Things to do in Hvar, Croatia – THE COMPLETE 2026 GUIDE

Hvar Town (“Grad Hvar” in Croatian) is a picturesque, Venetian outpost on the island’s southwestern coast.

Hvar Island is a landmass in the southern Dalmatian archipelago that is three times the size of Manhattan. Stretching out in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the island's elongated silhouette is an uncanny reflection of a holidaymaker lounging on a deckchair, which is perfectly in keeping for the sunniest island in Europe. With a captivating history, boasting the most UNESCO heritage sites of any island globally, along with its stunning beaches and cleanest waters on the continent, Hvar is an island that exceeds expectations.

There is definitely more to Hvar than just Hvar Town, as you’re about to find out! Whilst the island’s capital draws visitors initially, it’s the sheer range of what Hvar offers – from secluded beaches you’ll have all to yourself to old-school konobas where the food still tastes of grandmothers’ love, to dolphins breaking the surface and sunsets that set the Adriatic on fire – that turns a Hvar holiday into memories that actually stick.

Whether you’re chasing adventure or pure relaxation, quiet village squares or lively evenings, raw nature or deep-rooted culture, Hvar serves it all with that unmistakable Croatian warmth. The island’s experiences are as diverse as they are unforgettable: an Adriatic treasure that genuinely has something for everyone. Here are our 8 must-do experiences on Hvar.

One of Croatia's most impressive and well-preserved fortresses, the Hvar Fortress looms high above the town and is illuminated with a golden glow at night. Also known as Fortica or Španjola, the fortress stands on the site of an Illyrian settlement that dates back before 500 BC. The panoramic views over the town’s red rooftops and the Pakleni Islands are among the finest on the island and make the climb worthwhile.

Getting there: Getting to Fortica is straightforward, though it can involve some physical effort depending on how you choose to get there. The classic approach is a pleasant yet steep 15-20 minute walk from the main square: follow the well-signposted path that winds uphill through shaded pine woods and past stone houses. You’ll climb around 180 stone steps in total – steep in places but manageable for most fitness levels, with benches along the way for a breather and ever-improving views as reward. Once you clear the town walls, it's a gently sloping meander up the tree-shaded hillside to the fortress.

If you prefer to save your legs, a taxi or your rental car can take you to the small parking area just below the entrance (5-7 minutes from town centre). Parking is limited and costs about €2-3 per hour in season.

Entrance fees: Entrance is €10 for adults and free for children under 7 (2025 prices). The Fortress is open every day during the tourist season from 9am to 10pm. Tickets include access to the fortress, the small museum collection of amphorae and medieval artifacts, and the terrace café – perfect for a cold drink while taking in the 360-degree panorama of the Pakleni Islands and the old town rooftops far below.

Top tip: In the summer season, morning tours provide clearer views before temperatures soar and afternoon clouds roll in.

The Byzantines established a citadel here in the 6th century. The Venetians began the current fortress in 1278, forming a key part of Hvar’s medieval defenses. A Renaissance fort replaced the earlier structure by 1551, which was devastated by a gunpowder explosion some 30 years later – it was fully rebuilt only in the early 17th century with new bastions. Final additions during Austrian rule in the 18th and 19th centuries gave Fortica the form visitors see today.

Fortica has played an important role in the history of Hvar and has been occupied by various military forces over the centuries. During the 19th century, the fortress was used as a prison, the cells of which visitors can still see to this day. In the 20th century, it was used as a military barracks before being restored and opened to the public as a museum.

Explore the Renaissance drama of Hvar Town, which reached its zenith under Venetian rule and still shows many traces of its polyglot, cosmopolitan past as a centre for Adriatic trade. The UNESCO-listed architecture tells the story of rich history and culture, while the quietly glamorous atmosphere remains one of Croatia’s most sophisticated pleasures.

While you're downtown, grab a quick pick-me-up at Kava 37, the best coffee in Hvar Town. The old town is a historic maze of narrow cobbled streets and alleys dating back to the 13th century. The town is full of storied architecture, including palaces, churches, and townhouses. It is a great place to explore on foot.

Stari Grad, which in Croatian just means 'Old Town,' is indeed the oldest town on the island. It was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC and settled before that by Illyrians and now-forgotten prehistoric tribes, making it one of Europe’s longest continuously occupied towns.

Just a relaxed 15-20 minute drive east of Hvar Town, this picture-perfect harbour town combines serious history with authentic island life. Ancient monuments sit alongside working fishing boats, while excellent beaches line both sides of the bay. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside, most famously the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain, a stunning 2,400-year-old agricultural landscape still divided by the same dry-stone walls and parcels laid out by the original Greek settlers.

One of Stari Grad's main attractions is its well-preserved historic centre, which features narrow, charming streets, weathered stone houses, and cultural monuments. The town's largest square, Pjaca, is also a popular spot for visitors, with numerous cafés and restaurants offering Dalmatian cuisine and wines. Our top pick is Antika, tucked into one of the prettiest cobbled side streets and dishing up refined Italian-inspired plates made with island ingredients.

