Hvar is a stunning island and there’s no shortage of quality places to stay that will make your visit even more incredible. It’s a highlight along the Dalmatian island hopping route and a wonderful all-round holiday destination for longer stays – Hvar has some of the best scenery around.
The appeal? How about shimmering turquoise waters, pine-covered hills dotted with ancient towns, a thriving yacht-filled harbour, Venetian architecture, tiny cobbled streets, vineyards and gorgeous dining terraces! Almost everything there is to love about Croatia is on this neat little island – it really is the full package!
With so much to discover, where is the best place to stay on Hvar Island?
In this post, I’ll share different accommodation options, with all you need to know about the areas and a unique curated list of some of my favourite apartments and best boutique hotels on Hvar Island. Hvar may be small, but there’s thousands of listings all vying for your attention and you really deserve to be armed with the best information and choices possible!
(I’m currently on my 9th year of visiting Hvar Island, which means almost a decade’s worth of research has gone into this post!)
Wondering where to stay in Hvar Island? This post has you covered!
Contents:
- Booking tips
- Is it better to stay in Hvar Town or Stari Grad?
- Best areas to stay in Hvar Island
- Best boutique hotels in Hvar Island
- Best apartments in Hvar Island
- Best guest houses in Hvar Island
- Hvar Island essential information
- Further Hvar Island reading
Why locations are important in Hvar
Where you stay on Hvar Island can set the tone for your visit there. It’s a smallish island but large enough for location to make a huge difference to your stay, for instance if you really want the lively vibe of Hvar Town and all the amenities, but opted for accommodation in Stari Grad (35 + minutes away) you may wind up disappointed!
On this island you will likely spend most if not all of your time in your chosen town or village unless you plan on driving the whole time, which is less common when you have taxi boat’s at your disposal! Do not make this mistake, consider the distances, rugged terrain, winding roads and slow local transport when choosing the perfect spot for your needs.
When to book your hotel in Hvar?
Last minute bookings to Hvar Island and securing a pretty apartment with a view over the cobbled square or clear blue sea are almost unheard of these days due to the ever-increasing popularity to this area of Croatia.
During the peak of summer Hvar see’s up to 20,000 tourists per day – as you might imagine the demand for accommodation and prices soar at this time, be sure to book months in advance and consider travelling in June or September to avoid the peak summer crowds
Why are there so many private rentals?
Generally speaking, there’s a lot of accommodation on Hvar Island and most of what you see are guest houses and apartments. If budget isn’t too much of a concern, there are some really special places to stay from old stone town houses, villas to stylish apartments, many featuring balconies-with-a-view for those outstanding panoramic scenes featured in postcards – I’ve hand picked the best ones below!
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND
One of the most common questions travellers ask is which side of Hvar Island is best to stay on? If you’re travelling from Split ferries arrive daily to Stari Grad and Hvar Town making both places highly desirable! BUT before you plug ‘Hvar Island Hotels’ into your google tab make sure you are aware of the distances between each place and the vibe of the town!
Is Hvar Town or Stari Grad a better place to stay? Before jumping into the best hotels in Hvar, here’s what you should know:
HVAR TOWN
Let me start by saying, Hvar Town is a wonderful place to spend your time in. It’s the island’s best known and most beautifully located historic town in Croatia and possibly the Mediterranean. The entire Town is nestled in a picturesque cove with high mountains, a fortress and a historic Venetian built square.
Amongst all the scenery you will fill your time enjoying the bustling restaurants, walking along the glamorous Riviera or hiking up narrow steps leading to spectacular viewpoints! If you’re looking for atmosphere, a long promenade, a small beach club or two and quick access to many other little islands then Hvar Town’s your place.
STARI GRAD
Stari Grad is the cultural paired back version of Hvar Town, best known for it’s charming and rustic centre where you’ll spend most of your time relaxing, enjoying long lunches and wandering between boutique shops and picturesque squares.
On this side of the island, colourful fishermen’s boats replace yachts, and there are more local cafes than bars. It’s a lovely authentic area, but it lacks the dramatic scenery and viewpoints of glam Hvar Town. On the upside, there’s less accommodation, lower prices and it is relatively tourist-free throughout the day!
OTHER PARTS OF THE ISLAND
While many travellers are happy to stay in the most popular spot, Hvar Town, there are a few other off-the-beaten path towns and beaches, if you fancy an altogether unique traveller experience for a night or two.
