Last updated on August 31st, 2025 at 08:28 pm
Stari Grad Croatia is a wonderful day trip from Hvar Town and in this guide, I’ll show you how to explore Hvar’s oldest town and authentic coastal gem!
Hvar Town is one of my favourite places to visit in Croatia, it has everything you could want from a hotpot destination: epic coastal scenery, a vibrant restaurant scene and stunning Riva, but to escape the crowds and see a more authentic side of the island, a day trip to Stari Grad is just perfect!
I’ve hopped from Hvar Town to Stari Grad many times and I’m thrilled to share my guide covering the best travel options and unmissable things to do once you arrive in Hvar’s ancient Town!
Why take a day trip to Stari Grad Croatia?
Maybe you’ve never heard of Stari Grad Croatia? I hadn’t before arriving in Hvar, it took me several visits to get there, but as soon as I set foot in the old town and walked along the harbour, I knew this day trip from Hvar Town was going to be a winner!
It’s the oldest town in Croatia, so you can be sure there’s going to be bags of charm and cobbled lanes, but what I really loved is the authentic atmosphere that you just don’t quite get in buzzy Hvar Town! Slow-paced Stari Grad is a huge contrast and it’s only 30 minutes away!
HOW TO GET TO STARI GRAD FROM HVAR TOWN
Rental Car
Rental cars are readily available from Hvar Town, a car is great for cruising through the scenic roads and lavender fields en route and stopping in other villages and beaches – you can cover many highlights in one day! Check parking spots beforehand!
ATV
An ATV is a fun way to get to Stari Grad from Hvar Town, and you can make the most of your ATV hire by also visiting some of the best beaches on Hvar Island, which are usually off-limits to tourists and cars due to the gravel and twisty roads! An ATV on Hvar gives you a lot of freedom!
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout the island if you are looking for quick and easy door-to-door service; the prices are around €40 each way from Hvar Town to Stari Grad (it could be more). Uber doesn’t exist in Hvar!
Local Bus
Local buses are available between Stari Grad and Hvar Town (behind the Cathedral in St Stephen’s Square), they run several times per day from (6.30am-10.30pm). There’s no pre-booking; you simply wait 10 minutes before the scheduled time – and the bus stops conveniently along the town’s edge – Hvar to Stari Grad bus is your best budget option!
Organisied Tour
Another way to visit Stari Grad and Stari Grad Plain’s UNESCO World Heritage Site is with an organised half-day cycle tour, you’ll also see the vineyards, lavender fields and villages: Vbroska and Jelsa, it’s super adventurous and fun!
HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT DAY IN STARI GRAD CROATIA
WALK ALONG THE WATERFRONT
Stari Grad’s waterfront is extremely inviting, whether you’ve arrived by bus or parked your car just out side of the old town, this is the first thing that greets you!
I recommend immediately taking a stroll along the harbour’s edge, it’s not buzzing with activity like Hvar Town or Split’s Riva, instead there’s pastel Renaissance houses, bobbing fishermen’s boats and a few restaurants – and it’s so calm!
You’ll walk past a few souvenir stalls, ice-cream stops and terraces as you make your way to the end where there’s a small Stari Grad beach – I didn’t stop here long, but I did enjoy a coffee and a croissant on the terrace of Melting Spot to absorb the nice surroundings!
WANDER THE OLD TOWN
Once you’ve strolled along the waterfront, enjoy spending some time walking around the small old town, exploring the narrow passageways, admiring the ancient architecture and beautiful stone streets, and taking in the views!
You”ll find more charming restaurants and hidden gems, be sure to stop in Skor Square, Stari Grad’s picture-perfect square with stone houses and St Stephens church and bell tower. It looks ancient and crumbly on the outside, but the inside will surprise you – even if you’re not the church type, just have a peek inside!
Wandering aimlessly is one of my favourite things to do in Croatia, this is how I stumbled upon Za Pod Zub deli, which happens to sell the best lavender ice cream, and it’s situated down the oldest and most charming street – don’t miss it!
VISIT 16TH CENTURY TVRDALJ CASTLE
Sticking with the old town, I was curious enough to visit this ancient building built for poet and thinker Petar Hektorović, it’s the most famous building in Stari Grad Croatia, right on the main square, so I thought it would be worth a quick look around and I was right! (Note, it will only take up 15-20 minutes of your time).
Inside the house, there’s a central pond, crumbly walls and a garden, which is at its best over the summer months June to August, you’ll see more bougainvillaea and local fauna. There’s also some inscriptions on the walls to look out for, such as, if you know what you are, why are you arrogant, which is fun to read!