For sunset drinks, head to the sleek Lampedusa Bar (helmed by an internationally acclaimed mixologist) or claim a spot on the pebble beach at Lanterna, cocktail in hand, as the sky turns gold over the harbour.

Best enjoyed during June and July, a visit to Hvar’s lavender fields invites a relaxed hike or a scenic drive across the island’s interior. Few sights feel as quietly magical as an endless sweep of purple under the Adriatic sun.

Visit in early July and you can attend the annual Hvar Lavender Festival. The festival includes a variety of workshops and demonstrations on lavender's uses, from cooking to crafting. There's also plenty of opportunity to buy unique lavender products, such as scented pillows, soaps, perfumes, and foods infused with the flower's essence, and food stalls brimming with lavender honey and even lavender-flavoured ice cream.

Several family-run lavender farms welcome visitors year-round offering a chance to learn about the herb's farming and its significance to Hvar's culture. Owners will happily explain the harvest process, then send you off with bottles of pure essential oil or a cone of that surprisingly delicious lavender ice cream.

Hvar Away villa guests have it even better. Your dedicated concierge can arrange a private guided visit to one of the best farms, including an exclusive tasting session and first pick of the family’s limited reserve oils, all without the crowds.

The Pakleni Islands, a compact archipelago of wooded islets and hidden bays, lie just a short boat ride or a longer paddle offshore from Hvar Town. They are famous for their turquoise waters, pebble beaches, and some of the clearest sea in the Adriatic.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to reach them. Guided half-day or full-day tours depart daily from Bonj, one of Hvar Town’s main beaches, from where you can also simply rent a kayak and set your own pace.

The crossing to the nearest island usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on wind and current. You glide past dramatic rocks, peer at the marine life, and make sure to be on the lookout for dolphins along the route.

Once you have reached Pakleni, the choice is yours: pull ashore at a quiet cove, swim to a secluded beach you will have all to yourself, circle the tiny Pokonji Dol lighthouse, join the party vibes at Carpe Diem Beach, or sip cocktails in the elevated atmosphere at Laganini.

Our personal favourite, though, is The Fisherman’s Houseon Sveti Klement. Tucked under the shade of a canopied terrace on one of Pakleni’s quieter islands, this laid-back, family-run restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood on the Adriatic, straight from their own boats, paired with excellent local wines, all without the crowds or the hype. It feels like the Islands’ best-kept secret.

A day on the water here feels effortlessly rewarding.

The Via Ferrata on Hvar, which means 'iron way' in Italian, is a climbing route equipped with steel cables, metal rungs, and other fixed anchors to aid climbers in ascending or traversing a rock face.

Hvar’s Via Ferrata is located near the island's highest peak, St. Nicholas (Sv. Nikola), which soars 626 metres above sea level. The route starts from the coastal village of Sveta Nedjelja. It involves a steep climb up the mountain, using a series of ladders, metal rungs, and ropes to navigate the rocky terrain.

With the best views of Hvar and the Adriatic Sea, the Via Ferrata is a perfect attraction for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Proper safety equipment, including a helmet and harness, is essential and available for rent. Likewise, guided tours are offered for those less sure of foot.

The Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest agricultural landscapes in the world. Laid out by Greek settlers from Paros in 384 BC, this entire landscape looks almost exactly as it did 2,400 years ago when Greeks from the island of Paros colonised the island and divided the Ager (from the Greek αγρός for field) into huge estates.

The most enjoyable way to explore it is by bicycle. Take a laid-back bike ride through the quiet backroads and dirt tracks, winding between the parcels, and pedalling at your own pace past ancient vineyards and trees, with the scent of herbs rising from the warm earth.

What does 2,400 years of history actually taste like? The answer can be found in a farm-to-table supper served right in the heart of the Plain: wooden tables set among the vines, seasonal dishes prepared with produce picked that afternoon, and superb local wines poured under the stars. It is one of those simple, unforgettable Hvar evenings.

Hvar sits at the perfect crossroads of the central Dalmatian islands, each with its own unmistakable character. A day trip from Hvar is easy by speedboat, private yacht, or public catamaran, and many visitors combine two or three islands in a single outing.

Brač: Just 30-50 minutes away, Brač is best known for the dazzling Zlatni Rat beach that shifts shape with the tide, plus the lively town of Bol and the quiet, white-stone villages inland.

Korčula: An hour to the south-east, Korčula Town is a miniature Dubrovnik with medieval walls and marble streets, while the island’s lush interior produces some of Croatia’s finest white wines (Pošip and Grk).

Vis: The furthest yet most rewarding day trip (about 90 minutes by speedboat), Vis remained closed to foreigners until 1989. It still feels wonderfully remote, with secret coves, the mesmerising Blue Cave on nearby Biševo, and authentic konobas serving seafood caught that morning.

