Our Hvar travel guide - Charming vibes 4u

Check out our Hvar Guide to uncover one of the most stunning islands in the world. Get details about Hvar’s history, culture, geography, climate, nature, cuisine, and entertainment. Dive into the island’s attractions, cultural activities, sports, recreational opportunities, accommodations, and practical information to ensure a fantastic visit.

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Why should you visit Hvar?

Our Hvar Guide will answer a few questions about why you should visit this Adriatic island. Most importantly, Hvar, the most famous island in Croatia, is known as the “sunniest island in Europe.” It offers an old city with a walled fortress, the oldest theater on the continent, stunning beaches, charming villages, lavender fields, vineyards, and olive groves. The island is much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. With a year-round mild Mediterranean climate, Hvar is an idyllic summer retreat, boasting 2718 hours of sunshine annually.

How to get to Hvar

When traveling to Hvar island and Croatia, the best way to reach Hvar depends on your mode of transportation and where you are coming from. If you travel by car, bus, or train, you must get to Split or Drvenik in central Dalmatia, from where you can take a ferry to Hvar. If you are flying, the nearest airports are Split, Dubrovnik, and Brac, and from there, you can take a local bus, rent a car, or take a taxi to Hvar.

How do you arrive on the island of Hvar by airplane?

To get to Hvar, fly to Split and then take a ferry to the island. Ferries run from Split throughout the day and take about two hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Dubrovnik and catch a ferry, which takes about four hours. Another option is to fly to the nearby island of Brač and then take a ferry to Hvar, which takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. But if you land at Zagreb Airport, you will probably have to find a connecting flight to Split or Dubrovnik.

How do you arrive on the island of Hvar by car?

If you’re arriving by car, find information about Croatian highways and tolls at www.hak.hr. There are two ferry lines to the island of Hvar: Split-Stari Grad and Drvenik-Sućuraj. For the eastern part of the island, use the Sućuraj port, and for the central part, use Stari Grad. From Sućuraj, ensure a full tank as the nearest gas station is 77 kilometers away. Due to narrow and winding roads, the drive from Sućuraj to Hvar takes about an hour and a half.

Helpful information for drivers:

It would help to have a valid driving license, registration, and car insurance to drive in Croatia. Remember to drive on the right side of the road and adhere to the speed limits. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance. For road assistance, call 1987, and in case of an accident, dial 192 for the police. Major highway gas stations operate 24/7, while villages are open from 7 am to 7 pm. They sell Eurosuper 95, Super 98, Normal, and Euro Diesel. The local currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK), and the current exchange rate is [exchange_rate]. It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases and emergencies.

How do you arrive on the island of Hvar by bus?

How to arrive on the island of Hvar by train

Croatia has a well-connected railway network with direct trains to several European countries. The Croatian railway system includes local and fast trains and EuroCity and InterCity lines. The nearest railway station is in Split, where you can obtain information about boat lines for the island of Hvar at the Jadrolinija office.

Ferries to Hvar

Like in Greece, ferries are the best way to get around between the islands. Some leading companies are Kapetan Luka (usually only passengers) and Jadrolinija (also have passenger and car ferries). You can either book a ferry online on their website or purchase one at the marina. Checking ferry schedules before planning your trip and transfers is best since timings vary based on the season.

How to get around Hvar

When visiting Hvar Island in Croatia, renting a car or scooter is the most convenient way to get around. The main road on the island connects Sućuraj to Hvar Town, making it easy to access Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Vrboska. Other transportation options include ferries, buses, taxis, boats, and car rentals.

How many days should you stay on Hvar?

Are you planning a trip to Hvar? Here’s a suggested 2-week itinerary for you. Fly into Dubrovnik, take a ferry to Korčula and Hvar, then to Split, and fly out from there. Spend 3-4 days at each destination and take day trips to other spots and small islands. Consider adding Vis and Brać to your itinerary. For a fuller experience, spend at least five days in Hvar. Hvar Town is an excellent base for island exploring. The coastal cities have an urban vibe, and Hvar’s rhythm of life and breathtaking nature will surely leave a lasting impression. Planning is critical to a successful trip, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

The best time to visit the island

Our research and personal experience show that the best times to visit Hvar are late spring (May) or early fall (September). During these months, you can still enjoy fantastic weather with significantly fewer crowds, making your trip much more enjoyable. Additionally, accommodation prices are much more affordable compared to the peak season in the summer months of June to August.

Amfora Grand Hotel in the town of Hvar

©Viator

Where to Stay on Hvar Island

Firstly, our Hvar Travel guide stresses that choosing a perfect place is always personal and according to your needs. Now that we have said it, we can proceed. So, when deciding where to stay on Hvar Island, consider Hvar Town for a luxurious party scene, Stari Grad for a laid-back experience, Jelsa for a family-friendly atmosphere, and Vrboska for a quiet, small-town feel. The best time to visit is in the second half of September or early October to avoid high prices and crowds. Book accommodations early to secure lower prices, and consider using Booking.com for Croatia’s most popular booking site.

