I think I can help you out with some super-epic things to do in Hvar Croatia you will LOVE. This guide includes all possible info from my 8 summers spent in Croatia working on the Adriatic. This means places to explore in Hvar, viewpoints, adventures, sunset spots, restaurants, bars, Hvar nightlife, and more!
Hvar is about an hour’s catamaran ride from Split, it’s pretty much a must-do in Croatia. This article covers Hvar Town (on Hvar island) which is the best area to stay, and other points of interest and smaller towns.
If you are just starting to plan your trip, check out what to know before you go to Croatia and also an overview of the best places to go in Croatia – in the whole country!
Hvar Overview
Like much of Croatia, Hvar Island is home to some magically pristine water, charming old towns, and classic Croatian views. But, let’s be real – Hvar has the best nightlife in Croatia, so we know you’ll be indulging in that a bit!
Hvar town is small and quaint during the day but quickly comes to life when travelers from all over emerge for a night out at some pretty famous venues. It’s possible to get away from the bustle in some quieter parts of Hvar Town, or you can stay in Jelsa or Stari Grad for a much slower-paced time.
Getting to Hvar
Ferry: You’ll have to take a ferry to Hvar, of course! Luckily it’s just a one-hour catamaran ferry ride from Split, and also reachable from Korcula. Book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. They can fill up in advance in summer!
If you are coming from the south, you will most likely get the ferry to Hvar from Korcula Island, which is similarly easy.
You can take a car or vehicle on the ferry, but it’s also easy to rent a vehicle in Hvar for the day or week (and probably cheaper). The closest airport to Hvar is in Split. Fly into Split and jump on the ferry to Hvar Town!
Things to Do in Hvar Town
The main town on Hvar island is called Hvar town. Confusing, I know! 😛 I recommend everyone base themselves here to explore the island because it has the most going on. Here are the best things to do in Hvar town that you cannot miss.
Hike Up to Spanjola Fortress
Standing sentinel above the town, you will find big, grey, 450-year-old Spanjola Fortress. It was built by the Venetian Empire to protect the town from Ottoman invasion in the 1550’s, burnt to the ground, and rebuilt in the 1570’s. Is still stands the same way today but as a tourist attraction.
It’s about a 15-20 minute walk to get there. First, you go up some stairs from the main square, then to a switchback trail to the top. I take all my groups up there, and it really is manageable! Plus, you’ll want to work off some of the drinks you’ll be having later! 😉
You can go inside the fortress for 10 euros, but as a Hvar insider’s tip, you get the same view standing in front of it. And the view you get is stunning! If you have the cash, though, definitely go inside.
It looks out over the Pakleni islands surrounding Hvar town’s harbor, and all the boats docked around them waiting to come into Hvar. These islands actually used to be nicknamed the ‘death islands’ long ago because so many ships would get wrecked on them while trying to sail into Hvar’s port on foggy days. And you can see why – the port really is surrounded on all sides! This is one of the must-do things to to in Hvar.
Do a Bit of Shopping
If you wander a bit through the streets surrounding the main square of the town, you will find lots of cute little shops to browse through. There are some markets selling clothing, beautiful jewelry, and lots of lavender stands, which deserves its own headline below!
Take Home Some Hvar Lavender
Hvar island is famous for one of its star crops – lavender! They grow it all over the island and sell it in scented bags, oils, soaps, perfumes, and even ice cream!
You’ll find little purple stands all over the island selling this popular and quite unique souvenir. A little bag of it can cost as little as 2 to 4 euros and can keep your suitcase fresh or make a great gift.
Hit Some Hvar Beaches
‘Beach’ is a relative term in rocky Croatia, but there are a few places around that you can definitely lay out and catch some sun. There’s a little beach around the corner from the port (to the right if you are facing the town from the water) called Lučica Beach to have a dip.
There’s an even more secluded beach about a 20-minute walk from there in the same direction called Pokonji dol Beach. This one is more ‘beachy’ and comfortable (pictured above) and has a restaurant next to the water.
You can find swimming spots pretty much anywhere outside of the port, all with Croatia’s insanely clear blue water. If you are looking especially for beaches, check out this guide to the best beaches in Hvar.
