The Ultimate Guide to Hvar
Croatia’s best party island - and much more!
Hvar Island is probably THE most popular Dalmatian Island at the moment, and there’s a good reason for it! It’s got gorgeous beaches, a rich history, and one of the best nightlife scenes in Croatia. Get ready to explore an island that’s got it all – from ancient stories to epic parties.
Best 10 Things to Do on Hvar Island
Hvar may be a party island, but that’s not all it is! It’s also renowned for its pristine beaches, luscious lavender fields, and cultural Old Towns. Basically, you don’t have to be into partying to enjoy Hvar.
Here are the ten best things to do on Hvar when you’re not busy dancing the night away.
1. Explore Hvar Old Town
Hvar Old Town is full of picturesque cobblestone streets and charming squares. The town’s historic charm is evident in every corner, with its centuries-old churches, waterside promenade, and inviting cafes, making it a delightful destination for history enthusiasts and wanderers alike.
While here don’t miss St Stephen’s Cathedral, on the main square of the same name; Hvar Loggia, a historic Venetian building that now houses the town museum; the Arsenal, once a shipyard but which now hosts temporary exhibitions; and the Hvar Franciscan Monastery, which features a beautiful cloister and art collection.
The very best thing you can do, however, is to get lost in the hidden alleys and labyrinthine streets of the Old Town.
2. Get panoramic views from the Fortica Spanjola
Hike up to the Hvar Fortress (Fortica Španjola) for stunning views of the town, harbor, and surrounding Pakleni islands. Completed in 1551, this Venetian fortress protected the town from invasion due to its strategic positioning on a 100m high hill.
Today, you can wander around the fortress, take in the sweeping views, or grab a drink at the terrace cafe. The fortress also houses exhibits such as amphorae, cannons, and objects retrieved from a shipwreck. You can also peek inside what was once the dungeon where the prisoners were kept (they had a great view too).
3. Go beach-hopping at the best beaches on Hvar Island
You can’t visit an island without checking out some of its beaches, right? Here are three of the best on Hvar:
Dubovica Beach
Nestled in a picturesque bay, Dubovica Beach is renowned for its clear blue waters and pebble shoreline. It’s a tranquil spot for swimming and sunbathing, just a short drive from Hvar Town.
Pokonji Dol Beach
Located near Hvar Town, this pebble beach is easily accessible and offers beautiful views of the Pakleni Islands. It’s a popular choice for swimming and sunbathing.
Mekićevica Beach
A hidden gem on the southern coast, this secluded pebble beach offers tranquility and clear waters. It’s a bit off the beaten path, so it’s perfect for those seeking a quieter escape.
4. Visit fragrant lavender fields
You may have noticed that many of the local shops in Hvar (and in Croatia in general) sell many lavender products. That’s because Hvar is famous for its lavender fields and a visit to one of them makes for an aromatic and picturesque sensory experience. The fields typically bloom from late June to early July but it’s a good idea to check with local sources while planning your trip, as this can vary from year to year due to weather conditions.
Here are three of the most places to find beautiful lavender fields on Hvar:
Velo Grablje
Velo Grablje, a small village on Hvar, is often considered the lavender capital of the island. You can find extensive lavender fields here, and the village even hosts an annual Lavender Festival in July.
Gdinj
Situated on the eastern part of the island, Gdinj is home to lavender fields that offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a tranquil spot away from the bustling tourist areas.
Sveta Nedilja
Located on the southern coast of Hvar, near the town of Jelsa, Sveta Nedilja also boasts lavender fields. It’s a beautiful area to explore, and you can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby vineyards.
5. Hop on a boat to the Blue Cave
If you’re looking for an adventure off the island, then one of the best excursions you can do from Hvar is to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island. One of the Adriatic’s natural wonders, this famous sea cave is known for its stunning luminescent light which bathes the cave in an eerie blue, caused by the sunlight entering through an underwater entrance.
Simply book a tour, hop on a boat from Hvar Town harbor and you’ll be at the cave in no time. Many tours also offer snorkeling and swimming stops on your way to or from the cave.
6. Visit the historic Old Town of Stari Grad
Stari Grad, which literally means ‘old town’, is a historic gem with roots dating back to ancient Greece, making it the oldest town in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe! Nestled on the northern coast of Hvar Island, its picturesque town center, vibrant harbor, and UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain make it an unmissable destination during your trip to Hvar.
