Hvar Island is hands down one of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia and one of the biggest highlights of the country. It is also very popular among tourists, and it’s not surprising since Hvar offers a perfect combination of stunning landscapes, historical sites, charming villages, and exciting nightlife.

If you decide to visit Hvar, you are in for a treat. With all the great things to do in Hvar, it’s impossible to get bored. Even if you are looking only for relaxing holidays in the picturesque surroundings – the island can offer that too!

I put together this guide with all the best Hvar attractions as well as practical information so you can fully prepare for visiting Hvar. Read on and enjoy your beautiful Croatian holidays.

Where is Hvar Island

Hvar Island is located in the southern part of Croatia, not too far from the mainland. The nearest bigger city is Split.

Is Hvar worth visiting?

Definitely! Whether you are looking for relaxing seaside locations, interesting historical sites, picturesque towns and villages, or a great food destination – Hvar offers all of those combined on a small island on the Adriatic Sea.

Visiting Hvar is such a good idea! I wish I had gone there sooner. I loved this place as soon as I arrived, and it only got better and better the longer I stayed there.

Best time to visit Hvar

Since this is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia, I would avoid visiting Hvar in the summertime. The island can get rather crowded then, and the prices are higher. You can still escape the crowds if you decide to stay not in the main towns (especially Hvar town) but in more remote locations.

The best time to visit Hvar is in May, June, or September when the weather is good (and not super hot), but the island isn’t too crowded, and you can fully enjoy all the amazing things to do in Hvar. I visited Hvar in the second half of September, and it was perfect.

How to get to Hvar

Getting to Hvar is relatively easy. Numerous ferries connect the island with Split, with four companies operating on this route: Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija, Adriatic Fast Ferries, and TP Line. They all offer similar services and prices so which one you decide to choose will most likely depend on your itinerary. Depending on the connection, the travel time from Split to Hvar is usually around one hour; the fastest boats take 50 minutes.

The schedule changes depending on the season. In the summertime, there are up to twenty journeys per day between Split and Hvar, while in the low season, it can be only two or three. You can check the timetable here.

Buying the ferry ticket before is recommended, especially in the high season. You can do it online here.

There are three different ports in Hvar where you can arrive by ferry from Split: the town of Hvar, Stari Grad, and Jelsa. The first one is the most popular – not only is the town the most beautiful and interesting on the island, but it is also where most of the ferries go, all of them being fast ones. Ferries to Stari Grad are larger and slower ones that also take cars onboard, so if you go to Hvar with your own vehicle, this is the option for you.

How many days to spend on Hvar

If you are running out of time in your Croatia itinerary, you can go on a day trip from Split to Hvar and see all the biggest highlights on the island. Since the island is one of the most popular day trips from Split, there are numerous tours that you can take, or you can plan a trip independently. You can read all about visiting Hvar on a day trip from Split in my article here.

But the more time you spend on the island, the better. Not only will you be able to visit all the important sites, but you will also enjoy some downtime at the beach and explore more of Hvar Island as well as nearby places. You will be able to fully appreciate this stunning place.

---

Here are some of the highly-rated tours from Split to Hvar:

• Blue Cave and Hvar Tour – 5 Islands Tour from Split and Trogir
• Hvar, Brač & Pakleni islands cruise with lunch & drinks from Split & Trogir
• Hvar and Pakleni Tour with Speedboat Ride from Split or Trogir
• From Split: Blue Cave & Five Islands With Hvar Boat Tour
• Split: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands

Where to stay on Hvar island

The most popular place to stay on the island is the charming Hvar town. This is also where most of the attractions are located.

However, if you are looking for calmer holidays, you can choose one of the less busy locations along the Hvar’s shore, such as Vrboska, Sveta Nedilja, Zavala, Jelsa, or Stari Grad. There are also numerous places to stay located in the inland of Hvar.

