Hvar holds a strategic position in the heart of the Adriatic Sea, which historically made it a vital hub for maritime trade and navigation. Its central location along key sailing routes allowed it to control commerce between the eastern Adriatic coast, Italy, and the wider Mediterranean region. Archaeological findings show that the island has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, first by Neolithic communities known for creating the distinctive pottery associated with the Hvar culture. Later, the Illyrians settled here, contributing to its early development.
In 384 BC, Greek settlers established the colony of Pharos, now modern-day Stari Grad, making it one of the oldest urban centers in Europe.
These settlers also organized the fertile agricultural land into parcels known today as the Stari Grad Plain, a system still preserved and recognized by UNESCO. During the medieval period, Hvar gained prominence under the Venetian Empire, serving as a key naval base that strengthened Venice’s dominance over Adriatic trade routes and regional power dynamics.