While Hvar is often recognized as a party island, it’s truly so much more than that. The island stretches nearly 70 kilometers (43 miles) in length, making it vast enough to offer both lively entertainment and serene tranquility. Hvar boasts a series of paradisiacal beaches complemented by cozy beach bars at every turn. Furthermore, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding islands. In our opinion, a journey through Croatia isn’t complete without savoring a few days of island life on Hvar. Read on to discover all the things to do and a few helpful tips for your visit to Hvar.
How do you get to Hvar?
To get to Hvar from the mainland of Croatia, you’ll typically need to travel to Split first, unless you’re coming from Dubrovnik without a car. Numerous boats depart daily from the Split harbor bound for Hvar. If you’re traveling from a neighboring island to Hvar, you can book your ferry tickets there. Below, you’ll find guidance on how to travel from Split to Hvar, both with and without a car, as well as the easiest way to travel from Dubrovnik to Hvar.
Travel from Split to Hvar to without car
If you’re traveling through Croatia without a car, take the high-speed ferry to Hvar. It’s much faster than the larger ferry that also carries cars. With the high-speed ferry, you’ll arrive at the Hvar Town harbor in just under an hour. Check the departure times and reserve your ferry tickets.
Travel from Split to Hvar with car
If you’re traveling through Croatia with a car (or rental car), opt for the larger ferry. This way, you can take your car on board and have your own transportation on Hvar. Although you can pre-purchase tickets for the crossing, it doesn’t guarantee a spot on the ferry since they operate on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s wise to get in line at least an hour before departure and purchase your ticket there. Check the ferry departure times and select Stari Grad as your Port of Arrival. The ferry actually docks at the port of Stari Grad, and from there it’s about a 20-minute drive to Hvar Town. Especially in the summer months, try to catch an early ferry to avoid the crowds.
From Dubrovnik to Hvar by boat
Where to stay at Hvar?
The vast majority of visitors stay in either Hvar Town or Stari Grad. Hvar Town was founded in the Middle Ages and is surrounded by 13th-century city walls. Within these walls, you’ll find a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways that all eventually lead to the main square and harbor. Everywhere you look, there are charming shops, bars, and restaurants. The harbor is lined with many luxury boats, and Hvar Town is the island’s most vibrant spot, where you’ll also find many parties. Stari Grad is one of Croatia’s oldest cities, founded by the Greeks in 384 BC. We only spent an afternoon there as a side trip from Hvar Town, but it seemed very pleasant. It’s quieter but just as beautiful as Hvar Town. Its only downside is its less central location, so our advice would be to stay in Hvar Town unless you’re older, seeking more tranquillity, and have your own transportation. If you’re looking for even more peace and quiet, the small towns of Jelsa or Vrboska are worth considering.
Transportation on the island
The car is the easiest way to explore Hvar, but if you don’t have one, it’s also possible to rent a scooter on the island. If you’re staying in Hvar Town, there are lovely beaches within walking distance, and you can manage without transportation. Naturally, you’ll see less of the island this way, but there’s still plenty to do without your own vehicle. For instance, boat trips can take you to many beautiful spots. A bus runs between Hvar Town and Stari Grad about four times a day.
What to do on Hvar? 8 Things to Do!
The vibrant atmosphere and laid-back island life make Hvar one of those typical places where many people end up staying longer than they initially planned. If you’re touring Croatia, we recommend setting aside at least 3 full days for Hvar. However, you could easily spend a week vacationing here if you want to fully enjoy the beaches, island hopping, and parties. Curious about what there is to do? Be sure to check out the 8 tips for things to do below.
#1 Watch sunset from Hvar Fort
The Hvar Fortress is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. From the fortress, you have a panoramic view of all of Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands. The climb to the top also doubles as a great workout, but if you’re not in the mood to walk, you can drive up there as well.
#2 Visit paradise on the Pakleni Islands
Just off the coast of Hvar are the Pakleni Islands, boasting countless beautiful coves, numerous beaches, and lively beach bars. There are various ways to explore this archipelago. For instance, from the harbor in Hvar Town, you can take a water taxi for a few dollars to various popular coves with renowned beach bars like Carpe Diem Beach. If you’re seeking a more serene experience, you can rent a small boat from Hvar Boats starting at around $70 a day. No boating license is required.