The island is a top tourist destination in Croatia, so there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. You can find the best places to stay on Hvar on Booking.

How to get around Hvar

There are public buses on Hvar Island, but even in the season, their schedule could be better. You can use them to get around, but to be honest, they are not the most efficient way to explore Hvar.

A better option is renting a vehicle. You can rent a car (those have daily rates; click here to get one) or a scooter (paid by the hour) and visit other interesting places on Hvar Island. This way, you can freely and easily get to all the places you wish to see on Hvar.

Things to do in Hvar

And now, without further ado, here are the best things to do in Hvar. Most of them are in Hvar town, but that’s because this place is a real highlight of the island.

Visit the Fortica fortress

The best place to start your Hvar sightseeing is the Fortica fortress (also known as the Spanish Fortress), located above the city. The first settlement in this place dates back to around 500 BC, but the construction of the fortifications started in the 6th century during the Byzantine rule.

The current structure was made by Venetians, and the work began in 1278. The Fortica fortress played a crucial role in the island’s history as a defender of the area and the shelter for the locals.

Today, this is a must-visit place in Hvar, not only for the impressive structure but also for the small museum inside. From the fortress, you can admire the most breathtaking view of Hvar town, the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, and Pakleni islands.

To get to the fortress, you need to climb up from the center of the town – the first part with stairs can be a bit exhausting, but once you get through the city walls, it gets easier.

On the way, you can stop to admire the views, which only get better the higher you get; there is also a beautiful little Church of Our Lady of the Rosary just off the path to the fortress.

If you don’t feel like an uphill walk, you can take the taxi that will take you all the way to the entrance.

Find another fort

While the Spanish fortress is one of the most popular Hvar landmarks, there is another fort located a bit further inland. In 1811, when the Napoleonic Empire reached Hvar and its surroundings, the so-called Napoleon Fortress was built a bit higher on the hills above the town.

Not much remained from the original fort; today, the place is home to Hvar Observatory. But, besides the historical value, it’s worth going all the way up for exceptional views of the island and its surroundings. This is such a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hvar town.

It takes around 1 hour to hike here from the center. You can also visit the Napoleon Fortress by car, but the road in the upper parts is narrow, and not everyone might feel comfortable driving there.

See city walls

The fortress was only a part of the city fortifications made to protect the town. At the same time, when the Venetians started their work on the fortress, they also started building city walls surrounding the core of the town. Still today, you can find some parts of the medieval walls around Hvar; however, those date back only to the mid-15th century (which is pretty impressive anyway).

There were also four gates leading to the town; you can find them when wandering around today, too. The best place to see the Hvar walls is in the upper parts of the town, on the way to the fortress, as within the center they were often incorporated into the buildings.

Find a beautiful viewpoint

One of my favorite views over Hvar town was from a random street, Higijeničkog Društva, with no significant landmarks around. Not only can you see rows of houses, the beautiful marina, and the lone tower of St. Mark’s church, but there is also a perfect vista of the impressive Spanish fortress on the hills above the town.

This is more or less the location where you can find this viewpoint. To get here, you can either walk up from the town, passing St. Mark’s church on the way, or when going down from the fortress, turn right when you reach the street instead of continuing down the stairs to the center. After a short walk, you will see the stunning panorama right in front of you.

See the Dominican Monastery

The Dominican Monastery and St. Mark’s church are among the most important Hvar monuments. Originally from the 14th century, they got their current look in the 1700s. Over the years, the site played an important role in the Hvar’s history, not only as a religious place but also as a meeting point for the local nobility.

Unfortunately, the monastery and the church are currently closed to the public due to their poor condition. Still, you can wander around a bit and visit the courtyard, which is a popular location for weddings.

Enjoy the main square

The main square of Hvar – St. Stephen’s Square – is the heart of the town, the center of its public and social life. This is where you will find some of the most popular Hvar attractions, such as the cathedral, the Episcopal Palace (that you can visit), and some beautiful buildings for public use.

