Last updated on July 12th, 2026 at 01:18 am
Hvar is the most beautiful island in Croatia, with captivating heritage towns, incredible landscapes and boutique accommodation that will make you never want to leave 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!
Hvar Town is the main draw – a picturesque bay that’s hard to beat anywhere in Croatia, it’s by far the best area to stay in Hvar – for just about everything and nothing compares to the insane old town views over the harbour and islands! I’ve spent many summers wandering around the town in a day dream surrounded by lush coastal scenery, Venetian architecture and some of the most attractive waterfront restaurants in the Med, it’s the reason why I return each year – it always WOWs!
But iconic Hvar Town isn’t the only spot worth your time, there’s also quaint villages across the island, such as Stari Grad a lovely authentic gem, private luxury villas and gorgeous boutique hotels dotted along the water’s edge like Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis, where I stayed most recently, boasting a Mediterranean setting, infinity pool and beautiful sea views! Below I’m sharing where to stay in Hvar Island from the best areas to my favourite boutique hotels and suites!
Best Hotels In Hvar Town – Top Picks!
Short on time? Here’s my favourite places to stay in Hvar!
- Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis –best overall boutique hotel & scenic setting!
- Palace Elisabeth – iconic 5-star luxury & historic hotel in Hvar Town square!
- Heritage Hotel Park Hvar – beautiful sea-facing boutique, harbour views!
Hvar Town, best area to stay in Hvar!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND – OVERVIEW
When choosing where to stay in Hvar Island I recommend focusing on Hvar Town, the UNESCO-listed heritage centre and the towns luxurious coastline for their convenience and beautiful settings with excellent restaurants and iconic landmarks, and it’s where you’ll find the best boutique hotels in Hvar!
Hvar’s old town is compact with narrow lanes, steep stairs and entirely pedestrianised areas similar to what you find Dubrovnik old town with a stunning riviera at ether side – all within just a few minutes walk and it’s where first time visitors will spend most of their time, exploring the Island’s highlights and soaking up the atmosphere!
Around Hvar there are smaller, sleepy traditional villages best reserved for second stays or a split stay if you want to get a different feel for the island including Stari Grad the oldest town, but if you’re looking for that quintessential Hvar experience stay in or within walking distance of Hvar Old Town. It’s packed with charm, historic attractions and beautiful boutique hotels with easy access to boat trips, making it the perfect all-round base!
Good to know: Hvar is a medium-sized island, but most of the highlights including the hill top villages, vineyards and beaches are all reachable within a 15-30 minute car journey of each other, BUT where you stay in Hvar can really shape your experience!
Best Area To Stay In Hvar – At A Glance
Hvar Old Town (UNESCO) – best for first-time visitors
Hvar Town is the most famous, beautiful and iconic area to stay in Hvar, it’s the island’s main attraction boasting scenery, a Venetian Riviera and a historic centre with the island’s best nightlife, accommodation, boat excursions and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s atmospheric, convenient and ideal for first-time visitors!
Hvar Town Coast – best for luxury
Hvar Town coast, offers a long scenic coastal path with small pebble beach coves, Mediterranean gardens, stunning luxury hotels and boutiques with pools, terraces, upscale beach clubs and private sunbathing areas – all a 10-35 minute walk to Hvar Town square, great for luxury travellers!
Stari Grad – best for authentic stays
Stari Grad is an authentic town set within a quaint, historic area of crumbly stone buildings and local culture, there’s a harbour full of colourful buildings, fishermen’s boats and restaurants and offers a quieter, low-key place to stay in Hvar, best for romantic couples. A 30 minute drive from Hvar Town.
Jelsa & Vbroska – best for quiet village vibes
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, walkers and cyclists love it!
BEST PLACES TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND
HVAR TOWN
Best place to stay in Hvar Croatia for first-time visitors!
Hvar Town is the best place to stay in Hvar Island for first-time visitors or for anyone who wants to be centrally located and surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, old-world charm and atmosphere with the island’s top highlights on your doorstep from the Fortress to the Venetian palm-lined Riva and upscale restaurants, this is were I’ve stayed on each visit, I absolutely love the glamour of it all!
Staying here means you’ll also have the best pick of the boutique apartments and hotels in Hvar, including one of my personal favourites, romantic Heritage Hotel Park Hvar, a real gem set on a beautiful corner of the harbour and main stone square, with a especially charming terrace and pastel exterior near the harbour and many unforgettable things to do in Hvar Town including walking up to the incredible viewpoint and lunching on the waterfront!
UNESCO -listed Hvar town is what visitors come to experience and well worth it, even in the vibrant peak summer months, this is the real heart and soul of the Island and boasts some of the top luxury heritage hotels in all of Croatia, such as the iconic 5-star Palace Elisabeth – the one to book for style and sophistication is situated right on the square!
