Did you know that Hvar Island gets more than 2,700 hours of sunshine per year?
This dreamy island off Croatia’s coast has rolling lavender fields, charming villages like Jelsa and Stari Grad, and stunning beaches like Dubovica Bay and Milna. While most people stick to the popular Hvar Town with its beach bars and hilltop Fortica, Hvar Island has SO MUCH MORE to offer.
I spent over two weeks exploring every corner of Hvar Island. I loved Hvar Town, but my favourite parts of this gorgeous island lie in its tiny stone towns and hidden pebbled coves.
In this article, I’ll share my complete list of the best things to do in Hvar. We’ll explore must-visit spots in Hvar Town, but also the best things to do on Hvar Island.
We’ll cover the best beaches in Hvar, the best food, stunning viewpoints, and even some local island hopping. Wondering what to do in Hvar? Read on to find out!
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What is Hvar, Croatia Like?
Hvar Island is one of Croatia’s largest and most well-known islands. It is about 68 km (42 miles) long on the Adriatic coast. Hvar is only a one to two-hour ferry ride from Split, which makes it super accessible for day or weekend trips.
Hvar Island’s landscape is unique with rocky cliffs, mountains, vineyards, lavender fields, and hidden coves. The roads wind along cliffs’ edges and pass through tiny stone towns that feel like they’re set back in time.
Hvar Town is on the western side of the island. It is the main hub with nightlife, fortresses, an old port, luxury yachts docked in the harbour, and tons of restaurants.
Several other towns on the island give a more authentic look into life on Hvar like Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Vrboska.
Is Hvar Worth Visiting?
YES! Hvar Island was the highlight of my time in Croatia and completely worth spending at least 1 day there. Even if you only have a week in Croatia, you should add Hvar to your itinerary.
Most visitors spend only a day or two on Hvar Island, so the fact that I spent two weeks there really reflects my high opinion of this incredible island.
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How Many Days on Hvar Island?
I recommend spending as much time on Hvar as your itinerary allows. If you only have 1 week in Croatia, spend at least 1 – 2 days in Hvar.
If you have more flexibility, I recommend spending up to 1 week on Hvar Island.
The 26 BEST Things to Do in Hvar Croatia
Best Things to Do in Hvar Town
1. Explore Hvar Town’s Historic Centre
Hvar Town’s historic centre/old town is magnificently charming. It has the beautiful wide-open St. Stephen’s Square lined with restaurant patios and shops.
At one end of this open square is a harbour filled with a mix of tour boats and the most insane yachts you’ll ever see (we spent so much time just watching these millionaire yachts pulling in and out of the port guessing which rich celebrity owned them).
On the other end of the square, the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Stephen stands tall with a Renaissance bell tower, making for a great photo op.
Stepping out of the square, there is a maze of narrow cobbled streets with more shops, restaurants, and old homes. Stone staircases rise up into the hills, leading through narrow alleys and to hidden courtyards.
Arsenal Theatre is also a great landmark to look out for. It is one of the oldest theatres in Europe.
You can find free walking tours of Hvar Town here!
📍 Location: Hvar Old Town | Entry: Free to explore (Cathedral entrance fee: €3)
2. Climb to Fortica (Španjola Fortress)
Fortica, aka Spanjola Fortress, is on a tall hill overlooking Hvar Town’s historic centre. It has the best views over the town and the nearby Pakleni islands.
The fortress was built in the 16th century during Venetian rule and was used to defend Croatia’s coast. This was one of the best fortresses in Croatia (we explored many thanks to my history-loving partner), with ramparts, stone tunnels, an old prison, a small museum, and multiple levels.
To get to Fortica, follow a path from the Old Town that winds through a pine forest. The walk takes only about 25 – 30 minutes but can get HOT in the summer so bring lots of water. There are benches to rest along the way and lots of views as you go.
📍 Location: Above Hvar Town (30-minute walk from the main square) | Entry Fee: 40 HRK (10 Euros) | Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
3. Visit the Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan Monastery is an incredibly picturesque stone church on the waterfront and one of the best things to see in Hvar.
It was constructed in the 15th century and is known for its beautiful courtyard, bell tower, and Renaissance artwork surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees.
