Hvar town is the Croatian Mediterranean dream, where everything is pretty as a postcard from the charming cobbled streets to the luxurious Riviera! Looking for a week’s escape on a lovely island? Then Hvar is your place!
I’ve spent nearly a decade visiting Hvar Town with an avid desire to see and do everything – and why not? When all the sun and adventure, wrapped up in a neat little package is just a moment away!
This is an updated guide that reflects the ever changing face of Hvar including my favourite places to eat, drink and stay in Hvar Town!
In this post I’ll cover:
- 10 Best things to do in Hvar Town
- Best day trip from Hvar Town
- Places to stay in Hvar Town
- Bonus: Essential Hvar Island questions
There are many wonderful things to see and do on the lovely island of Hvar and this guide to the top 10 best things to do in Hvar Town is just a sliver of what to enjoy on your first visit. For all the incredible things to see and do around Hvar Island visit Hvar Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Eat.
When you step off the Jardrolinija the scenery and buzz of the palm tree lined Riviera with high roller terraces will leave you speechless.
10 HIGHLIGHTS OF HVAR TOWN
1. BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW AT RESTAURANT PARK HVAR
Enjoy a delicious breakfast on an inviting Mediterranean terrace over-looking the sea and swaying palms.
Restaurant Park Hvar is a little oasis with a lot of character and pink exterior right by the harbor, this spot offers good views as well as breakfast sets and an array of seating areas – choose from high stools, cute two-seater tables and scattered cushions along the cobbled steps, both locals and tourist love this joint.
TIP: The Heritage Park Hotel is also a very popular spot in the evening for live jazz music starting around 8pm – it’s always a good time!
2. HANGOUT AT LAGANINI BEACH CLUB
Spend an afternoon or three in boho heaven at Laganini on Palmizana Island. Laganini is something really unique and special, even the shallow water bay it resides on is a dream! They have sunbeds balanced on rocks, Balearic beats and stylish natural white wood seating areas (even tree canopy’s) with over-sized cushions.
This small beach club manages to keep a relaxed grown-up vibe, most likely due to the secluded location. That being said if you plan on spending the full day here, then you must reserve a spot or arrive early – around 10.30am. The award winning seafood restaurant also gets booked up fast along with the tree canopy’s!
TO GET THERE: Scheduled or private taxi boats depart directly from Hvar Town harbour, alternatively you may be able add it on as part of a boat excursion.
RECOMMENDED: HALF DAY SAILING FROM HVAR TO PAKLENI ISLAND ON A CLASSIC SAIL BOAT
3. A FIVE STAR SUNBED EXPERIENCE AT HVAR BEACH CLUB
Hvar is well known for its luxury chic beach club scene with sea views to die for and what better way to celebrate all of this than at the super chic Hvar Beach Club! You’ll find this lush Mediterranean escape just ten minutes from St Stephen’s Square, following the scenic path that hugs the shoreline.
Naturally ALL the extras are provided including services, towels, fresh water, umbrella and matching blue cushion – everything you would expect. Just be aware that all this pampering doesn’t come cheap, there’s a fixed minimum spend of 400 Kuna per person.
TIP! Spend the full day here and enjoy an Italian lunch on the terrace! It starts getting busy from as early as 10am so reserve your spot!
4. EVENING MEAL AT CAPERASA’S ROOF TOP
Enjoy an early evening meal on the roof terrace of brand new Caperasa. This restaurant is a little secret, but once you discover it and the fresh high-end menu you will not want to dine anywhere else!
The terrace is sweet and intimate, decorated minimally with a boho twist and the view is very special – overlooking the roof tops and St Stephen’s cathedral. You cannot go wrong with this sort of setting nor the tuna steak cooked to perfection! TIP! As a solo traveller I arrived unfashionably early (to avoid stares) and thoroughly enjoyed the dreamy dusk skyline and super friendly service.
