Last updated on August 16th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Hvar is the most beautiful island in Croatia, with captivating heritage towns, a famous Riviera, incredible landscapes and the type of boutique accommodation that will make you never want to leave and if you’re wondering where to stay in Hvar Island, I’ve got you covered, as this is the place where I have spent the most time in Europe!
Hvar Town is the main draw – a picturesque bay that’s hard to beat anywhere in Croatia, it’s by far the best area to stay in Hvar – for just about everything and nothing compares to the insane old town views over the harbour and islands! I’ve spent many summers wandering around the town in a day dream surrounded by lush coastal scenery, Venetian architecture and some of the most attractive waterfront restaurants in the Med, it’s the reason why I return each year – it always WOWs!
But iconic Hvar Town isn’t the only spot worth your time, there’s also quaint villages across the island, such as Stari Grad a lovely authentic gem, private luxury villas and gorgeous boutique hotels dotted along the water’s edge like Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis, where I stayed most recently and fell in love with the Mediterranean setting, infinity pool and beautiful sea views! Below I’m sharing where to stay in Hvar Island from the best areas to my favourite boutique hotels and suites!
Best Hotels In Hvar Town – Top Picks!
Short on time? Here’s my favourite places to stay in Hvar!
- Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis –best overall boutique hotel & scenic setting!
- Palace Elisabeth – iconic 5-star luxury & historic hotel in Hvar Town square!
- Heritage Hotel Park Hvar – beautiful sea-facing boutique, harbour views!
Hvar Town, best area to stay in Hvar!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND – OVERVIEW
When choosing where to stay in Hvar Island I recommend focusing on Hvar Town, the UNESCO-listed heritage centre and the towns luxurious coastline for their convenience and beautiful settings with excellent restaurants and iconic landmarks, and it’s where you’ll find the best hotels in Hvar!
Hvar’s old town is compact with narrow lanes, steep stairs and entirely pedestrianised areas similar to what you find Dubrovnik old town with a stunning riviera at ether side – all within just a few minutes walk and it’s where first time visitors will spend most of their time, exploring the Island’s highlights and soaking up the atmosphere!
Around Hvar there are smaller, sleepy traditional villages and towns like ancient Stari Grad, best reserved for second visits or slower trips, but if you’re looking for that quintessential Hvar experience stay in or within walking distance of Hvar Old Town. It’s packed with charm, historic attractions and beautiful boutique hotels with easy access to boat trips, making it the perfect all-round base!
Good to know: Hvar is the fourth largest island in Dalmatia and most of the highlights including the hill top villages, vineyards and beaches are all reachable within a 15-30 minute car journey of each other, BUT where you stay in Hvar can really shape your experience!
Best Area To Stay In Hvar – At A Glance
Hvar Old Town (UNESCO) – best for first-time visitors
Hvar Town is the best place to stay in Hvar, it’s the island’s main area with beautiful scenery, exceptional hotels, a Venetian Riviera and a historic centre, there’s nightlife, boat excursions and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s iconic, atmospheric and ideal for first-time visitors!
Hvar Town Coast – best for luxury
Hvar Town coast, offers a long scenic coastal path with small pebble beach coves, Mediterranean gardens, stunning luxury hotels and boutiques with pools, terraces, upscale beach clubs and private sunbathing areas – all a 10-35 minute walk to Hvar Town square, great for luxury travellers and my favourite!
Stari Grad – best for authentic stays
Stari Grad is an authentic town set within a quaint, historic area of crumbly stone buildings and local culture, there’s a harbour full of colourful buildings, fishermen’s boats and restaurants and offers a quieter, low-key place to stay in Hvar, best for romantic couples. A 30 minute drive from Hvar Town.
Jelsa & Vbroska – best for quiet village vibes
Jelsa and Vbroska are both small sleepy towns in the north of Hvar, surrounded by nature, pine forests, vineyards and beaches. Jelsa has its own small harbour and restaurants, and tiny Vbroska is known for its canals and bridges, walkers and cyclists love it!
