Hvar is the most beautiful island in Croatia, with captivating heritage towns, incredible landscapes, fabulous restaurants, and pretty beaches, and if you’re wondering where to stay on Hvar Island, I’ve got you covered, as this is the place where I have spent the most time in Europe!
It’s one of those picturesque, easygoing islands you can happily stay on for a while, and Hvar Town is the main draw – a stunning spot that’s hard to beat anywhere in Croatia! I love breakfasting on the vibrant Riviera terraces surrounded by island scenery, Venetian architecture and even a fortress, it never fails to impress!
But the historic Hvar Town isn’t the only spot, there’s also quaint villages spread across the island, such as ancient Stari Grad, whole private villas and gorgeous boutique hotels like Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis with Mediterranean settings, pools and sea views! Here’s exactly where to stay on Hvar Island!
Quick Picks: Best Hotels In Hvar Town!
Short on time? Here’s my favourite places to stay in Hvar!
- Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis –best overall boutique hotel & scenic setting!
- Riva Marina – stunning Venetian hotel on Hvar’s Riviera!
- Palace Elisabeth – iconic 5-star historic hotel in Hvar Town square!
- Heritage Hotel Park Hvar – romantic, great-value boutique, harbour views!
Hvar Town, best area to stay in Hvar!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND – OVERVIEW
Hvar Town is the most desirable location on Hvar, known for its stunning Riviera and heritage old town, and it’s where you first arrive on the catamaran – you’ll be stunned! Hvar’s glam town boasts luxurious and elegant hotels, and just outside of Hvar Town, there are waterfront resorts and pretty boutiques which offer a more tranquil experience – and most have pools!
Stari Grad is the oldest town, 30-minutes from Hvar Town, visitors who stay in this location are usually after a quieter ambience with a more traditional old town feel, but there’s very few hotels and even less in Vbroska and Jelsa, the island’s quaintest and remotest towns!
When planning where to stay in Hvar, I recommend focusing on Hvar Town and waterfront, which are the most convenient, picturesque and walkable areas of Hvar, near the main attractions, best restaurants and boat tours – it’s where you will spend the majority of your time!
Best Area To Stay In Hvar – At A Glance
Hvar Old Town
Hvar Town is the island’s main hub, with beautiful scenery, heritage sights, a charming town square, and cobbled lanes. It has nightlife and a vibrant Riviera with upscale restaurants and Venetian architecture. It’s atmospheric and ideal for first-time visitors!
Hvar Town Coast
Beyond Hvar Town, there’s a lovely, long scenic path that hugs the shoreline, offering small pebble beach coves, Mediterranean gardens, stunning luxury hotels and boutiques with pools, terraces and private sunbathing areas – all a 10-35 minute walk to Hvar Town square!
Stari Grad
Stari Grad is the oldest town, a quaint, historic area with crumbly stone buildings and a local culture, boasting a harbour full of colourful buildings, fishermen’s boats and restaurants. A quieter, low-key place to stay in Hvar, 30 minutes from Hvar Town, a lovely spot for couples.
Jelsa & Vbroska
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, cyclists love it!
Best Hotels On Hvar Island – Quick Guide!
- Luxury hotel: Palace Elisabeth Hotel
- Boutique hotel: Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis
- Hotel for couples: Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis
- Spa hotel: Adriana Spa
- Great Value Boutique hotel: Beach Bay Hotel
- Family hotel: Amfora Grand Beach Resort
- Romantic hotel: Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
- Hotel with a pool: Amfora Grand Beach Resort
BEST PLACES TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND
HVAR TOWN
Best area to stay in Hvar for first-time visitors, restaurants, boat tours & attractions!
Hvar Town is utterly picturesque, and for most visitors, this is the best place to stay on Hvar Island – it’s been my favourite spot in Croatia for a decade, the glam Riviera, ancient square and Fortress are just incredible – and it’s the first thing you see off the boat from Split!
The entire town is nestled within a cove and boasts gorgeous Venetian architecture, rows of palm trees, upscale restaurants, a pretty central square with a cathedral, and old-town cobblestone lanes packed with charm and hidden wine and cocktail bars. The attractions are endless!
