I spent a full month on Hvar, using Hvar Town as a base while exploring Hvar Island by car, boat and on foot. I visited some of the best places on Hvar, swam in hidden bays, drove dusty backroads, chased sunset views, tried as many restaurants as I could, talked to locals, and poked around old towns, beaches, wineries and quiet corners most day trippers never reach.

This Hvar Island guide brings all of that together from the best things to do on Hvar Island, how to get around, where to stay, when to visit, and the practical tips I wish more people knew before arriving.

Hvar Island is one of Croatia’s most famous islands, but it is also one of the easiest places to misunderstand. Yes, Hvar has yachts, beach clubs, cocktails and a long-standing party reputation. But the best of Hvar goes far beyond Hvar Town harbour.

If you are planning a first trip to Hvar, start here. Then use my more detailed Hvar guides for beaches, Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Pakleni Islands, boat rental, day trips and itineraries once you know what kind of trip you want.

What and where is Hvar Island?

Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast in between Brač, Vis and Korčula. It is usually reached by ferry or catamaran from Split, Drvenik, Dubrovnik, or Korčula, depending on the season and route.

Hvar Island is the fourth largest island in Croatia and its shape is quite narrow and long with plenty of hills. Most towns, beaches and places to visit on Hvar are concentrated on the wider western half of the island.

Hvar Town is the main tourist hub, but it is not the whole island. Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Sveta Nedilja, inland villages, vineyards, quiet coves and the Pakleni Islands all deserve a place on your Hvar travels.

Why Visit Hvar Island?

Hvar is one of the best islands in Croatia if you want beaches, boat trips, historic towns, local food and a bit of summer buzz in one place. Yes, Hvar Town has a party reputation, but honestly, the island is much better when you don’t treat it like one big beach club.

What I love most about Hvar is the mix. You can swim in clear Adriatic bays, take a boat to the Pakleni Islands, wander through Stari Grad, drink local wine in the Stari Grad Plain, chase sunset views from Napoleon Fortress, and still end the day with cocktails in Hvar Town.

• Best for beaches: Hvar has clear water, pebbly coves, beach clubs, and wilder bays if you have wheels or a boat.
• Best for boat trips: Hvar Town is one of the best bases for the Pakleni Islands, Red Rocks, Blue Cave, Vis and island hopping in Dalmatia.
• Best for history: Fortica Fortress, Hvar Old Town, Stari Grad and Tvrdalj Castle give the island more depth than just sunbeds and spritzes.
• Best for food and wine: Think seafood, peka, wild boar, olive oil, local wines and inland konobas that make the harbour restaurants look a bit lazy.
• Best for scenery: Hvar has lavender villages, vineyards, olive groves, pine forests, cliffs, viewpoints and some properly gorgeous coastal drives.

Hvar map

After exploring every nook and cranny of Hvar Island and chatting to locals, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to Hvar in the form of a Google Map that you can access from your phone while on the go.

Here you’ll find over 100 pins to all the best spots, from must-see attractions to hidden gems, from fabulous hotels to unmissable restaurants.

Some I mention in the blogs, but many of these locations are unpublished. But don’t worry, they come with additional tips and info within the map to make exploring a breeze.

Where to Stay on Hvar Island

If it’s your first time on Hvar Island, Hvar Town is the easiest and most convenient base. You’ll have the best choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, boat tours, ferries, beach clubs, and easy trips to the Pakleni Islands, so it makes the most sense if you want to see a lot without constantly dealing with transport.

Hvar Town is fairly small and walkable, but keep in mind that the old town is pedestrian-only, parking can be annoying, and many apartments sit up steep hills. If you’re visiting in July or August, book early and check the exact location carefully.

Hvar Island towns at a glance

Hvar Town is the main tourist hub on Hvar Island and the best base for most first-time visitors. It has Venetian architecture, cobbled lanes, fortress views, excellent restaurants, boutique hotels, beach clubs, nightlife and easy boat trips to the Pakleni Islands.