ANTIKA AND THE TASTIEST LUNCH
If you want to savour your time in Stari Grad a little longer, I recommend making lunch reservations for Antika Restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in Stari Grad old town, and for good reason!
I chose this outdoor restaurant during my visit and was lucky enough to get a lovely table right on the cobbled terrace situated within the most atmospheric street in Stari Grad, the menu and attractiveness of it all won me over!
Everything was delicious from the sharing boards, and homemade focaccia to the fresh pasta (we sharded that as well), and it wasn’t anywhere near as pricey as the top restaurants in Hvar Town! Around 80% of the tables were reserved, so do yourself a favour and book ahead for lunch if this is in your plans!
GLAVICA HILL SWEEPING VIEWPOINT
After all the wandering and eating, it’s time to see Stari Grad Hvar from Glavica Hill viewpoint. I’m slightly obsessed with viewing old towns from above; there’s something about the orange rooftops and narrow lanes against the lush Mediterranean landscape that I just love (I’m sure most of you do!).
So with this in mind if you walk to the end of the old town and follow the road out of town towards Rudina – there is a marked trail that takes you to the top of Glavica Hill Cross (an unmissable white cross) where you will get sweeping views! (It should only take around 20 minutes in total from Tvrdalj Castle).
EXPLORE UNESCO STARI GRAD PLAIN
If you want to continue exploring Stari Grad Hvar beyond the old town and waterfront, I recommend checking out Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from ancient Greek times filled with lavender fields and vineyards!
At the site, there are narrow, mostly traffic-free roads, so you could easily hire a bike from Hvar Life in Stari Grad Town and cycle to the Plain and vineyards for wine tastings!
Hora Winerary is the best spot to try local wine paired with a farm-to-table experience. The setting is amazing, against the backdrop of vineyards and olive groves, we loved our leisurely afternoon at Hora!
Tip! If you’re keen on cycling around Hvar Island’s scenic landscape and villages, as an alternative day out, you could hop on this highly-rated half-day cycling tour from Hvar Town, which covers Stari Grad and a vineyard as well!
HOW TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR DAY ON HVAR ISLAND
Since you only need a few hours to explore Stari Grad, here are some other things to do for the rest of the day, whether you have a car or are heading back to Hvar Town for sunset!
- Walk up to Hvar Town’s Fortress for sweeping views over the old town and islands, it’s magical at sunset!
- Take a boat tour around the Pakleni Islands from Hvar Town Harbour at sunset. I did this exact 2-hour boat trip and it was one of the highlights! I recommend doing this at some point on your stay in Hvar Town!
- Check out Falko Beach Club for a late swim, chilled music, sunset cocktails and vibes in Hvar Town.
- Spend a couple of hours on the beach at Dubovica or Jagodna Beaches, check out my full beach guide – perfect if you have a car on Hvar.
THINKING OF STAYING OVERNIGHT IN STARI GRAD HVAR?
If you are bowled over by the charm of Stari Grad why not stop for a night or two, you’ll get to experience the full evening atmosphere and have more time to explore the UNESCO Plain, vineyards and beaches.
While you can walk around Stari Grad in a few hours, a longer stay is perfect for couples and slow travellers who want to relax, see more of the area and be someplace utterly charming!
TOP HOTELS IN STARI GRAD CROATIA
Town House Rosario
Town House Rosario, a traditional stone house boutique in the old town of Stari Grad Hvar with 5 lovely rooms to choose from and stone wall features, modern facilities and charm, stay here if you’re just looking for a lovely spot in Stari Grad – this is where I stopped for one night and had a great experience, it’s super central in the atmospheric old town.
Heritage Village Apolon
Heritage Village Apolon, is a great choice if you want a beautiful hotel in central Stari Grad Bay with traditional touches and a welcoming atmosphere! You’ll get a garden and terrace, a complimentary breakfast and quality – this hotel is highly rated by guests!
Maslina Resort
Maslina Stari Grad Croatia is a beautiful luxury resort in Stari Grad beach with an emphasis on wellness, relaxation and sustainability for a longer stay. Guests can enjoy top facilities, including a spa, two pools and a lovely lounge deck!
For more accommodation tips, check out my complete guide, Where To Stay On Hvar Island: Best Areas, Hotels & Boutiques!
OTHER AMAZING DAY TRIPS FROM HVAR TOWN
If you’re wondering what else to do from Hvar Town, there are a few standout day trips that I highly recommend, whether you have a half or a full day spare! Make sure one of them includes a boat trip, getting out on the water and exploring the hidden beach coves, islands, waterside restaurants and boho bars is one of the best things to do on Hvar Island! Here’s my top picks!