This is actually the largest square in the Dalmatia region, dating back to the times of Venetian rule and built in the style typical for this period. Besides all the attractions, St. Stephen’s Square is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants where you can sit down, relax, observe the world around you, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

Visit the Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Stephen (the patron saint of Hvar), located right on the side of the main square, is probably the most beautiful and impressive building in Hvar town. It was built in the early 17th century in the place where a Christian church was already located in the 6th century (later, there was a Benedictine monastery here, which was turned into the cathedral and the bishop’s seat in the 13th century).

The three-aisled basilica with the 17th-century tower is a great example of the mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles typical for the region. Inside, you can see nine Baroque altars with works of Venetian artists. To visit the interior, you need to pay a small fee.

See the oldest public theater in Europe

Located at the corner of the main square, you can find the historic Arsenal building. Originally from the 14th century, it was built as a maintenance shipyard, but over the centuries, it was also used for other purposes.

One of them is the theater – the first public theater in Europe! It was established in 1612, and even if the building might not be overly beautiful from the outside, inside, you can find some real gems, like the frescoes from the early 19th century.

Even if you don’t have a chance to see the theater inside, it’s worth paying closer attention to the building as it also serves as the best viewpoint over the main square and its surroundings. Just walk up the inconspicuous stairs on the side of the building to the terrace and enjoy the beautiful vista of central Hvar.

Wander around the Old Town

One of the best things to do in Hvar is to wander around the charming Old Town. It’s a beautiful maze of winding cobbled lanes and picturesque corners, perfect for getting lost. Since the town was built on the hill, you can expect some stairs, too, but they just add to the charm of the place.

When wandering around, you never know what you might stumble across: a cool cafe or restaurant, a nice small shop, a lane with some potted plants lined along, or some old palaces – a testimony of the long history and importance of Hvar.

The backstreets are the perfect place to escape the busy main square and waterfront. Sometimes, it feels like time has stopped there, and mostly locals hang around here.

The best time to explore the Old Town is in the morning when most of the tourists are not out yet, and you can have the place mostly to yourself.

Hang out at the waterfront

One of the most picturesque places to visit in Hvar is the waterside, especially along the port. The pedestrian Riva street, lined with palm trees, is perfect for walking along and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the area. On one side, you have numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants; on the other, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and numerous boats moored in the little port.

This is a perfect place to feel the holiday vibe and probably the most popular area of Hvar to hang out in. In the evenings, this area turns into the main party hub of the island – if you enjoy good nightlife, this is a place to be.

See the Venetian Loggia

Another one of the main Hvar landmarks is the Venetian loggia, a beautiful gem of architecture built in the 16th century. The building got its current elegant Renaissance look in the early 17th century. Over the years, it played the role of a courthouse, a collecting taxes office, or the Governor’s Palace.

In the 19th century, the Clock Tower was added to the structure – altogether, it became one of the most distinctive buildings in Hvar. Today, the Venetian Loggia is home to a spa hotel as well as a cafe and dance hall where the social elite can meet.

Visit Franciscan Monastery

A short walk away from the Old Town, you can visit the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, picturesquely located above the small cove. While the place and its peaceful garden can be a tranquil escape from the busy town, another reason to visit the monastery is the museum located within its walls.

Inside, you can admire the collection of old coins from Greek, Roman, and Venetian times, as well as other interesting artifacts and works of art. But the biggest highlight of the place is the large painting (2×8 meters) of the Last Supper. Even if the author of the magnificent work is unknown, no one has doubts this is a true art masterpiece.

Explore Hvar island

While Hvar town is the most popular place to visit on the island, there is more to the island than just its main hub.

On the other side of Hvar, you can stop in Vrboska village, one of the most charming places to visit on Hvar, with numerous stone bridges that gave the place the nickname “the Venice of Hvar.” Not far from it, you will find Stari Grad – the oldest settlement on the island and one of the oldest cities in Croatia, with a few interesting historical sites to see, such as the Tvrdalj Castle.