Hvar Travel Guide: Best towns

Firstly, Hvar Town, Vrboska, Stari Grad, and Jelsa are the most popular towns on the Island. While the Hvat town is the most popular, we must stress that the best place to stay on Hvar Island depends on several factors. These include the duration of your stay, your budget, whether you will travel by car, and whether you plan to stay in one place or explore different areas. So, Hvar Town is a good choice if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and are okay with spending more time there. Otherwise, you can opt for Vrboska, Stari Grad, or Jelsa for a quieter and more affordable experience.

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Lively Hvar Town

The main town is the Island’s largest and most vibrant destination, exuding an aura of glamour with its bustling party scene and offering a captivating vantage point from which to witness the most stunning sunset. Conversely, Stari Grad, Croatia’s ancient gem, reveals a historical heart that gently curves around a deep inlet, adorned with charming stone homes from the 16th and 17th centuries and fragrant with the aroma of lavender. The UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain preserves the ingenious system of field division devised by the ancient Greeks. Lastly, the formidable Fortica Fortress, also known as Spanjola, perched on a 328-foot-high hill, presents an awe-inspiring panorama of the harbor, Hvar town, the endless expanse of the sea, and the neighboring islands, serving as a testament to the Island’s rich history and enduring allure.

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Stari Grad

Stari Grad is a charming, storybook-like town on the north coast of Hvar, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Its peaceful harbor, stone alleys, and beautiful bays offer a quieter and more authentic experience than Hvar town. The town is the Island’s oldest settlement and has a more relaxed atmosphere than Hvar Town. One of the top attractions in Stari Grad is Tvrdalj Castle, also known as the Fortress of Petar Hektorovic, the former summer residence of the renowned Croatian poet.

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Jelsa

This sweet little Mediterranean community is more subdued than Hvar Town and is the perfect choice for a family-friendly holiday. On the Island’s north side, Jelsa boasts some outstanding beaches (including Beach Mina, a rare sandy beach), restaurants, and much lower-cost accommodation. Jelsa also has a fascinating wine history and is known as the Island’s wine capital!

Things to Do on Hvar: Hvar Island Travel Guide

Hvar is a famous island in Croatia, renowned for its sunshine, beaches, lavender fields, vineyards, historical landmarks, and dining scene. Hvar Town draws the rich and famous, with the harbor filled with megayachts in the summertime. Some big names who’ve spent time here include Jackie O, Prince Harry, Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, and Beyoncé. Whether you plan to visit on a Croatian cruise or your own, here are the top 10 things to do on Hvar Island.

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Explore its beaches

Most importantly, Hvar Island boasts numerous beautiful beaches, coves, and inlets for swimming and sunbathing. Some must-visit spots include Pokonji Dol Beach, Ivan Dolac, Dubovica Beach, Jagodna Beach, and Malo Zarace. These locations offer clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. One standout is Dubovica Beach, a picturesque cove with teal waters and a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery nearby. Additionally, although Lucisca Bay is challenging to access, it rewards visitors with stunning mountain views and a tranquil, often empty bay.

Discover the Inland Villages

When you visit Hvar, explore beyond Hvar town and Stari Grad to discover charming villages like Jelsa, Vrboska, Brusje, and Velo Grablje. Consider renting a car or scooter to uncover hidden gems, such as Velo Grablje, known for its lavender fields and historic village with a delightful restaurant offering traditional Dalmatian cuisine.

Discover the Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad Plain on the Adriatic island of Hvar is a cultural landscape that has remained practically intact since Ionian Greeks first colonized it from Paros in the 4th century BC. The original agricultural activity of this fertile plain, mainly centering on grapes and olives, has been maintained since Greek times to the present. The site is also a natural reserve. The landscape features ancient stone walls and trims, or small stone shelters, and bears testimony to the ancient geometrical system of land division used by the ancient Greeks. This chora has remained virtually intact over 24 centuries.

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Experience the Nightlife of Hvar Town

Hvar is one of Europe’s top party islands, particularly Hvar Town. It offers numerous party venues and boat parties just off the shore. Notable spots include Carpe Diem Beach Club, Hula Hula, Lola’s Bar & Street Food, Kiva Bar, and Central Park Club. The vibrant nightlife attracts people worldwide, earning the town the nickname “the town that never sleeps” from June to September. Carpe Diem, a glamorous coastal bar, requires reservations in August and features well-dressed crowds and house music spun by resident DJs.

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Explore the Pakleni Islands

One of our favorite things to do in Hvar Town is to visit the Pakleni (or Paklinski) Islands. These beautiful islands covered in trees are located just across from Hvar Town. Pakleni is believed to have come from Paulina, a type of pine resin once harvested on the islands to waterproof boats, rather than its translation, “Hell’s Islands.” Today, the Pakleni Islands are a popular destination for visitors.