In recent years Hvar may have gained a bit of a party reputation, but there is much more to this island if you consider the smaller villages and towns; Vbroska and Jelsa, the different months to stay, types of accommodation and the host of hidden gems dotted around the island
Hvar Island Towns at-a-glance
- Hvar Town (scenery, Riviera, fortress & nightlife)
- Stari Grad (peaceful, local cafes, culture, oldest town)
- Vbroska (tiny village, pretty canals & stone bridges)
- Jelsa (vineyards, small harbour & waterside dinning)
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR TOWN?
The best apartments and hotels on Hvar Town, Hvar Island’s most glamorous location.
HVAR TOP VIEW APARTMENTS
A modern building on the quieter edge of Hvar Town with stylish rooms and wonderful sweeping views – some have both town and sea-views with double windows and balconies. This white washed villa is brand spanking knew and there’s lots of thoughtful amenities in each of the spacious rooms! Stay here for tranquility and morning strolls to the beach or harbour
CHECK PRICES: HVAR TOP VIEW APARTMENT
GOOD VIBRATIONS APARTMENT
Good Vibrations is a roomy apartment for two persons in the centre of Hvar Old Town nearby all the amenities. A high quality apartment with recent renovations featuring two bathrooms and a gorgeous balcony terrace overlooking the mountains, it’s quite special and comes highly recommended!
CHECK PRICES: GOOD VIBRATIONS APARTMENT
SUCCESSUS OLD TOWN HOUSE
Stay in the heart of Hvar! Successus guest house offers just three comfortable apartments to choose from all with nice views of the town through the windows and there’s a little patio to sit and absorb the town atmosphere, a good choice if you need a handy base for a few days.
CHECK PRICES: SUCCESSUS OLD TOWN HOUSE
THE RENAISSANCE
A cute sea view studio apartment that has been recently renovated with all the mod cons and modern and tasteful furnishings. There’s also an attractive terrace to relax and you’ll be two minutes away from everything in Hvar Town.
VILLA MOSCATELLO
Situated in the heart of Hvar Town, Villa Moscatello, a stone walled property offers city and sea views and all the amenities to make yourself at home. The villa is nicely and simply decorated and there are two bedrooms with a double and two singles to accommodate up to four persons, great if you need the space!
CHECK PRICES: VILLA MOSCATELLO
PUPI’S HERITAGE
A gorgeous and popular apartment with quality amenities and furnishings just minutes from the bustling harbour. Pupi’s Heritage is a stone house with modern neutral interior, featuring a large lounge and terrace to relax.
ZANI LUX HVAR
Brand new luxury two bedroomed apartment with plenty of space in the historic centre of the old town. It’s one of the most stylishly decorated places to stay (the living room looks like the cover of a magazine) and there’s lots of top amenities on offer.
BEACH BAY HVAR HOTEL
A 4 star hotel at the quieter side of town with balconies overlooking an attractive bay and Monastery. Among the facilities are a restaurant and private sunbed deck area. If you’re looking for a seafront location and fresh decor (newly refurbished in 2022) than consider a stay at Beach Bay Hotel.
CHECK PRICES: BEACH BAY HVAR HOTEL
RIVA YACHT HVAR VIEW APARTMENT
A well-appointed apartment over-looking the harbour and yachts, a unique and handy location for everything! This light-toned beautiful apartment comes with a balcony to drink your morning coffee and watch the harbour bustle, many restaurants and terraces are also situated along the harbour front. If you want to be in the middle of the action and stay in a gorgeous apartment, this is your place.
RIVA YACHT HVAR VIEW APARTMENT
HOTEL MOEESY
A hidden gem set within beautiful grounds, this five star medium sized hotel offers three sea-facing swimming pools, fitness centre, garden 24-hr desk, sauna and terrace. Hotel Moeesy is one of the more updated hotels just a ten minute walk along the promenade to the old town centre.
WHERE TO STAY IN STARI GRAD?
The best accommodation in Stari Grad – Hvar Island historic laid-back town.
TOWN HOUSE ROSARIO
Guest house Rosario is a lovely homely place, recently renovated in-keeping with traditional character and charm! The location is in the centre and the host receives constant great reviews – wonderful if you’re looking for authenticity and a friendly stay.
CHECK PRICES: TOWN HOUSE ROSARIO
THE OLD TOWN HOUSE APARTMENT
Stylish and recently converted serviced apartments just 100 metres from the sea. The Old Town House is situated on a peaceful historic square in the heart of Stari Grad. It highlights include the gorgeous earthy décor and characterful furnishings – a place you could stay a few days.
