Each Easter on Hvar is marked by a night-long procession carried from village to village, where faith and community move together across the island.
At 10pm on Holy Thursday, six processions leave six parish churches across central Hvar — Vrbanj, Jelsa, Vrboska, Pitve, Vrisnik and Svirče. Each follows its own route through the night, covering 25 kilometres before returning at dawn, careful never to cross another.
At the front of every procession walks the cross-bearer. It is a role of deep honour, carried as a personal and collective responsibility. Behind him, the sound of Gospin plač moves through the dark, with each village singing it in its own way.
Za Križen (Following the Cross) has taken place on Hvar island without interruption for more than five centuries. In 2009, it was recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, though on the island, it has never needed recognition to matter.
If you are on Hvar during Easter, we’re here to help you find your place along its path.
Villa Epimetheus, Vrbanj
In the centre of the island, Vrbanj feels steady and lived-in, and Villa Epimetheus fits naturally into that setting. Originally built in 1872 as a winery, the house still carries that structure within it — the old konoba now forms the main living space, with thick stone walls that keep it cool. The villa has five bedrooms, including an attic suite with vistas stretching towards Brač. A garden wraps around the house, with a saltwater pool, citrus trees and herb-filled corners. It works well for families or groups of up to 12 guests.
Villa Iris, Svirče
Villa Iris is not a single open space but a series of levels, staircases and rooms that gradually reveal themselves. With around 350 m² of interior space, it comfortably accommodates larger groups, with multiple bedrooms, including a family-style mezzanine and a master suite in the attic. The layout includes a separate massage room, a secondary lounge area and several terraces, including one with a fireplace and another with a pool overlooking the hills and Jelsa. The garden adds another layer, with fig and pomegranate trees, vegetables and even eggs from the owners.
Villa Thallo, Vrisnik
Set at 400 metres above sea level, Vila Thallo is all about position. From its terraces, you see fields, neighbouring villages and the coastline in the distance. The house itself is over 150 years old, later extended and adapted, with four bedrooms spread across three levels. The outdoor space is what defines it: three terraces, including a central one with a pool, a shaded dining area under vines and open views in every direction. It works well for two families or a group of friends who don’t mind being a short drive from the coast in exchange for quiet.
Villa Atlas in Vitarnja
Villa Atlas is one of the newer properties, built in 2020, and designed as three separate apartments within one estate. It offers seven bedrooms, making it suitable for larger groups of up to 12 guests. The property includes a swimming pool, two hot tubs and multiple terraces, all positioned to take in expansive sea vistas. The interiors are minimal, with custom furniture and artwork, while the outdoor spaces are planted with olive trees, rosemary and citrus. Its position between Jelsa and Vrboska places it directly between two key points of the procession.
Villa Hedone, Pitve
Pitve is a village that feels slightly removed, even though it sits just above Jelsa. Villa Hedone reflects that. It is made up of three separate stone houses within a 2000 m² estate, allowing up to 14 guests to stay together. There is a central garden with a pool, an outdoor dining area with a fireplace, a sauna and even a small konoba that can be opened for wine or olive oil tastings. The setting is as much a part of the stay as the house itself, with stone, greenery and vistas that stretch across to the mainland.
Villa Geras, Jelsa
Villa Geras sits right in the centre of Jelsa, but once you are inside, it feels enclosed and separate. The house, originally built in 1900, was reworked into a 600 m² property with four ensuite bedrooms, a large open-plan living and dining area and a narrow swimming pool set into a private garden. There is also a sauna and a cold plunge built into the ground floor, along with indoor and outdoor dining spaces designed for larger groups. It’s ideal for guests who want to be within walking distance of everything, especially during Za Križen, when Jelsa hosts the largest procession.
Villa Poseidon, Vrboska
Villa Poseidon is set directly by the sea in Vrboska, with a stone beach just below the house. The villa spans 250 m² of interior space on a 1000 m² estate, with four bedrooms, multiple terraces and a curved pool that looks out toward the water. There is also a sauna built beneath the pool level, a wine cellar and several indoor and outdoor areas. The architecture mingles stone and wood with large openings toward the sea, making the location the defining feature. It suits groups who want direct access to the coast.
Za Križen is not something you plan your stay around in a typical way. But if you happen to be on Hvar for Easter week, it changes how you see the island. And afterwards, when everything returns to normal, those same villages feel more connected than ever before.