5. SWIMMING AT ROBINSONS BEACH
The quiet beach cove of Robinsons is just like a postcard with white pebbles and the clearest shallow waters you’ll ever see! Half of the adventure is getting there as Robinsons is situated a good 45min walk from Hvar Town, well away from the tourist trail.
Luckily there are now sign posts to Robinsons, passing through various beach coves (some nudist) and a restaurant or two – and when you arrive you will see why it’s a bit of a hidden gem!
TIP! Aim to get there before 11am for the very best experience and know that the amenities are scarce – a few sunbeds and a small menu restaurant.
Want to discover more of Hvar’ beaches and nearby islands? Check out THIS PRIVATE BOAT TOUR
6. THE BEST COFFEE SHOP IN THE OLD TOWN
There’s no better way to gets to grips with an old town than to wander aimlessly through it’s narrow cobbled streets and pretty little squares. In the day time this area of Hvar Town is almost deserted, bar a few boutique shops and locals going about their business. While in the evening the opposite is true – the darkness brings out the lively atmosphere, twinkly lights and keen waiters.
Mid-morning is a perfect time to grab a coffee and walk, I suggest stopping by Kava 37 – a specialty coffee house, the best in town! If you prefer to sit then head over to Fig Café tucked down a passage next to St Stephan’s Square with friendly service and lots of independent traveller’s!
7. GELATO AT ST STEPHANS SQUARE
St Stephens square is one of the prettiest in Croatia and in my opinion to take it all in properly you should do as the locals do and sit on a low stone harbour wall with a delicious sweet gelato!
If you’re staying in the old town, you will naturally stop by this square, it’s were everything happens – the social hub for all locals and tourist alike who come to admire the Venetian architecture and cathedral. A word to the wise – the sandy stone surface is unbelievably slippery underfoot, it actually feels polished, a bit of sandal grip will go a long way!
READ: HVAR TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT
8. SUNSET AT FALKO BEACH BAR
At one time Falko was one of the best kept secrets of Hvar Town! Its now the go- to place for those seeking a respite from the town and a relaxed vibe.
Falko is framed by cactus boarders, hammocks and an endless expanse of turquoise coastline. It’s white, rustic and super chilled – no reservations needed here, turn up for a morning fresh juice and stay for an evening cocktail! Sea-facing Sunbeds are 200 Kuna per double, but bear in mind there is no bedside service if you are alone!
9. ENJOY THE BUZZ OF THE RIVA FROM BB’S
One of the biggest draws of Hvar town is the attractive palm tree lined Riviera with restaurants on one side and super yachts on the other, what is not to like?
It’s the liveliest, fanciest part of the town and in the middle of all the action is BB Club. You can’t miss it, far from being a hidden gem, BB’s has a large open terrace with striped sofas, white shutters and neat palms – all curated to capture your attention!
TIP: For a more laid back vibe pop by early in the morning (around 9am) and grab a fresh juice just when the town is just walking up.
10. WALK TO THE SECRET VIEWING SPOT NEXT TO THE FORTRESS
In the late afternoon while everyone else is still basking in the sun, head towards the old town and follow the signs leading up to the Spanish Fortress. At this time of day its so peaceful and you’ll get to see the authentic side of Hvar – the one with romantic balconies, flower displays and local life, so take your time!
But remember you are heading around the Fortress and via the pine forest until you come across a secret panorama spot with a few wooden loungers that only the locals know about. The view overlooking the orange roof tops and scattered islands is quite something – just don’t forget your camera!
BEST DAY TRIP FROM HVAR TOWN
However, Zaraće, Dubovica, Lučišća, and many other beaches are truly stunning, too! For the best experience, combine this route with Pakleni islands, snorkeling, and a good, traditional Dalmatian lunch, book your spot in advance with Rental Boat Hvar, they offer wonderful private or group day trips.
If you wish to experience authentic Hvar, visit some of its most beautiful beaches, and escape the crowds, then the south shore of Hvar is the place to be. The south shore is best visited by boat, as many beaches are difficult or impossible to reach from the land. Spectacular Red rocks, red limestone cliffs, are the highlight of this journey.
