Hvar Lavender Fields, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path
Most people associate lavender fields with France, thanks to the purple rolling hills across the Provence region, from the Valensole Plateau to the Luberon Valley. Not many people would even guess that Croatia has any lavender fields at all, let alone on an island not far off the coast from Split or Dubrovnik, Hvar. Despite often being nicknamed the “Lavender Island”, Hvar is best known for its beaches and stone fortresses, leaving these fields as a hidden gem of sorts in Croatia.
Just 50 years ago, these fields accounted for 8% of of the world’s lavender production, but since then emigration and forest fires have severely shrunk the once booming industry. Now going through a revival period, the sight of these colorful shrubs with the turquoise Adriatic Sea in the background remains something truly special.
Each June, a Lavender Festival is held in the village of Velo Grablje, where unique treats and souvenirs like lavender-flavored ice cream and lavender honey become more abundant in celebration. With a more active role, you can discover the freshest lavender oil you’ll ever encounter by following it through the harvesting and distilling process. This festival is also important to the revival of the fields, bringing them needed money and attention.
Featured image: © Rostislav_sedlacek | Dreamstime.com