There is a massive painting of The Last Supper by Matej Ponzoni inside. You can also visit its small museum that has ancient manuscripts, coins, and nautical maps.
📍 Location: Hvar Town waterfront | Entry Fee: Free to visit the courtyard areas, but €3 to access the museum | Hours: 10 AM – 1 PM, 5 PM – 7 PM every day except closed on Sundays.
4. Party at Hvar’s Beach Clubs
Hvar Town is one of Croatia’s most famous party destinations with legendary beach clubs. It has a similar reputation to Split with day-to-night parties set in a stunning atmosphere with beautiful sunsets.
Where to Party in Hvar Town?
- Hula Hula Hvar – Hula Hula has epic DJ sets, cocktails, and some of the best sunsets. The bar is set right on the water with beach chairs lounging on the coastal rocks.
- Carpe Diem Beach Club – This is the ultimate exclusive party experience. The club is only accessible by a short boat ride from the harbour.
- Veneranda – This club is in an old Venetian fortress in Hvar Town’s harbour. It has an open-air concept with a swimming pool in the centre of the dance floor.
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5. Walk the Hvar Waterfront (Riva)
The Hvar Riva is the perfect place to wander and soak up the town’s energy.
We spent a solid hour simply strolling the waterfront walkway, enjoying gelato, and admiring the atmosphere. It’s also a great place to be for sunset. During peak season there is often live music from street performers.
7. Visit the Benedictine Convent
The Benedictine Monastery/Convent is a hidden gem for those interested in learning from active religious sites in Hvar and/or cultural immersion.
The monastery is active with nuns working to create intricate lace patterns from dried agave fibers. The complex is peaceful and has stunning courtyards and architecture.
📍 Location: Close to St. Stephen’s Square | Entry Fee: €3 | Hours: 10 AM – 1:30 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM every day except closed on Sundays.
8. Discover the Arsenal and the Loggia
The Hvar Arsenal once stored weapons for the Venetian Navy but later became one of the oldest public theatres in Europe. It was built in the 13th century and has a beautifully restored theatre with historical exhibits.
Next to the Arsenal, you’ll see the Loggia and clock tower. A loggia is a covered outdoor space with pillars. It is now all that remains of the former governor’s palace and has housed cafes since the 19th century. It is right in front of the Palace Hotel.
📍 Location: Near Hvar Town’s Waterfront
9. Relax at Bonj Beach
Bonj Beach is one of Hvar’s most popular and luxurious beaches. It is lined with elegant stone cabanas and beach bars.
The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming. You can rent a sun lounger or lay out on the pebbled beach. If you want to experience the upscale life, sip cocktails at Bonj les Bains Beach Club.
📍 Location: 10-minute walk from Hvar Town | Entry Fee: Free, but loungers cost about €40/day | Hours: All-day access
10. Shop Local Crafts
Hvar is famous for its lavender fields so there are several artisan shops selling lavender oil, soaps, and souvenirs. You can also find local wines, olive oils, handmade jewelry, and local art from shops like Delicia Shop Hvar.
📍 Location: Delicia Hvar | Hours: 6 am – 8 pm daily.
11. Pokonji Dol Beach
Pokonji Dol is the most popular beach in Hvar town, only 30 minutes stroll from the centre.
It is a pebbled beach cove with stunning blue water that is great for swimming. There are lounge chair and umbrella rentals, plus some cash-only beach bars nearby.
Due to its popularity, this beach can get crazy busy in peak season. It’s still worth visiting if you want to cool down in the water, but I wouldn’t recommend spending hours. If you arrive mid-day like we did, you’ll likely not be able to find a spot to lay out your towel. We just left them by a tree and swam for a while before leaving.
📍 Location: Pokonji Dol Beach | Hours: All day access.
11. Take a Blue Cave Tour from Hvar
You’ll see tons of tour agencies offering tours to the Blue Cave from Split and Hvar Town. The cave is on nearby Bisevo Island. Boat tours bring you through a cave opening to witness the glowing blue waters that are caused by sunlight reflecting off the sea floor.
Most Blue Cave tours also include stops at other islands and swimming spots, like Stiniva Cove, Green Cave, or the Pakleni Islands. It makes for an epic full day of island hopping and enjoying the sparkling Adriatic water around Hvar.
