Sućuraj is a beautiful small resort located at the very east of the island of Hvar. It is only 6 km from the mainland, which is why it has always been more connected to the mainland than to the rest of the island. This is also evidenced by the fact that the road connecting Sućuraj with the western part of Hvar island began construction under Napoleon in 1811. However, it was only completed after World War II in 1961 and asphalted in 1969. Electricity was also brought to the island of Hvar in 1961.
The port in Sućuraj is popularly known as the pirate port. This name comes from the Neretvans, who arrived here in the 7th century and soon began engaging in piracy. The port is well-protected, and the surrounding terrain nicely encloses it, which has always been its huge advantage. A ferry from the resort of Drvenik travels here from the mainland, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
In Sućuraj, there are restaurants, cafes, a shop, and a nice children's playground. If you head east along the sea from the port, the path will lead you to a beautiful lighthouse, which is a dominant feature of the place and is clearly visible from the ferry. It welcomes every visitor.
And if you go even further past the lighthouse, the path will lead you along the sea, where there are several houses cleverly hidden away from all the hustle and bustle. A few of them are for rent, and it's certainly great accommodation with a view of the Makarska Riviera and the Biokovo mountains. Swimming there is a bit wilder on flat rocks, but it's right in front of the house.
If you head in the opposite direction from the port, you'll reach Česminica beach. It's a pebble beach on the outskirts of Sućuraj. From there, the promenade continues along the sea next to old dry-stone walls to another small bay, Blaca, with a small beach. It's a nice walk with a view of Sućuraj against the backdrop of Biokovo - this beautiful view of Sućuraj is new and unfamiliar to me so far. And the view of Pelješac and its hills across the sea isn't bad at all either. And completely to the right, a piece of Korčula island is visible.
We walked both routes with a stroller, so I can confidently say that they are truly great walks and easily accessible with a stroller.
Another swimming option is the nearby Mlaska bay with a campsite of the same name, which even has a sandy beach. Many visitors go there at least once.
As for monuments, there are really only a few, as it is also a small town. A short distance from the port towards the lighthouse are the remains of Fortica fortress. The fortress was built as a defense against Turkish raids, who occupied the coast during the Venetian-Turkish wars and repeatedly attacked and destroyed Sućuraj.
The oldest well-preserved monument is the Augustinian monastery, which is still functional today. It was built in the 9th century and rebuilt several times. Above the entrance door is an inscription about a renovation from 1309.
From this period are also the foundations of the old church Crkva Sv. Juraj, which was demolished at the end of the 19th century due to dilapidation, and a new one was built nearby. The name of the place is also derived from this church: Sut + Juraj = Sućuraj.
On the opposite side of the port is the church Crkva svetog Ante. It was built by immigrants from the mainland, led by the Franciscans, in 1663 and is preserved to this day.
A legend about the Illyrian queen Teuta is associated with Sućuraj, according to which her courts were located on the outskirts of Sućuraj. The remains of an Illyrian wall known as Teuta's Wall and also Velika gomila - an ancient Illyrian cemetery - prove that the legend might have a real basis. Furthermore, findings of amphorae from sunken Roman galleys on the seabed around Sućuraj would also support this.
Most of the historical information about Sućuraj I found on the municipality of Sućuraj's website. Anyone who wants to read more about the history of the place can do so here: http://www.sucuraj.com/hr/sucuraj-hvar/povijest
A very well-known local professor of archaeology also lives in Sućuraj, actively participating in excavations and research across the entire island of Hvar. Last summer, I saw his offer for a 'šetnja sa archeologom' (walk with an archaeologist) near the port, and I plan to take that walk with him at the earliest opportunity.
Sućuraj has many interesting places, but one has to discover them. They are not visible at first glance. Perhaps Sućuraj will surprise and charm you as it did me.