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HVAR CROATIA
HVAR TOWN
Best place to stay in Hvar Croatia for first-time visitors!
Hvar Town is the best place to stay in Hvar for first-time visitors or for anyone who wants to be centrally located and surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, old-world charm and atmosphere with the island’s top highlights on your doorstep – from the Fortress to the Venetian palm-lined Riva and upscale restaurants. It’s the area I return to every time I visit, I absolutely love the glamour of it all!
Staying here means you’ll also have the best pick of the boutique apartments and hotels in Hvar, including one of my personal favourites, romantic Heritage Hotel Park Hvar. A real gem set on a beautiful corner of the harbour and main stone square, with a charming terrace and pastel exterior close to the harbour and many unforgettable things to do in Hvar Town, including walking up to the incredible viewpoint and lunching on the waterfront!
UNESCO -listed Hvar town is what visitors come to experience and well worth it, even in the vibrant peak summer months, this is the real heart and soul of the Island and boasts some of the top luxury heritage hotels in all of Croatia, such as the iconic 5-star Palace Elisabeth – the one to book for style and sophistication is situated right on the square!
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR TOWN
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Luxury Hotel In Hvar Town: Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Palace Elisabeth Hotel is the island’s most iconic 5-star hotel and beautifully restored 13th-century Venetian palace with elegant interiors, full spa, pool, plus a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the main square. A truly exceptional place to stay in Hvar, I visit regularly for drinks on the terrace and to admire the interiors, the service and polished style is exceptional – explore this beautiful stay!
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel is set within a prime spot on the luxurious Riva with stylish modern and antique interiors and outstanding views from the restaurant terrace, a cool spot to relax and watch the yachts roll in at sunset, one of my favourite pastimes, seaview upgrades are available for personal balcony views elevated above the crowds!
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar is one of the best hotels in Hvar known for its romantic and charming vibe , soft pastel décor, pretty harbour setting with lots of bougainvillea and fantastic ambience, I choose the king suite with the dreamiest balcony at the end of the summer season and it was lovely – this hotel has the best breakfasts and atmospheric evenings – see the room!
Beach Bay Hvar Hotel
Beach Bay Hvar is a great-value boutique hotel in Hvar with light boho-style interiors on the quieter side of town next to the Franciscan Monastery, there’s also sea-facing balconies, and an inviting private sundeck overlooking an attractive small beach – and a stroll away from the best beaches on Hvar!
Best Hotels In Hvar: Palace Elisabeth Hotel
APARTMENTS IN HVAR TOWN
Riva Yacht Hvar View Apartment
Riva Yacht Hvar View Apartment is a chic and tasteful luxury apartment right along the glam Riva, boasting breath-taking balcony harbour views and upscale interiors – I stayed at the end of the summer season and loved the whole Riva vibe, if you’re looking for an apartment in Hvar Town, it’s location and style are hard to beat – take a closer look!
Good Vibrations Apartment
Good Vibrations, a spacious one-bedroom apartment conveniently situated in the heart of Hvar Town with elegant interiors and quality amenities including a large terrace to relax and enjoy the fortress views – it really feels like you’ve stumbled up a secret escape!
Villa Porta Maestra
Villa Porta Maestra offers newly renovated suites to the highest levels, among the pretty stone houses, with atmosphere and charm – it’s beautifully designed and one of the best places to stay in Hvar Town for quiet luxury, yet a stone’s throw from the best restaurants in Hvar!
Stunning Seaview Retreat Apartment
Stunning Seaview Retreat Apartment is situated within a quiet spot with lovely old town views and offers tastefully decorated two-bedrooms, two bathrooms and large lounge for up to five guests, overall a perfect base for friends or family visiting the sights of Hvar Town looking for a convenient stay!