Šolta: This island remains the quietest and least touristy neighbour. Think sleepy fishing villages, pristine bays perfect for swimming in solitude, excellent olive oil, and a handful of outstanding family-run konobas that most visitors never discover.

Numerous operators offer full-day island-hopping tours, with the most popular routes usually linking three or four spots. Common itineraries include Hvar → Vis → Biševo (Blue Cave) → Pakleni Islands, or Hvar → Brač → Šolta. Guests staying in Stari Grad or Jelsa often choose the scenic loop of Hvar → Biševo Blue Cave → Pakleni → Brač before heading back to their home on Hvar’s northern coast.

Hvar’s 270 kilometres of sun-drenched coastline deliver some of the Adriatic’s finest beaches, where pale pebbles and hidden coves are lapped by startlingly clear turquoise water beneath hillsides of pine, rosemary and ancient stone terraces.

Regularly voted Croatia’s most beautiful island, Hvar blends postcard-perfect bays such as Dubovica and Zaraće with the lively beach clubs of Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands, the tranquil, family-friendly bays of the northern coast, and some clothing-optional coves scattered across the island… all wrapped in that unmistakable Mediterranean light and scent of wild herbs.

Our advice: mix it up. One day on a glamorous beach club sunbed, the next swimming alone in a pine-shaded cove, followed by sunset cocktails on the iconic Pokonji Dol beach. Variety is what makes a week on Hvar feel like three holidays in one.

Beaches on Hvar are a weighty subject, so we’ve put together an in-depth guide to the very best spots on the island for whatever you’re seeking: total tranquility, family fun, a party atmosphere, or something in between. Find it here: The Best Beaches on Hvar.

No visit to Hvar is complete without a first-rate seafood dinner. Dalmatian cuisine prepares fish simply – with just olive oil and a garnish of garlic, lemon, and parsley – to let the incredible flavour and texture shine through. Don't expect to find maple-glazed salmon or tuna with mango salsa here.

For truly local, fresh food and wild-caught fish, head over to Kod Barba Luke in Stari Grad. Long a standby of the in-the-know sailboat and yachting crew, Kod Barba Luke is the best place for anything from the sea.

Gariful is arguably the most famous fish restaurant in Hvar. For decades, A-list celebrities indulge themselves in the treasures of the Adriatic while gazing at purple sunsets above the port.

Far from the polished restaurants that line Hvar Town’s waterfront, a true konoba is a humble, family-run tavern where the owners cook what their grandparents taught them, serve it on sometimes mismatched plates, and treat every guest like a long-lost cousin. These are the soul-food shrines of Dalmatia, and what they may lack in sea views; they compensate with heart.

Tucked into the sleepy inland village of Vrisnik, Konoba Vrisnik is the real deal. The family greets you with the kind of humour and warmth that makes you feel instantly at home, then spoils you with dishes the way grandmother made them: grilled fish, slow-cooked peka pulled from the embers, and homemade desserts lifted straight from yellowed recipe notebooks handed down through generations. You’ll leave planning your next visit before the last bite.

Just down the road in the village of Dol hides a carnivore’s dream. Konoba Kokot is one of the few places on Hvar where you can sink your teeth into wild boar, hunted on the island’s rugged hills. “Kokot” means “rooster” in Dalmatian dialect, so if you fancy tasting chicken the way it was before grocery stores (rich, gamey, unforgettable), ring ahead and reserve the legendary “kokot ispod peke” (“rooster under the lid”): a bird slow-cooked for hours under the embers with potatoes until the meat practically falls off the bone. One bite and you’ll understand why islanders queue for a table.

Understanding Dalmatian cuisine offers a deeper appreciation of the island's culture. Cooking classes with a local private chef on Hvar teach traditional recipes using local ingredients.

Hvar Away villa guests can book a private in-villa cooking class led by a local chef. You’ll prepare an authentic Dalmatian meal together, learn the stories behind each dish, and leave with a satisfied appetite, a stack of new recipes, and the confidence to recreate the island’s flavours back home.

Make time for a lunch one day at Alavia, set high above the island with sweeping views across the Adriatic and Stari Grad Bay. It’s a 20-minute drive from Hvar Town, so you’ll need a taxi or your own rental car. This was actually the venue for our own wedding on Hvar in June 2023, and we still find any excuse to return for the outstanding food and that heart-stopping panorama.

If you like to combine your feasts with a little footwork, a beautiful downhill trail leads first to Velo Grablje, the village that once supplied most of Croatia’s lavender, and then on to tiny Malo Grablje. Almost entirely abandoned, the hamlet now has just one working building: Stori Komin, a lovingly restored stone konoba run by a descendant of the original families.

Settle onto the upper terrace for slow-cooked peka (a traditional Dalmatian dish) or fresh fish beneath the vines, and enjoy one of the most dramatic dining views on the island, straight across the rooftops to the rocky heights of the canyon wall opposite.