The closest Island to Hvar Town is Jerolim, where clothing is optional. Next is Marinkovac, famous for the Carpe Diem Beach. However, the largest and the most famous of the Pakleni Islands is St. Klement, home to the small village of Palmižana, adorned with countless Bougainvillea trees.

Go on a Wine Tour

Firstly, one of the best ways to discover a destination is through its food and wine! And Hvar Island is no exception here; it is home to many Croatian wineries worth visiting. More importantly, wine has been a part of the lifestyle and tradition of Hvar Island for centuries. The tradition dates back to 400 BC when the ancient Greeks brought grapevines from Paros to Hvar, and the island locals have been perfecting the art of winemaking ever since.

Secondly, many half-day and full-day tours, led by local experts, are available to delve into the captivating history of wine production on the Island. While you can explore the wineries independently, having a local guide will provide a more comprehensive experience. Additionally, with a guide, you can enjoy as much wine as you want without worrying about driving!

Note: Book your Wine and Taste Hvar tour here.

Taste the Local Cuisine

The cuisine on Hvar Island is similar to that found in the rest of Dalmatia, but a local dish called gregada is worth trying. This fish stew is considered the oldest way of preparing fish in Dalmatia. Other specialties to try are locally made olive oil, available almost everywhere, and homemade goat cheese from Konoba Luviji.

Day Trips from Hvar

Boat Tours from Hvar :

The beauty of Croatia is best seen from the water, so I urge you to explore beyond the mainland and the Island you are on. Popular boat tours from Hvar include individual visits or a combination of visits to the Blue Cave, Green Cave, Red Cliffs, Komiza Bay in Vis, Pakleni islands, and Golden Horn Beach on Brac. You can rent a boat, hire a private yacht and skipper, or join a half or full-day group tour to see these spots. We visited the Pakleni islands, a chain of rocky islets near Hvar town, known for its incredible beaches, great snorkeling, and fantastic beach clubs. You can visit all of them on your boat or on a private tour, or you can see just one Island by taking a water taxi from town.

Korčula

The stunning medieval Island of Korčula is the perfect destination for a day trip for those exploring the Hvar area. Korčula, one of Croatia’s most cherished islands, is believed to be Marco Polo’s birthplace.

You can easily reach Korčula Island from Hvar via public ferry or by booking a private boat tour.

Vis and the Blue caves

The Island of Vis, off the Dalmatian coast, was a military base for the Yugoslavian army. That’s why the Island remained underpopulated and preserved its natural beauty from 1950 to 1989. It can be reached from Hvar by catamaran in about an hour. Local companies offer speedboat tours to Blue Cave and Vis Island. The Blue Cave visit is short but worth it for the mesmerizing watercolor. Vis Island, known for its role in Mamma Mia 2, is full of hidden coves and historical intrigue. Many local agencies offer day tours to Vis Island and Blue Cave, starting at 10:30 and finishing at 18:30. The tour includes visits to the Green Cave, Stiniva Cove, and other beautiful places in the Vis area, as well as a stop at Palmižana beach for seaside lunch. If you want to book your tour, click here.

Visit Bol on the Island of Brac.

If you are a beach lover, we recommend visiting the magnificent Zlatni Rat beach. There are a few organized tours to this beach from the Island. However, during the peak season, there are regular boats and catamarans. So, if you decide to go there, we advise you to go from the town of Jelsa.

The Hvar Guide FAQs

How to get from Split to Hvar?

Getting from Split to Hvar is easy. You can take the ferry from Split to Hvar, join a day tour, or hire your private boat.

How do you get around Hvar without a car?

Getting around Hvar is simple, regardless of whether you have a car. You can take the local bus connecting Hvar, Stari Grad, Vrboska, and Jelsa. Another option is to rent a car while on the Island or hire a private boat to take you around.

What is Hvar known for?

Hvar is known for its lively nightlife, party scene, pristine beaches, picturesque landscapes, and historic towns.

Is Hvar expensive?

Croatia is no longer as affordable as it used to be. Hvar is more expensive than Italian coastal resorts, except for popular tourist destinations like Venice, Rome, and Florence. It is considered moderately priced compared to the rest of Europe. While Hvar Town is expensive, food prices in supermarkets are generally similar to elsewhere.

The Conclusion of our Hvar Guide

People always ask us which Island to choose: Korcula or Hvar. We answer that they are great destinations with many natural and cultural sites. However, it often comes down to your personal needs. So, when planning to visit the Island, you should always consider the prices, the parties, the more family-oriented destinations, and even LGBT+ friendliness. To sum it up, Hvar is a fantastic island for everyone; however, expect it to be a little budget-friendly, especially if you decide to stay in the town of Hvar.

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References and sources:

The Only Hvar Island Travel Guide You Needed in 2023

Top 10 Things to Do on Hvar Island

Photo credits:

Feature photo Credits: iStock