Hvar is the most lively of all the Croatian islands, famous worldwide for its crystal clear blue water, incredible sunsets and picture perfect old towns – all within a lush Mediterranean setting! It’s the kind of place where you can walk to an Ancient Fortress for sunrise and then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the yacht-filled Riviera, pretty pebbled beach or even vineyard – this island is full of interesting and magical moments. You won’t want to leave!
If there’s one thing I know for sure is that Hvar Island is diverse! Here in this guide I share a glimpse into this truly special destination so that you can enjoy the best of Hvar Island and choose the perfect spot to stay without feeling overwhelmed. Although I’m a bit biased towards Hvar Town where I’ve visited more than any other Croatian place in the last decade!
Looking for the best things to do on Hvar Island?
In this post I’ll cover:
- Hvar Island best accommodation
- Best things to do on Hvar Island
- Where to eat & drink on Hvar Island
- Hvar Island essential information
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN HVAR
VISIT ST STEPHEN’S SQUARE & CATHEDRAL
St Stephen’s Square is the social hub of Hvar Town. It can easily be described as a fancy heritage spot for people watching, where locals and tourists gather to while away the hours – simply grab a seat on one of the restaurant’s terraces, order a drink and absorb the atmosphere!
This attractive stoned square is home to many things, you will find Venetian architecture, an imposing cathedral, the Arsenal and a maze of restaurant-filled side streets leading towards the old town. You may be thinking that there’s a lot here – and you would be right, this square is the largest in all of Dalmatia!
WANDER HVAR TOWN’S COBBLED STREETS
A sleepy quaint town lies just behind the lavish Riviera with a lot of character, cobble stone steps and scenes straight from a postcard. Hvar Town offers cute boutiques, coffee shops, family restaurants and little wine taverns. One of the best experiences is just getting lost in the ancient cobbles! It’s not overstated, but instead a calming reprieve from the bustling Riviera, especially if you wander in the daytime there’s a whole different scene.
READ: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN HVAR TOWN
HIKE TO THE SPANISH FORTRESS
Head over to Hvar’s striking Fortress for panoramic views over the orange roof tops and Pakleni Islands. At the top there’s also a restaurant and terrace, where you can stops for a drink, but mostly you are there to take spectacular photographs!
Getting there is easy, walk through the old town (left of the cathedral) then up the narrow cobbled steps, following the Fortress sign posts leading to a natural pine forest path with the serene sounds of tweeting birds and crickets, a nice climb well worth taking! (Entrance fee: 25K).
EXPLORE UNESCO STARI GRAD
Spend the day at rustic UNESCO Stari Grad, another of Croatia’s artisan old towns with winding old stone paths and it’s one of the best things to do on Hvar Island! There’s a real low key feel here alongside a pretty waterfront with charming pastel buildings, bobbing fisherman’s boats and a good supply of Mediterranean vegetation, walking around it all, is a joy.
WALK ALONG THE GLITZY RIVIERA OF HVAR TOWN
Hvar Island is famed for its high end yacht party scene and the attractive Riviera is the place to show it all off! I love strolling up and down here it has a fun atmosphere and is just an all-round good spot to live it up with a cocktail or two or gelato whatever your preference on one of the sprawling sea-facing terraces such as BB’s – you might even spot a celeb or two!
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN HVAR TOWN
HOP AROUND THE PAKLENI ISLANDS
Fancy exploring a small group of islands with clear water beach coves? Sailing around the Pakleni Islands (the ones you can see from the Fortress) is one of the most iconic things to do and my personal favourite.
Some of the larger islands are accessible by water taxi’s from the mainland otherwise you have the option to book a group tour or private tour even self-directed to find those hidden beauty spots, which is not as difficult as you think!
TIP! Do not miss Mlini and Palmizanna Islands!
RECOMMENDED: HALF DAY SAILING FROM HVAR TO PAKLENI ISLAND ON A CLASSIC SAIL BOAT
SWIM IN A NATURAL BEACH COVE
Exploring Hvar’s beaches is a great part of the island’s experience and a relaxing way to spend the day! Robinsons beach nearby Hvar Town is one of my favourite spots for a morning dip along with many unnamed ones and I am certain you will find your own paradise – talk to the locals, explore and hike, many of the best beaches are found by chance, just head off with a book in hand! ! *Locals are keen to mention Dubovica and Pokonji Dol, but probably best explored if you have your own wheels!
EXPERIENCE HVAR ISLAND’S BEST BEACH CLUBS
Hvar Island has many different faces and one of those is a flourishing beach club scene, its not quite on the levels as Mykonos or Ibiza, by comparison it’s pretty tame, but you can at least find one to suit your mood and taste for the day.
FAVOURITE BEACHCLUBS:
Beach Club Hvar – the most luxurious with perfect blue and white Mediterranean décor (see below), not far from Hvar Town.
Laganini – on Palmizanna Island, a little boho lovers retreat; dreamy white wood, shallow water, cool Balearic beats, tree canopy’s and an award winning restaurant.
Falko – a laid-back family ran bar filled with hammocks, cushions and cactus borders, 30 minutes by foot from Hvar Town’s pretty coastal walk.