Hvar produces several wine varieties, including a few indigenous cultivars that are only grown on the island. Read our complete guide to Hvar wines to learn more about this intrinsic part of Mediterranean life.

The most intense reds come from the precipitous slopes of the island's south side, where vines are exposed to double solar radiation from Hvar's many days of sunshine and the sun's reflection off the sea. These vineyards are too dizzyingly steep to allow for the use of most modern technology – so, as you sip, pause and consider the toil that went into every drop!

Ivo Duboković, the visionary behind Duboković Winery in Jelsa, is a restless innovator and one of Croatia’s most daring winemakers. He produces one of the only two 100% Drnekuša labels in the world, sourced from vines in the highest-elevation vineyard in the country.

A tasting in his candlelit cellar is an experience like no other: you’ll sample half a dozen or more handcrafted micro-cuvées from this multi-generational family winery. Medvid is considered as his best wine, but for easy summer drinking, nothing beats No.11, his feather-light rosé of Plavac and Drnekuša that slips down effortlessly.

Head inland to the quiet village of Vrbanj and drop in on the Plančić brothers for one of the island’s most relaxed tastings. The setting feels like you’ve just stopped by your friend’s back porch, who just happens to serve up home-cured olives and a flight of wildly inventive, consistently palate-pleasing wines.Their flagship Pharos Grand Cru is outstanding, but they also produce the world’s only other 100% Drnekuša label, a true rarity worth seeking out.

On a more remote part of Hvar’s southern coast, in the tiny village of Sveta Nedjelja, lies one of Croatia’s most celebrated and distinctive wineries. Sheltered beneath towering cliffs where the mountains plunge dramatically into the sea, Zlatan Otok is best known for powerful Plavac Mali reds and its extraordinary underwater tasting room where you sip surrounded by the Adriatic itself.

Visitors can take a tour of the underground cave cellars, which are naturally cool and provide an ideal environment for wine storage and aging. The winery also has a restaurant that serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine and a tasting room where visitors can sample the various wines produced from the neighbouring vineyards.

Hvar carries more layers of history than almost any island on earth: nine millennia of continuous settlement and a remarkable six UNESCO inscriptions, from the 2,400-year-old agricultural grid of Stari Grad Plain to the intangible heritages of klapa singing and the Mediterranean diet.

If you are a Hvar Away villa guest, you will enjoy our curation of private historical and cultural Experiences: guided walks that connect the dots between ancient colonies, Venetian strongholds, abandoned villages, and the quiet fishing hamlets that still feel untouched by time.

If you’d rather explore on your own, begin with the island’s two historic heavyweights: Hvar Town and Stari Grad.

Situated on the western edge of Hvar Town, start your exploration at the 15th century Franciscan Monastery. The complex includes a beautiful cloister, a library, a museum, and several other buildings. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and features an impressive Baroque altar, as well as several other notable works of art.

The Renaissance cloister is a tranquil courtyard surrounded by columns and arches, and opens into the old refectory, where delicate lacework, antique coins, nautical charts, and rare documents line the walls. Among them, a beautifully preserved 1524 edition of Ptolemy’s Atlas. Dominating the space is Matteo Ingoli’s monumental Last Supper, an eight-metre-wide canvas painted at the close of the 16th century that still commands attention the moment you step inside.

The museum showcases the history and culture of the island of Hvar, with exhibits on local art, architecture, and folklore. It also includes a collection of religious artefacts, including vestments, chalices, and other items used in worship.

During the tourist season, the monastery is open to visitors every day (except Sundays) from 9am – 3pm and from 5pm – 7pm, with an entrance fee of €7.

Continue your historical expedition to St. Stephen’s Square, the beating heart of Hvar Town and one of Dalmatia’s largest and most elegant piazzas. Anchoring the western end is the Cathedral of St. Stephen, a graceful 17th-century landmark with a finely carved Renaissance façade and a tall bell tower that’s become the island’s signature silhouette.

Step inside to admire the rich interior: Venetian paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, intricate wooden choir stalls, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites quiet repose. Entrance is free, but be mindful that modesty is appreciated in all religious sites (and throughout Dalmatia, which has a fairly conservative culture).

During the tourist season, the cathedral is open to visitors every day (except Sundays) from 9.30am – 12.30pm and from 4.30pm – 7.30pm, with an entrance fee of €2.

At the seaward end of Hvar Town’s main square stands the Arsenal, once hailed in Venetian records as “the most beautiful and most useful building in all Dalmatia.” Built in 1611 after Ottoman raiders destroyed its predecessor, the grand arched structure originally served as a dry dock and repair yard for the Republic’s war galleons. Today the cavernous ground floor is used for exhibitions and events, while the sweeping terrace above offers one of the best free vantage points over the harbour and the Pakleni Islands beyond.

