop for anyone exploring the Stari Grad Plain, the UNESCO World Heritage agricultural landscape that borders Dol — pair the visit with a look at the surrounding vineyards and lavender fields for a full afternoon in the island's interior.

What will you see inside?

The plant collection combines species traditionally cultivated on Hvar — lavender and olive — with wild plants typical of the Mediterranean maquis: broom (brnistra), Dalmatian pyrethrum (buhač), sage, honeysuckle (kozokrvina), motherwort, lemon balm (matičnjak), myrtle, pistachio, strawberry tree (planika), rosemary and heather. A distinctive touch is the labeling: handwritten tags give each plant's name in standard Croatian, in the local Chakavian dialect, and in Latin, turning a stroll through the garden into a small lesson in local language and culture.

Beyond the planting itself, the grounds hold a relief model of the island of Hvar with a dedication plaque, a feature known locally as "Faroske hore," a restored cistern, a collection of rocks and soil samples characteristic of the island, and a small weather station. Together these add an educational layer covering Hvar's geology and climate, not just its flora.

The atmosphere is informal and personal — the people who look after the garden are happy to talk about the history behind individual plants, and the grounds are relaxed enough for a quiet picnic away from the crowds. A small shop near the entrance sells lavender products, and admission itself is free; a donation box supports the garden's lavender-sachet initiative.

When should you visit?

The garden is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, though as a small, family-run operation it can close unannounced on occasion, so it's worth checking ahead if you're making a special trip. Late spring and early summer are the best times to come, when lavender is in bloom and the rest of the collection is at its fullest, before the height of summer heat sets in. Visiting outside the peak tourist season also means a better chance of a quiet conversation with whoever is tending the garden that day.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry is free. Visitors are welcome to leave a voluntary donation or buy lavender products from the small on-site shop — a practical way to support the upkeep of the collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, admission is free. There's a donation box on site along with a small shop selling lavender products.

How far is the garden from Stari Grad? It's located in the village of Dol, a few kilometers from central Stari Grad, on the road toward Vrbanj.

What else is there besides the plants? Alongside the Mediterranean plant collection, the grounds include a relief model of Hvar island, a restored cistern, a collection of local rocks and soil, and a small weather station.

Is it a good spot for a picnic? Yes — the quiet, low-key setting makes it a pleasant place to relax away from Stari Grad's busier beaches and center.