Stari Grad is the quieter historic alternative to Hvar Town. Set on a deep sheltered bay, it has a peaceful harbour, old stone streets, Tvrdalj Castle, restaurants, beaches nearby and easy access to the Stari Grad Plain.

Jelsa is a relaxed small town on the north side of the island, with a marina, cafes, churches, restaurants and a more local feel. It is a good stop if you’re exploring Hvar by car or scooter.

Vrboska is a tiny fishing village built around a narrow canal and stone bridges. It is often called the Venice of Hvar, which is a bit generous, but it is still charming and worth a short stop.

Sveta Nedilja sits on the dramatic south coast below Sveti Nikola, the highest peak on Hvar Island. Come here for cliffs, wine, sea views, wilder scenery and a completely different side of Hvar.

Sućuraj is a small fishing town at the eastern tip of Hvar Island, close to the Drvenik ferry. It has views toward the Biokovo mountains and is useful if you are arriving from the mainland by car ferry, but it is far from Hvar Town and most first-time visitor routes.

19 Best Things to Do on Hvar Island

I was lucky enough to spend a whole month on Hvar Island, swimming in hidden bays, chasing the best sunset views, finding quiet corners beyond Hvar Town, and eating my way through far too much local food. Hvar is famous for parties and yachts, but the best things to do on Hvar go way beyond the main harbour.

Below are my top things to see and do on Hvar Island, from Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands and Stari Grad to beaches, boat trips, wine tasting, mountain villages and quieter places most day trippers never reach. This is not every single place worth visiting on Hvar, though.

I’ve saved 100+ beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, hotels and hidden gems in my Hvar Google Map so you can plan your trip without digging through a million tabs.

1. Take in the views from Fortica Fortress

Perched above Hvar Town, Fortica Fortress, also known as the Spanish Fortress or Spanjola, is one of the best viewpoints on Hvar Island.

To get there, follow the signs from the old town and climb the stairs until you reach the winding footpath lined with pine trees, agave and aloe plants. The walk is uphill, but it is not difficult, and the views over Hvar Town, the harbour and the Pakleni Islands get better with every turn.

If you want more context instead of just taking photos and leaving, this Hvar Town walking tour includes the fortress and gives you a better sense of Hvar’s history, architecture and old Venetian layout.

Insider Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light and photos. In the evening, the view is still beautiful, but you’ll often be shooting against the sun.

2. Spend a day sailing the Pakleni Islands

The Pakleni Islands are a chain of rocky islets just off the coast of Hvar Town and one of the best places to visit on Hvar if you want clear water, beach bars, boat-hopping and hidden coves. The name, Pakleni Otoci, is often translated as Hell Islands, but honestly, they feel much closer to paradise.

Across the Hvar Strait, you’ll find turquoise bays, pine forests, beach clubs, restaurants, swimming spots and some of the prettiest water around Hvar Island. You can visit by taxi boat, private boat, kayak, sailing tour or full-day island-hopping trip.

If you have a valid boat licence, renting a small boat is still one of the best ways to explore the Pakleni Islands at your own pace. Just know that Hvar has become stricter about boat rental rules, so don’t assume you can show up and rent without the right licence. If you do not have one, book a skippered boat trip instead.

This private Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands tour is the best option if you want flexibility, swimming stops and a more custom route. If you prefer a more social day out, this Hvar and Pakleni Islands yacht tour is a solid group option. You can also take a water taxi to places like Palmizana or Mlini, but you’ll be more limited than on a proper boat tour.

If you only have one boat day on Hvar, I’d give the Pakleni Islands a full day. If you have more time, add a Blue Cave and Vis tour from Hvar too. It is a longer, busier day, but it lets you see Biševo’s Blue Cave, Vis, swimming spots and several islands in one hit.

3. Explore Hvar Old Town

Hvar Town is the main town on Hvar Island and the place most first-time visitors picture when they think of Hvar: stone alleys, Venetian architecture, a yacht-filled harbour, old palaces, restaurants, cocktail bars and fortress views.

