Tucked away from the bustling Hvar town, the charming abandoned village of Malo Grablje beckons travelers to uncover its captivating past. On this intimate small group tour, you’ll wander the stone streets, uncovering the stories that echo through its weathered walls. As you savor a delectable local feast, you’ll be immersed in the authentic Dalmatian culture, connecting with the enduring spirit that lingers in this enchanting corner of Croatia. What secrets will this hidden gem reveal, and how will it leave an indelible mark on your Croatian adventure?
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Dinner Tours In Hvar.
Key Points
- Explore the quaint and abandoned village of Malo Grablje, located 4 miles from Hvar town center, on an intimate small group tour of up to 12 people.
- Enjoy the village’s history and experience the echoes of its once-thriving community through guided tours and a 3-course local Dalmatian dinner.
- Discover the crumbling facades and overgrown pathways of the village, which was abandoned in the 1950s, and learn about the region’s rich heritage.
- Connect with the enduring spirit of the village through a restored home-restaurant operated by a local family, who share their stories and traditions.
- Enjoy hassle-free transportation, inclusive of all taxes and gratuities, with convenient pickup options from your Hvar hotel, bus station, or Stari Grad ferry port.
Tour Overview
This off-the-beaten-path Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner whisks travelers away to the quaint stone streets of Malo Grablje, an enchanting village frozen in time just 4 miles from the Hvar town center.
With a maximum group size of 12, this 3-hour experience offers an intimate look at the village’s history and the story of its exodus in the 1950s.
Guests will meet a local family who’ve restored one of the homes and opened a traditional Dalmatian restaurant, where they’ll savor a delectable 3-course meal showcasing the region’s flavors.
Rated 5 stars, this immersive tour provides an authentic taste of Croatia’s hidden gems.
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Destination: Malo Grablje
Nestled just 4 miles from the bustling Hvar town center, the charming stone streets of Malo Grablje transport visitors to a tranquil bygone era, a village frozen in time.
Once a thriving agricultural community, Malo Grablje fell into abandonment in the 1950s as residents gradually migrated away, leaving behind their centuries-old stone homes and terraced olive groves.
Today, the tour immerses guests in this captivating ghost town, where crumbling facades and overgrown pathways tell the story of the village’s dramatic past.
Visitors will meet a local family who’ve lovingly restored one of the abandoned homes, now housing a cozy restaurant serving authentic Dalmatian cuisine – a true taste of the region’s rich heritage.
Exploring the Village
Wandering through Malo Grablje’s winding stone lanes, visitors are transported to a forgotten era, with crumbling facades and overgrown pathways evoking the village’s dramatic past.
As they explore the abandoned homes and workshops, they’ll uncover traces of the once-thriving community – a rusted sewing machine here, a weathered wooden door there.
Stopping to chat with the local family who’ve restored one of the homes, they’ll gain insights into the exodus that left this charming village deserted.
Standing amidst the remnants of daily life, visitors can almost hear the echoes of laughter and conversation that once filled these streets, now hushed by time.
It’s a poignant and immersive experience, offering a glimpse into Hvar’s rich history.
Local Family and Restaurant
Among the winding stone lanes, a local family has breathed new life into one of Malo Grablje’s abandoned homes, transforming it into a cozy restaurant that offers a window into the village’s past.
Here, you’ll meet the family who took on the arduous task of restoring the crumbling structure, salvaging what they could to preserve its historic character.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm hospitality of your hosts, who are eager to share their stories and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It’s a chance to truly connect with the village’s enduring spirit, one bite and sip at a time.
Sample Menu
As you settle in for your authentic Dalmatian feast, the menu presents a tempting array of local specialties. A starter of creamy local cheese, smoky cured ham, and delicate marinated fish sets the stage, accompanied by freshly baked bread and flowing wine and water. For the main course, you have your choice of the traditional peka, slow-roasted to perfection with options of lamb, veal, or octopus. Vegetarians need not worry, as a tasty meatless peka is also available. To conclude this culinary journey, indulge in a traditional almond dessert paired with a glass of the region’s renowned Grappa or Prosek, a delightful dessert wine.
Starter | Main Course | Dessert |
---|---|---|
Local cheese Smoked ham Marinated fish Bread Wine Water |
Peka (lamb, veal, octopus) Vegetarian peka Vegetables Salad |
Traditional almond dessert Grappa Prosek |
Tour Inclusions
This tour includes round-trip transportation from your Hvar hotel, bus station, or Stari Grad ferry port.
You’ll also enjoy a 3-course authentic Dalmatian dinner, along with local taxes and a knowledgeable driver-guide to lead the way. Gratuities are covered, so you can fully learn about the experience.
Savor a starter of local cheese, smoked ham, marinated fish, bread, wine, and water, followed by a traditional peka dish with lamb, veal, or octopus, served with vegetables and salad.
For dessert, indulge in a traditional almond treat with Grappa or Prosek, the renowned Dalmatian dessert wine.
All the details are taken care of, allowing you to focus on discovering the charms of the abandoned village of Malo Grablje.
Meeting and Pickup
Your tour begins with convenient pickup options. You can choose to be directly picked up from your hotel or accommodation, provided it’s accessible by car.
Alternatively, you can meet the group at the Bus Stop Hvar Town, near the Tisak shop.
No matter which option you select, you’ll need to confirm your pickup time in advance. This ensures the driver knows exactly when and where to meet you.
Once you’ve joined the group, the tour will depart from the meeting point and return there at the end of the day.
With these hassle-free pickup and drop-off arrangements, you can sit back, relax, and focus on experiencing the charming abandoned village of Malo Grablje.
Additional Information
Travelers receive confirmation of their booking immediately after reserving the tour. Vegetarians must specify their dietary needs at the time of booking to ensure the appropriate meal is prepared. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, service animals are welcome, and infant seats can be provided upon request. A minimum of two passengers is required for the tour to operate; if this minimum is not met, an alternative or full refund will be offered.
Highlight | Description |
---|---|
Confirmation | Booking confirmation received instantly |
Dietary Needs | Vegetarian option must be specified at time of booking |
Accessibility | Tour not wheelchair accessible, but service animals allowed |
Minimum Group Size | Alternative or refund offered if minimum of 2 pax not met |
This tour immerses visitors in the captivating history and authentic traditions of Croatia’s Hvar region, offering an unforgettable cultural experience amidst the charming ruins of Malo Grablje.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Wear on the Tour?
For this kind of tour, one should wear comfortable, casual clothes and sturdy walking shoes. The terrain may be uneven, so dressing for an active outdoor experience is recommended. Bringing a light jacket or sweater is also advised in case of changing weather.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos throughout the tour. The historic village and cultural experiences offer ample photo opportunities to capture the charm and authenticity of the local lifestyle. Just be mindful not to disturb residents or intrude on private moments.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for kids, as it offers a chance to explore an abandoned village and enjoy a delicious local meal. Children will delight in the historic stone streets and learning about the village’s past.
What Is the Cancellation Policy?
The cancellation policy is very flexible – travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts and get a full refund. This gives them plenty of time to adjust their plans if needed.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Besides Vegetarian?
The tour offers a vegetarian option, but doesn’t specify any other dietary restrictions. Guests should let the tour operator know of any other dietary needs, like gluten-free or dairy-free, when booking so they can accommodate them.
Recap
Wander through the enchanting Malo Grablje, a charming abandoned village frozen in time.
Uncover its stories as you explore its winding stone streets.
Then, savor a delectable 3-course Dalmatian feast at a family-run restaurant, connecting with the region’s enduring spirit.
This intimate small-group tour immerses you in the captivating history and authentic flavors of Hvar.
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