Visit the Pakleni Islands off the Hvar Coast
Seeing the Pakleni islands is a MUST in Hvar, whether you view them from the fortress or up close. I do recommend getting up close and personal!
Kayak the Pakleni Islands
Kayaking is popular all over the country, and Hvar is no exception. Sign up for a kayaking tour to the secluded Pakleni islands right off the coast from Hvar, and enjoy lunch on a beach.
By doing a kayak tour, you’ll be able to see parts of these islands you couldn’t get access to from a boat or swimming. You’ll be able to experience some of the clearest water in Croatia and beautiful swim spots. But just watch out for the nude beaches that dot the coasts of these islands!
Take in the Armory + St Stephen’s Square
You’ll walk past these Hvar attractions no matter what, but why not spend a few moments taking in their history?! The Hvar Cathedral in St. Stephen’s Square dates back to the Venetian rule of Croatia and is the central meeting point of the whole town. Don’t forget this spot later when you’ve had a few drinks and can’t find your friends!
Visit the Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan monastery, or the Franjevački Samostan, is located just a 5 minute walk around the coast from Hvar town. It has a museum you can visit to learn about its history dating back to the 1400’s. Or, you can simply enjoy a sunset from Lučica Beach out front of it (the closest beach to town) or from a lovely dinner nearby.
Visit Hula Hula Beach Bar for Sunset (& Just Before)
Ohhhhh, Hula Hula. This place is the site of some of the craziest times, and no Hvar travel guide would be complete without it. Hula Hula is a ‘beach bar;’ it’s pretty much a bar right on the water where you can swim off of ladders into the water and even flat on big mattresses in the water.
There are tables and lounges on wooden decks over the water, fantastic vibey music, and the free-est poured cocktails you’ll see anywhere. I swear I don’t know how their mojitos are still absolutely on-point when they’re 80% rum.
Although I usually leave for dinner earlier on my tours, Hula Hula really is the place to be for sunset. Its fun and loungey during the day, but when the sun gets low on the horizon is when the party really starts.
It’s kind-of like a club shifting from early hours into party time – the music gets louder, people get up to dance on the tables, and the good times start flowing almost as fast as the sambuca shots and pre-mixed strawberry margaritas.
I would recommend to get here around 5 or 6 and stay until just after sunset. Then head into town either for a quick bite to soak up the drinks, or straight out to the bars I mention below!
Watch an Amazing Hvar Sunset over the Water
There are so many stunning Hvar sunsets – from town and otherwise. Position yourself near the water for sunset time and enjoy the colors reflected on a clear watery canvas.
Do a Hvar Sunset Sailing Trip
If partying isn’t for you, you could catch a pretty amazing sunset from the water.
There are heaps of taxi boats or boat rentals around, so you can haggle for a small sail-around. Once you get just out of the harbor you’ll get a perfect view of the sun setting over the ocean and the rest of the Pakleni Islands.
If renting a boat sounds a bit much (I get it), there are also different kinds of sailing and boat tours that cruise around the surrounding islands and coves for sunset. I recommend this sailing tour for a great sunset.
Rent a Scooter or Car and Explore Hvar Island!
You can rent scooters from right behind the main church in Hvar town, and use them to explore some more secluded parts of Hvar island. You can take them to Stari Grad (which I have outlined below), Jelsa, or anywhere along the island.
Keep reading for some cool places to visit in Hvar you can reach with a scooter or car.
Get Amongst the Vibrant Hvar Nightlife – Visit Bars + Clubs
Hvar has some of the best nightlife in southern Croatia, and Hvar Town is the center of it all. With tons of bars throughout the old alleyways, music blasting from every nook and cranny, and some massive, unique clubs, you won’t want to miss out on a night out in Hvar.
First, I would go to dinner at one of the restaurants I recommend below, then hit up Hula Hula for sunset. Next, I would head to some of the bars in the main town, like Kiva, 7even, or Sidro. End your night at the crazy Carpe Diem Beach Club on an island off the coast!
For the sake of keeping this list of things to do in Hvar short, I actually split Hvar nightlife info off into its own post. Click below to read it!