It’s the most desirable area, and there are some incredible hotels to base yourself, including the iconic Palace Elisabeth and stylish Riva Marina – right along the harbour, you will fill your time eating, drinking, walking along the glamorous Riviera or enjoying the spectacular viewpoints and hopping on boats to beaches and islands!
BEST HOTELS IN HVAR TOWN
Boutique & Luxury Stays!
Luxury Hotel In Hvar Town: Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Palace Elisabeth Hotel is one of Hvar’s most iconic and luxurious stays – a refined 5-star retreat set within a beautifully restored 13th-century Venetian palace. With elegant interiors, a serene spa and pool, plus a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the main square, a truly unforgettable place to stay in Hvar!
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel is set within a prime spot on the vibrant Riva with stylish interiors (a blend of modern and antique) and outstanding views from the restaurant terrace, a cool spot to relax and watch the yachts roll in at sunset, my favourite thing to do – if available, grab the Riva Marine terrace suite seaview – it’s unbeatable!
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar is a romantic boutique hotel known for its charming, soft pastel decor, pretty setting and fantastic ambience! It boasts live jazz evenings and super harbour views – visitors are obsessed with the flower arrangements on the terraces, I’ve visited for breakfast many times!
Beach Bay Hvar Hotel
Beach Bay Hvar, a chic and great-value boutique hotel in Hvar on the quieter side of town, with fresh, neutral decor, sea-facing balconies, and a private sundeck overlooking an attractive small beach and the Franciscan Monastery – I stayed in 2022 and loved the experience, friendly staff, beachy interiors and plush sunbeds, double rooms could be a little bigger, but other than that perfect!
APARTMENTS IN HVAR TOWN
Riva Yacht Hvar View Apartment
Riva Yacht Hvar View Apartment is a beautifully appointed and well-equipped luxury apartment right on the Riviera front, boasting lovely harbour views from the private balcony, a wonderful location with quick access to everything in town – a fantastic option, if available, book it!
Good Vibrations Apartment
Good Vibrations, a spacious one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Hvar Town with top-quality furnishings, amenities and a large terrace to relax and enjoy the views, a perfectly positioned and stylish place to stay on Hvar Island!
Hvar Top View Apartments
Hvar Top View Apartments, a cool modern hideaway just a ten-minute walk to the centre of Hvar town, offering a quiet retreat and spacious rooms with incredible sweeping views of the Pakleni Islands, especially the double balcony room, a great choice for independent and very affordable stays!
Stunning Seaview Retreat Apartment
Stunning Seaview Retreat Apartment is an accurate description and also the name of the apartment – it’s incredible! This modern and tasteful two-bedroomed apartment comes with a spacious terrace and enough space for up to five guests, perfect for friends or family – you could stay there forever!
Villa Porta Maestra
Villa Porta Maestra offers stylish suites, apartments and a four-bed villa in the heart of Hvar Town, among the pretty stone houses, with bags of atmosphere! I love the upscale decor, stone wall details and old town views from the balconies, a wonderful place to stay in Hvar!
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 May and October!
HVAR TOWN COAST
Best area to stay in Hvar for first-time visitors, beaches, coastal scenery & luxury!
If Hvar Town sounds too bustling, you can also stay just outside, along the coastal path that curves around the shoreline, where you’ll find a quieter ambience and luxury accommodation, just a 10-35 minute walk to the centre, it’s stunning and one of my favourite spots!
Along this coastal path, there are wonderful boutique hotels, like adult-only hotel Moessy Green & Blue Oasis – a beautiful villa-style property, most of which have sea-facing balconies, pools, and private sunbathing areas, which is a huge plus as Hvar Island is lacking in convenient beaches!
It is a wonderful area to stroll and even better to stay if you prefer privacy and relaxation – I particularly like the tiny pebble beach coves, Mediterranean gardens and upscale beach clubs, including Hvar Beach Club (formerly Les Bains) and Falko (pictured above)!
BEST HOTELS IN HVAR TOWN COAST
Boutique & Luxury Stays!
Best place to stay in Hvar: Hotel Moeesy
Hotel Moeesy – my top pick!