Climb the stone staircase inside and you step into one of Europe’s oldest public theatres. Opened in 1612, just a year after the Arsenal itself, it was the continent’s first civic playhouse to welcome both aristocrats and commoners through the same door – a quietly revolutionary act at the time. The intimate horseshoe interior, with its frescoed walls and original Baroque loggias, still feels remarkably intact. Performances continued here until 2008, and the space now hosts occasional summer concerts, film screenings, and art installations.

Entry to the Arsenal and historic theatre costs €10 and is open daily during the tourist season from 10am to 9pm.

Renaissance playwright and poet Hanibal Lucić was born in this elegant townhouse in 1485, but since 1664 it has belonged to a small community of Benedictine nuns. For centuries they have crafted extraordinarily delicate lace from the fine threads of dried agave leaves.

The Benedictine Convent is one of Hvar Town's least visited but most memorable cultural attractions. This art form is now inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and when you see these ethereal objects – each as intricate and precise as a snowflake – you will understand why. A visit to the little museum reveals their intricate work alongside old paintings and sacred objects, all displayed in the quiet, timeless rooms where the lace is still made today.

The Benedictine Monastery is open daily except Thursdays and Sundays, 10am – 1pm and 4pm – 7pm. Entrance is €5.

St. Stephen’s Church lies at the heart of Stari Grad’s historic core and was the island’s original cathedral. For centuries, the church and its broad square served as the civic and religious centre of Hvar, where laws were proclaimed and treaties signed.

The story begins as early as the 9th or 10th century. From 1147 to 1278, it housed the bishop of Hvar, until the island came under Venetian protection and the diocese moved to Hvar Town. Ottoman raiders badly damaged the building in 1571; what you see today is largely a graceful early-17th-century rebuild, with the elegant detached bell tower added in 1753.

The harmonious Renaissance-Baroque architecture and the serene interior are both worth a closer look.

The opening hours for the Church of St. Stephen in Stari Grad are variable, depending on the time of year. Our favourite moment to visit during summer is the hour before sunset, when the warm light floods the square and turns the pale stone golden – perfect for photographs and for simply soaking in the atmosphere of one of Europe’s oldest towns.

Petar Hektorović (1487–1572), Renaissance poet and nobleman, is best remembered for his masterpiece “Ribanje i ribarsko prigovaranje” (Fishing and Fishermen’s Conversations), a cornerstone of Croatian literature.

Born into Hvar’s aristocracy, he travelled widely in Italy, governed the island, and helped fortify its defences. His lasting legacy is Tvrdalj, the fortified summer villa he built in Stari Grad during the 16th century. More poetic retreat than grim fort, Tvrdalj combines thick defensive walls with a serene inner garden, a seawater fish pond, shaded pergolas, and Latin inscriptions of his life philosophy carved into the stone.

Hektorović lived here until his death, and the family kept the property until the 19th century. Today Tvrdalj is a charming small museum dedicated to the poet’s life and work, while local families still occupy the upper floors – making it one of the few Renaissance castles in Croatia where history and everyday life quietly coexist.

Entry is €5 per person. Niko, Tvrdalj’s friendly guardian, is usually on site from 10am to 2pm. If you arrive later, simply ring the number posted on the door and he’ll happily open the heavy wooden gate to let you step into Hektorović’s timeless world.

Just a short stroll from Tvrdalj, the Stari Grad Museum occupies a handsome old palazzo in the heart of town. Though modest in size, it is beautifully presented and packs an impressive sweep of history into a handful of rooms: Greek and Roman artefacts, medieval and Renaissance relics, and a thoughtful look at island life across the centuries.

Highlights include delicate Roman glass, mosaic fragments, ancient coins, and maritime finds that bring the town’s 2,400-year story to life. However, the museum also features modern and contemporary artists born or raised in Stari Grad. We are particularly fond of the works of Juraj Plancic (1899-1930), an Impressionist painter who studied in Paris but died too young of tuberculosis, and of the gifted illustrator and cartoonist Magda Dulčić (1965-2016).

Vrboska is a postcard-perfect fishing village on Hvar’s northern coast built around a deep, fjord-like inlet that has sheltered boats since Illyrian times. Founded in the 15th century, it grew wealthy on sardine fishing and wine, earning the nickname “Little Venice” for the cluster of stone bridges that span its sheltered harbour.

The fortified Church of St. Mary of Mercy, built in the late 16th century as a refuge from Ottoman raids, still dominates the skyline with its sturdy crenellated walls – a rare and striking example of a church-fortress. Wander the quiet quays lined with traditional fishing boats, linger on the tiny bridges at sunset, pop into the small fishing museum, or simply settle at one of the waterside cafés for fresh catch and a glass of local white.

Taking place from late June to early September, the Hvar Summer Festival is known for its rich program of music, theatre, and dance performances.