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR TOWN
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Luxury Hotel In Hvar Town: Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Palace Elisabeth Hotel is Hvar’s most iconic 5-star hotel and beautifully restored 13th-century Venetian palace with elegant interiors, full spa, pool, plus a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the main square. A truly exceptional place to stay in Hvar, I visit regularly for drinks on the terrace and to admire the interiors, the service and polished style is exceptional – explore this beautiful stay!
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel
Riva Marina Hvar Hotel is set within a prime spot on the luxurious Riva with stylish modern and antique interiors and outstanding views from the restaurant terrace, a cool spot to relax and watch the yachts roll in at sunset, one of my favourite pastimes, seaview upgrades are available for personal balcony views elevated above the crowds!
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
Heritage Hotel Park Hvar is one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Hvar known for its charming, soft pastel décor, pretty harbour setting with lots of bougainvillea and fantastic ambience, I stopped in the king suite with the dreamiest balcony at the end of the summer season and it was lovely – this hotel has the best breakfasts and atmospheric evenings – see the room!
Beach Bay Hvar Hotel
Beach Bay Hvar is one of the best great-value boutique hotels in Hvar on the quieter side of town with delightful boho-style interiors, there’s also sea-facing balconies, and an inviting private sundeck overlooking an attractive small beach and the Franciscan Monastery, just a few steps from the Riviera!
Luxury Hotel In Hvar Town: Palace Elisabeth Hotel
APARTMENTS IN HVAR TOWN
Riva Yacht Hvar View Apartment
Riva Yacht Hvar View Apartment is a chic and tasteful luxury apartment right along the glam Riva, boasting breath-taking balcony harbour views and upscale interiors – I stayed at the end of the summer season and loved the whole Riva vibe, if you’re looking for an apartment in Hvar Town, it’s location and style are hard to beat – take a closer look!
Good Vibrations Apartment
Good Vibrations, a spacious one-bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Hvar Town with elegant interiors and quality amenities including a large terrace to relax and enjoy the fortress views! One of the best places to stay in Hvar Town for affordable luxury and secret escapes!
Hvar Top View Apartments
Hvar Top View Apartments, a cool, modern white villa just a ten-minute walk to the centre of Hvar town, offering a quiet retreat and a mix of suite and apartments with incredible sweeping views across the Pakleni Islands, I especially love the double balcony room, a great choice for private stays and those with a car!
Villa Porta Maestra
Villa Porta Maestra offers newly renovated suites to the highest levels, among the pretty stone houses, with atmosphere and charm – it’s beautifully designed and one of the best places to stay in Hvar Town for quiet luxury, yet a stone’s throw to the top restaurants and wine bars!
Stunning Seaview Retreat Apartment
Stunning Seaview Retreat Apartment is situated within a quiet spot with lovely old town views and offers tastefully decorated two-bedrooms, two bathrooms and large lounge for up to five guests, overall a perfect base for friends or family visiting the sights of Hvar Town looking for a convenient stay!
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 June and September!
HVAR TOWN COAST
Best place to stay in Hvar for coastal scenery, convenience & luxury!
The upscale coastal area of Hvar Town is the best place to stay in Hvar Island for luxury villa style hotels, pools and endless sea views, where you’ll find a quieter ambience and more relaxation while being just a short stroll from the heritage centre and all the top restaurants and nightlife, it’s stunning, fantastic for couples and one of my all-time favourite spots!
It’s known a the Rivera where you’ll find those boutique beach clubs, pebble beach coves and wonderful sunsets at this side of the town with one of my favourite luxury boutique hotels Moessy Green & Blue Oasis, set beautifully along the Mediterranean shoreline – a fabulous location for enjoying quiet moments on your sea-facing balcony and private sunbathing areas, while being a stones throw from the harbour and best boat trips!
Hvar Town’s coast is ideal for those who prioritise relaxation, seaside strolls and that quieter luxury feel – I particularly like the sea breeze and cactus gardens and those tucked away gems like dreamy boho-style Falko beach bar (pictured above left) where I spend a lot of my time!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR TOWN COAST
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Best place to stay in Hvar: Hotel Moeesy
Hotel Moeesy – my top pick!
Hotel Moeesy is the best adult-only luxury boutique hotel in Hvar, set within beautiful Mediterranean grounds over-looking the sea with pools, superior terraces for privacy and lovely interiors – I stayed in late Spring and was especially taken by the ambience, villa style and incredible location, a wonderful experience – see why I love it so much!
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 – and they are tastefully decorated. 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, the style is classic – a little less flair compared to the other hotels, but for a seafront hotel and a short walk to the old town square, this is an quality stay!
Hotel Podstine
Hotel Podstine is another stylish well-priced hotel situated with larger than average rooms at the end of the coastal walk, about 30 minutes from Hvar Town Square and the quietest spot, there are terraces and sunbathing areas right along the shoreline, as well as a small pebble beach.
STARI GRAD
Best place to stay in Hvar for authentic old town vibes!