Saint Stephen’s Square is the heart of town. Around it you’ll find some of the most important sights in Hvar, including the Arsenal, Hvar Theatre, the Loggia, the Clock Tower and Saint Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join this Hvar walking tour if you want a guided introduction to the town’s history, architecture and culture instead of just pretty streets and harbour photos.

One of my favourite things to do in Hvar Town is simply wander without much of a plan. The old stone lanes are full of potted plants, bougainvillea, cute corners, restaurants, bars and tiny details you’ll miss if you only rush from the harbour to the fortress.

Insider Tip: Skaline od Gojave is one of the prettiest streets in Hvar, with tables set up along the steps and bougainvillea in bloom. Also, keep an eye out for Milo’s face on Saint Stephen’s Square.

For more little gems like this, grab my Hvar Google Map.

4. Swim at Pokonji Dol Beach

Pokonji Dol was our go-to beach near Hvar Town and one of the first bays on the island we properly fell in love with. I still remember walking down the path and catching that first glimpse of the bright blue water.

It is easy to reach, beautiful without being too complicated, and ideal if you want a beach close to Hvar Town without committing to a full island mission. There are more remote and dramatic beaches on Hvar, but for an afternoon swim, Pokonji Dol is hard to beat.

Insider Tip: You can drive to Pokonji Dol or walk from Hvar Town. There is a shorter footpath over the hill instead of following the longer road around.

5. Explore the Kabal Peninsula

The Kabal Peninsula is one of the most underrated places to visit on Hvar Island and, for me, one of the highlights of our month here.

As you drive past the village of Rudina, the road becomes rougher and the island starts feeling much wilder. The peninsula is covered in pine forest and surrounded by absurdly clear water, with quiet bays where you might only share the sea with a few boats and a lot of fish.

Rent an ATV or quad to explore deeper

At the tip of the peninsula, you’ll also find Tito’s Caves, a concrete military shelter with underground passages built into the rocks to guard the entrance to the Stari Grad Channel.

Insider tip: A quad is one of the most fun ways to explore the Kabal Peninsula. Parts are doable with a normal car, but rental agreements may not allow gravel roads, and a quad will get you further with less stress.

For more hidden bays and viewpoints, grab my Hvar Google Map.

6. Spend an afternoon at Dubovica Beach

Dubovica Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Hvar Island for a reason. It sits in a beautiful pebbly cove below the road between Hvar Town and Stari Grad, with old stone houses, clear water and that classic Croatian beach look.

To reach the bay, you’ll need to walk down from the road, so wear proper shoes rather than slippery flip-flops. Because of the walk, people tend to stay for a while, and in peak summer it can still get busy despite feeling more hidden than the town beaches.

7. Watch the sunset from Napoleon Fortress

Fortica gets the fame, but Napoleon Fortress gets my vote for the best sunset view in Hvar.

You can’t go inside the fortress itself, but the viewpoint near the car park has incredible views over Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, Brač, Vis and the western horizon. It is higher, quieter and more open than the main fortress viewpoint, which makes it one of the best things to do on Hvar if you love a good golden-hour mission.

You can hike up from Hvar Town, take a taxi, drive, or join this Hvar Hidden Gems tour, which also visits Brusje, Malo Grablje and Velo Grablje before finishing with views from Napoleon Fortress.

Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and arrive in the late afternoon so you can see Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands in golden light before the actual sunset.

For the exact viewpoint and more hidden spots, grab my Hvar Google Map.

 

8. Spend a day on the boat

A boat day is easily one of the best things to do on Hvar Island. It gets you to the coves, cliffs, beaches and swimming spots that make Hvar look unreal in photos, but the best experience is usually with a skipper who knows the routes, weather and hidden bays.

The classic easy option is the Pakleni Islands, but if you want a bigger day out, Red Rocks is especially worth considering if you want dramatic cliffs, clear water and a more adventurous private boat trip without committing to the longer Blue Cave route.

For most visitors, I’d recommend booking a private or skippered boat tour from Hvar rather than renting a boat yourself. It costs more than a basic rental, but it is also much easier. You don’t need to worry about licence requirements, insurance, deposits, fuel, route planning, anchoring, changing wind conditions or accidentally turning your relaxing boat day into a floating panic attack.