This blue cave tour below actually allows you to snorkel inside the cave and includes several other swimming and cliff jumping stops!
Check Out the Best Blue Cave Tour: Boat Trip to Bisevo Cave From Hvar
📍 Departure Location: Hvar Town harbour | Tour Cost: between €80 – €120 per person.
What to Do on the Island of Hvar
12. Visit Stari Grad
Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, dating back over 2,400 years. It is where all the ferries drop people off from Split (it’s the Catermarans that go directly to Hvar Town).
Compared to Hvar Town, Stari Grad feels a lot more relaxed. It has a historic charm with quiet squares and a working harbour with ferries and fishing boats. The harbour is lined with restaurants and outdoor patios.
When we arrived in Stari Grad from Split, this was a great spot to grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere before moving on to other parts of Hvar.
If you want to explore Stari Grad in more depth, check out the Tvrdalj Castle. It doesn’t look like a typical “castle” but is an old stone mansion complex. It was the summer residence of a famous poet and today has nice courtyards and beautiful gardens.
📍 Location: Stari Grad | Entry Fee to Tvrdalj Castle: €3
13. Explore Jelsa
Jelsa was my favourite town in Hvar, even more than Hvar Town.
It has a much quieter, authentic coastal town vibe. The main part of town is a beautiful open square on the water with restaurant patios and gelato stands. It has charming stone alleys, stunning swimming spots with views over the town, and great shaded walkways that bring you out of the cove to look back on the town.
Jelsa is situated in a valley so I highly recommend getting an airbnb at the top. The sunset views over this dreamy fairytale town are unmatched.
Check out Pizzeria Toni for the best pizza in Croatia or L’amore Per Il Gelato for lavender gelato.
📍 Location: Jelsa
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14. Swim in Dubovica Bay
Dubovica is one of the most beautiful beaches on Hvar.
The pebbled beach is in a cove surrounded by rocky shorelines and Hvar’s typical short shrubbery and trees. The water is perfect for swimming and there is a shaded picnic area.
A historic stone house sits on one side of Dobovica Bay adding to its unique beauty. The beach is far enough from town, making it a great escape from the crowds of Hvar Town.
You can get to Dubovica Beach by hiring a boat in Hvar Town or driving 10-15 minutes. If you drive, you’ll park where the road ends and walk about 10 minutes down to the beach. For food and drinks, there is the Duba Beach Bar with its laid-back outdoor seating right beside the water.
📍 Location: 10 – 15 minutes drive from Hvar Town | Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer people
15. Discover Zavala
Zavala is a tiny fishing village on the south coast of Hvar. The town is picturesque with old stone houses and cobbled streets, but what makes it worth visiting are the numerous quiet beaches and swimming spots nearby.
The swimming spots have natural rocky shorelines and are backdropped by Hvar’s white mountains. The orange rooftops of the stone houses tier upwards into the hills.
Zavala also has direct boats to the nearby island of Scedro. The entire island is a protected nature park and has a lot of hidden coves you can have all to yourself.
Beaches to Visit Near Zavala:
- Beach Zavala – Beautiful clear waters right on the shores of Zavala with restaurants.
- Beach Stela – A small nudist beach where you can choose to relax on the small pebbled shore or some of the natural rock formations.
- Beach Skalinada – A short walk from Zavala, this lovely beach has a great cocktail bar right by the water.
- Gromin Dolac – One of Hvar’s most stunning beaches. To get there from Zavala you hike along the coast for about 3 km each way. It makes for a great day of adventuring along the coast.
📍 Location: Zavala
16. Hike to Grapčeva Cave
Grapceva Cave is a massive prehistoric cave near the tiny town of Humac. Humac is an abandoned village with no running water or electricity, acting as the gateway to this natural cave.
The cave has Neolithic cave drawings and evidence of human life from 4,000 – 5,000 years ago. It has two main rooms with numerous chambers filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Hiking to the cave is scenic passing through rocky landscapes and rolling hills.
📍 Location: Near Humac
17. Visit the Lavender Fields
Hvar is sometimes called the “Island of Lavender,” for its rolling fields of the fragrant purple flower. If you visit in June or early July, the fields near Velo Grablje will be in full bloom. The scent of lavender fills the air at this time of year.