Things to do in Hvar Outside of Town – Smaller Towns + Remote Beaches
Yes, there are still plenty of things to do on Hvar island outside of the main town! There are a few tinier towns with indescribable charm, and more remote beaches you can explore with a scooter or car.
Visit the Adorable Town of Stari Grad Hvar
Stari Grad is a little town on the opposite side of Hvar island to Hvar town. It’s about a 20-minute car ride or 30-minute bus ride (shorter if you have a crazy driver, which happens a lot).
Stari Grad means ‘old town’ and is actually the oldest port in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe!! It was settled by some Ancient Greeks who sailed over during the 99th Greek Olympic Games – in the year 385 BC. To put that in perspective, that’s the same year Aristotle was born!!
Get Lost in the Stari Grad Streets
Stari Grad, in my opinion, is the most charming and cute little old town in Croatia. It’s my favorite place to get lost exploring the little streets, courtyards, and overgrown gardens. In this town, you can really feel its age – the old, rickety Venetian blinds, colorful windowsills, and old stone really give it character.
Something interesting you’ll notice here is that a lot of the buildings will be a tiiiiiny bit slanted outward at the top. This is because, when the Ottomans were invading the island, the Venetian inhabitants would literally make a boiling mixture of water and lavender and pour it out their windows at the invaders below. How’s that for an interesting war tactic?!
Visit Tvrdalj and other Historic Sites
You can visit Tvrdalj, the palace of a Croatian Poet, Petar Hektorovic, which has beautiful gardens and architecture. It has a lovely pond that was used for fishing to help sustain Hektorovic and his family during the Venetian occupation.
You can visit ancient Greek, Roman, and early Christian ruins, as well as an old church from the 7th century.
Dine in Vine-Covered Authentic Restaurants
There are dozens of little restaurants in Stari Grad tucked away on terraces and within grape vines, and there are a few wineries up in the hills you can visit as well!
At night, the best (and pretty much only) bar to go to is Lampedusa – the guys there are lovely and make a fantastic cocktail, and domino jaeger bombs if you’re lucky!
Hike to the Hill Above the Town
You’ll see a big white cross on the top of one of the hills surrounding the port, which actually marks (apparently) the oldest outdoor church in Europe! There is an altar, pews, lots of stacked rocks, and a stunning view of the town.
Go Back in History at Uninhabited Humac Village
Humac Village is a tiny well-preserved Dalmatian town that serves essentially as an experience of what life on Hvar once was. With no electricity, inhabitants, or running water, Humac has not changed from old times.
The best thing to do here is the visit Konoba Hukac (Humac restaurant) for some local pekas (food cooked for hours under a big bell over hot coals) which are prepared without electricity. This village is also a great starting point to visit the Grapčeva cave, which is a prehistoric site.
Visit Grapčeva Spilja, an Ancient Cave
Walking distance from Humac, you will find one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Dalmatia! the Grapčeva cave has ancient stalagmites and stalagtites and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest it was a shelter for humans as long ago as 4000BC.
Visit Slow-Paced Jelsa Town
Looking for things to do on Hvar island that are a bit more chill? Visiting Jelsa might be a great option for you! Jelsa is one the most protected bay in Hvar and is home to a few hotels, restaurants and TONS of lavender fields and vineyards on the way.
You can visit Stari Grad Plain on the way and even pop into some wineries for tastings or dinner.
Discover Remote Hvar Beaches
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If you are hoping for some more remote beaches in Hvar, there are plenty of those! The further you get out of Hvar Town, the less crowded the beaches will be. This island is home to some of the most pristine beaches in Croatia… enjoy it!
Dubovica Beach Hvar
Known by many as the best beach on Hvar, Dubovica Beach is well worth the visit. It’s actually on the way from Hvar town to Stari Grad, so you can visit with a rental vehicle if you get one. It’s a crystal clear beach with water so incredible that boats appear to be floating.
Beach Mlaska
This one will take a bit more off-roading to get to, but will be a lovely diamond-like reward. This remote beach has plenty of space to swim and lay out. It’s on the other side of the islands and has views of the mainland.
Milna Hvar
Not to be confused with the town of Milna on Brac island, Milan Hvar is one of the closest little coves to Hvar Town. It can be a reached even by a bike if you are dedicated enough.