Check out the ancient drywalls; the Tvrdalj, a historic building with an aquarium; and St Stephen Church. The summer season is usually chock-full of events and concerts going on. Make sure while you’re there that you don’t miss a concert of klapa singing, an acapella choir singing traditional Dalmatian songs.
7. Dine on fresh seafood
When dining in Hvar, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the best of Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, and because it’s an island, that means lots of fresh seafood, typically served grilled. Be sure to pair your meal with a local wine, such as a Pošip white.
Other dishes to look out for are seafood risotto, local olive oil drizzled over cheeses and homemade bread, fig desserts, and ‘gregada’, a local fisherman’s stew.
Try restaurants ‘Macondo’ and ‘Konoba Menega’ for more traditional flavors, or ‘Fig Cafe Bar’ for something a little more modern. Be sure to book in advance, as they tend to fill up quick!
8. Sail around the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands, also known as the Paklinski Islands or Pakleni Otoci, are a stunning archipelago of around 20 islands located just off the southwest coast of Hvar. These islands are renowned for their natural and lush beauty, crystal-clear waters, and secluded coves.
Day trips to the Pakleni Islands are a popular activity for visitors to Hvar, as it only takes 10-20 minutes to arrive there by boat! These trips often include stops at multiple islands, swimming breaks, and opportunities to explore. You can hire a taxi boat from Hvar Town.
9. Explore the Grapceva Cave
Grapceva Cave, also known as Grapčeva Špilja in Croatian, is a neolithic archaeological site located on the southern part of Hvar Island, near the abandoned village of Humac (you can visit both the cave and the village by guided tour).
The cave provides insights into the prehistoric humans who lived here on the island, such as fragments of pottery found (including the oldest European depiction of a boat!), but it also has some pretty cool stalactites and stalagmites. What’s even cooler is that legend has it that the cave was the scene of Odysseus’ battle with the Cyclops Polyphemus.
10. Visit the fishing village of Vrboksa
Vrboska is a charming coastal town located on the northern coast of Hvar Island, often referred to as “Little Venice” due to its picturesque canal that runs through the center of town. It’s a hidden gem that looks straight out of a storybook thanks to its stone bridges and houses. And its heritage as a fishing village makes it one of the best places to get the freshest catch of the day (there is even a fishing museum!).
Best Nightclubs on Hvar Island
Although locals have partied here for years, Hvar has only recently become known as one of the best nightlife spots in Croatia. Many of the locals have moved on to more secret party destinations, but the island is still a top party destination for visitors!
Hvar’s nightlife is particularly vibrant during the summer months, with July and August being the peak party season. However, even outside the peak season, Hvar offers a lively nightlife scene on weekends. Some of the more upscale clubs and bars have a semi-formal dress code, so keep that in mind when getting ready to go out.
Here are some of the best spots in Hvar to dance the night away:
Carpe Diem Beach Club
Carpe Diem is one of Hvar’s most famous nightlife establishments. Located in a forest on its own island, just a short boat ride from Hvar Town, this beach club offers music, dancing, and a beautiful setting right by the sea. It’s known for hosting renowned DJs and attracting a glitzy crowd.
Hula Hula Beach Bar
Hula Hula is a legendary beach bar in Hvar, famous for its sunset parties. Enjoy cocktails, music, and dancing while watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a relaxed beach party atmosphere.
Pink Champagne Hvar
This popular nightclub in Hvar Town is known for its elite atmosphere (so expect higher prices), live DJs, and dancing until dawn. It’s a favorite spot for those looking to party into the late hours.
Kiva Bar
Kiva Bar is a historic spot in Hvar Town, offering a mix of live music, DJs, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place to start your evening with a few drinks before you hit the clubs.
Veneranda
Housed in a former monastery, Veneranda is a unique venue that combines open-air cinema with a pizza lounge, a bar, and a nightclub. It’s known for its open-air dance floor and vibrant parties.
Nautica Bar
Located on the Hvar Town waterfront, Nautica Bar offers stunning views, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere for an enjoyable evening by the sea. Their unique interior (a mix between antiques and modern industrial) makes it one of the most Instagrammable spots.
Boat Parties
Some tour operators offer boat parties around Hvar Island and the Pakleni Islands. These parties often include music, drinks, and swimming and make for a more intimate party experience rather than the typical nightclub.
