The island of Hvar

A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Stretching out in Adriatic Sea off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Hvar’s elongated silhouette is an uncanny reflection of a holidaymaker lounging on a deckchair, which is perfectly in keeping for the sunniest island in the country that boasts nearly 2,800 sunshine hours yearly. Blessed with a captivating history, boasting the most UNESCO heritage sites of any island globally, along with its stunning beaches, cleanest waters on the continent, delectable cuisine, and exceptional wine – Hvar has just about everything you could wish for. It's no wonder many of our guests return year after year, always discovering new island treasures.

  • GETTING THERE

    • Closest airports: Split (SPU) and Dubrovnik (DBV)
    • To reach the island: Car ferry, catamaran, or private boat
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  • KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Surface area: 298 km2 (115 square miles)
    • Length: 68 km (42.3 miles)
    • Population: 10,678
    • Highest point: Sveti Nikola, 628m (2060ft)
    • Largest settlement: Hvar Town
  • ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS

    • Sunshine hours: 2,724 per annum
    • UNESCO Heritages: 6
    • Famous for: Beaches, sunshine, natural beauty, nightlife, culture, lavender fields
    • Popular with: Families, couples, friend groups

HVAR TRAVEL JOURNALS

All hvar journals

HVAR DESTINATIONS

Plan away

Explore Hvar's most delightful locations with our curated collection of destination guides. Each guide unveils the island’s most charming towns, villages, or hamlets – find insider tips on how to get there, must-sees and must-dos, and our recommended eateries.

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HISTORIC TOWNS

LOCAL GUIDES
Hvar Town

As a global magnet for yacht travel and high-end thrills, Hvar Town has everything you would expect: gorgeous architecture, phenomenal DJs, indulgent spas, and outstanding restaurants. But what we love most is that these exceptional luxuries are just a gateway to an even richer experience.

LOCAL GUIDES
Stari Grad

The second largest and oldest town on the island, Stari Grad was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC. It’s no surprise that the understated luxury of this ancient settlement has won the hearts of the world’s most passionate sailing and yachting aficionados.

LOCAL GUIDES
Jelsa

A seaside town with a dazzling view across sea and mountains, Jelsa is a quietly elegant summer destination ideal for families. Bars, art galleries, an open-air cinema, fine dining, farmer’s markets, a vast kid’s park, jogging paths, and a zillion gelato bars line Jelsa’s beautifully maintained waterfront.

CHARMING VILLAGES

LOCAL GUIDES
Vrboska

This quaint former fishing village is defined by its charming canal, flanked by classic Dalmatian stone houses and elegant bridges. Though small, Vrboska brims with vibrant life above its calm waters, with delightful restaurants and cafe bars lining its harbour.

LOCAL GUIDES
Ivan Dolac

This peaceful, family-oriented seaside village is located on the southern coast of Hvar. Ivan Dolac is located on a slope, which affords breathtaking views of the Adriatic and the surrounding landscapes. It's a great place to watch the sun go down.

LOCAL GUIDES
Vrbanj

One of a series of extremely charming little villages nestled into the northern side of the island’s mountainous ridge, Vrbanj offers a feeling of refreshment and well-appreciated shade in the summer heat of the rural Mediterranean.

LOCAL GUIDES
Zastražišće

Few visitors encounter the small village of Zastražišće, but for those who like to get off the beaten path, it is well worth the effort, boasting some of the island’s most stunning beaches and a glimpse at a forgotten way of life.

LOCAL GUIDES
Sveta Nedjelja

Sandwiched between sheer cliffs of the island’s highest point and the clear sea into which they rapidly descend, Sveta Nedjelja’s geography is quite unlike any other. This sharp collision of mountain and sea has formed some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

LOCAL GUIDES
Basina

On Hvar’s northern coast, midway between Stari Grad and Jelsa, Basina is renowned for its picturesque beauty and convenient location. It's a place families return to year after year, checking every box on the list for a memorable, kid-friendly holiday.

HERITAGE HAMLETS

LOCAL GUIDES
Pitve

Pitve is one of the oldest hamlets on the island, established to watch over the settlements and fields below from its incredible vantage point. There is no new construction here, just beautifully restored stone houses in a setting that would suit a Mediterranean fairy tale.

LOCAL GUIDES
Humac

Once a bustling pastoral village, the abandoned hamlet of Humac now stands as a pristine preservation of agricultural life as it once was. Whether for a half-day trip or as the setting for your vacation, Humac is a truly enchanting place not to be missed.

LOCAL GUIDES
Malo Grablje

Just a few kilometres inland from Hvar’s southern coast, the abandoned ethnovillage of Malo Grablje tells the story of a bygone Mediterranean era. Wander the village’s hauntingly beautiful ruins in which time seems to have stood still.

FROM FOUNDERS & friends

“Don’t miss the buzzing little town of Jelsa for dinner one night. It’s often overlooked compared to the island’s larger towns of Hvar Town and Stari Grad, but it’s our favourite. Jelsa’s waterfront has some of the most delightful restaurants and spots for ice cream, and such a laidback vibe.”

“No visit to Hvar is complete without a first-class seafood dinner. Dalmatian cuisine prepares fish simply, with just olive oil and a garnish of garlic, lemon, and parsley, which allows the incredible flavour and texture shine through. Don’t expect to find maple-glazed salmon or tuna with mango salsa here. Unfortunately many restaurants, even high-end ones, import their fish from distant waters – so ask us where to find truly local, wild-caught fish.”

“We adore the village of Pitve. It is one of the oldest hamlets on the island, established to watch over the settlements and fields below from its incredible vantage point. Shaded by the rim of the island’s ridge line, Pitve stays much greener than the rest of Hvar and enjoys a breath of cool mountain air, even in the peak of summer. This historic town is perfectly preserved. There is no new construction here, just beautifully restored stone houses in a setting that would suit a Mediterranean fairy tale.”

Our unrivalled collection of villas on Hvar ranges from luxurious five star homes to magical beachfront hideaways opening onto the glistening Adriatic.

Steps away from the sea

Beach Villas

Heritage hideaways

Stone Houses

Go beyond

Luxury Villas

Away with loved ones

VILLAS FOR FAMILIES

Away from it all

Secluded Villas

Group getaways

Villas For Groups

Hvar Away exists to inspire memories through the beauty and magic of the island.

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