The festival was first organized in 1961 and has since become one of Croatia's most important cultural events. It attracts both local and international artists and tourists from all over the world who come to experience its unique atmosphere.

The Hvar Summer Festival program includes classical music concerts, jazz and blues performances, theatre plays, dance shows, and film screenings. It takes place in various locations in the town, including historic churches, theatres, and open-air venues. One of the festival's highlights is the annual opera production, which is performed in the historic Arsenal building, a former naval shipyard that has been transformed into a cultural centre. The opera performances are known for their high production value and attract audiences from all over the world.

In addition to the cultural program, the Hvar Summer Festival also features a variety of delicious food and wine events, including wine tastings, cooking classes, and gastronomic dinners.

Hvar is great for family holidays, with a combination of beautiful beaches, fun activities, and family-friendly infrastructure.

Cycling: For those with small children, criss-crossing the roads in Stari Grad Plain can be pure joy – there’s a lot to see, yet it’s easy to reach. The flat, vine-laced lanes of this UNESCO-listed field are the island’s safest playground: quiet roads and endless intrigue (ancient walls, tiny chapels, fig trees begging to be raided).

Adventure Park: This fun spot in Jelsa is every kid’s (and quite a few grown-ups’) dream come true, with a high-energy mix of paintball battles, archery, obstacle courses, and whatever else they’ve dreamed up to keep the adrenaline flowing. It’s chaotic, safe, and guaranteed to burn off every last ounce of energy before bedtime.

Gelato tasting: Turn gelato hour into a delicious masterclass. While you’re in Jelsa, stage a friendly showdown: first, the classic Croatian ice cream at Ice Caffé & Restaurant (rich, creamy, and served as a towering sundae), then stroll across to aRoma for the real Italian deal: dense, silky gelato. Let the kids compare textures, debate pistachio intensity, and solemnly declare a winner. Educational, delicious, and the perfect excuse for two desserts in one evening.

Blue Cave boat trip: Explore this natural phenomenon accessible only by boat, an adventure that captivates children and adults alike.

Beach days: Hvar offers beaches for every age. From the shallow, sandy northern coves of Mina and Grebišce perfect for toddlers, to the jetski paradise of Soline Beach for teens.

Chocolate Tasting: It doesn’t seem fair that adults get to indulge in wine tastings while kids are stuck with juice boxes. Gamulin’s in Hvar Town rights that wrong with a family-friendly chocolate tasting: hand-crafted bars and pralines infused with lavender, fig, carob, and other island flavours.

Fortress Climbing: Let the kids play explorer straight from Hvar Town’s main square: hand them the lead and march up the winding path to Španjola Fortress. They’ll feel like they’ve conquered the island by the time they’re standing on the ramparts lording over the yachts below. For teenagers with more energy to burn, the proper adventure is the 15-20 km round-trip hike to Fort Napoleon, high in the hills above town. The climb is serious, but the 360-degree views are pure magic and worth every lost calorie.

Animal Shelter: Paws, Hooves & Hearts is the island’s only animal sanctuary and an absolute must for families. One extraordinary woman, Jana, looks after a small army of donkeys, a pony, far too many cats, and a pack of affectionate dogs. Bring the kids to cuddle, brush, and fall in love. We’re proud to say Hvar Away is an official partner of this little patch of kindness.

Below are two ready-to-use full-day itineraries to give you a feel for Hvar’s perfect balance of culture, coast and cuisine. Treat them as starting points: swap activities, linger longer, or flip the order… They are completely flexible so your days can fit your mood.

For a complete week on the island, we created five more day-long themed itineraries based on our insights as locals here since 2020. You can download the full 7-day guidebook for free. In the guidebook, all highlighted locations are linked directly to their Google Map coordinates for easy navigation.

Today, delve deeper into Hvar Town for an indulgent experience of its high-end allure. Begin the morning exploring the town’s Renaissance splendour, which reached its zenith under Venetian rule and still shows many traces of its cosmopolitan past as a centre for Adriatic trade. Savour exquisite meals at the finest restaurants, and take your time exploring the town’s elegant boutiques and art-filled galleries – each offering a taste of Hvar’s rich heritage and sophistication.

Start your day with a cup at kava 37, the best coffee in Hvar Town, before strolling to the 15th-century Francisian Monastery, home to a cloister, library, and museum. Next, visit the Benedictine Convent to see delicate agave lace, a UNESCO-recognised craft that’s truly mesmerising.

Don’t miss the historic Hvar Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest, where you can admire its ornate restoration, enjoy a VR experience, and watch a short film on Hvar’s history.

Gariful is the VIP veteran of Hvar’s international jet-set scene, beloved by A-list celebrities and scurrilous royals. The food is great and the location of the terrace gives you an ideal pedestal for people-watching while waiting for your next fish plate. Should you find yourself bored looking at all the gorgeous people in Hvar, just look down: sharks swim under the glass floor.