A good skipper can adjust the route around the weather, take you to quieter swimming spots, help you avoid the most crowded bays and give you a much smoother day on the water. This is especially worth it if you want to visit Red Rocks, the south coast, hidden beaches or several Pakleni Islands stops in one day.

If you do have a valid boat licence and feel confident handling a small boat, you can still rent a small boat from Hvar. We rented a 20HP Betina with a shade roof and loved having the freedom to stop where we wanted. Just know that boat rental on Hvar is not as casual as it once was, so check licence rules, insurance, deposit terms and fuel costs carefully before booking.

Best boat options from Hvar:

book a private Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands tour for the easiest custom boat day,

or rent a small boat only if you have the right licence and feel confident on the water.

9. Eat at a local konoba

If I could only have one proper local meal on Hvar Island, I’d still want it to be at Konoba Kokot. It is not polished in a fancy harbour-restaurant way, and that is exactly the point. This is the kind of family-run konoba that shows you what Dalmatian hospitality is actually about.

Grandma Jagoda and her extended family welcomed us with homemade rakija in their backyard and treated us like old friends. Everything they serve is either produced by them or sourced from local people they know: vegetables from the garden, goat cheese, lamb, wild boar and fresh fish from the Adriatic.

We had several dinners here, and they always went above and beyond. They even made octopus peka for one (it’t a lot of work, they prepare it fresh and most restaurants only accept orders for 2+)!

Peka, often translated as “under the bell,” is one of the best traditional dishes to try in Croatia, but you usually need to order it in advance because it takes a long time to cook.

10. Take a day tour to the Blue Cave and Vis

If you have more than a couple of days on Hvar Island, a Blue Cave tour from Hvar is one of the best day trips you can take. These tours usually combine the famous Blue Cave on Biševo Island with Vis Island, swimming stops, sea caves, beaches and several smaller islands, so it is a big Adriatic island-hopping day rather than just one quick cave visit.

The Blue Cave itself is beautiful, but the actual visit is short. What makes the day worth it is the full route: the boat ride from Hvar, the dramatic coast around Vis and Biševo, swimming in clear bays, and stops like Stiniva, Budikovac or the Green Cave depending on the tour and sea conditions.

I would book a Blue Cave and Vis tour from Hvar if you want the easiest group option with the main highlights covered. If you prefer a more flexible day with fewer compromises, choose a private Blue Cave tour from Hvar and ask whether the route can include Vis, Biševo, the Blue Cave or quieter swimming stops depending on the weather.

Just know that this is a longer and more exposed boat trip than the Pakleni Islands, so it is not always the best choice if the sea is rough, you get seasick easily, or you only have one day in Hvar. In that case, I’d choose the Pakleni Islands or a private Red Rocks and south coast boat trip instead.

consider a private Hvar boat tour if you want more flexibility

Best Blue Cave tours from Hvar:

book this Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour from Hvar for the classic route, or

11. Find some calm at Tvrdalj Castle

Tvrdalj Castle was the fortified summer residence of Petar Hektorović, a Croatian poet and writer from Stari Grad. It was built as a Renaissance home, but later fortified so it could also shelter local people during attacks.

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful seawater fish pond surrounded by stone arches, a peaceful garden and an old kitchen at the back. The living quarters are privately owned and closed to visitors, but the courtyard and pond are still worth seeing if you’re in Stari Grad.

We spent far longer than expected just sitting by the pond and soaking up the calm. It is not a huge attraction, but it has that quiet, slightly magical atmosphere that makes you slow down without even trying.

Opening hours and entrance fees can change seasonally, so check locally before you go.

12. Meander through the streets of Stari Grad

Stari Grad is the quieter, more historic alternative to Hvar Town and one of the best places to visit on Hvar Island if you want old stone lanes without the same yacht-and-party energy.

It has a peaceful harbour, a long riva, charming alleys, historic churches, cute restaurants and easy access to the Stari Grad Plain. In peak season, it can feel like a very welcome breather from the busier side of Hvar.

