Pitve — Where Hvar Breathes
Pitve is one of the oldest settlements on the island. A stone village perched on a hillside above Jelsa, just 2 km from the sea, yet it feels miles away from the crowds. Upper (Old) Pitve dates back to the Illyrian era, while Lower Pitve was established between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Together, they paint a picture of a Mediterranean way of life that has never been in a hurry.
Narrow stone alleyways, known locally as kale, wind their way between houses that are centuries old. Behind every wooden shutter lies a piece of the past. Rising above Upper and Lower Pitve stands the Parish Church of St. James, built in 1877, from where one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramic views unfolds: the sea, the island of Brač, the Hvar Channel, the Biokovo mountain range, and the Makarska Riviera — all in a single frame.
In the height of summer, Pitve offers something the coast cannot — fresh air, pleasant evenings, and skies free from light pollution. At night, from Villa Natura’s Observatory Terrace, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
What Makes This Location Unique
From Pitve begins the old route to Zavala, passing through the Vratnik gorge. The journey follows winding mountain roads over the peak of St. Anthony (550 m) or through a 1,400-metre tunnel that emerges on the island’s southern side, leading to Zavala, Ivan Dolac, and Sveta Nedjelja — some of Hvar’s most beautiful seaside villages.
The tunnel itself is an attraction: unlit, single-lane, and controlled by traffic lights at each end. Locals are fond of it. Children absolutely love it.
Nearby Jelsa — once the village port and now one of Hvar’s most vibrant towns — offers all the essentials for everyday convenience: shops, a petrol station, pharmacy, medical clinic, post office, bank, restaurants, and cafés.
Getting Here
By Air
The nearest airport is Split Airport (Kaštela). From there, you have two options:
- Ferry: Split → Stari Grad (approx. 120 min) → Pitve (11 km by taxi, bus, or car)
- Catamaran: Split → Jelsa (approx. 90 min) → Pitve (2 km by taxi or bus)
By Car
- Split → Stari Grad Ferry (approx. 120 min) → Pitve (11 km) — parking available 100 m from the villa
- Drvenik → Sućuraj Ferry (approx. 20 min) → Pitve (50 km) — parking available 100 m from the villa.
By Train
Split Railway Station is located right next to the ferry port, making onward travel simple and convenient — no transfers required. From Split, you can take:
The ferry to Stari Grad (approx. 120 min)
The catamaran to Jelsa (approx. 90 min).
A transfer from the port to Villa Natura can be arranged upon request during booking or through our contact form.