Stari Grad is the oldest town on Hvar Island, and it’s the best area to stay in Hvar for old-world charm, where you’ll find rows of original and crumbly townhouses with green shutters and a maze of tiny streets, it really reminds me of the Vali Varos area in Split – the vibe and aesthetic is completely different from glam Hvar Town!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Split for a quieter Dalmatian village vibe Stari Grad is a great alternative, best known for it’s quaint historic centre, where you’ll enjoy wandering through cobbled lanes lined with a few quality local restaurants, shops and small hotels – including one that houses my favourite hotel in the area; Town House Rosario, where I’ve stayed for two nights to soak up that old town ambiance!
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 an altogether quieter stay, Stari Grad may be worth considering, especially for romantic couples, but if you’re dreaming of a stylish, luxurious Hvar escape with top restaurants, boat trips and more dramatic scenery, I’d lean towards Hvar Town, especially if its your first visit!
WHERE TO STAY IN STARI GRAD
Hotels, Boutiques, Apartments!
Best hotel in Stari Grad: Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort
Maslina Resort is a beautifully designed 5-star retreat on the west coast of Stari Grad offering a variety of suites with serene views and access to a spa, tranquil pool, lush gardens, and a lovely lounge deck, its one of the best places to stay in Hvar Island for a relaxing and upscale stay – take a look inside!
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. I stayed for two nights in the superior double and really enjoyed the authentic experience, it’s a super atmospheric, ideal for couples or solos – view this stay!
Places Hvar Hotel
Places Hvar Hotel offers a modern resort-style stay in Stari Grad set on a beach promenade with sun loungers, terraces and a sea-facing pool, it’s more suited to families, who with love the extra amenities on offer like tennis courts, a bar and a restaurant. Guests can catch the water taxi – five minutes to the centre of Stari Grad!
House Heritage
House Heritage, a beautifully modernised two-bedroomed traditional stone house and private courtyard set within a prime location in Stari Grad Town centre, offering a charming, convenient and comfortable stay with tasteful interiors, just moments from the attractions!
Revelin Hvar
Revelin Hvar, a restored 5-bedroomed stylish stone house with a wonderful terrace set in a lovely location in Stari Grad old town, with upscale furnishing and all the mod-cons you need – one of the nicest areas 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 boutique 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, laid-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 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, but it wouldn’t be my first choice of place to stay in Hvar, particularly if your dreaming of glam water fronts, restaurants and old towns to wander!
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 as these locations are more for visiting than staying!
WHERE TO STAY IN JELSA & VBROSKA
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 of Jelsa with lovely views, if available book the double deluxe room with a sea view – it’s so pretty and great value for this prime location!
Casa Barbiere
Casa Barbiera, a chic, newly-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 and more high-end place to stay in Hvar if you’re looking to be situated near an authentic village – explore this property!
Apartment Marin
Apartment Marin, a modern and bright one-bedroomed well-equipped apartment offering lots of space and a terrace next to the beach of Vbroska, a nice 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 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 – take a look inside!!
Dolce Terra
Dolce Terra, is a tranquil and luxurious 3-bedroomed stone villa with a beautifully designed terrace and light and airy premium interiors all set within a fantastic scenic location among the rugged hills 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 luxurious stay on Hvar Island!
What is the best area to stay in Hvar Island overall?
The best area to stay in Hvar is the stunning Hvar Town or within walking distance, which is 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 – it’s the quintessential Hvar Island experience!
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 and 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 best time to visit Croatia Islands is between mid–May and early 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 seasonal 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!
Getting Around Hvar Island Is Easy
Hvar Town is car-free and walkable, while car taxis, water taxis, buses and excursions are available to get around the Pakleni Islands, beaches, heritage towns (such as Stari Grad) and vineyards directly from Hvar old town harbour, which is also where you get the ferry to Mljet, Korcula, Dubrovnik or Split. It’s super convenient!
I’ve shared all my favourite spots, including historic gems and day trips, in my Things to Do in Hvar Town guide!
What To Pair With Hvar?
Hvar is ideally located for a multi-stop trip, my personal favourite island-hopping trip is firstly staying in beautiful Split accommodation for three nights, Hvar for three or four nights then scenic Korcula Island – a totally different vibe and looks for three nights then finishing with the pearl of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik for four nights- a perfect note to end your two-week trip around the Adriatic islands!
Hvar Town coast, best area to stay in Hvar for quiet glam!
WHERE TO STAY IN 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 is the best hotel on Hvar Island?
The best hotel on Hvar Island is the luxurious, historic Palace Elizabeth Hotel, right on Hvar Town Square, with heritage interiors, elegant rooms and incredible terraces – one of the top hotels in Croatia!
What are the best boutique hotels in Hvar Town?
Most visitors will want that quintessential Hvar Town experience and the best boutique hotels to stay are Riva Marina Hvar Hotel, Heritage Hotel Park Hvar or Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis – all perfectly situated for exploring the attractions – just stroll away!
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 is the best place to stay in Hvar without a car, and 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 accessible by car or foot and there are some wonderful day trips from Hvar Town to discover the rest of the island, the Hvar tourist board lists monthly event info!
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!
- Where To Stay In Split Croatia – best areas, boutique hotels & 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!