Hotel Moeesy is the best adult-only boutique hotel in Hvar, set within beautiful Mediterranean grounds over-looking the sea with pools, elevated terraces for privacy and plush interiors. It really is a class above the rest. I’ve visited for drinks on the terrace and loved the relaxed ambience, villa style and location. It’s the perfect spot for summer – book the premium suite balcony and seaview!
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. 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. Sea-facing rooms are a good size; some are a little dated compared to the other hotels, but if you like a spa hotel, a great restaurant, and a short walk to the old town square, it works!
Hotel Podstine
Hotel Podstine is another great-value boutique hotel situated at the end of the coastal walk, about 30 minutes from Hvar Town Square and the quietest spot. It offers nice terraces and sunbathing areas right along the shoreline, as well as a small pebble beach. Rooms are spacious, and most are larger than usual!
STARI GRAD
Best area to stay in Hvar for quiet old town vibes!
Stari Grad is actually the oldest town on Hvar Island, and it’s the best area to stay in Hvar for old-world charm and relaxation, a smaller, pared-back version of Hvar Town and around 35 minutes away by car, which makes it less busy with day trippers.
It has a cobbled, rustic centre, where you’ll enjoy long lunches, local wine, and wandering through boutique shops and picturesque squares with their charming stone buildings and green shutters, typical of the ancient towns across Dalmatia, but there’s little in the way of glam or dramatic scenery; Stari Grad is totally flat, not a stair in sight!
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 a quieter stay, Stari Grad may be the ideal option for you, especially for romantic couples!
BEST HOTELS IN STARI GRAD
Boutique & Luxury Stays!
Best hotel in Stari Grad: Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort is a beautifully designed new 5-star resort on the west coast of Stari Grad, featuring top amenities, including a serene spa, pool, lush gardens, and a lovely lounge deck. There’s a range of rooms and villas to choose from – a wonderful alternative place to stay in Hvar!
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. A stay here is super atmospheric and authentic, ideal for couples and solos!
Places Hvar Hotel
Places Hvar Hotel offers a resort-style stay in Stari Grad set on a beach promenade with sun loungers, terraces and a sea-facing pool. Top features include tennis courts, a bar and a restaurant. Guests can catch the water taxi – five minutes to the centre of Stari Grad!
APARTMENTS & HOUSES IN STARI GRAD
House Heritage
House Heritage, a traditional, modernised two-bedroomed stone house and private courtyard set within a prime location in Stari Grad Town centre, offering a charming, convenient and comfortable stay, just moments from the attractions!
Revelin Hvar
Revelin Hvar, a beautifully restored 5-bedroomed stone house with a great terrace situated in a lovely location in Stari Grad old town, with upscale furnishing and mod-cons – a nice area to stay in Hvar for families!
Is it better to stay in Hvar or Stari Grad?
For most visitors, the choice really comes down to Hvar Town or Stari Grad, both fantastic places to stay in Hvar, but with very different vibes and attractions. Stari Grad is much smaller, more rustic and relaxed, with a charming maze of streets, a flatter terrain, a few coastal walks, and authentic restaurants; it has that small-village feel, but lacks beautiful scenery!
Hvar Town is the ‘chic’ option and boasts almost all the attractions on the island, from the stunning Venetian Riviera to the Fortress above the cobbled old town, top restaurants, boat excursions from the harbour, and there’s a beautiful long coastal walk with Mediterranean gardens, pebble beaches and beach clubs, there’s definitely a lot more to do with your time here!
If you can avoid the high season, Hvar Town is the best area to stay on Hvar island – you’ll be blown away by the picturesque landscape, gorgeous hotels, lively vibe and fantastic places to eat and drink!
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, paired-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!
Hvar Town can be reached in about 45 minutes, but the route isn’t direct or frequent if you’re relying on local transport! Jelsa and Vbroska are really the best areas to stay in Hvar if you want to slow down and spend your days hiking, swimming, or cycling through the vineyards and trails, which are popular activities in the area!
Jelsa has a small, authentic 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, to be honest!
ACCOMMODATION IN JELSA
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 with lovely views, if available book the double deluxe room with a sea view – it’s so pretty and great value!
Casa Barbiere
Casa Barbiera, a well-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 place to stay in Hvar if you’re looking to be near an authentic village!