Top Tip! If you plan to stay in Hvar Old Town, book your boutique or apartment hotel as soon as possible, it sells out fast, especially between June and September and there’s plenty of things to do in Hvar Island that warrant 4-5 days!
HVAR TOWN COAST
Best place to stay in Hvar for coastal scenery, convenience & luxury!
The upscale coastal area of Hvar Town is the best area to stay in Hvar Island for luxury villa style hotels, pools and endless sea views, where you’ll find a quieter ambience while being just a leisurely stroll from the heritage centre and all the top restaurants and nightlife, it’s stunning, fantastic for couples and honeymooners and one of my all-time favourite spots!
It’s known as the Rivera where you’ll find those boutique beach clubs, pebble beach coves and wonderful sunsets with one of my favourite luxury boutique hotels Moessy Green & Blue Oasis, set beautifully along the Mediterranean shoreline – a fabulous location for enjoying quiet moments on your sea-facing balcony and for exploring you can take a lovely coastal walk to the harbour and discover Hvar’s best boat trips!
Hvar Town’s coast is ideal for those who prioritise relaxation, calm seaside strolls and that quieter luxury feel – I particularly like the sea breeze and cactus gardens and those tucked away gems like dreamy boho-style Falko beach bar (pictured above left) where I spend a lot of my time gazing at the horizon!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR TOWN COAST
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Best place to stay in Hvar: Hotel Moeesy
Hotel Moeesy – my top pick!
Hotel Moeesy is one of the best hotels in Hvar for luxury and 5 star amenities, set within beautiful Mediterranean grounds over-looking the sea with pools, superior terraces for privacy and lovely interiors – I was especially taken by the ambience, villa style and incredible location, a wonderful experience – see why I love it so much!
Amfora Grand Beach Resort
Amfora Grand Beach Resort offers a prime beachfront location with private sunbeds, a huge sea-facing pool (plus a kids’ pool), and newly renovated rooms for 2026 – and they are tastefully decorated. It’s the only resort in the area and the best place to stay in Hvar for families and for those who love pool lounging – a 10-minute walk to town!
Adriana Spa Hotel
Adriana Spa Hotel is a traditional hotel with an indoor pool and a spa area for relaxation, and it features two upgraded terraces overlooking the bay, the style is classic – a little less flair compared to the other hotels, but for a seafront hotel and a short walk to the old town square, this is an quality stay!
Hotel Podstine
Hotel Podstine is another stylish well-priced hotel situated with larger than average rooms at the end of the coastal walk, about 30 minutes from Hvar Town Square and the quietest spot, there are terraces and sunbathing areas right along the shoreline, as well as a small pebble beach.
STARI GRAD
Best place to stay in Hvar for authentic old town vibes!
Stari Grad is the oldest town on Hvar Island, and it’s the best place to stay in Hvar for classic old-world charm, where you’ll find rows of original and crumbly townhouses with green shutters and a maze of tiny streets, it really reminds me of the Vali Varos area in Split – the vibe and aesthetic is completely different from glam Hvar Town!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Split for a quieter Dalmatian village vibe Stari Grad is a great alternative, best known for it’s quaint historic centre, where you’ll enjoy wandering through cobbled lanes lined with a few quality local restaurants, artesian shops and small hotels – including one that houses my favourite hotel in the area; Town House Rosario, where I’ve previously stayed for two nights to soak up that old town ambiance and enjoy the best things to do in Stari Grad!
Away from the town centre, Stari Grad Plain has lavender fields and olive groves to cycle through, which is scenic and lovely on a hot summer’s day, so, if you’re looking for an altogether quieter stay, Stari Grad may be worth considering, especially for romantic couples, but if you’re dreaming of a stylish, luxurious Hvar escape with top restaurants, boat trips and more dramatic scenery, I’d lean towards Hvar Town, especially if its your first visit!
WHERE TO STAY IN STARI GRAD
Hotels, Boutiques, Apartments!