For something more understated but equally delightful, head to Macondo, a hidden gem famed for its fresh, expertly prepared seafood. Don’t miss their signature “Gregada”, a classic Dalmatian fish stew that’s as rich in tradition as it is in flavour.

See in the afternoon with some leisurely window shopping. Don’t be deterred by the trinket shops. Past the first row of stores on the sea, there are dozens of outstanding local boutiques. Isola is a must-visit with delicate ceramics, wooden toys, artisan perfumes, and hand-woven bow-ties. Meraki is one of the best-curated womenswear shops in all of Dalmatia. And don’t skip Soša, a family-owned gallery featuring vibrant prints, sculptures, and charming locally-made souvenirs like painted boats and miniature villages.

Ready for some beach time? Pokonji Dol is a 30-minute walk from the centre (don’t forget your walking shoes!) or a quick taxi ride away. Bright blue water and a white pebble beach form the perfect backdrop for a Mediterranean retro reverie. You’ll find deckchairs and umbrellas for rent, along with refreshing drinks and snacks at Mustačo just behind.

In July and August, the lively crowds add to the vibrant atmosphere, but if you’re craving something quieter and more untouched, continue onward to the serene Robinson Beach.

This evening, make your way to Mediterraneo, a family-owned gem with 70 years of history and a well-deserved Michelin nod.

After dinner, head to Teraca, a charming rooftop bar that feels like one of Hvar's best-kept secrets. With its incredible atmosphere and impeccably crafted cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to wind down. Just promise not to let the secret out, okay?

You can easily spend the whole day (or holiday!) zipping down between the different rural coves of this lesser-travelled eastern side of Hvar, finding favourites, and soaking up the sun. The northern coast of Hvar is underrated in general. It offers more shade on the hot days of high summer, lusher pine forest, and often features more dramatic topography than its southern counterpart, as well as views of the everchanging Mosor mountains. In our opinion, Pokrivenik is one of the most bucolic bays on all of Hvar, with steep limestone cliffs that protect from winds and gorgeously clear water.

Mali Pokrivenik, the smaller of the two coves, is home to the excellent restaurant Preza – an ideal spot for indulging in post-beach nosh while staying just steps away from the water.

Is there anything more quintessentially Mediterranean than the olive? This mighty tree has fueled agriculture, trade, and culture for countless generations across the sun-soaked lands of southern Europe. There is a real difference between hand-picked, organically grown, rapidly-pressed olive oil and the stuff you find in the grocery store. While you are in the island’s agricultural region, pay a visit to Seca, a strikingly contemporary new tasting room presided over by Eva Maria, the dynamic scioness of the Čurin family orchard to further expand your palate for olive oil, journey slightly farther east to Radojković in Bogomolje, which also offers tastings of its critically beloved oil, as well as a tour of its impressive mill facility.

End your day on the south coast in Veprinova Bay to soak up the afternoon hours of sunshine. Here you’ll find Fish Restaurant Veprinova, a charming family-run restaurant serving simple yet delicious seafood, freshly caught in the clear sea below. (Not a fan of fish? They offer meat options too.) Every table has a breathtaking view of the entire bay, and the atmosphere is exceptionally warm and welcoming.

Fun fact: This was the first restaurant on the island that Hvar Away founders, Elisha & Matt, ever visited. Hvar became their permanent home six months later – proof of this place’s magnetic charm.

Our guidebook contains more full-day itineraries that unlock the magic of the island. Download the complete 7-day edition for free; every spot is pinned with a direct Google Map link so you can wander without hesitation.

Choosing where to stay on Hvar can completely shape your island getaway. This sparkling Adriatic gem offers everything from the polished marble maze of Hvar Town to quiet family coves, hidden beach retreats, and famous beach party spots.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the area that matches your style and will set the tone for your holiday.

When to visit Hvar depends very much on what type of holiday you’re planning.

Peak season: The high season extends through July and August with the peak travel period occurring in the last week of July and the first two weeks of August. This period is marked by the hottest temperatures (30-35°C), busiest beaches, the most vibrant atmosphere, and the highest prices. Book accommodation and excursions well ahead. Perfect for beach holidays and island-hopping.

Shoulder season: Our favourite time of year! May and the first half of June, all of September, and the first half of October. Ideal conditions, warm but not scorching (20-28°C), fewer crowds, lower prices. April is when the first tourists begin arriving and some restaurants in the larger towns begin to open. It's noted that the sea is generally warmer in September than in June.

Winter: Hvar in winter is calm, cold, and charming – but with the island largely closed, it’s not the time to fully experience what it has to offer.

3 days: Popular with tourists on a whistlestop tour of Croatia that usually encompasses Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and maybe one or two other hotspots. Not our recommendation, requires limited itinerary and usually not venturing out of Hvar Town. Almost like ordering the tasting menu: just a few pretty bites of Dalmatia and Hvar.

