Stari Grad, a hidden gem on Hvar Island, is a charming heritage town with cobblestone lanes, quaint boutiques, and historic sites. Discover the ten best things to do in Stari Grad one of Croatia’s oldest and most beautiful seaside towns.
Away from the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town, Stari Grad offers an authentic, understated side of Hvar Island that truly deserves your attention.
While I love Hvar Town, the charm of ancient Stari Grad is irresistible. Its picturesque squares, weathered churches, and bougainvillea-covered balconies are something else, as are the quaint terraces, artisan coffee houses, and palm-lined promenade.
Stari Grad town is an experience not to be missed!
Further afield, the Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO area made up of serene vineyards and lavender fields, an area to explore and taste fabulous local wine and delicacies, essential if you’re staying a little longer than a day trip!
So if you find yourself in Stari Grad Croatia for a few days or have opted for a tranquil escape from the bustling Hvar Town, here’s my curated guide to the best things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar.
WHERE TO STAY IN STARI GRAD HVAR
Stari Grad is a lovely spot to stay for a couple of nights while exploring the Croatian island of Hvar. It offers authenticity and relaxation after bustling Split and Hvar Town – plus a few quality Stari Grad hotels and boutique guest houses. (Note: it is not an area over-run with hotel options).
In this comprehensive guide Where To Stay In Hvar, Croatia I have highlighted the best of the best areas, boutique hotels and apartments, all personal recommendations after 10 years of research!
Below, however, is where I recommend staying in Stari Grad.
Boutique Hotels In Stari Grad
Town House Rosario
Town House Rosario is a lovely hotel, recently renovated to a high standard in-keeping with traditional character and charm! The location is within the old town, steps away from the main sights and the host receives constant great reviews – perfect for short stays, if available don’t hesitate to book.
Book: Town House Rosario
Revelin Hvar
A lovely historic house, Revelin Hvar has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms on the main square in Stari Grad with lots of space and windows and impeccable style! The courtyard is a gorgeous place to relax, there’s also a balcony to share with your loved ones – amazing for small groups.
Book: Revelin Hvar, Stari Grad
Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort is one of the only luxury hotels offering five star facilities nearby Stari Grad old town. A beautiful retreat with spa quality and stunning rooms nicely set among peaceful surrounds along the waters edge. The amenities include two pools, a spa, attractive lounge deck and restaurant – this is a real spoil-yourself hotel.
Book: Maslina Resort
House Heritage
A highly-rated two bedroomed traditional stone house in the old town situated within the prettiest square. House Heritage boasts 2 bedrooms, modern amenities and a roof terrace, they have done an excellent job of the renovations and features.
Book: House Heritage
THINGS TO DO IN STARI GRAD HVAR
1. STROLL ALONG THE PRETTY HARBOUR
Begin with a stroll along the palm-tree-lined promenade, the one thing you can guarantee in Croatia is an attractive waterfront. You’ll see lots of pastel coloured boats and Venetian Renaissance buildings, it’s an unmissable area that first-time visitors gravitate towards.
Linger for a quiet coffee in the mornings (try the Melting Pot) or an Aperol Spritz at sunset – there’s a few nice restaurant terraces to soak up the serene ambiance – mainly local chatter, clinking glasses and bobbing boats!
2. WANDER THE HISTORIC VENEITIAN LANES
Stari Grad’s main attraction is undoubtedly the rustic and charming old town with cobbled stone narrow lanes, Venetian houses, wrought iron balconies and picturesque squares. Its one of the loveliest places in the region to visit and remarkably it still sits under the tourists radar!
Wandering is really the best way to explore the nooks and crannies of the lanes, you will come across small boutique shops, speciality coffee haunts (such as Kojo) art exhibitions, churches, restaurants and lots of huge flower pots (it’s a theme here) – I recommend a little mid-day stroll, you will likely have it all to yourself.