Another beautiful place is Jelsa. It has not only a lovely beach but also a great marina. On the same side of the island as Hvar town, you can go to Sveta Nedilja, a small village with picturesque shorelines dotted with bays and beaches.

These are only a few interesting places worth visiting on Hvar, but the whole island is such a gem.

Enjoy lavender

Hvar is also known as the lavender island, and you can often smell its distinctive scent in the air. There are a few lavender fields you can visit here, near Brusje, not too far from Hvar town, as well as in the eastern part of Hvar near Zastražišće and Gdin.

The best time to go there is mid-June when the lavender is in full bloom, creating a picturesque vista. In the centrally located Velo Grablje village, you can attend the annual Lavender Festival that usually takes place in early July.

But if you visit Hvar outside of that season, you can still enjoy lavender in a different way. There are so many lavender-themed souvenirs and items you can purchase to bring home with you: freshening bags, oil, cosmetics, and more. You will find lavender items in every souvenir shop on the island; there are also a few stands in the Hvar marina selling those.

Visit Pakleni Islands

When looking at Hvar town from the fortress, you can see a picturesque archipelago not far from the main island’s shore. That’s Pakleni Islands – a perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Hvar.

Even if the name of the archipelago is often translated as “hell islands,” the place is nothing like that! You will find beautiful beaches and coves, great snorkeling options, beautiful nature, and funky bars there. There are fourteen islands and islets in the archipelago, but most visitors focus only on three of them: Sveti Klement, Marinkovac, and Jerolim.

You can get to Pakleni Islands either with a tour or by water taxi (there are many boats ready to take you moored in the Hvar marina). The journey shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.

Day trips from Hvar

While Hvar itself is a wonderful destination, you can use the island as a base to explore more amazing places nearby. Some of the most interesting and popular destinations to visit on day trips from Hvar are:

• Blue and Green caves located on the islands not far from Hvar, both a real wonders of nature and beautiful places to see
• Brac Island and its famous Golden Horn beach
• Vis island with a history dating back to ancient Greek times and a filming location of the “Mamma Mia” movie
• Korcula Island – another beautiful destination packed with historical sites, a charming old town, and picturesque views. This was actually one of my favorite places to visit in Croatia
• Split – the second-largest city and one of the most popular destinations in Croatia, home of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian Palace and numerous other attractions

Relax at the beach

Even if there are so many interesting things to do in Hvar, this is still a popular summer destination where you can mix sightseeing with relaxing at the beach. There are so many bays and coves all over the island where you can find small, often secluded beaches. Those are usually pebbled, but there are a few naturally sandy beaches, especially on the northern side of Hvar.

Some of the most beautiful Hvar beaches are Pokonji Dol and Mekicevica beaches (close to Hvar town), Lucisca Beach (near Sveta Nedjelja), Mina Beach, Dubovica Beach, and many more.

Final thoughts on visiting Hvar

Even if Croatia is known for its numerous beautiful islands, Hvar is the most popular to visit and, as you can read above, it’s no wonder the place is so popular. Hvar Island lives up to and even exceeds all expectations. If you are wondering if you should visit Hvar, the answer is a simple yes. This place is too beautiful to be missed!

Further reading

I published many articles about Croatia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 33 Best Places to Visit in Croatia
• 25 Wonderful Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia
• The Bay of Abandoned Hotels in Kupari, Croatia – the Urbex Heaven
• 23 Amazing Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• How to visit Krka National Park in Croatia
• 11 Perfect Day Trips From Split, Croatia
• Visiting the Abandoned Željava Air Base in Croatia
• 19 Best Things to Do in Rijeka, Croatia
• Visit Opatija, Croatia – the Charming Seaside Town
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

---

---

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Croatia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

---

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

---