Svirče – THE 2026 TRAVEL GUIDE

You have landed on our guide to Svirče, a bucolic village on Hvar Island. We are Hvar Away, producing detailed local guides and travel journals to help you make the most of your visit to Hvar.

Explore our most popular resources:

Or visit our main Hvar Island guide and find local guides like this for every town and village.

Today, Svirče has 400 residents, thriving with a dynamic way of life. Unlike many other villages on the island, Svirče has a strong younger population that organises various events keeping the village vibrant and alive.

The village’s prosperity is driven by its strong agricultural roots, with renowned wine producers and the Božić olive oil mill contributing to its growth and success.

The agricultural rhythms bring a serene and meditative sense to Svirče, where the soundscape shifts from fruit pickers whistling in the harvest season to the hum of crickets and the occasional chime of bicycle bells from cyclists exploring one of the Adriatic’s most scenic routes in the spring.

As you arrive in Svirče, you’ll notice a memorial park at the entrance, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Second World War. The park features a striking 7-metre-high sculpture of a stylised vine, created by the renowned academic artist Dinko Vranković (1939–1996) from Svirče.

A highlight of Svirče is the Božić oil mill, where the Božić family produce their oils using only traditional cold pressing methods, preserving the full nutritional value and aromatic richness of the olives.

Božić oils are internationally award-winning, certified organic, free from pesticides, and reflect their dedication to sustainable and authentic practices.

All of Božić’s olive tree groves are located on the island of Hvar. Most are located south of Brusje in the region of Krivoča, where nearby lavender fields infuse the oils with a distinctive lavender aroma. Another portion of the groves is situated in the Stari Grad Plain. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its ancient Roman-era parcelling, enriches the olives with a touch of history and fertility. The remaining groves are found in the village of Svirče itself, where their oil mill is also located.

While Božić olive oil appears in several restaurants across Hvar, the most rewarding way to understand its character is to visit the family mill itself. Tastings here include four distinct labels served with simple local accompaniments, guided by a member of the family who explains both their own process and the wider tradition of olive growing on the island. It is a grounded, informative experience that connects flavour directly to landscape, shaped by an agricultural practice that has been part of life on Hvar for more than 2,400 years.

Those in the know appreciate Croatia's rich and varied wine scene. It may come as a pleasant surprise that the small village of Svirče has its own horse for that race.

Marijo Carić is a young but already well established winemaker from the village of Svirče, known for his focus on Hvar’s indigenous grape varieties. He is the island’s second-largest producer of Prč, a rare local white, alongside a single-varietal Bogdanuša, another native grape that thrives in Hvar’s vineyards. Both whites are fresh and well suited to summer drinking, while his Plavac Mali caters confidently to red wine lovers. There is also a crisp, pale rosé that neatly bridges the gap between the two styles.

Since 2025, Marijo has welcomed visitors to his new tasting room just below the primary school in Svirče.

We love that this small village is home to one of the island’s best family farm shops. Mate Vranković’s shop offers a delightful range of top-quality, homemade products that reflect the heart and soul of its hardworking family.

Their goat's milk yogurt and homemade cheeses are particularly delicious and fresh. Visitors also rave about the exceptional wines and olive oils, as well as the homegrown vegetables.

The village of Svirče is dominated by the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene, a unique structure on Hvar Island due to its central dome and distinctive floor plan. In fact, it is the only church on Hvar that has a dome, and is one of the largest.

Built in the 20th century on the site of an older church, St. Mary Magdalene stands next to a 19th-century cemetery, now a World Heritage Monument. It’s well worth a stop by while you’re in Svirče.

Few visitors to Hvar Island manage to resist heading straight for the nearest beach. Just because Svirče is an inland village does not mean you’ll have a hard time getting to the beach. The nearest beaches lie around the neighbouring towns of Vrboska and Jelsa on the north coast, both of which are 5-10 minute drives away. You will find a good selection of options there, from lively spots with beach bars to quieter coves.

