Glavica viewpoint above Stari Grad on Hvar

Glavica viewpoint above Stari Grad on Hvar

One of the nice walks around Stari Grad on the island of Hvar is the Glavica viewpoint. You can't miss the white cross at its summit, it's visible from afar. The hill's peak is at an elevation of 111 m above sea level, so the walk is truly pleasant with no significant elevation gain. Even small children can manage it. We took this walk shortly after Easter, when the weather on Hvar is just right for walks.

There are two paths leading to the summit. We found a trail on the map that starts by the road towards the village of Rudina. By the road, there's a small house and a trail sign. That house is a good landmark, as there's nothing else around. We parked the car by the road, a bit haphazardly. The GPS coordinates for the start of the trail are here: 43.193765, 16.599375.

The small house by the road is a good landmark, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The small house by the road is a good landmark, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Trail sign, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Trail sign, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The trail starts directly by the road, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The trail starts directly by the road, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

And from there, the path leads you through the forest, sometimes lined with stones, sometimes running along stone embankments.

Start of the trail, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Start of the trail, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The path through the forest is pleasant, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The path through the forest is pleasant, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Ever-present stones line the path, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Ever-present stones line the path, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Ever-present stones line the path, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Ever-present stones line the path, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

The path is well-maintained, it's impossible to get lost, and it's passable even for a four-year-old child.

The path to the summit is well-maintained, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The path to the summit is well-maintained, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
At times, the path leads over stones, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
At times, the path leads over stones, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

It was beautifully quiet in the forest, birdsong made our walk more pleasant, everything smelled fragrant, and the first blossoms timidly began to color the landscape in spring hues.

Stone and trees in the surroundings, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Stone and trees in the surroundings, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

At the summit of Glavica hill, there are remnants of stone fortifications from the times of the Illyrians, Greeks, and later Romans. It was simply a very good strategic location, offering views of the entire Stari Grad bay and the surrounding hills. The site was visibly connected to similar fortifications on the opposite hill.

The white cross at the summit is visible from afar, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The white cross at the summit is visible from afar, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
From the time of the Illyrians, a stone ring remained here, encircling the entire site, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
From the time of the Illyrians, a stone ring remained here, encircling the entire site, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

There is also a breathtaking view of the large area of Starogradsko polje (Stari Grad Plain) from here; I haven't seen a better view of this plain yet.

Beautiful view of the Stari Grad Plain, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Beautiful view of the Stari Grad Plain, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

A large white cross was erected on the summit in 1990. The original cross from 1900 has not been preserved.

The white cross at the summit is visible from afar, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
The white cross at the summit is visible from afar, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

Besides the cross, there is also a small, freely accessible chapel at the top. Inside the chapel, on the wall, there is a map of the Way of the Cross, which leads to the summit from the edge of Stari Grad – this is actually the second path you can take.

Small chapel on Glavica summit, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Small chapel on Glavica summit, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Small chapel on Glavica summit, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Small chapel on Glavica summit, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Inside the chapel is a map of the Way of the Cross, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia
Inside the chapel is a map of the Way of the Cross, Glavica, Stari Grad, island Hvar, Croatia

For better orientation, I'm also adding the GPS coordinates for Glavica: 43.19083720798793, 16.59570200282868. Now all that's left is to choose one of the paths, set off, and enjoy those beautiful views 🙂

Glavica viewpoint above Stari Grad on Hvar | Croatia Uncovered