October 12, 2026 – Croatia’s premier island of Hvar prepares to mark 158 years of organised tourism in Europe by returning to its roots – meet HVARMONY.
Long before “wellbeing” had a name, Hvar was already living it.
Carl Honoré, Kristina Kuzmič, and Ivana Paradžiković are among the headliners of HVARMONY, a four-day gathering focused on how to live better, longer, and happier lives, taking place in Hvar from October 15 to 18.
From October 15 to 18, Hvar becomes a venue for discussing a seemingly simple yet increasingly important question: how can we live better, longer, and happier lives?
HVARMONY – The Art of Living is a new four-day event that bridges modern insights into health, longevity, movement, nutrition, mental resilience, and quality of life with the Mediterranean’s generations-old wisdom on the good life.
The idea behind HVARMONY is not to offer yet another list of rules for becoming a “better version of yourself.” Quite the opposite. In an era where wellbeing and longevity have evolved into global trends and massive industries, HVARMONY shifts the focus back to a simpler question: what do we truly need to live well?
The answers won’t be sought solely on stage. Over the course of four days, lectures and discussions will alternate with movement, workshops, outdoor activities, the sea, food, sound, and experiences that transform Hvar from a mere backdrop into an active participant in the event.
Among the headliners of this inaugural edition is Carl Honoré—the internationally acclaimed author of the bestseller In Praise of Slowness and a leading figure of the Slow Movement—who will speak about the value of slowing down in a world that constantly pressures us to speed up. Kristina Kuzmič—an international speaker and author followed by millions for her open and direct approach to topics such as parenting, mental health, life challenges, and self-relationship—is also coming to Hvar.
Joining the program alongside her are Ivana Paradžiković and a host of domestic and international authors, experts, and facilitators specializing in nutrition, movement, mental resilience, longevity, and quality of life.
Among them are Maja Brekalo, Dalibor Petrinić, Andrea Solomun, Goran Sajko, Mirela Anić, Mia Šoškić, Miriam Mack, Sebastian Orlić, Petra Hisinger, Mirta Primorac Šejić, TLEX Institute experts Neringa Thariani and Aleksandra Jovanić-Sinko, Nina Kraljić, and other program participants.
Hvar returns to its original tourism roots—in October.
The choice of Hvar and the timing is no coincidence.
Hvar’s organized tourism story began back in 1868 with the founding of the Hygienic Society, at a time when the island’s greatest assets were highlighted as its mild Mediterranean climate, sunshine, clean air, sea, and opportunities for rest and recovery.
The Hygienic Society’s first hotel opened on October 15, 1868—the very same date that, 158 years later, marks the start of the inaugural edition of HVARMONY. “Hvar began its organized tourism journey during the very time of year we would today call the off-season. The Sanitary Society’s first hotel opened on October 15, 1868, and Hvar’s comparative advantage back then was precisely its Mediterranean climate—sun, sea, clean air, rest, and recovery. That is why, for us, HVARMONY is not merely a reminder of the beginnings of tourism nearly 160 years ago, but also a message that Hvar is just as beautiful—and perhaps, in a unique way, even more so—outside the peak summer months, when its natural rhythm comes to the fore once again.
We did not envision HVARMONY as just another conference on well-being or longevity, but rather as a reminder that the art of living often lies in simple things: time spent with loved ones, good food, physical activity, being in nature, quality sleep, and the ability to simply slow down from time to time. The island teaches you this almost naturally. And perhaps that is precisely the link between a quality life and quality tourism: neither should be a race to accumulate more, but rather a quest for better balance.
I am particularly delighted that this idea was recognized right from its inaugural edition and that we will be joined in Hvar by a host of fascinating local and international authors, speakers, and experts—including Carl Honoré, Kristina Kuzmič, and Ivana Paradžiković. Their diverse perspectives embody exactly what we want HVARMONY to be: a place for exchanging ideas and experiences, and for finding simpler answers to the question of how to live better.” Director of the Hvar Town Tourist Board
A program that does not require following a strict schedule
HVARMONY does not follow a traditional conference format. Visitors can attend a single lecture, participate in a workshop, start the day with movement by the sea, discover Hvar through the story of its origins in health tourism, join a discussion in the historic Hvar Theatre, or simply take a few hours for themselves.
The program takes place at various locations across the town, including the Arsenal and Hvar Theatre, Bonj, and open-air seaside spaces. Each visitor can experience HVARMONY in their own way—whether by attending a single lecture or practice session, or by participating throughout all four days.
The event is organized by the Hvar Town Tourist Board as an initiative open to the general public. Most of the program is free of charge, though registration is required, as is advance sign-up for specific workshops and sessions with limited capacity.
HVARMONY aims to open up a conversation about health and longevity—without adding the pressure to live a perfect life. Because perhaps the art of living isn’t about constantly doing more. Perhaps it means recognizing what is enough for us, what is worth holding onto, and the pace at which we want to live. HVARMONY – The Art of Living October 15–18, 2026
For more info, visit www.hvarmony.com
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