#3 Visit the most beautiful beaches in Hvar
When visiting an island, you’ll naturally want to indulge in its beautiful beaches. The waters around Hvar are consistently crystal clear and blue, even in the harbor. The beaches are absolutely paradisiacal, with each one being more stunning than the last. The most picturesque beaches can be found to the south, just east of Hvar Town. Our favorite beaches on Hvar are:
- Jagodna Beach
- Pokonji Dol Beach
- Mekicevica Beach
- Dubovica Beach
- Skala Beach
Recommended:The beaches in Croatia are mostly pebble beaches, so bring water shoes and a yoga mat or air mattress. These might take up a bit of extra space in your suitcase, but you’ll be grateful you have them!
#4 Go Island Hopping
One of the most popular activities on Hvar is the 5-island tour, where you get to visit the most stunning spots in the surrounding area. With a speedboat, you’ll cruise by Stiniva Beach on the neighboring island of Vis. This beach, enclosed by tall cliffs, was voted the most beautiful beach in Europe in 2016. Following that, you’ll visit the Blue Cave, a cavern where the water illuminates in a vivid blue hue, a result of light entering from beneath the cave. You’ll also make stops at the Green Cave and a picturesque bay at the Pakleni Islands. We absolutely loved this day out at sea, and in our opinion, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hvar! The boat was comfy, and the skipper was a genuinely friendly guy. You can book this tour here or first read our article about island hopping in Hvar.
#5 Watch luxurious boats at the harbor
Hvar Town is popular among the jet-set crowd, making it somewhat the Saint-Tropez of Croatia. Every day, the most luxurious boats dock in the harbor, some reaching up to 210 feet in length. We found it fascinating each day to see which boats had arrived and to marvel at their extravagant luxury. The only downside is that the prices in Hvar tend to be a bit higher than the rest of Croatia.
#6 Explore the nightlife in Hvar
If you’re in the mood for a fun afternoon or evening, Hvar is the place to be. At the well-known beach clubs, after-beach parties kick off in the late afternoon and last until the wee hours of the morning. In addition to the beach clubs, there are also boat parties and small bars, so there’s something for everyone. The most popular nightlife spots in Hvar are:
- Hula Hula Hvar
- Veneranda Club
- Carpe Diem Bar
- Carpe Diem Beach
- Kiva Bar
#7 Nice food and drinks at the best hotspots
In Hvar, you’ll find cozy spots everywhere to grab a drink or enjoy a tasty bite to eat. We highly recommend the following hotspots in Hvar Town. Lola Bar is nestled in a narrow but charming street, where you’ll be served the most delightful dishes at a great price. Fig Hvar is a gem for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Everything on their menu is scrumptious, and they offer numerous vegetarian and vegan options. For the island’s best coffee, head to Kava37. For a delightful lunch or dinner, Bunar is the place to be. It’s located in a picturesque alley and offers a variety of seafood dishes. For quality wines and tapas, you must visit The Wine Bar – Tri Pršuta, and for a sweet treat, grab an ice cream from Icy Bar.
Recommendation: In July and August, it’s wise to make a reservation if you want to dine at these restaurants.
#8 Taste local wines during a wine-tour
The east of Hvar is a completely different world compared to the bustling west. Here you’ll find many vineyards and hills filled with olive trees. If you’re a wine enthusiast and want to explore this lesser-known side of the island, you can take a 3-hour wine tour. In the coastal town of Jelsa, you’ll visit one of Croatia’s most famous winemakers. Here, you’ll taste various wines and learn all about Croatia’s wine-making tradition. You can book this tour here.
Our favorite Places to Stay at Hvar
Located in a prime central spot in Hvar Town is Successus Old Town House. Here, you’ll stay in a lovely apartment with authentic details. The apartment features a small kitchenette equipped with amenities like a coffee maker and a toaster. It’s perfect for whipping up your own breakfast and starting the day off right. At Apartments Pera, you can choose from various apartments, each featuring a comfortable terrace. Some even offer views and a jacuzzi! The owner is incredibly hospitable and goes the extra mile to ensure your stay is just as you’d like. It’s about a mile walk to the vibrant center of Hvar Town. If you have a generous budget and want to treat yourself or your partner to a splendid stay, consider checking out Heritage Hotel Park. It’s arguably the most beautiful hotel in Hvar Town. This is mainly due to its breathtaking views of the boulevard and the romantic ambiance that permeates the hotel. There’s a stunning courtyard filled with an array of plants.
We always strive to find beautiful and affordable hotels. However, during the peak season, prices often skyrocket and can sometimes even triple. As a result, a hotel we recommend that typically costs $75 per night might charge up to $290 on specific dates during the summer. Unfortunately, this is beyond our control. We’d like to clarify that such inflated rates are not what we have in mind when offering our recommendations.
  Successus Old Town House |
  Apartments Pera |
  Heritage Hotel Park |