Best hotel in Stari Grad: Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort is a beautifully designed 5-star retreat on the west coast of Stari Grad offering a variety of suites with serene views and access to a spa, tranquil pool, lush gardens, and a lovely lounge deck, its one of the best places to stay in Hvar Island for a relaxing and upscale stay – take a look inside!
Town House Rosario
Town House Rosario is a traditional stone house boutique in the heart of historic Stari Grad, with five enchanting rooms that blend ancient details, modern amenities, and charm. I opted for the beautifully designed superior double and really enjoyed the authentic experience, it’s a super atmospheric, ideal for couples or solos – view this stay!
Places Hvar Hotel
Places Hvar Hotel offers a modern resort-style stay in Stari Grad set on a beach promenade with sun loungers, terraces and a sea-facing pool, it’s more suited to families, who with love the extra amenities on offer like tennis courts, a bar and a restaurant. Guests can catch the water taxi – five minutes to the centre of Stari Grad!
House Heritage
House Heritage, a beautifully modernised two-bedroomed traditional stone house and private courtyard set within a prime location in Stari Grad Town centre, offering a charming, convenient and comfortable stay with tasteful interiors, just moments from the attractions!
Revelin Hvar
Revelin Hvar, a restored 5-bedroomed stylish stone house with a wonderful terrace set in a lovely location in Stari Grad old town, with upscale furnishing and all the mod-cons you need – one of the nicest areas to stay in Hvar for families!
Should you stay in Hvar or Stari Grad?
For most first-time visitors, I recommend Hvar Town. It’s the island’s stylish hub, with beautiful Venetian architecture, the iconic hilltop Fortress, a lively waterfront, fantastic restaurants and the easiest access to beaches, boat trips and ferries, every postcard view you’ve seen are likely taken from here!
Stari Grad offers a completely different experience with a quieter ambiance and a charming, but flatter historic centre, the slower pace of life is more ideal if you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a local village vibe!
Having visited both many times, I’d choose Hvar Town or within walking distance every time, there’s just more to see and do, and outside the busiest weeks of July and August, it’s hands-down one of the most beautiful places to stay in Croatia!
JELSA & VRBOSKA
Best places to stay in Hvar for quiet, authentic village vibes!
Authentic place to stay in Jelsa: Villa Riva
Jelsa and Vbroska are small, laid-back, authentic villages in the north of the Island of Hvar, surrounded by nature, where you are in easy reach of vineyards, olive oil groves and natural beaches backed by pine trees. It’s a lovely setting, and you can cycle between the two places!
If you’re looking to slow down and spend your days hiking, swimming, or cycling through the vineyards and trails, which are popular activities in the area than Jelsa or Vbroska maybe more suited to this kind of experience, but it wouldn’t be my first choice of place to stay in Hvar, particularly if your dreaming of glam water fronts, restaurants and old towns to wander, which are all over 30 minutes away and not easily connected by transport!
Jelsa has a small harbour, and Vrboska is mostly known for its canals and cobbled lanes, both have a quiet ambience and only offer low-cost private accommodation such as apartments and townhouses. I’ve picked the best below – there’s not much to choose from in these smaller villages!
WHERE TO STAY IN JELSA & VBROSKA
Villa Riva
Villa Riva is an attractive stone-walled villa with charming blue shutters, offering a range of light and airy rooms right on the waterfront of Jelsa with lovely views, if available book the double deluxe room with a sea view – it’s so pretty and great value for this prime location!
Casa Barbiere
Casa Barbiera, a chic, newly-decorated villa with a private pool and sun loungers, just a short walk from Jelsa village, offering three bedrooms and plenty of space for family or friends – a lovely and more high-end place to stay in Hvar if you’re looking to be situated near an authentic village – explore this property!
Apartment Marin
Apartment Marin, a modern and bright one-bedroomed well-equipped apartment offering lots of space and a terrace next to the beach of Vbroska, a nice private location for a relaxing stay!