Pakleni Islands
A trip to the Pakleni Islands is a must-do when staying in Hvar, they are the group of islands nearest Hvar Town. I recommend a full-day private sail tour to do the islands and scenery justice. Our day out (two couples) was an incredible experience, away from the bustle and surrounded by nature, secluded bays, caves and crystal clear water for swimming!
We put a lot of research into finding the best boat tour, don’t hesitate to book this perfect day on the water. Your private tour is fully customisable, which is a plus and I recommend a stop at the gorgeous Mamato for lunch or drinks over the clear blue sea!!
South Beaches & Red Rocks
For beach and scenery lovers, this private speedboat tour to the dramatic red rocks, incredible southern beaches of Hvar and Pakleni islands (Milini and Palmizana bays) is absolutely perfect!
You will have the chance to swim and admire some of the most beautiful beaches on Hvar Island, and hidden gems only the boats can reach, and as a bonus, you’ll also stop for wine tasting in the most popular winery, “Plenkovic”! This is such a good experience!
Vis Island & Blue Cave
Vis Island and the magical Blue Cave are great spots to visit near Hvar Town, they offer adventure, natural wonders and excitement. A boat trip to these attractions is the most popular in the region!
On this incredible speedboat tour, you’ll get the chance to swim in iconic Stiniva Beach Cove, one of Croatia’s best beaches, as well as see the blue light reflections in the cave, swim in the Blue Lagoon and stop in Vis, a wonderful island!
Read Next: the best boat trips from Hvar Town – a day at sea is a must-do!
STARI GRAD CROATIA FAQ
Where is Stari Grad Croatia?
Stari Grad is situated on the North side of Hvar Island, 30 minutes from Hvar Town and is located along a beautiful stretch of coastline surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. It’s one of the most popular summer destinations in Croatia and is easily accessible to all!
Is Stari Grad better than Hvar Town?
Stari Grad and Hvar Town have completely different vibes. Stari Grad is quaint, quiet and ancient, very much a local vibe, while Hvar Town is more polished, lively with lots of attractions and outstanding scenery and many tourists!
How old is Stari Grad Hvar?
Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns not only in Croatia, but in Europe, dating back 2,400-years, that’s a lot of ancient history – and without a doubt well worth seeing!
Is Stari Grad Croatia worth visiting?
Yes! Stari Grad Hvar is a lovely spot to spend some time, a cultural hidden gem and alternative coastal destination to discover when visiting Hvar Town – it’s just 30 minutes away!
How long to spend in Stari Grad Croatia?
Stari Grad is a popular day trip from Hvar Town. For exploring the town itself, you only need 2 hours. Add an extra hour if you plan on stopping for lunch in town. If you’ll be visiting Stari Grad Plain the vineyards or a nearby beach, you can give yourself another 2-3 hours!
For a more leisurely experience, Stari Grad is also a nice spot to stay for a couple of nights Boutique Rosario and Heritage Villa Apolon are the two main hotels right in the village and are definetely worth considering!
STARI GRAD CROATIA – FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re looking to slow things down and see a more authentic side of Hvar Island, a day trip to Stari Grad Croatia is the perfect escape. With its peaceful harbour, charming stone alleys, and beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes, it offers a nice contrast to the buzz of Hvar Town — and it’s all just a short ride away!
Whether you’re sipping coffee by the sea, exploring local history, or simply soaking in the quiet charm of the old town, Stari Grad Hvar is one of those places that makes you want to stay!
If you’re still planning your itinerary, don’t miss my other Hvar travel guides for even more inspiration:
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Plan your Stari Grad, Hvar trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Viator: For alternative day trips
Read More About Hvar Island:
- Ultimate Guide To Hvar Island: What To See & Do!
- 15 Best Things To Do In Hvar Town, Croatia
- Where To Stay in Hvar Croatia: Best Areas & Boutiques
- Hidden Gems: Best Day Trips From Hvar Island
- Ultimate Guide To Hvar Pakleni Islands: What To See & Do!
- Top Boat Tours From Hvar Town: A Complete Breakdown!
- Is The Blue Cave Tour From Hvar Worth It? My Honest Review!
- Best Beaches On Hvar Island: Stunning Spots You’ll Love!
- Stari Grad Hvar: Why You Should Visit & Best Things To Do
- A Guide To The Best Restaurants In Hvar Croatia
- 6 Best Ways To Travel From Split To Hvar: A Detailed Guide
- How To Plan A Perfect Day Trip To Hvar From Split In 2025
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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!