First up in our League of Islands is the Croatian island of Hvar. A couple of hours from Split in the Adriatic, this island top tenner has lots going for it. This probably explains why it’s been inhabited for more than five and a half thousand years. The Greeks, the Slavs, the Venetians, the Hapsburgs and even Napoleon have all controlled it at one stage or another.

Now, the only invading hordes that you’ll find are the visitors who get the ferry over from the mainland.

So what is it that makes Hvar so special?

Clear as day

For a start, the Adriatic is one of the clearest seas you’ll find in Europe. And on top of having fantastic visibility for snorkeling and diving, it’s also very warm. The only downside is that there’s not much to see besides a few fish and sea urchins. But if you want to do something adventurous, there are plenty of boat taxis and watersport options available, and a snorkeling trip to the famous Blue Grotto is well worth the money.

Beaches that rock

Hvar is unique in that it’s the only island in the league without any sandy beaches. Everywhere you go, you have to choose between either rocks or pebbles. Normally that might put a dampers of beach fun. In Hvar it’s just made the locals more inventive. Walk towards Hvar Town and you’ll find some fantastic beach bars with loungers, cocktails and fine food. My favourite is hula hula hvar

Lots on the menu

After a hard day chillin’ on the beach or frolicking in the sea, you’re going to need to be fed and watered. In Hvar Town, you’re spoilt for choice. Beware though, food doesn’t come cheap. (This might something to do with all those trillionaires turning up in their massive yachts). In most of the high-end places, the food isn’t that much better despite leaving your wallet a lot lighter. For a real Dalmatian treat, though, Menego serves some wonderful little plates of local specialties not unlike tapas.

A classical beauty

In the day, you can do the cultural historical thing. Hvar Town was an important centre for trade and culture in the Adriatic for half a millennium, and it shows.  The Venetian architecture is so well preserved it looks almost new, and there’s also an impressive hill top fort built to protect the harbour. A town this beautiful is just built for promenading. In the evening, it’s transformed into a party paradise, with cocktail bars galore.

Finger clicking good

Which brings me on to my final category: scenery. If Hvar town and the fort don’t get you taking pics until your trigger finger is sore, then the hilltop views, the flora and fauna will. No matter how much of a camera clown you are, the beauty of Hvar makes taking photos that dazzle as easy as saying cheese.