House Tia
House Tia, a two-bedroomed cosy traditional stone house in the heart of Vbroska, pleasantly decorated with modern amenities, perfect and great value for groups or families.
Stari Grad, a peaceful area to stay in Hvar
PRIVATE VILLAS ON HVAR ISLAND
Casa M Hvar
Casa M Hvar, a stunning 4-bed 5-bath luxury stone property, set in rolling-hill landscape, boasting a fantastic pool, hot tub and many sumptuous terraces for up to ten guests, and it’s just a short dive from Hvar Town – I highly recommend this secluded villa for groups on Hvar Island – take a look inside!!
Dolce Terra
Dolce Terra, is a tranquil and luxurious 3-bedroomed stone villa with a beautifully designed terrace and light and airy premium interiors all set within a fantastic scenic location among the rugged hills just moments from the heart of Stari Grad – guests love the private pool, it’s dreamy!
Design Villa Mar
Design Villa Mar is a beautiful villa with incredible scenic surroundings and spa facilities, ideal for groups to relax! At this five-star property, you have a lovely pool and terrace with sea views featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms and 4 bathrooms for the perfect independent luxurious stay on Hvar Island!
What is the best area to stay in Hvar Island overall?
The best area to stay in Hvar is Hvar Town or within walking distance, which is home to the island’s main highlights including best restaurants, bars, stylish beach clubs and boutique hotels – the convenience and scenic landscape is unmatched – it will give you that quintessential Hvar Island experience!
Hvar Town centre, best area to stay in Hvar for vibes!
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR CROATIA – HELPFUL TIPS!
Stay Around Hvar Town If It’s Your First Visit
Hvar Town is the best place to stay on Hvar Island, especially if it’s your first visit to the Island to be near the best sights, restaurants and nightlife, and Hotel Moeesy is a top hotel choice, perfectly situated for sea views, beaches and relaxation – you can explore many of the best things to do in Hvar Island from this area!
Best Time To Visit Hvar Island
The best time to visit Croatia Islands is between mid–May and early October, but for the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, I recommend May-June or September – the beginning of summer can be especially lovely, when the evenings are lighter, beaches are opening up and you can easily hop around the Dalmatian Islands!
Hvar Island Is Very Seasonal
Hvar Island is very seasonal and is not a place for visiting in the ‘off season’ you’ll find the restaurants closed, beach bars completely vanished and the beautiful terraces on Hvar Town’s Riva sparse – in my experience, most of it gets packed away from the first week in October until the following May!
How Many Days On Hvar Island
Many visitors arrive for a short stay before visiting the rest of the Dalmatian Islands (or worse – a day trip from Split), but Hvar is a stunning island and 4 or 5 nights is ideal to see the highlights and explore the nearby Pakleni Islands and take a wonderful day trip from Hvar Town!
Hvar Old Town Is Compact And Walkable
Hvar Old Town is compact and very walkable, with a long shoreline walk and many pedestrianised areas, making it a hassle-free, easy-to-get-around, charming area to stay, just like Split Old Town, Dubrovnik Old Town, Korcula Town and Trogir, all my favourites in the Dalmatian Region!
Getting Around Hvar Island Is Easy
Hvar Town is car-free and walkable, while car taxis, water taxis, buses and excursions are available to get around the beautiful Pakleni Islands Hvar, beaches, heritage towns (such as Stari Grad) and vineyards directly from Hvar old town harbour, which is also where you get the ferry to Mljet, Korcula, Dubrovnik or Split. It’s super convenient!
I’ve shared all my favourite spots, including historic gems and day trips, in my Things to Do in Hvar Town guide!
What To Pair With Hvar?