📍 Location: Velo Grablje
18. Take a Wine Tour
Hvar has some of the best wines in Croatia. Their most famous varietal is the Plavac Mali, a bold red. There are several family-owned wineries on Hvar where you can sample the wines with paired olive oil and cheeses.
Many of these wineries are in Jelsa, Sveta Nedjelja, and Vrboska.
Best Wineries on Hvar:
- Duboković Winery (Jelsa) – Known for rich reds and unique flavored oils
- Bilo Idro (Sveta Nedjelja) – One of Croatia’s most famous wine cellars on the water.
📍 Locations: Dubokovic and Bilo Idro | Wine Tasting Prices: €10–€25 per person
19. Explore the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands are a chain of tiny islands really close to Hvar. They are visible from Hvar Town’s Fortica viewpoints. They have secluded beaches and snorkeling spots, plus some lively beach bars.
Palmizana Beach is the most popular of the islands. It has clear water, shaded pine trees, and a few beachside restaurants.
You can explore the Pakleni Islands by taking a guided tour that includes a visit to the Blue Cave. Or you can take water taxis starting in Hvar Town. The water taxi from Hvar Town to the nearest island takes only 10-20 minutes.
I also love this kayaking excursion to the Pakleni Islands! It includes snorkelling equipment, stops for drinks/swimming at Mlini beach, and circles some of the islands.
Book the Best: Sea Kayaking Tour of the Pakleni Islands from Hvar
20. Cycle Around the Island
Cycling around Hvar is not for the weak because there are tons of rolling hills and windy roads. However, if you are a cycler, Hvar is probably one of the most beautiful rides you’ll ever come across.
Biking around Hvar’s scenic roads, you’ll pass through vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, tiny local tones built of stone, and stunning views of the coast.
You can rent bikes in either Hvar Town or Stari Grad for about €15 per day.
21. Visit Vrboska
Vrboska is nicknamed “Little Venice” because it has charming stone bridges stretching over a narrow canal. It has a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, plus a fortified church that once protected the town from pirate attacks.
I didn’t get to visit this tiny town, but heard it is amazing for wandering through its stone alleys, taking pictures of boats docked in the canal, and enjoying the beautiful beaches nearby.
📍 Location: Vrboska
22. Climb Sveti Nikola (St. Nicholas)
Sveti Nikola is the highest peak on Hvar Island at 626 metres / 2,054 feet. There is a hiking trail that leads from Sveta Nedjelja to the peak, following a mostly gravel road.
The hike is all uphill but has fantastic panoramic views at the top. You’ll be able to see Hvar island spread around you, and also nearby islands like Brac and Korcula.
The trail is 13.4 km roundtrip and takes about 3.5 – 4 hours to complete. It is particularly beautiful for sunset, so bring a flashlight for the descent.
If you are interested in hiking in Hvar without fully summiting a mountain, I highly recommend this tour below. It takes you through the island’s backcountry trails to visit lavender fields and a hidden fortress with a view. Transportation to and from Hvar Town is also included.
Book The Best: Guided Backcountry Hiking Tour in Hvar
📍 Location: Sveti Nikola Summit
23. Kayak or Paddleboard to Hidden Beaches
Hvar’s coastline is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding through its hidden bays. I spent hours out on a paddle board on the beaches near Gromin Dolac.
The waters are calm and you can often find hidden beaches along the coastline that you’ll have all to yourself. You can rent kayaks or paddle boards from Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and even Milna Beach.
If you want to book a guided tour to take you to hidden beaches or make the whole experience seamless, here are two great options.
This Kayaking Excursion leaves from Bonj Beach and this Paddleboarding Lesson is great for those who want a bit of guidance!
24. Drive the Hvar Scenic Road
If you have a rental car, I recommend driving the coastal road between Hvar Town and Stari Grad. It is one of Croatia’s most scenic drives. You’ll pass by cliffside viewpoints, vineyards, and lavender fields.
I recommend taking the 30-minute drive really slow, stopping frequently for photos of the stunning landscape.
25. Explore Milna’s Beaches
Milna is another quieter yet popular beach spot on Hvar Island. It is a tiny town with two main beaches and two hidden beaches nearby.
