What to Pack for Hvar
The Field School of Hvar is a longer-than-usual visit to a foreign country, so you may wish to adapt your packing strategy. Here are our tips.
Simple, comfortable clothes for the win!
1. Make use of storage and laundry facilities.
Families staying at the Fontana have ample storage, so there is no real need to economize. Relative to the duration of your stay, you’re spending less time in transit, which may make hauling an extra checked bag worth it. Likewise, families at Fontana will have access to either washing machines or a hotel laundry service (for a modest additional fee), which may free up space for a greater variety of items. Finally, The Field School provides beach toys and many other playthings, so there is no need to pack those unless your child has particular favorites.
2. You can buy things here.
Your value and selection for most things will be better at home but plenty of island shops sell swimsuits, footwear, beach towels, sunscreen, and everything else you might need. There are wonderful boutiques in Jelsa, Stari Grad, and Hvar which sell artisanal clothing (Lukrecija and Papelu are stand-outs), but for basic items, linens, cosmetics, and swim paraphernalia, the ferry port at Stari Grad has the best options.
sun buddies > sun burns
3. Ready for Action
We recommend that children bring rash guards, which you won’t find on the island. Locals usually wear bikinis, normal swim trunks, and flip flops or Birkenstocks, but the UV is intense and no one wants to spend their vacation nursing a sun burn. SPF shirts and hats are not a bad idea.
Kids also need rugged sandals, like Chakos or Tevas, for the beach, and parents might want to bring a pair, too. Unlike flip flops, sportier sandals give kids stability on boats, support on short hikes, protection on stone beaches, and they don’t have a tendency to float or fly away at inopportune moments.
In the fall, children should also bring a pair of hiking boots or sturdy sneakers for moderately strenuous hikes.
For other outdoor activities, we recommend that children bring athletic shorts and tees that dry quickly. Steer clear of khaki, denim, and other heavy fabrics for everyday. Form-fitting clothes can chafe or breed bacteria. For girls, shorts like this or this may be more comfortable.
Children will also need backpacks and waterbottles. They will not be using smart devices during the program, so it may make sense to leave those at home.
4. Cooler weather.
Families joining Field in June and the Fall will get some rainy days and cooler nights. Children and parents attending those sessions should bring a shell. June and Fall families should also bring at least one pair of hiking pants (loose jeans are fine), some layers, a favorite sweater or two, and a mid-weight jacket.
An example of a dressier outfit that would blend right in with local style. Suitable for church.
5. Dressing up vs dressing down.
It’s really your choice. Particularly in the summer time, there are a lot of “beautiful people” on island Hvar who brighten up the riva and piazza with camera-ready outfits. There are also plenty of stylish and attractive locals in classic, understated pieces. Sundays are a bit dressier as friends meet up for al fresco coffee and gossip.
On the other hand, there are plenty of women who never wear makeup and men who never wear fashionable or formal attire. You should feel confident wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable.
One of the refreshing things about Croatian beaches is that all shapes, sizes, and ages are welcome. It’s not uncommon for older women to wear bikinis and for gentlemen to wear speedos. This isn’t about looking a certain way, but instead expresses a common right to enjoy the benefits of a swim without feeling self-conscious. Similarly, young children often do not wear swimsuits at all, although we do require them in our program.
If you plan to attend mass - or just visit a church - the general expectation is that shoulders, knees, midriff, and décolletage are covered. You will see people wearing all kinds of things, but revealing outfits are better saved for evenings out, and shorts are not encouraged for older children or adults. Likewise, it is better not to wear extremely casual clothing such as oversized t-shirts, flip flops, and leggings. With that said, there is not the same concept of Sunday best as one sees in other cultures. Bow ties and “church dresses” would stand out.