Things to look out for in Stari Grad Old Town:
Skor Square (A picture perfect square with ancient homes)
Vagnoj ul (Peeling off from Srinjo Kola, a quieter lane with pastel houses and romantic lamps)
Srinjo Kola (One of the oldest streets in Stari Grad, now filled with cafe’s and stalls)
3. EAT A WONDERFUL LUNCH AT ANTIKA
Antika is one of the oldest and best restaurants in Stari Grad with an unbeatable ambience in the heart of the ancient town. In fact one of the striking things about Antika is the location, set along a gorgeous corner with inviting tables and chairs spread over two cobbled lanes – its too good to simply walk by!
Head over for lunch and enjoy a glass of local wine or two alongside a portion of home made focaccia, a sharing board or fresh pasta (which I didn’t have room for but looked excellent!). Antika is a real gem, an excellent spot to eat and drink before uncovering some of the other best things to do in Stari Grad!
4. EXPLORE TRANQUIL TVRDALJ PALACE
Explore the former century’s-old summer house and attractive gardens of Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic, otherwise known as Tvrdalj Palace. You can easily skip through the historical house and head straight for the main event – the secret garden full of blooming flowers.
Discover grape vines, terraces centered round a pond, ancient walls and an abundance of greenery as you walk around it. Tvrdalj Palace may not very well known (if at all), but it’s well worth a visit when in Stari Grad.
5. DISCOVER ST STEPHENS CHURCH
St Stephens church with baroque architecture dating 1607 sits in a charming square (of the same name) with a tall bell tower that’s hard to miss wherever you are in Stari Grad Hvar!
Unusually, this church has an old and crumbly facade, which appears to be quite unloved, however the interior is actually very grand – decorated by Venetian artists no-less. If you’re passing by and it’s open have a peek inside – just to see the contrast!
6. ADMIRE PICTURESQUE SKOR SQUARE
Skor Square is the postcard-perfect square that you hoped to find in Stari Grad old town. It is awash with Dalmatian stone terraces, traditional windows framed with foliage and wrought iron balconies, everything looks attractive and feels very oldy worldly.
There’s also a nice atmosphere thanks to the musicians who frequent this spot at all times of the day. Stay for drink, soak up the culture and simply admire the beautiful and unique surrounds!
7. SAMPLE DELICIOUS THINGS AT ZA POD ZUB
Za Pod Sub is a cute Croatian deli in the middle of Srinjo Kola – the oldest and one of the most well known historical streets in Stari Grad. It’s ran by a French couple with a passion for both gastronomy and Croatia and if you’re lucky enough to come across it you will be in for a treat!
Sample everything from olives, cheese, truffle, marmalades to honey and chocolate sourced from all over Croatia – and they also serve some of the best traditional lavender ice-cream in Hvar Island.
8. ENJOY A UNESCO SCENIC CYCLE TOUR
Stari Grad plain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to Ancient Greeks times. Which is now home to lavender fields and vineyards. It’s a great area to explore by scenic cycle tour – especially with a local expert who knows ALL the best routes, history and hidden gems.
This fantastic tour is the only half-day cycle tour that takes you through the patchwork of vine and lavender fields with picturesque coastal views – sampling wine as you go! You will also cycle to and explore the attractive rural villages of Vbroska and Jelsa, its a great way to see everything without the hassle of buses and hire cars.
Book this perfect day out with coastline views and a taste of authentic Croatia in advance, I recommend at least a week to secure a spot as it is popular.
Book: Cycle Hvar Tour
9. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM GLAVICA HILL
One of the simplest and best things to do in Stari Grad is hike from the town up to Glavica Hill in time for the sunset!
It’s the highest point in Stari Grad but by no means strenuous, you can easily reach the top in twenty minutes (the trail is marked). Sunsets in Croatia rarely ever disappoint – it’s one of the things I always make time for.
Also, take a drink with you and find a good spot to sit and bask in the golden panoramic views over Stari Grad old town and across to the neighboring island of Brac.
10. TRY STARI GRAD LOCAL WINE
Obviously, you have to try the local wine and olive oil in one of the Croatia’s best wine producing islands – it’s a must! Hvar’s history in wine making dates back to the ancient Greeks, so if like me you enjoy a good vino then Stari Grad is your place!
Sample Hvar’s exclusive grapes at nearby Hora Farm and Restaurant (reached by taxi), set among UNESCO Stari Grad Plain. As well as attractive scenery you will get to try some of Hvar’s best wine with a unique local wine-tasting experience.