Milna’s two main beaches are right in the main part of town, separated by a small section of pine forest. There are beach restaurants nearby and lounge chairs for rent. Milna is only about 6 km from Hvar Town.
Versteckte Bucht Beach is a 20-minute walk from the main part of town. It is far less popular because its only reachable on foot and there are no facilities. It’s absolutely stunning and surrounded by the short bushes characteristic of the Mediterranean landscape.
Velo Borce is another hidden beach near Milna. It only takes 15 minutes to walk there but you’ll need sturdy shoes to handle the rocky trail. This beach is also gorgeous and feels hidden. There are hardly any other people on it.
📍 Location: Milna
26. Sucuraj
The small town of Sucuraj has a bustling harbour and beaches with amazing views of the Biokovo mountains across the water. There are several restaurants in town and two beaches called Česminica and Bilina.
📍 Location: Sucuraj
FAQ’s About Hvar, Croatia
Do You Need a Car in Hvar?
You don’t technically need a car to get around Hvar Island. However, if you want full access to get around to Hvar’s hidden beaches and towns mentioned in this list, you’ll need a car.
If you don’t rent a car you can still explore a lot of Hvar Island by bus.
Hitchhiking is also an option and would help you get to these smaller hidden towns that aren’t accessible by bus.
Places that are accessible by bus on Hvar include:
- Stari Grad
- Hvar Town
- Jelsa
- Vrboska
- Milna
- Sucuraj
How to Get to Hvar?
From Split:
To get from Split to Hvar, you can either take a ferry to Stari Grad or a Catermaran to Hvar Town.
Ferries leave Split’s port frequently in peak season. They take about 2 hours to get to Stari Grad and costs about 8 euros.
Catamarans take only 1 hour and take you directly to Hvar Town. They cost about 25 euros.
You can find the ferry schedule between Split and Hvar Island here.
From Dubrovnik:
During peak season, there are 4 daily ferry departures from Dubrovnik to Hvar Town. The ferry ride takes about 3.5 hours and costs about 50 euros.
You can find the ferry schedule between Dubrovnik and Hvar here.
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What to Do in Hvar for a Day?
If you only have 1 day in Hvar, I recommend visiting Stari Grad and Jelsa.
Many will tell you to explore Hvar Town, but if you are already spending time in Split then Hvar Town will just be more of a similar experience.
Visiting Stari Grad and Jelsa will feel more like an island experience, with its authentic stone fishing villages, hidden swimming coves, and delicious food.
Breakdown of 1 Day on Hvar Island:
Take the 8:30 am ferry to arrive in Stari Grad around 10:30 am. Spend 2 hours exploring Stari Grad’s town, Tvrdalj Castle, and Plaza Bonj (beach).
Bus 15 minutes to Jelsa mid-day and grab lunch at Pizzeria Toni. Explore the harbour and narrow alleys, walk up to viewpoints in the rising hills around the town, grab a cocktail at Bocic Beach Bar, or swim at nearby Mina Beach.
Bus back to Stari Grad and take the 5 pm or 8:30 pm ferry back to Split.
Can You Do a Day Trip From Dubrovnik to Hvar?
While technically it is possible to do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Hvar, I wouldn’t recommend it. In peak season (June – September) the earliest ferry arrives in Hvar Town at 12:30 pm and then the last departing ferry is at 5:55 pm. You’d have a solid 5 hours in town but the ferry rides take almost 4 hours each way.
If you are looking for a day trip from Dubrovnik, I’d recommend a day trip to Bosnia or one of the other nearby islands like Lokrum or Korcula instead.
Plan Your Trip to Croatia – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond Croatia.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Croatia and the rest of Europe is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation. I’m also a big fan of Manawa, a small tour company that offers adventure travel tours and great personalized customer service. You can find a curated list of Split tours by Manawa here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Hvar Croatia
After spending over two weeks on Hvar Island in Croatia, I can attest to it being more than just a party destination.
Hvar Town is charming with historical landmarks like Fortica and vibey beach bars like Hula Hula. However, there is so much authenticity and scenery to explore in towns like Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Zavala.
Whether you have a single day to spend on Hvar or a whole week, this guide has ALL of the best things to do in Hvar Croatia.
Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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