Alternatively, take a longer drive down the valley to the beach for a dip on one of the south side’s idyllic coves. Hvar’s southern coast is the island at its most dramatic and intoxicating. Sheer cliffs plunge into glowing turquoise water, hidden coves appear around every inlet, and the beaches (almost all smooth pebbles) rank among the finest in Croatia. There are plenty to choose from, including (from closest to furthest): Skalinada, Petarčica, Ivan Dolac, Jagodna, and Zogon.

To reach the island’s southern side, follow the country road from Svirče east further inland, passing through the village of Pitve until you come to the Old Pitve Tunnel. Carved out mostly by local men in the 1960s, the 1.4km tunnel is single-lane and unlit. This being Dalmatia, there is a wine cellar inside, just to the left of the entrance from the Pitve side, not that we would encourage you to pause and inspect.

Once you emerge from the tunnel, you will be greeted by a glorious view of the sea shimmering below. But don’t get too carried away, and be sure that your brakes are in good order. A few steep switchbacks await you as you navigate down to the shore. Then, drive along the coast road until you reach your beach of choice.

For more insights into Hvar’s gorgeous coves, read our guide to the best beaches on Hvar.

A 10-minute drive from Svirče brings you to Stari Grad, the oldest town on Hvar Island. It serves as a gentle reminder that a touch of civilization lies just beyond the tranquillity of the village. Still, Stari Grad remains far calmer than many spots on the island.

You can easily lose an hour or two wandering the narrow stone streets lined with centuries-old houses. Along the way, numerous shops and galleries display local crafts and artwork, many pieces worth considering as a meaningful way to bring a slice of Hvar home with you.

The town is also largely flat, which makes it much easier to get around than Hvar Town's steeper lanes. This suits older visitors or families with young children particularly well.

A visit to Stari Grad would feel incomplete without exploring the remarkable Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously cultivated agricultural landscapes on the planet. This vast expanse appears almost unchanged from 2,400 years ago, when Greek settlers from the island of Paros arrived and parcelled the land – known as the Ager (from the Greek αγρός for field) – into a precise grid of large estates.

Today, the Plain remains a living mosaic of vineyards, olive groves and dry-stone walls, tended much as they were in antiquity. It stands as a quiet testament to enduring human ingenuity and harmony with the land, well worth a leisurely cycle or drive to appreciate its scale and subtle beauty.

A quaint former fishing village just 5 kilometres from Svirče, again under ten minutes by car, Vrboska consists of narrow canals lined by stone houses and an intriguing fortress church. The village is crossed by pretty bridges, giving it a distinctly Venetian charm.

Despite its modest size, Vrboska provides ample entertainment for a straightforward day trip from Svirče. There is a well-equipped dive centre, a marina favoured by sailors, and a windsurfing school. Rentals are available for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. Nearby you will also find tennis courts, beach volleyball setups, an inflatable water park, and even ping-pong tables.

Families especially appreciate Soline Beach, a generous crescent of fine pebbles with exceptionally clear, shallow water that shelves gradually. It is ideal for young children to paddle and play safely. Pines fringe the shore, offering plenty of natural shade on warmer days. A café and basic facilities are on hand, making it a relaxed and convenient spot for a full morning or afternoon by the water.

Jelsa completes the trio of easily accessible towns from Svirče, reached in about five minutes by car. The town has a gentle, almost storybook Mediterranean atmosphere. The historic centre remains compact yet thoroughly inviting, featuring just enough narrow stone streets and small squares to prompt a leisurely wander and a handful of worthwhile photo opportunities. The Church of St John, together with its surrounding square, proves particularly photogenic.

At the heart of town lies a leafy park complete with playgrounds, offering welcome shade even during the peak of summer. It serves as an ideal spot to pause after strolling the promenade, perhaps with an ice cream in hand.