Hvar is ideally located for a multi-stop trip, my personal favourite island-hopping trip is firstly staying in beautiful old town Split accommodation for three nights, Hvar for three or four nights then scenic Korcula Island – a totally different vibe and aesthetic for three nights then finishing with the pearl of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik for four nights- a perfect note to end your two-week trip around the Adriatic islands!
For more Croatia island-hopping advice, here’s my full guide to the bucket list Croatian Islands!
Hvar Town coast, best area to stay in Hvar for quiet glam!
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR CROATIA – FAQ!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the best area to stay in Hvar Croatia, is the charming Hvar Town and just along the coastline – these spots are attractive and convenient, within easy walking distance of Hvar Island’s main attractions, best scenery and iconic landmarks! Especially great if you’re visiting Hvar Island for the first time and want to be ‘wowed’ as soon as you step out of your hotel!
What is the best hotel on Hvar Island?
The best hotel on Hvar Island is the luxurious and historic Palace Elizabeth Hotel, right on Hvar Town Square, with heritage interiors, elegant rooms and incredible terraces – one of the top hotels in Croatia!
What are the best boutique hotels in Hvar Town?
The very best boutique hotels in Hvar Town are Riva Marina Hvar Hotel, Heritage Hotel Park Hvar or Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis – offering quality and luxury services with beautiful terraces and suites set within picturesque locations!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for couples?
Hvar Town is the best place to stay in Hvar for couples with its upmarket restaurants, cosy wine bars and chic Riviera, but right along the shoreline, there are even more beautiful settings and romantic hotels perfectly situated for serene evenings and private balcony sea views!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for nightlife?
The best place to stay in Hvar for nightlife is Hvar Town, where you’ll find a few bars such as Ka’lavanda and Back Lane Bar, plus secret rooftop bars overlooking the old town square, cosy wine bars in the oldest part of town and a string of upmarket terraces along the Riva, which is where you want to be for a lively night!
*The nightlife has altered dramatically in the last two years due to new regulations; these days, you’ll find a more relaxed environment, other than a few beach clubs like Hula Hula and Carpe Diem!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for beach holidays?
For beach holidays on Hvar Islands I recommend staying along the coast from Hvar Town, there are many beachfront hotels and small pebble beaches to walk to and beach clubs to enjoy the day and it’s where some the best beaches on Hvar Island are located!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for families?
Hvar Town offers very little for families, especially young families; it has cobbled streets, steep stairs, boutique hotels, and mostly high-end restaurants, which give it an adult/couples vibe! But if you are set on being in the vicinity, the only real choice is Amfora Grand Beach Resort. Laid-back Stari Grad is the best place to stay in Hvar for families, and Maslina Resort offers private villas and a kids’ area.
Where to stay on Hvar Island without a car?
Hvar Town is the best place to stay in Hvar without a car, and the best way to get around is by boat from the harbour, which takes you to the best beaches in Hvar and hidden bays not accessible by car or foot and there are some wonderful day trips from Hvar Town to discover the rest of the island, the Hvar tourist board lists monthly event info!
Still planning your Hvar Island itinerary?
Planning your trip to Hvar Island? I’ve also shared a complete what-to-do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite beaches, restaurants, and the best day trips – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- First-Time Visitors Guide To Hvar Island – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- Best Things To Do In Hvar Town – heritage sites, attractions & experiences!
- Where To Stay In Hvar Island – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
- Day Trips From Hvar Island – islands, vineyards & heritage towns worth visiting!
- Top Boat Tours From Hvar Town – Pakleni Islands, Blue Cave & beyond!
- Full Guide To The Pakleni Islands Hvar – best beaches, bars and restaurants!
- Where To Stay In Split Croatia – best areas, boutique hotels & more!
Where To Visit Next In Croatia!
- Where To Stay In Split
- Where To Stay In Dubrovnik
- Where To Stay in Korcula
- Where To Stay in Vis Island
- Best Things To Do In Split
- Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik
- Guide To Korcula Island
- Guide To Vis Island
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!