How to Get to Hvar Island
Hvar Island does not have an airport so the only way to arrive there is by sea. You’ll have to take a flight into either Split or Dubrovnik and then take a ferry from there. Ferry availability changes depending on the time of year it is. Here are some of the more popular routes below:
Split to Hvar Island
Taking a ferry from Split is the easiest and fastest way to get to Hvar. The catamaran line, Jadrolinija, operates a daily service to Hvar Town year-round (and has additional services during the summer months). The journey time takes just over an hour. Alternatively, Jadrolinija also runs a daily service from Split to Jelsa, on Hvar Island, with a stop in Bol (on Brac Island). It takes around 1h40.
The catamaran ferry line Kapetan Luka also operates a service to Hvar from Split and runs 4 times a day.
If traveling by car, you can take the car ferry from Split to Stari Grad, on Hvar Island, daily (3 times a day in winter, up to 7 in summer). The crossing takes approximately 2 hours.
Dubrovnik to Hvar Island
Dubrovnik is another main gateway to Hvar Island, however, the catamaran ferries only operate from April to October.
Jadrolinija sails daily from early June to mid-September and takes nearly 3h30 to get there. The route is Dubrovnik – Korcula – Hvar Town – Bol – Split. You can also take this line if you wish to island-hop or do day trips from Hvar.
Kapetan Luka runs catamaran services from the end of April to the end of October and takes just over three hours. The route goes Dubrovnik – Pomena (Mljet) – Korcula – Hvar Town – Milna – Split. This route is also good for island hopping (though think one island per day) or day trips.
Book your ferry journeys here.
Other Routes
Hvar Island is also reachable from a number of other Dalmatian islands such as Brac, Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet, and Vis Island with the catamaran ferries.
If traveling by car you can also cross over from Drvenik on the mainland to Sucuraj on Hvar Island. Though the ferry crossing doesn’t take long (only about 35 minutes), once you get to Hvar, you’re pretty far from the main towns.
The only international ferry travels from Ancona, in Italy, to Stari Grad. It’s an overnight ferry that only stops on Hvar Island the first two weeks of August.
FAQs About Hvar Island
Below are some frequently asked questions about Hvar Island. I tried to be as thorough as possible, but you can always drop me a comment or email if you have a question that wasn’t answered here and I’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible.
How do you pronounce Hvar?
It’s common for native English speakers to pronounce Hvar as “HAV-R” because the combination of “h” and “v” might be a little difficult to pronounce. In reality, it’s pronounced more like “FAR”, as the “hv” stands for the letter “f” in old Slavonic.
Is Hvar Island worth visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you like cute towns, stunning beaches, lush lavender landscapes, or you simply want to party, Hvar Island definitely has something for everyone.
When is the best time to visit Hvar?
Summers (June to September) are the peak tourist season in Hvar, offering warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine for beach activities. Spring and fall are also pleasant times to visit, with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures for exploring. I visited in May and couldn’t have been happier!
How do I get to Hvar Island?
I go into detail about this above in the article, but the short answer is: you can take passenger ferries from Split or Dubrovnik, or car ferries from Split or Drvenik.
What are the must-visit attractions on Hvar Island?
Hvar’s main attractions are the towns Hvar Town and Stari Grad; its pristine beaches; the Pakleni Islands; the vibrant nightclubs; and the lavender fields.
How expensive is Hvar?
Hvar is definitely one of the more expensive areas of Croatia, especially considering that it’s one of the most visited islands. Prices have also risen due to the recent change of currency into euros. A one-week trip can set you back from around €670 (budget) to €1000 for a mid-range stay. Prices also tend to be higher during the summer months.
How to get around Hvar Island?
If you bring your own car over by ferry then it’s quite simple to get around the island by driving. Alternatively, you could hire a car or scooter on the island itself. There is also a local public bus that connects the towns of Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Vrboska, and Jelsa.
What are the best day trips from Hvar?
Popular day trip destinations from Hvar include many of the other Dalmatian islands, such as Mljet Island, Brac, Korcula, and Vis. Other popular spots include tours to the Blue Cave or the Pakleni Islands. Some people choose to visit Split as a day trip from Hvar, but it’s usually the other way around!
How long should I stay on Hvar Island?
This depends entirely on you and your Croatian itinerary schedule. If you’re on a tight schedule, you can see a lot in just one day, but if you want to see more and do activities such as beach-hopping or visiting the lavender fields, then 3-4 days is the perfect amount.
Is Hvar Island safe?
Yes! I went as a solo female traveler and felt quite safe. Though I never felt unsafe, Hvar’s reputation as a party island sometimes brings a wilder crowd. The large quantity of intoxicated people at night can range from annoying to harassing, and, if you’re going out clubbing, always remember to watch your drink. As usual, it’s advised to take any precautions you would normally take and, as always, listen to your gut!