VISIT THE STUNNING RED ROCKS ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF HVAR
Book a private boat tour just as described HERE.
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR TOWN
Choosing where to stay in Hvar Town can set the tone for your visit here. A few key things to consider are proximity to St Stephan’s Square, rooms with balcony views, proximity to nightlife and of course apartments vs hotels. In the heart of the old town, you’ll find mostly stone houses and plentiful guest houses and apartments, while a ten-minute walk away you’ll come across white-washed villas, sea views and more space, there are also a few hidden gem boutique hotels to consider if this is more your style.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HVAR TOWN
SUCCESSUS OLD TOWN HOUSE HVAR TOWN | A small guest house with cute rooms, all white décor, original stone wall features and modern facilities conveniently located in the middle of the oldest part of Hvar Town.
HVAR TOP VIEW APARTMENTS | Stylish apartments just outside of Hvar Town with sweeping views of the bay area and town. The villa is brand new with balconies and cool modern décor, great for a quieter getaway!
GOOD VIBRATIONS | A high quality apartment in the heart of town with recent renovations featuring two bathrooms and a gorgeous balcony terrace overlooking the mountains, it’s quite special and comes highly recommended!
BEACH BAY HVAR HOTEL | A seafront 4-star hotel on the quieter side of town with balconies overlooking an attractive bay and Monastery. Among the facilities are a restaurant and private sunbed deck area and brand new fresh decor(newly refurbished in 2022).
Check out my complete recommendations in this post: Where To Stay In Hvar Island: Best Areas, Apartments & Boutiques
HVAR ISLAND ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS HVAR TOWN?
Hvar Town is the fairytale on Hvar Island, located in the Adriatic sea, off Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coastline. It’s home to a number famous islands including Brac, Vis and Korkula, with Brac being the closest to the mainland, just an hour’s boat ride from Split’s Riviera. Hvar is the sunniest of them all and attracts visitors in their thousands during the lively summer season, Hvar Town is the perfect base to explore the surrounding villages, beaches and Pakleni Islands.
WHEN TO VISIT HVAR TOWN?
Having visited the town on various occasions across the summer months from May to September, I believe the best over-all time to stay is mid-May to early July when the island overall is less hectic, the prices lower and the days long.
Hvar Town is seasonal, therefor all the seafront bars and beach clubs gradually reduce their hours at the end of September and close altogether from October to early May. If at all possible, avoid the (over) crowded months of mid July and August, unless you want to fight for a spot on the terrace and sunbed areas!
HOW LONG TO STAY IN HVAR TOWN?
Hvar Town is definitely a place to stop for a while! In 4 nights you’ll be able to see the highlights without feeling rushed! But a week would be ideal, especially if you plan on seeing more of the island’s beaches and towns, plus a spot of island hopping!
HOW TO GET TO HVAR TOWN
Travel to Hvar usually involves a visit to the vibrant historical town of Split next to the port – and gateway to all the islands. Split’s airport is a major transfer hub and there’s plenty of flights. It’s worth spending a few days here, before heading to Hvar, find out more: in my SPLIT TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT post.
The journey from the airport is around 35 minutes, you can either hop on a shuttle bus (35 Kuna) waiting outside or order an Uber (200 Kuna) via the app – the drop off point is at the top of the Riva.
Split to Hvar Town
The best way to travel to Hvar Town is via the Jadrolinija ferry at the port of Split – a quick ten minute walk from the Riva. It’s important to book your tickets on-line and in advance especially in summer! The journey time is only an hour and 20 minutes directly to Hvar Town – where you will arrive right on the glitzy harbour! Book your ticket HERE.
READ MORE ABOUT HVAR
Are you planning a trip to Hvar Town? It’s my favourite place in Croatia and sailing around here is bucket list worthy! For more inspiration check out my guides to CROATIA. I would love to answer your questions below.
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