Jelsa is also home to two sandy, family-friendly beaches: Mina and Grebišće, both of which are walkable from the town centre.

Jelsa also functions as a convenient departure point for the popular boat service to Bol on Brač Island. The early-morning sailing allows plenty of time to explore Bol and its famous Golden Horn Beach, with a return in the late afternoon that leaves you back in Jelsa comfortably in time for a relaxed dinner at one of the excellent harbourfront restaurants.

Svirče is a working wine village rather than a tourist centre, and that difference will define the way you stay here. There are no hotels, no resorts, and no sense of accommodation being designed for passing crowds. Instead, Svirče offers private apartments, traditional stone houses, and a small number of villas that sit naturally within village life. Hvar Away has selected two villas in Svirče that capture different aspects of this delightful atmosphere.

Villa Amaria is set on a south-facing hill above Svirče, the villa enjoys a truly panoramic position overlooking the village and the surrounding countryside. The terrace offers two distinct perspectives. From a seated or standing position, you take in the tiled roofs and stone walls of the village below, framed by pine-covered hills beyond. Lie back by the pool, however, and the man-made world quietly disappears, leaving only open sky and rolling green slopes in view.

Moroccan-inspired seating areas invite lingering conversations or solitary moments with a book, acknowledging that sometimes all you want to do is sit back and simply be. Indoors, a dedicated massage room underlines the villa’s focus on slow living and restoration.

Villa Fisola, meanwhile, is what happens when modern architecture has an affair with traditional materials. While some local purists may grumble about the flat roof, it is, in fact, one of the villa’s finest features. The rooftop terrace provides a vantage point in which you feel like an eagle in its nest, perched high above the village and the plains stretching out below.

If your holiday mood leans more aquatic, the infinity pool serves as your own private aquarium. Though, for those days when lounging like a contented walrus feels just right, there is always a sunbed waiting to be claimed for hours of uninterrupted relaxation.

If you are arriving at Villa Fisola with your family or friends, it is probably wise to agree in advance on who gets the master bedroom. All rooms are spacious, thoughtfully finished, and have their own ensuites, but the view from the main suite is something Disney princesses would happily wake up to, and once you have seen it, you will understand why it inspires a little friendly competition.

Svirče is home to only one restaurant, the deliciously top-rated Konoba Figura positioned near the entrance of the village. One could reasonably argue that Svirče needs no other restaurant, because Figura already delivers everything you might hope to find. Set well away from the island’s busy centres and with its own leafy al fresco terrace, Figura serves what many consider the best pizza on Hvar Island. That alone would justify the drive, but the rest of the menu more than holds its own.

Instead of competing on location or familiar crowd-pleasers, Figura stands out with original, carefully thought-through dishes that feel refreshingly different from the standard island offering. We recommend exploring the menu with an open mind, though the baked chicken pie and “bandit burger” have earned a loyal following for good reason.

Svirče is a village whose name carries a touch of legend and a connection to its roots. One popular story traces its name to the first settlers, shepherds from the nearby village of Vrbanj, who arrived singing and playing music. They decided to stay, and the village was named 'Svirče', a derivative of the Croatian word 'svirati' meaning 'to play music'.

Another version suggests a more practical origin, linking the name to “svir”, meaning 'water source' as the village was established near a small spring that provided much-needed water. Whether inspired by melodies or the necessities of life, Svirče’s name reflects its folklore and history.

Svirče has a long tradition of cultivating grapes, olives, and lavender – a heritage that dates back to its earliest settlers. Svirče’s connection to wine extends beyond its borders to Ivan Dolac, and Sveta Nedjelja, two settlements on the island’s southern side originally founded by Svirče inhabitants. These seaside locations, ideal for leisure houses, allowed workers to rest closer to their vineyards, avoiding long journeys home in the pre-vehicle era. Ivan Dolac remains closely tied to Svirče, with many locals spending their summers between the two.