One week: Enough for absolute relaxation, you can turn a luxury villa into your home-base and have enough time to explore Hvar Town AND the rest of the island. Requires focused itinerary and strategic home base selection. To keep the metaphor alive, this is sitting down to a proper three-course dinner of Hvar.

Two weeks: This would be the feast for those who want to venture beyond highlights, slow down, discover remote interior villages and hidden beaches, day trips to other islands, and truly immersing in Croatian island life. Warning: this has been known to trigger serious side effects, including sudden daydreams of buying a stone house, learning Croatian, and never leaving. Approach with caution.

Getting to Hvar is fairly straightforward, with most visitors arriving by sea from mainland Croatia or nearby islands.

From Split Airport (the closest international hub, 35 minutes from the city centre), hop on a 55-minute catamaran from Split’s harbour to Hvar Town or Stari Grad (multiple daily departures year-round via Jadrolinija, TP Line or Kapetan Luka; €20-30 one-way).

Ferries from Split take about two hours but allow cars (€40–60 including vehicle).

In summer, direct catamarans connect from Dubrovnik (3.5 hours), Korčula (1 hour) or Brač (30 minutes).

If you’re flying into Zagreb or Dubrovnik, domestic flights to Split take just 45 minutes.

There are many convenient ways to enjoy exploring Hvar during your travels. If you are staying in the towns of Hvar Town, Stari Grad, or Jelsa, your surroundings are easy to explore without needing a car. Cafés, restaurants, beaches, ferry ports, and most historic sights all sit within pleasant walking distance. A good pair of shoes and a relaxed pace are all you really need to feel completely at home on the island.

Hire car: Offers the greatest flexibility for your stay and is the most practical way to reach many beaches, inland villages, and remote coves if you plan to explore the island beyond the larger towns. Main roads are paved and well-maintained; access tracks to quieter beaches are often gravel or dirt and can be rough. For off-road routes, only Sun City provides some vehicles explicitly permitted for unpaved tracks. Standard rental cars from other agencies must stay on asphalt.

Taxis and Uber: “Is there Uber on Hvar?” is a common question with a short answer: “No.” Yet finding a taxi is never a problem. Of course, you’ll have more choices in towns like Hvar, Stari Grad, and Jelsa, but regardless of your location, it shouldn’t be difficult to arrange a pick up. Prices vary and are relatively high: you can expect to pay around €50 for the trip from Hvar Town to Stari Grad. Still, we recommend you to always ask the price for the trip in advance.

Organised tours: Efficient for specific experiences like guided excursions or wine tours with transport to and from your accommodation. Transport is door-to-door from your accommodation, drivers handle narrow roads and parking, and no designated driver is required.

Local buses: Hvar Island has an affordable bus system connecting the largest towns of Hvar, Stari Grad, and Jelsa.

For the fullest Hvar experience, renting a villa on Hvar delivers unmatched privacy, generous space, and the most authentic way of embodying island life while you’re here – especially for families. A villa also provides exceptional value for larger groups. We believe it’s the closest you can get to making Hvar your home while you are here.

We may be biased (we exclusively rent villas on Hvar), but this is exactly what our guests tell us year after year.

If your ideal summer means the sea is always close, with waves lapping just below the terrace, a quick swim from your own garden, or a short walk to the water, our seafront villas are the perfect choice. Every property in this collection places the Adriatic at the centre of your stay and makes it part of your daily life.

Explore our beach villas on Hvar

The more luxurious properties in our portfolio, hand-picked as the very finest available on Hvar. These homes combine discreet, professional staff, beautifully designed interiors, manicured gardens, unbeatable locations with sweeping sea views, and every conceivable high-end amenity. When nothing but the absolute best will do, choose to stay Beyond.

Explore our luxury villas on Hvar

We consider ourselves family holiday specialists and know that one family’s dream stay can differ greatly from another’s. Our team knows every villa intimately, so they can match you with your ideal place based on real experience. Our dedicated family collection below features villas with some family-friendly amenities such as child-safe pools, shaded gardens, direct beach gates, sports courts, and all the little details that keep both children and parents happy.

Explore our villas for families on Hvar

If privacy and genuine peace are what you’re after, our secluded villas place you far from the crowds in quiet corners of the island where the only sounds are cicadas and the sea. Complete calm, total privacy, and no compromises.

Explore our secluded villas on Hvar

These authentically-restored homes, built from centuries-old Hvar limestone, stay naturally cool even on the hottest days and radiate the island’s character. Often tucked into quiet hamlets among narrow lanes and neighbours who still greet you with a nod, they offer the most genuine way to live like a local.

Explore our stone houses on Hvar

Ideal for family reunions, milestone celebrations, group holidays with friends, or retreats, our hand-picked large villas deliver space, privacy, and everything you need to bring everyone together. Choose from generous estates with private pools and multiple bedrooms, seafront compounds with sweeping views, or beautifully restored historic properties across Hvar.

Explore our villas for groups on Hvar