Last updated on May 25th, 2026 at 10:13 pm
If you’re staying in Hvar for a few days and wondering how to make the most of your time, I highly recommend exploring the nearby scenic islands, heritage towns and iconic beaches – you’re completely spoilt for choice when it comes to day trips from Hvar Island!
Hvar makes the perfect base for Island-hopping around the Pakleni Islands, just off shore, visiting Vis Island, the Blue Cave and on the island itself you have gorgeous scenery, lavender fields, vineyards and the utterly charming Stari Grad, there’s plenty of experiences absolutely worth adding to your itinerary – especially if you stay in the right area. (If you’re still deciding where to stay, read my guide to the best areas and hotels in Hvar Island before planning your day trips.)
I’ve taken several excursions, including one of the best – private sailing the Pakleni Islands, and I can honestly say a day trip from Hvar Island to the region’s most beautiful places is a must – whether you have half or a full day spare! Here’s my pick of the very best day trips from Hvar Island!
Best Day Trips From Hvar Island (Quick Picks)!
Short on time? These are the best day trips from Hvar Island I’d personally book again immediately.
- Private Pakleni Island Sailing Trip – best overall day trip from Hvar
- Blue Cave & Vis Island – best iconic Croatia experience
- Stari Grad & Inland Hvar – best cultural escape
Visiting Hvar between June and September? The best boat tours often sell out several days ahead – especially Blue Cave and private sailing trips.
1. PAKLENI ISLANDS (Palmizana & Mlini)
Fancy a dreamy escape just off the coast of Hvar Town? The Pakleni Islands are a must – overall this is the best day trip from Hvar Town, you’ll explore stunning island scenery, beautiful waterfront lunch stops and swim in private bays – all just a mere 20 minutes away for the ultimate relaxing day out!
Sailing around the Pakleni Islands is the best experience by far, avoiding the tourist trail and visiting more than one spot as you glide among the crystal clear waters and bays only accessible by private boat, I can personally recommend this incredible private sailing trip of the Pakleni Islands!
This is easily one of the most scenic boat trips in Croatia – especially if you want a more stylish and relaxed alternative to crowded group tours, check availability for this private Pakleni Islands sailing trip.
Palmizana and Mlini are real highlights of this group of islands – a haven for swimming and sipping cocktails at chic beach bars, while Zdrilca is a great spot for swimming and privacy, it’s incredibly picturesque!
My favourite Hvar day trip: If I could only recommend one experience, it would be the stylish private Pakleni Islands sailing trip. It felt far more relaxed and exclusive than the larger speedboat tours, and swimming in the quiet coves around Palmizana was honestly one of my favourite experiences in Croatia.
How To Get There
For the absolute best experience book this private sailing trip, it’s ideal if you want luxury without chartering a yacht and visit multiple locations with gorgeous passing scenery!
(Yes ,there are shared taxi boats from Hvar Town Harbour to the Pakleni Islands, but you can only go to one island, there are no taxi boats between the islands and pick-up/ drop-off timings are set – roughly every hour to an hour and a half – and you’ll miss the private scenic bays!)
Check availability for your dates on this luxury Pakleni Islands sailing boat trip!
Tip! If you’re planning several boat trips during your stay, I highly recommend basing yourself in Hvar Town for easy access to the marina and excursions. You can read my full guide on where to stay in Hvar Island here.
2. VIS ISLAND & BLUE CAVE
If you’re staying in Hvar Town for around four days, I highly recommend a full-day boat trip to see the Blue Cave and a few highlights of gorgeous Vis Island, an iconic experience from Hvar Island and perfect for first-time visitors looking to explore beyond Hvar and Pakleni Islands, but be warned – this is quite the whirlwind tour!
You’ll see some real gems including the Blue Cave and iconic Stinva Beach on Vis Island – dubbed as James Bond beach, a fantastic large white pebbled beach flanked by dramatic cliffs, it’s a must-see (and swim) – and can only be reached by boat, check availability on this tour!
Afterwards you have options to explore either Komiza or Vis Town, both beautiful spots on Vis Island for lunch and a wonderful destination to round off your boat tour from Hvar – sometimes the boat stops at Palmizana in the Pakleni Islands, also a picturesque spot and a favourite!
How To Get There
For a wonderful day trip I recommend booking the full day Blue Cave and Vis Island small group boat trip, which leaves directly from Hvar Town Harbour – one of the best value day trips from Hvar Island!