If you’re lucky enough that life is leading you to Svirče, start by orienting yourself to the island of Hvar. Visitors often mix up Hvar Town with the island itself. Hvar Town (known locally as “Grad Hvar”) is the celebrated southwestern hub, the island’s capital, renowned for its sophisticated and luxurious appeal. The island of Hvar, however, is far larger – a substantial stretch of land in Croatia's southern Dalmatian archipelago, roughly three times the size of Manhattan.

Svirče lies inland on Hvar Island, tucked into the northern flank of the island's mountainous ridge. It is one of the quieter settlements, offering a pleasant contrast to the livelier hubs such as Hvar Town, Stari Grad (the island's historical heart and a magnet for sailors), and nearby Jelsa, which is particularly popular with families.

What makes Svirče especially appealing is the sense of remoteness it provides, while in truth, you are never far from everyday conveniences or some of the island's finest dining spots.

The most straightforward major gateway to Hvar Island is Split, the vibrant mainland city that easily justifies a visit of its own. Split has an international airport, train and bus stations, and a bustling ferry port, all handily situated close to the atmospheric old town.

Split Airport sits about 30 minutes from the city centre. You can take the airport shuttle bus or a taxi/Uber to the ferry terminal, where you can then board a car ferry (essential if bringing your own vehicle) or a quicker passenger catamaran to the island. Services run to Hvar Town, Stari Grad and, once daily, Jelsa. Both Stari Grad and Jelsa are only a short drive from Svirče.

Read our complete guide as to how to get to Hvar for some further pointers.

Reaching Svirče without a car is quite straightforward. Simply book a Jadrolinija catamaran ticket from Split to Jelsa, Stari Grad, or Hvar Town. Bear in mind that catamarans to Jelsa and Stari Grad run only once daily in the afternoon, so if your flight lands earlier you may find it more convenient to head to Hvar Town, which enjoys several connections throughout the day.

From whichever port you arrive at, Svirče is just a short taxi ride away: around 12 minutes from Stari Grad Port, roughly the same distance from Jelsa Port, and about 30 minutes from Hvar Town.

Both car ferries and catamarans serve Stari Grad. In peak season, there is typically one catamaran per day (a pedestrian-only crossing that takes one hour) compared to up to five car ferries (a more leisurely two-hour voyage). The larger ferries tend to be steadier and kinder on those prone to seasickness. Both options feature onboard cafés serving light snacks and drinks, along with restrooms.

Catamarans do sell out in July and August, and queues can build quickly, so reserving online a day or two ahead is advisable. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure for boarding, though turning up 30 minutes early often secures better seats, as keen passengers frequently form lines well in advance. The crossing is generally pleasant, with weather-related cancellations uncommon in summer, though not impossible.

It is probably best to avoid arriving via Sućuraj unless you have ample time and a fondness for adventure. This pleasant little harbour lies at the eastern tip of Hvar, and the drive to Svirče takes well over an hour, much of it along a narrow, twisting road with sharp drops and minimal barriers. If you relish hairpin bends and a touch of excitement, however, it might suit you perfectly. Otherwise, one of the more central ports keeps things considerably simpler.

If you are renting a car on the Croatian mainland or driving your own car from Europe, you will need to take one of the regular Jadrolinija car ferries from Split to Stari Grad. The crossing costs around €40 per vehicle. Once docked in Stari Grad, the drive to Svirče is straightforward and pleasantly brief.

Alternatively, if you are coming from Dubrovnik or points south of Split, the Drvenik-Sućuraj ferry can prove more efficient. Though the subsequent drive across the island is winding and scenic (in the most exhilarating sense), it often saves hours compared to heading north to Split, queuing there and enduring the longer two-hour sailing.

In any case, it pays to reserve car ferry tickets a few days ahead during peak season and to join the queue at least an hour before departure. Spaces do sell out regularly in summer, and arriving early avoids any last-minute disappointment.