Take a Day Day Trip to a Neighboring Island
If you end up spending a while on Hvar, make sure to explore some of the surrounding islands, too! I have guides to most of them, so save the links below.
- Explore Split
- Explore Korcula
- Explore Mljet
- Explore Makarska
- Explore Dubrovnik
- Explore All of Croatia
Day Trip to the Blue Caves and Vis Island
Vis Island is visible from Hvar Town, and is yet another amazing place to visit. You can see the famous Blue Caves on a small island just on the other side of Vis, and tours to both these places are available from Hvar or also from Split.
Where to Eat in Hvar – Restaurants
Spice Asian Food
Sometimes I want to take my groups for something different once in the week, and I most often take them to this Thai Place called Spice right in the main square of Hvar.
You wouldn’t clasically expect good Thai food in Croatia, but this place proves you damn wrong. If you need a bit of a break from Croatian food and want a great curry or pad thai, this is your place.
Hanibal Burger & Steak House
Right next to Spice you’ll find an amazing Burger place with the same owner. The black & blue burger is my fave, but the others are fantastic as well. If you can’t decide between burgers and Thai food, try the Thai burger here! And with its location right in the middle of the square it couldn’t be more convenient.
Rozeta Sushi & Oyster Bar
I’ve only been here once when I wasn’t with my group, but it was actually really decent sushi! And by that I mean it was good; I normally wouldn’t expect sushi in Croatia to be fantastic but this place definitely proved me wrong.
Hotel Adriana Rooftop Bar
Now, I’ve never been here at night, but whenever I rid myself of my passengers for 30 minutes in the afternoon (don’t tell them I said that 😉 ) I head straight here for my only quiet time of the day.
You can get a spot-on view of Hvar’s entire harbor; it’s absolutely stunning. I usually get iced coffee or fruit juice in preparation for the night, but they have a cocktail and food menu too.
Ka-Lavanda
This little hole-in-the-wall serves some of the most creative cocktails I have seen in Croatia, and also has a tasty and equally creative breakfast selection. It’s called a ‘music bar’ and turns into a super cool live music venue at night.
Dalmatino
If you want to get fancy and have a quite luxurious meal in Hvar, Dalmatino is a great option. With waiters very well-versed in food & drink pairings and some very gourmet options, this is a great place to treat yourself.
Black Pepper
With a creative menu of interesting pairings, Black Pepper is also a great place to treat yourself right in Hvar’s old town. Make reservations early, though, it fills up!
Late Night Eats
Hvar has fantastic late night pizza and pastry shops, so if you need a bite the pizza is amazing.
One quick word of warning though – sometimes certain shops will put their prices up the later it gets. They are used to drunk tourists that are not used to the currency, so you may pay up to 10 euro for a slice of pizza. Just make sure to look twice!
Where to Stay in Hvar
As far as accommodation goes, I have been there enough to both know some of the best and more luxurious hotels in Hvar, some great airbnb’s, and also some cheaper hostels to recommend to stay in Hvar! Or, you can check this Hvar accommodation guide for some lesser-known beautiful villa options.
Hotel Adriana
Best all-around. This hotel has an impeccably perfect Hvar view, a rooftop pool, rooftop bar, is cute + boutique, and perfectly located. It’s a bit pricey in peak season (definitely a splurge) but affordable in shoulder season.
History Hvar Design Heritage Suites
Best Affordable Apartment-Style. These ADORABLE apartments are steps from the main square and are able to keep an authentic feeling while still being modern with all the trimmings.
Hotel Amfora
Most Splurge-Worthy. This is more of a resort with all ocean-view rooms in a massive structure overlooking a cove on the way to Hula Hula (see below!). It’s got a massive pool area that actually used to hold the Ultra Beach party for Ultra Europe Festival.
White Rabbit Hostel
White Rabbit Hostel is THE hostel to stay in Hvar. It’s owned by travelers, for travelers. It’s got a really social and fun atmosphere with its own hostle bar for meeting people and planning activities. They aso have affordable private rooms for those who love hostels but want more pricavy.
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.
Karen Cornella
Wednesday 25th of January 2017
This is such helpful trip planning information! I can't wait to go!! Thanks for all the insight Kim!! : )