Secure your place on the small group Blue Cave and Vis Island boat trip, if you are travelling in a group, honeymoon or want flexibility and privacy, I recommend splurging on this private tour instead – make sure to include Komiza on Vis Island!! You can also check out my full review of this boat tour here!
3. Hvar Island’s LavEnder Fields & viewpoints
Hvar Island’s beauty doesn’t stop at the coastline, the rugged and mountainous interior is also a sight to behold and exploring the the hidden gems, beautiful lavender fields, lost villages and picturesque viewpoints is a real treat – it’s a great option for avoiding the crowds!
It’s one of the island’s best kept secrets and often these villages and gorgeous spots are totally free of tourists. When I visited the abandoned village (Malo Grablje) I was the only person there – and the view from Napolean will definitely exceed all expectations (pic above left)!
Some of the best experiences include walking through charming villages and enjoying the rolling hill landscape with glimpses of the sea! I was lucky enough to be guided around by a local friend on a motorbike, but if you don’t have time to make fast friends, I recommend this hidden gems tour, which hits the same locations – a boutique-style small group experience!
How To Get There
If you want everything taken care of including navigation then I recommend the exclusive hidden gems tour, or when in Hvar you can organise car/scooter hire – but be quick as there’s not many!
View prices and dates for this lavendar fields and villages day trip from Hvar Town today!
4. STARI GRAD
Stari Grad is a must day trip if you’re staying in Hvar Town, you’ll get to see a totally different side to the island, the second largest town with a rich history and ancient cobbles, perfect for romantics and also explorers, Stari Grad is beautiful!
I recommend planning a morning or afternoon to walk around the highlights, including the tranquil harbour with colourful Venetian Buildings and fishermen’s boat’s and the heart of the town is full of character and boutique’s for shopping and sipping coffee!
Visiting Stari Grad also gives you a feel for a quieter side of the island, and it’s actually one of the best areas to stay in Hvar if you prefer a slower, more authentic atmosphere.
Spend some time simply wandering the lanes and all a lunch stop, Antika Restaurant is a lovely spot with tasty food and ambience – if you’re driving you might also want to swing by Hora Winerary set amongst rolling vineyards and only 10 minutes from the centre.
How To Get There
Stari Grad is just 30-minutes from Hvar Town by car (rental or taxi) or bus, I have always gotten the bus, which located behind the cathedral in the town square, the schedule in either direction is every hour from 9am until around 10pm, but three hours is plenty to explore the town itself.
For keen cyclists, you can also take a unique cycle excursion, which takes you through Stari Grad Town and on to the plain fields and two smaller villages, this cycle tour is top rated!
I have detailed all my Stari Grad tips in this full Hvar Town to Stari Grad day trip guide!
5. SOUTH HVAR BEACHES & RED ROCKS
For beach and scenery lovers, you can go beach-hopping to some of the more off-the-beaten path beaches of the south Hvar Island coastline including the dramatic red rocks, which is one of the best experiences – but trickier to navigate over land!
I absolutely recommend this private speedboat tour, which takes you to the dramatic red rocks, incredible southern beaches of Hvar and Pakleni islands (Milini and Palmizana bays) in style, it’s perfect and arriving by private boat is much more scenic and a wonderful alternative to crowded tours!
It’s one of the best Hvar boat tours for discovering the beaches on Hvar Island and exclusive-feeling hidden coves, I personally love this trip for the beautiful landscapes and visiting secret swim spots without a fuss, not many visitors to the Island get to experience this, yet it’s one of the best day trips from Hvar Island!
How To Get There
If you’re willing to hire a car or scooter you can reach the top of these beaches including postcard-perfect Dubovica Beach and hidden gem Lucisca Bay and walk down the cliffs to the beach, but I don’t advise it as the terrain is more ‘off-road’. I recommend this exclusive boat trip to explore around the island’s beautiful bays and landscape – it’s worth splurging on for couples.
See availability for summer for this wonderful private boat excursion!
6. Hvar VINEYARDS & ROLLING HILL LANDSCAPE!
Hvar has a long history in winemaking due to its incredible Mediterranean climate and tasting the local wine straight from the vineyards with wonderful rolling hill landscapes is one of my favourite things to do on Hvar Island.
