Plizio Visual Lab

Stari Grad Plain

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar is a unique cultural landscape that has remained virtually intact since its initial colonization by Ionian Greeks in the 4th century BC. It represents the best-preserved example of ancient Greek land division in the Mediterranean, a system known as 'chora.' Established by settlers from the island of Paros in 384 BC, the plain was geometrically divided into approximately 73 rectangular plots, each measuring roughly 181 by 905 meters. These parcels were separated by dry stone walls, most of which still follow the original ancient boundaries today. For over 2,400 years, this fertile land has been continuously cultivated with grapes and olives, maintaining the same agricultural traditions introduced by the first settlers. The plain also contains over 100 archaeological sites, including the remains of Greek watchtowers and Roman country villas. Recognized for its extraordinary historical continuity and cultural significance, the Stari Grad Plain was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Today, exploring the plain by foot or bicycle features a serene and authentic journey through one of the world's oldest functional agricultural systems.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Carevac · Hvar Botanical Garden · Maslinovik
Nearby: Jelsa (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	11	12	15	18	23	25	26	22	19	16	13
Rain mm	85	81	74	58	48	42	25	33	80	80	114	109

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Stari Grad Plain is an open cultural landscape that can be visited freely at any time. You can explore the area on foot or by bike without any entrance fee.

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Typical hours

As an open-air site, there are no set opening hours. It is best to visit during daylight to fully appreciate the ancient agricultural layout.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the open site. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vast fields and dry-stone walls that define the landscape.

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Time needed

Allow one to two hours for a stroll through the main area. To explore the entire plain thoroughly, you might set aside half a day.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a trip to the old town of Stari Grad. The nearby Hvar Bay and a monastery are also worth adding to your itinerary.

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Getting there

The plain is about one kilometer northeast of Stari Grad, easily reachable on foot or by bike. Public buses run from Hvar Town to Stari Grad.

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Insider tip

Visit in the late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the ancient stone walls. Wear sturdy footwear as the paths are uneven.

Geography

Coordinates

43.18190, 16.63220

Facts

The land was first divided by Greek settlers in 384 BC
The standard parcel size is approximately 181 by 905 meters
Ancient dry stone walls still mark the original Greek boundaries
The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008
The plain has seen continuous agricultural use for over 2,400 years
It features over 100 archaeological sites, including Greek towers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Dol (Hvar)2 km · SWExplore →

📍Vrbanj2 km · SEExplore →

📍Vrboska3 km · EExplore →

Stari Grad (Hvar)3 km · WExplore →

📍Vrisnik4 km · SEExplore →

Sveti Nikola4 km · SExplore →

Jelsa5 km · SEExplore →

📍Sveta Nedjelja6 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Stari Grad Plain (10)

Carevac

Carevac archaeological site on Hvar island, remains of an ancient settlement from the Greek-Roman period.

Hvar Botanical Garden

Hvar Botanical Garden, collection of Mediterranean and endemic plants from the island and the Adriatic.

Maslinovik

Maslinovik archaeological site, remains of an ancient villa or farmstead on Hvar.

Kupinovik

Roman villa rustica near Stari Grad, remains of an ancient agricultural estate.

sv. Vida ⛪ church

Church of St. Vitus in Stari Grad, a simple religious building with a bell tower.

Kapela sv. Kuzme i Damjana

Chapel in Croatia, dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, located in Stari Grad.

crkva svetog Mihovila arkanđela

Church building in Stari Grad, Croatia, dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

kapela Gospojica

Church building in Stari Grad, Croatia, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Likorova kuća

Ruins of Likorova kuća in Stari Grad, a dilapidated stone house.

Butiga

Butiga gallery in Stari Grad, showcasing contemporary art and local works.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to explore the plain?

The best way is by bicycle or on foot along the ancient Greek paths.

Is there an entrance fee to visit the plain?

No, it is an open agricultural area and free to access.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring or autumn, when temperatures are good for cycling tours.

What makes this place special?

It is the best-preserved ancient Greek land division in the Mediterranean.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, local agencies in Stari Grad offer archaeological cycling tours.

Stari Grad Plain: where is it located?

Stari Grad Plain is located in Croatia.

Stari Grad Plain: what is there to see?

Highlights include Carevac, Hvar Botanical Garden, Maslinovik.

Stari Grad Plain: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Stari Grad Plain: why is it worth visiting?

The Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar is a unique cultural landscape that has remained virtually intact since its initial colonization by Ionian Greeks in the 4th century BC.

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