Don’t miss Saint Stephen’s Church and its bell tower, the Dominican Monastery, Saint Rocco’s Church and Petar Hektorović Square. But honestly, Stari Grad is also one of those places where the best thing to do is slow down, wander and sit somewhere for a coffee or glass of wine.

13. Go wine and olive oil tasting on Hvar

Hvar is not just beaches and boat trips. The island also has a long wine-growing tradition, olive groves and some excellent local food experiences, especially around the Stari Grad Plain and inland villages.

I did a wine and olive oil tasting at Hora Winery, an agrotourism spot in the heart of the Stari Grad Plain. They mainly serve their own products, including wine, olive oil, cheese and cold cuts, and also offer peka and grilled dishes if you book ahead.

This wine tour is also a good option if you do not want to deal with driving on Hvar’s winding roads after tastings. Sensible. Boring? Maybe. Better than becoming a cautionary tale? Absolutely.

Book: Hvar wine and olive oil tasting

14. Visit Sveta Nedilja and the south coast cliffs

Sveta Nedilja sits below the steep southern slopes of Hvar Island and feels completely different from the harbour buzz of Hvar Town. This part of the island is known for dramatic cliffs, sea views, an underwater wine cellar, and access to some of Hvar’s wilder south-coast scenery.

This is a great place to visit if you want to see another side of Hvar: less polished, more rugged and much more about vineyards, cliffs and quiet coves than cocktail bars and boat traffic. Here you’ll also find my favorite beach Lučišća Beach!

Sveta Nedilja sits below Sveti Nikola, the highest peak on Hvar Island, which is one for hikers and serious view chasers. There’s even a via ferrata and some climbing routes here.

This is also where you’ll find Bilo Idro, known for its underwater wine cellar experience. It is one of the more distinctive things to do on Hvar if you want something beyond the usual beach-and-fortress route.

I would not try to squeeze Sveta Nedilja into a rushed one-day Hvar itinerary, but if you have a car it is a brilliant addition to a slower island day with wine, beaches and viewpoints.

Good to know: Roads on this side of Hvar can be narrow, steep and winding. Go slowly, avoid driving after wine tasting, and do not underestimate the heat if you plan to hike toward Sveti Nikola.

10. Go for craft beer and cocktails in Hvar Town

Hvar Town has plenty of glossy cocktail bars, but one of my favourite finds was BackLane Craft Bar, tucked away in the old town. I stumbled upon it during one of those aimless walks, and it quickly became one of my favourite places for drinks in Hvar.

They brew their own beer on the island, and the IPA was exactly my kind of beer: bitter enough, fruity enough, and dangerously easy to order again. They also do cocktails and often have live music in a beautiful stone alley, which is basically peak Hvar summer evening energy.

For sea views, head to Falko Beach Bar, just west of Hvar Town. Hvar Island is hilly, and many bays fall into shade earlier than you expect, but Falko sits on the rocky coast with loungers, sea views and cocktails. In spring, you can actually watch the sun drop toward the water from here.

Other popular bars in Hvar Town include:

• Ka’Lavanda: a stylish cocktail bar in the old town, good for a more grown-up drink and a polished-but-not-stuffy atmosphere.
• Central Park Club: close to the main square, known for live music and a more relaxed lounge-bar feel.
• Kiva Bar: a tiny cult Hvar bar with a rowdier late-night reputation. Fun if you want energy, not where I’d go for a quiet glass of wine.
• Carpe Diem Bar: the town-side version of the Carpe Diem name, good if you want a central pre-party drink before the night moves elsewhere.
• Sidro Bar: a popular harbour-side option for easy drinks close to the riva.
• Seven: a late-night cocktail/lounge bar if you want something more nightlife-leaning without immediately committing to a full club situation.

Good to know: Sunset angles change through the season, so don’t expect every “sunset bar” to have the same view in May, August and September.

