Sveti Nikola is the highest peak of the island of Hvar, located 628 m above sea level. I had been looking forward to this trip for years and finally got to experience it. On the second day of September last year, we set out with our small children to conquer this hill (our son was a year and a half old and our daughter was four). Because of the children, we chose to drive by car almost to the summit. Even our car, without four-wheel drive, managed the macadam road.
From our base in Velo Zaraće bay, we set off towards the tunnel on the other side of the island, past Dubovica bay. Just before the tunnel, there's a turn-off for Sveti Nikola hill. From there, the road winds through arid landscape up to the summit. The local vegetation has been significantly affected by several fires.
Just below the summit is the Hvarcienda restaurant, unfortunately closed during our trip. Besides this restaurant, we didn't encounter any shops or anything similar. This should be kept in mind if one decides to hike up. There's no spring or possibility to buy water anywhere. On the way, we met one group of hikers who were already returning down. Once our children grow up, we might repeat this trip, hopefully walking a larger part of the way.
Right below the summit, there's a small parking lot, and from there, the last steep section of the path leads through the rocks.
The last section is quite rocky terrain, but on the other hand, it's very short. With my son in the carrier, I was a bit uncertain at first if I would make it up, but it turned out quite well. On the way down, we found an easier path directly to the parking lot. And the views were definitely worth it. My son slept through the whole thing, but my daughter was thrilled with the trip.
From one side, there are beautiful views of Vis and part of Korčula. A tiny piece of the island of Šćedro is completely to the right in front of Korčula. To the right of Korčula in the distance is the islet of Sušac.
To the right, Pakleni otoci are already starting to appear.
The mountain range stretches further towards the resort of Hvar, and then Pakleni otoci are visible further on.
On the other side, a view opens up to the Kabal peninsula and beyond it, the island of Brač.
To the right, the resort of Vrboska is visible, and next to it, Jelsa. From these two resorts, Starogradsko polje stretches to the left – an amazing piece of preserved history 2400 years old.
In the distance, Brač is visible, and in front of it, the Kabal peninsula. And in front of that is Starogradsko polje, and to the left, a small part of the resort of Stari Grad can be seen.
At the summit, we were greeted by the fire watcher's assistant.
So here we are. Hooray 🙂 We're at the summit with one cyclist, otherwise, there's no one else here.
On the adjacent peak, there's a cross and further on, a small church. But I didn't dare to go there with my son in the carrier. Next time, I'll hopefully walk the whole way there; my son definitely won't sleep through the entire trip then.
Was it worth climbing to the summit with small children? Yes, it was. We haven't undertaken any similar trips on Hvar yet; we haven't hiked the mountains there. And the views are truly beautiful. Our daughter still remembers the trip and enjoys reminiscing about it. So don't be afraid, pack water and a snack, and off to the hill 🙂