CHECK PRICES: THE OLD TOWN HOUSE
MASLINA RESORT
Beautiful boutique resort nicely set among peaceful surrounds along the waters edge and close by Stari Grad Town. At Maslina you will receive five star service and enjoy top facilities including spa, two pools, lounge deck, restaurant, 24hr front desk and each room includes a balcony. This is the perfect choice for those who want a relaxing few days!
UNIQUE STAYS ON HVAR ISLAND
DOLCE TERRA
A lovely stone village situated within a peaceful village just a five minute drive from the hub of Stari Grad and all the attractions. Dolce Terra villa is beautifully decorated, modern, neutral and earthy, its very chic and also comes with an attractive pool area for those relaxing afternoons. It can house 6 persons, there’s three bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the location is great for easily seeing the sights of Hvar Island by car.
VILLA RIVA
Located in sleepy Jelsa, Villa Riva is a beautiful stone walled villa with good sized rooms, all the amenities and sea facing balconies. You will be within walking distance to everything including the beach and Villa Riva has its own restaurant and terrace below the rooms right on the waterfront – great for views and people watching!
CASA M HVAR
An excellent option for group, the gorgeous Casa M Hvar accomodates up to 10 persons. This spacious 4 bed 5 bath stone property features a pool, terrace and gardens and has been thoughtfully decorated in dreamy boho neutrals, consider Casa M Hvar if you are willing to drive to visit the sights, a wonderful stay for special occasions.
VILLA PORTA MAESTRA
Beautiful duplex apartments, ideal for a couple or two friends if choosing the two bed apartment with a sea-view balcony. Villa Porta Maestra, situated in the historical part of Hvar Town has plenty of character and is fitted with all the mod cons including walk-in shower and even a Dyson hairdryer, this is a very well-thought out Villa and apartment complex with high end furnishings. If available – book it, you won’t be disappointed!
CHECK PRICES: VILLA PORTA MAESTRA
DESIGN VILLA MAR
Design Villa Mar is a spacious villa with terrace, pool and sea views featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. A five star property suitable for 6 persons looking for tranquility but just a short drive from the towns of Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar Town.
CHECK PRICES: DESIGN VILLA MAR
Check prices and availability on Hvar Island HERE
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hvar Town is the most beautiful spot and great to use as a base without the need of a car! I hope by reading this post you have found your perfect location and accommodation in my curated list of best hotels, apartments and guest houses in Hvar Island. Book your favourite well in advance!
20 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT HVAR ISLAND
QUICK TIPS BEFORE YOU VISIT HVAR
Hvar Island has plenty going-on to keep you busy and entertained for a week or more, not to mention the epic waterside dining, world UNESCO sites and lovely breakfast terraces! In this Hvar Island Travel Guide, I share my insider tips and favourite places.
Is Hvar Island worth staying?
Hvar Island is one of the prettiest islands in the Mediterranean and absolutely worth stay a few nights if not longer! You’ll find a stunning old town, dramatic scenery, gorgeous restaurant terraces and not only that there are endless boat excursions from the beautiful harbour to make the most of your stay!
Which area has the best views in Hvar Town?
You will find the best view in Hvar Town right below the Fortress! In this area there are a number of gorgeous apartments, boutiques and guest houses offering rooms with stunning panorama balcony views across to the Pakleni islands!
Which is the best affordable accommodation in Hvar Town?
Hvar Town is not budget friendly in general, you can easily compare the prices to old town Dubrovnik and the accommodation owners capitalise on those amazing balcony views! My advice is to book in advance for the better deals, use booking.com genius level for discount and opt for guest houses and apartments if you are after an independent stay. Top Hvar apartments are clean, stylish, situated within a quiet spot but just a 10 minute walk from all the bustle – and each room has a sea view balcony. If you need more amenities opt for the newly refurbished Beach Bar Hvar Hotel.
Where is the best location for solo travellers?
Hvar Island is a safe place to visit, for solo travellers, it has very walkable towns and villages where you do not need local transport to see the main highlights. The only things to remember is to book your stay in the most populated areas such as the old towns of Hvar Town and Stari Grad. In these areas you are surrounded by great cafés, restaurants and well lit streets.
TO SUM UP
The boutique hotels and apartments in Hvar offer a blend of traditional and modern; stone houses, beams, atmospheric streets and some epic views. Whether you choose Hotel Moeesy for boutique luxury and sea views or The Renaissance Apartment in the heart of the old town you are guaranteed to have a memorable stay in the island that has everything!
READ MORE ABOUT HVAR ISLAND
- 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN HVAR TOWN
- 20 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT HVAR ISLAND
- HVAR ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT
PIN FOR LATER
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