Stari Grad Plain (Starogradsko polje)

Located in the heart of Hvar Island, the Stari Grad Plain (Starogradsko polja) offers a serene and historically rich landscape that is well worth visiting. As the largest single expanse of arable land on the Adriatic islands, this fertile area covers 1,376 hectares and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 2008 for its exceptional preservation. The landscape is defined by 75 distinct land parcels, or chora, separated by ancient dry stone walls that have stood for over 2,400 years, tracing their origins back to Greek colonists from Paros who settled here in 384 BC.

Visitors can explore this living cultural landscape through peaceful walks along rural tracks, observing the unique agricultural traditions that have persisted for millennia. The area is sustained by fertile soil, including ancient ice age deposits, and continues to be actively farmed with traditional crops like grapes and olives. This continuity provides a rare glimpse into ancient Greek agricultural systems, where the original layout of the land remains largely intact. The site is not only a significant archaeological site, containing over 120 locations, but also a testament to the enduring relationship between people and the land. Travelers can appreciate the intricate network of dry stone walls and traditional trims (stone shelters) that characterize the region. It is an ideal destination for those interested in history, agriculture, and the quiet beauty of the Mediterranean countryside, offering a peaceful retreat from the more crowded tourist areas.