Hvar Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Hvar showing a marina
With wonderful weather, a stylish marble-clad town and pretty lavender fields, this upscale island is a favorite among foreign visitors.

The stunning island of Hvar charms with its sophisticated and chic main city, as well as its hidden coves and lush, fertile interior. Base yourself in Hvar Town to explore the island’s pebbled beaches, charming harbor-side villages, lavender fields and pine-covered hills.

Look for evidence of the island’s long history. It has seen many inhabitants come and go, from Neolithic people to Greeks, Romans and Venetians. During the Renaissance period, Hvar grew prosperous through shipbuilding and crop cultivation and became an important Croatian literature center. Among the writers who emerged from Hvar during the 1500s was one of Croatia’s most famous poets, Petar Hektorović. Make your way to the town of Stari Grad to see Hektorović’s summer residence, Tvrdalj Castle.

Spend days exploring the swanky Hvar Town, which was first developed in the 13th century and has a number of well-preserved historic sights. Have a drink on the terraces of St. Stephen’s Square under the shadow of the looming St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Arsenal. Step into the past at the mighty fortress Fortica Španjola or check out notable artworks in the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery and museum. Several nearby beaches include the gorgeous Dubovica beach, a hideaway cove on the south shore between Hvar and Stari Grad. Hvar town is renowned for its nightlife. Visit a few of the harborside bars as night falls.

For a more casual holiday experience, stay in the historic port town of Jelsa or in the sleepy little port village of Vrboska. Include a daytrip to the Pakleni Islands, which you can reach by regular taxi boat. Many of the chain’s more than a dozen islands have deserted beaches and lush forested interiors. Head to Jerolim or Marinkovac for beautiful nudist beaches or to car-free Sveti Klement to see the lush gardens.

Reach Hvar by ferry, which can accommodate cars. The island is served by several bus routes, but for more freedom, rent a car or a scooter to travel around during your stay.

Where to stay in Hvar

Hvar which includes a square or plaza

Hvar Old Town

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Hvar Old Town is known for its captivating waterfront views, and you can make a stop by Hvar Town Arsenal & Theater and Port of Hvar while in the area.

Hvar Old Town
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Križna luka

5/5(1 area review)

Križna luka might not have many top sights, but Pokonji Dol Beach and Port of Hvar are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Križna luka
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Križni rat

While there might not be top attractions in Križni rat, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Port of Hvar and Hvar Town Arsenal & Theater.

Križni rat
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Ulica biskupa Jurja Dubokovica 5, Hvar
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Hvar. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great Location"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel
Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel
4 out of 5
Ulica Dinka Kovacevica 10, Hvar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hvar. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (675 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay! Walkable from the port to hotel for most people."

Reviewed on 12 Oct. 2024

Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel
Podstine Hotel
Podstine Hotel
4 out of 5
Put Podstina 11, Hvar
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Hvar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (350 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel in a great location."

Reviewed on 2 Oct. 2024

Podstine Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Anatota
Anatota
3 out of 5
Dinka Novaka 17, Hvar, Hrvatska
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hvar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Franciscan Monastery and Heritage Museum and Hvar Fortress ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at this little place. Loved the balcony for breakfasts and happy hour. Great location. Super helpful staff."

Reviewed on 27 Sep. 2024

Anatota
Hostel Villa Zorana
Hostel Villa Zorana
3 out of 5
Domovinskog rata 20, Hvar
Stay at this 3-star villa in Hvar. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an area shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Scedro and Port of Hvar are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"Clean, good AC, easy and kind check-in, and very conveniently located!"

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2024

Hostel Villa Zorana
Komazin
Komazin
4 out of 5
Nikice Kolumbica 2, Hvar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Hvar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (428 reviews)
"Great experience! Andre, our host, picked us up from the ferry stop and drove us to our place that was very clean, spacious, and updated. The place is a walkable distance near water to down town Hvar. We were very pleased with our experience and would stay there again!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct. 2024

Komazin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Hvar

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
" "5 - Excellent 82.3529411764706%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 11.764705882352942%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5.882352941176471%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A lovely small town with some islands well worth hiring a boat for.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hvar was our favourite place in Croatia - a good vibe and many options for restaurants/drinking/beaches.

5/5 - Excellent

Steph

I really enjoyed Hvar. It wasn’t as overcrowded as Split. However as soon as a cruise ship arrives that all changes. It’s a great area to just appreciate Croatian culture and relax.

Cities near Hvar