ACCOMMODATION IN VBROSKA
Apartment Marin
Apartment Marin, a modern and fresh large one-bedroomed apartment with a terrace next to the beach of Vbroska, a nice inexpensive 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. There’s space for up to ten guests, and it’s just a short dive from Hvar Town – I highly recommend this villa for groups on Hvar Island!!
Dolce Terra
Dolce Terra, is a tranquil and luxurious 3-bedroomed stone villa with a beautifully designed terrace and light and airy interiors set within a scenic location, 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 stay on Hvar Island!
Summary Of The Best Places To Stay On Hvar Island
Here’s a quick summary for where to stay in Hvar, the options below are my absolute top picks – where I’ve stayed or visited!
- Best Luxury Hotels On Hvar Island
- Best Boutique Hotels On Hvar Island
- Best Mid-Range Hotels On Hvar Island
- Best Hotels On Hvar Island For Couples
- Best Hotels On Hvar Island For Families
What is the best area to stay in Hvar Island overall?
The best area to stay in Hvar is the stunning Hvar Town and its coastal hotspots, which are home to the island’s main historic landmarks, attractions, best restaurants, bars, stylish beach clubs and best hotels, many of which are only a short stroll from the sights!
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
The historic Hvar Town and its Riviera are the most beautiful best places to stay on Hvar Island, especially if it’s your first visit to the area, and Hotel Moeesy is a top hotel choice, perfectly situated for sea views and a short walk to the old town and harbour.
Best Time To Visit Hvar Island
The main time to visit Hvar Island is between May and October, but for the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, I recommend May-June or September. Personally, I prefer the beginning of summer, when the evenings are lighter, beaches are opening up, and you can swim and visit the Croatian Islands!
Hvar Island Is Very Seasonal
Hvar Island is very much a seasonal island between May and the first week of October 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 – most of it gets packed away from October until the following May!
(I once visited in the first week of May, and the terraces and sunbed areas were still under construction, so I strongly recommend the second week in May at the earliest. You’ll want to experience the charm and vibe that Hvar is known for!)
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 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 in the Dalmatian Region!
How To Get Around Hvar Island
Hvar Town and Stari Grad are totally walkable, but the landscape of this island is rugged and not easy to navigate, as public transport is limited, except for these two spots!
Buses and taxis can be found just behind Hvar Town cathedral, and there are only a couple of white official taxis on the whole island. You can hire quads and bikes from this area too!
For exploring beach coves and the Pakleni Islands, taxi boats and excursions are the best and most popular options from Hvar Town Riva!
I’ve shared all my favourite spots, including historic gems and day trips, in my Things to Do in Hvar Town guide!
Hvar Town coast, best area to stay in Hvar for quiet glam!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND – 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 outside along the coast – 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 are the best hotels on Hvar Island?
The best hotels on Hvar Island are the luxurious, historic Palace Elizabeth Hotel, right on Hvar Town Square, with heritage interiors, elegant rooms and incredible terraces! While just along the pretty shoreline leading from Hvar Town, there’s stunning Hotel Moeesy, with stylish interiors, Mediterranean terraces, and a gorgeous château-like exterior, it’s my favourite!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for couples?
Hvar Town is utterly charming and absolutely designed 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, like the super attractive adult-only boutique hotel Moeesy, which is by far the best place to stay in Hvar for couples!
Where to stay on Hvar Island for nightlife?
The best place to stay in Hvar for nightlife is Hvar Town, although vibrant, you’ll find only 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?
There is no main beach area in Hvar, and most visitors stay by their hotel pool or go on boat trips from Hvar Town and island-hop. From Hvar Town square, there is a series of small pebble beaches and a few independent chic beach bars that offer sunbeds (balanced on rocks), which is the most popular way to experience the coastline of Hvar, but the best beaches on Hvar Island usually require a boat!
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?
The main towns, Hvar Town and Stari Grad, are the best places to stay in Hvar without a car and if you plan to stay in Hvar Town, 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 reachable by car or foot and there are some wonderful day trips from Hvar Town to discover the rest of the island!
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!
- Complete 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 – best beaches, bars and restaurants!
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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!