How 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.
1. Storage and laundry facilities.
Families staying at the Fontana have good storage by the standards of a vacation rental. Likewise, families at Fontana will have access to either washing machines or a hotel laundry service (for 5 euro per kilogram in the fall). Finally, The Field School provides beach toys and other playthings, so there is no need to pack those unless your child has particular favorites.
2. You can buy things here.
Hvar has a number of basic clothing and home goods stores. Your value and variety will be better at home but you can get most necessities. Key exceptions: UV shirts, international power adapters, and children’s shoes. 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. Amazon Germany or the malls in Split can fill any gaps.
3. Ready for Action
Children must bring backpacks and waterbottles to the program. They should not bring smart devices or any valuables.
We recommend that children wear rash guards and rugged sandals, like Chakos or Tevas, for the beach. 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 boots or sturdy sneakers for hikes.
Generally - what would work well for a pick-up game of soccer or basketball is a good fit for a day at The Field School. We recommend that children bring shorts, pants, and tees that dry quickly. Of course, we celebrate cotton, linen, hemp, and performance wool as ethical, functional fabrics. Children will never need formal wear for our program.
4. Cooler weather.
Families joining Field in the spring and fall will experience rain and cooler days. Children and parents attending those sessions should bring rain gear, pants, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, a jacket, and other appropriate items.
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 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. 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.” Bow ties and “church dresses” would stand out.