WINE TASTING IN JELSA
Hvar has a long history in winemaking due to its perfect Mediterranean climate dating back to the Greeks who first planted vines in 384 BC – if you’re into wine, Hvar is your place! There’s plenty of wineries and varieties to sample around the lush green interior of the island. Jelsa’s family owned vineyard Tomic is one worth exploring, book a morning or afternoon spot on this small guided tour for the best experience.
RECOMMENDED: 3 HOUR WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
TOAST THE EPIC PINK SKYLINE
In summer the sunrise and sunsets are always a spectacle in Croatia and Hvar is no exception! Enjoy the illuminus skies from your very own balcony pebble beach or rock – there is an tradition in Dalmatia called fjaka. Essentially it’s allowing yourself to ‘be’ for a while a little like a siesta to enjoy the quiet or a mindful experience – even if that’s just an early morning coffee on the balcony! Surely one of the best things to do on Hvar Island?
BEST PLACES TO EAT ON HVAR ISLAND
RESTAURANT PARK HVAR
Restaurant Park Hvar is a little oasis with a lot of character and pink exterior right by the Hvar Town harbor and palm trees, this spot offers good views as well as delicious 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.
BLACK PEPPER
Black Pepper is gloriously situated across a cobbled stair in the old town of Hvar. It offers cute tables, candles, red chequered table cloths and romance, along with really good meals and wine – one of my real favourites spots!
LAGANINI FISH HOUSE
Enjoy modern gourmet seafood and pasta right by the water’s edge on gorgeous Palmizanna Island (easy to get to via water taxi). This restaurant is part of the boho inspired beach club, where you can enjoy a cocktail and a swim afterwards!
CAPERASA ROOF TERRACE
The outside looks unassuming, but once you discover the pretty roof terrace, high quality food, friendly service views over the cathedral you will be blown away! Caperasa is a little gem in the old part of Hvar Town, order the fresh tuna and you cannot go wrong!
FORR BREAKFAST BAR
This newly opened spot is a GEM in Hvar Town! Right by the sea, overlooking the expensive yachts, this place is perfect for breakfast. Their presentation is always beautiful, if you like healthy breakfast bowls, fresh coffee and juices you are in for a treat!
ANTIKA
Cute little restaurant in the historical centre of Stari Grad, typical food and pasta on the menu and a good selection of wines – head here for lunch after a morning’s walk!
DALMATINO
Lovely terrace and food with great service, just behind the harbor of Hvar Town – order the light seabass and a glass of white for lunch and enjoy! This restaurant is highly rated and for good reason.
BEST PLACES FOR A DRINK OR TWO…
BACK LANE CRAFT BAR
A simple craft cocktail bar on a stunning cobbled side street with balconies overhead and little round tables, chairs and orange cushions – a chilled spot to while away the hours!
KA’LAVANDA
Grab a botanical gin and a seat on the sofa at this grown-up chic bar with a nice ambience and good music next to the cathedral at St Stephan’s Square!
THE TOP BAR
Fancy a classy bar with epic old town views? The Top Bar at Adriana Hotel is a lovely spot for an early evening drink out on the terrace with plush modern chairs.
20 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT HVAR ISLAND
DAY TRIP TO VIS ISLAND
One of the best day trips from Hvar town is a speed boat tour of Vis Island and the spectacular Stivini beach (surrounded by white chalk dramatic cliff scenery) plus a visit to the illuminating blue and green caves at Bisevo Island and quick tour around the Pakleni Islands. Below is the exact excursion I took with Get Your Guide and highly recommend!
RECOMMENDED: HVAR: BLUE CAVE, VIS ISLAND & PAKLENI SPEED BOAT
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND
Hvar is a popular island with plenty of beautiful places to stay – whether you are looking to spend time in vibrant Hvar Town, in touching distance to the crystal clear blue water or a sleepy historic village!
Hvar Town is the most visited area and has no shortage of accommodation options, but for those looking to stay off the beaten path (and have a car) there’s Stari Grad, Vrboska and Jesla to consider, each with its own charm and vibe.
Here’s a few of my personal recommendations 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 ISLAND?
Hvar Island is 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, 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.
WHEN TO VISIT HVAR ISLAND?
Hvar boasts the sunniest climate in all of Croatia, which means it’s possible to avoid the over-crowded months of mid-July and August and have a more pleasant time in late May to July when the island overall is less hectic, the prices lower and the days long.
*Hvar is a seasonal island and most tourism-led establishments will be closed in the shoulder and ‘off season’ months October-April, such as wine bars, beach bars and boat trips – it will be a very different feel if you visit at this time!
HOW LONG TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND?
Well, how long do you want to stay on a beautiful island? In my opinion a week long trip is the minimum amount of time to be able to see the highlights and a couple of day trips without feeling too rushed.
HOW TO GET TO HVAR ISLAND
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.
Check the best flights and prices for Split with Sykscanner HERE
The best way to travel to Hvar Island 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 is only an hour and 20 minutes to either Stari Grad, Jelsa or Hvar Town. Book your ticket HERE.
READ MORE ABOUT HVAR ISLAND
I hope that you will love Hvar Island as much as I do! Did you find this article useful? Please add your comments below.
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