As an alternative I highly recommend booking a small group wine tasting tour with more scenery, knowledge and local insight. This special wine tasting tour from Hvar Town is perfect for those looking to taste a variety of wine paired with local delicacies. You’ll visit two vineyards, wine cellars and see some charming villages along the way! Take a look HERE for full details.
Book: Hvar Island Wineries and Delicacies Half-Day
STARI GRAD, HVAR ESSENTIALS
Is Stari Grad worth visiting?
Stari Grad’s appeal is its quiet charm, not showy like Hvar Town or as busy! It’s just an lovely atmospheric place to visit with plenty of cobbled beautiful lanes and squares and an attractive waterfront to stroll.
There’s far fewer day trippers and hotels, the restaurants are wondeful and prices are reasonable – you will not find a 20 Euro Aperol Spritz here!
Simply, it just feels like a more authentic Croatian town.
Best time to visit Stari Grad, Hvar?
Hvar Island is a summer destination, the best times to visit are May to September, outside of these months a lot of the attractions and restaurants close and the atmosphere along with it!
Stari Grad is a quieter destination, but if combining with Hvar Town or Split, than early June or mid September would be ideal. In these months you can expect warm and dry weather, fewer crowds, more availability and lower prices!
Is Stari Grad better than Hvar Town?
Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, quaint and quiet while Hvar Town is more lively and magical. If dramatic scenery, top restaurants, parties and yachts are your thing head for Hvar Town, if your prefer local atmosphere, less tourism and romance then maybe opt for Stari Grad.
My personal preference is to stay Hvar Town and visit Stari Grad, whether that’s for a few hours or a short stop. For a small-ish island there’s a whole lot of things to do on Hvar!
Where is Stari Grad?
Stari Grad is situated on the North side of beautiful Hvar Island – a popular summer destination in Croatia.
It’s surrounded by the blue waters of the Adriatic sea, vineyards and lavender fields, 30 minutes from Hvar Town and just a short 1hr boat ride away from islands Brac and Korcula.
How to get to Stari Grad?
Stari Grad, Hvar Island is located off the Dalmatian Coast, just an hour’s ferry ride away from the main international airport hub in Split that serves the area well.
The journey from Split International Airport to the port of Split is around 35minutes via regular airport shuttle or Taxi.
How to get from Split to Stari Grad
A direct ferry services runs several times per day June to September to Stari Grad from Split, it’s operated by Jadrolinja. You will then need a taxi or bus to get to the old town centre of Stari Grad as it is not within walking distance.
How to get from Split to Hvar Town
If you’re planning on visiting Hvar Town first, the ferry journey is only 1hr and runs up to 18 times per day during peak summer months. Conveniently it arrives right along the Riviera front of Hvar Town.
Good to Know
Reserve all ferry tickets on-line at least 3 days in advance – they sell out fast (you will receive a digital ticket and a QR code.) If travelling from Split Airport allow 3hrs minimum to reach the ferry port of Split or book an over night stay.
Jadrolinja ferry tickets can be purchased here
How to get from Stari Grad to Hvar Town
Stari Grad is easily reached from Hvar Town, it’s one of the most popular routes for visitors of Hvar Island. The journey is around 30 minutes via local bus or taxi (the taxi will be very costly and I don’t recommend!).
Buses run between Hvar Town and Stari Grad every 2 hours approximately (6.30am-10.30pm). In Hvar Town the bus station is located just behind St Stephen’s Cathedral.
IN SUMMARY
If you’re visiting Hvar Island do not miss the charming old town of Stari Grad, it makes the perfect addition to any Croatia itinerary. Whether you fancy strolling around the pretty cobbled streets or sampling wine and delicacies in one of the best restaurants – there’s plenty of lovely things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar!
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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:
- Hvar Island: What To See, Do & Eat
- 10 Best Things To Do In Hvar Town
- 20 Photo’s Of Hvar Island To Inspire
- Where To Stay in Hvar: Best Areas & Boutiques
- Hidden Gems: Best Day Trips From Hvar Island
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