A wine tasting tour, visiting more than one location is best, especially those that include Hvar lavender fields and scenic stops on the way and it will only take up a few hours of your time, it’s easily one of the most enjoyable day trips from Hvar Island, especially for couples, check availability for this wine tasting experience.
As well as the picturesque locations you’ll also get to see inside the beautiful and traditional candle-lit cellars – your wine will also come with a tasty charcuterie board and olive oil tasting – it was so good I didn’t need an evening meal!
How To Get There
For the best experience, I recommend joining an wine experience tour so all the logistics of getting from different sides of the islands are taken care of – and you can relax and just enjoy the scenery and wine!
Reserve your spot on the Hvar wine tour!
Best Day Trips From Hvar Summary:
- Best overall: Private Sailing Pakleni Islands
- Best luxury: Private Sailing Pakleni Islands
- Best adventure: Blue Cave & Vis Island
- Best relaxing: Hvar Beaches & Red Rocks
- Best cultural: lavender fields and villages
TIPS FOR PLANNING DAY TRIPS FROM HVAR ISLAND
When To Visit
For the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, May to early June or mid-September are the best times to visit Hvar, especially for boat tours from Hvar. July and August are the hottest and busiest months – if you’re visiting, a private boat trip will be a wonderful escape!
When To Book
Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations, and day trips like the Blue Cave or Pakleni Islands often sell out fast. If you’ve got your eye on a top-rated tour, it’s best to lock it in early – at least 1-2 weeks in advance – check availability for your dates today!
Morning Tours
If you’re planning a half-day boat trip from Hvar Town, aim for a morning departure. The sea is a lot calmer, the light is perfect for photos, and you’ll arrive before the midday rush – the regular taxi boats to Pakleni Islands start at 10-10.30am and later and less frequent in the shoulder months.
Pack The Essentials
For beaches and boat trips pack water shoes for swimming, a thick towel for the pebbles and cover-ups, Hvar sun is strong and the boats are always chillier on the return journey with the exception of humid July and August! Also bring cash and card – you always need both in Croatia!
If you’re looking for more incredible island-hopping ideas? Check out my guide to the Best Boat Tours from Hvar – a full review, my top experience and tips!
DAY TRIP FROM HVAR FAQ
Can you do day trips from Hvar Island?
Yes! There’s plenty of places to visit from Hvar. It’s an amazing base, surrounded by islands and beautiful scenery, including Vis and the Pakleni Islands! I recommend doing a day trip from Hvar if you’re staying for 3-5 days, especially if it’s your first visit to Hvar!
What are the best places to visit from Hvar Island?
The best places to visit from Hvar, Croatia, include Vis, Stiniva Bay, the iconic Blue Cave and the small group of Pakleni Islands – ideal for stylish and luxury sailing! If you are looking for a mix of adventure, scenery, dreamy lunch spots and hidden gems, these destinations are ideal!
Can you do a day trip from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
No! I strongly recommend two separate trips for Hvar and Dubrovnik; the distance is around 3.5 hours each way, which is too far for a comfortable day trip! Both places are fantastic and need 3-4 nights minimum in each to see the highlights!
Can you do a day trip from Hvar to Korcula?
Yes, you can do a day trip from Hvar to Korcula, the ferry leaves directly from Hvar Town and arrives in Korcula Town port, it works if you take the earliest ferry to maximise your time. But, Korcula just like Hvar is so beautiful I really recommend staying for 3-4 nights to do it justice!
Can you do a day trip from Hvar to Vis Island?
Yes – and it’s one of the best boat tours from Hvar if you want to combine iconic sights like the Blue Cave with quieter swimming spots and beautiful coastal scenery – it’s one of my personal favourite day trips from Hvar Island, especially private boutique tours or small group boat trips!
Ready to explore Hvar by sea?
Don’t miss the island’s most unforgettable experience! Discover the best Hvar boat tours for 2026
Still planning your Hvar Island itinerary!
Planning your trip to Hvar? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite things to do, that pairs perfectly with the best day trips from Hvar Island!
- Complete Guide To Hvar Island – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- Where To Stay In Hvar Island – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
- Best Things To Do In Hvar Town – heritage sites, attractions & experiences!
- Boat Trips From Hvar – islands, bays & coastal towns worth visiting!
- Guide To The Pakleni Islands – best bays, restaurants & tips!
- Best Restaurants in Hvar Croatia – wine bars, seafront terraces & more!
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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!