16. Drive through Brusje and Hvar’s lavender villages

Hvar used to be famous for lavender, but as tourism grew, many lavender fields were abandoned or reduced. Today, the lavender story is still part of the island’s identity, especially around Brusje, Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, but you need to go in with realistic expectations.

But before your expectations get out of hand, you will not find endless Provence-style lavender fields on Hvar. No perfect purple lines stretching into infinity.

That said, the mountain drive above Hvar Town is still absolutely worth doing. The old road through Brusje and the Grablje villages gives you a completely different view of the island: stone houses, dry hills, herbs, old terraces, wide sea views and a much quieter side of Hvar.

If you want the easy version, book a guided Hvar lavender tour or this Hidden Gems tour.

If you have your own wheels, combine Brusje, Velo Grablje, Malo Grablje and Napoleon Fortress into one inland Hvar loop.

Insider tip: Go for the mountain villages, views and old-island atmosphere first. Treat the lavender as a bonus, not the whole point.

17. Visit Jelsa

Jelsa is a relaxed small town on the north side of Hvar Island, set around a deep inlet with a marina, stone streets, cafes, churches and a much calmer feel than Hvar Town.

It is a lovely place to wander for an hour or two, stop for coffee or ice cream, and see another side of Hvar beyond the main tourist trail. You can also catch the catamaran between Jelsa and Bol on Brač, which makes it useful for certain island-hopping routes.

Jelsa is not as dramatic as Hvar Town and not as historic-feeling as Stari Grad, but it is easy, pleasant and underrated, especially if you’re exploring Hvar by car or scooter.

18. Hop over to Vrboska

Vrboska is a tiny fishing village set around a narrow canal, often called the Venice of Hvar because of its little stone bridges and waterfront houses.

That nickname is doing a bit of heavy lifting, but Vrboska is genuinely charming. It is small, quiet and easy to visit as a short stop while exploring Jelsa, Stari Grad or the north side of Hvar Island.

There are a few restaurants, churches, a small fishing museum and a peaceful harbour. It is not somewhere I’d build a whole day around unless you’re staying nearby, but it is a lovely place to slow down and see a more local side of Hvar.

19. Spend a day at Hvar’s beach clubs and party a little

Hvar has always had a glamorous beach club side, and even if you are not coming to the island to party, it is still part of the Hvar experience. Think sunbeds, cocktails, swimming platforms, music, sea views and that slightly ridiculous “how is this real life?” summer energy.

• Bonj Beach is the classic polished option close to Hvar Town, with beach loungers, clear water and an easy location if you want a relaxed beach club day without getting on a boat.
• Hula Hula is the livelier sunset option west of town, known for music, drinks and late-afternoon energy by the sea.
• Then there is Carpe Diem Beach on Marinkovac in the Pakleni Islands, one of the most famous beach clubs in Croatia. By day, it works as a beach club with loungers, swimming spots, restaurants, cocktails and boat access from Hvar Town. In peak season, it can also turn into a party venue, although Hvar’s nightlife scene is more regulated now than it used to be.

That said, the nightlife scene is changing. Hvar has introduced stricter noise limits, and the days of outdoor parties that blast on until sunrise are over. Some venues now wrap things up earlier, move indoors, or adjust the format with quieter setups.

Go to the beach clubs if you want the full Hvar summer experience, but don’t make them your entire itinerary.

I had some wild nights in Hvar in my twenties, and the island still has a lively summer scene. But honestly, Hvar is much better when you don’t treat it only as a party destination. Come for the beaches, boat trips, wine, food, old towns and views, then enjoy a night out if that’s your thing.

Getting to Hvar, Croatia

There is no commercial airport on Hvar Island, so the only way to get to Hvar is by boat, catamaran or car ferry. Most travellers reach Hvar from Split, but you can also get to the island from Drvenik, Dubrovnik, Korčula, Brač, Vis and other nearby islands depending on the season.

For most first-time visitors, the easiest route is the Split to Hvar catamaran, which drops you directly in Hvar Town. If you’re travelling with a car, you’ll need to take the Split to Stari Grad car ferry or the Drvenik to Sućuraj ferry.

Most visitors come to Hvar from Split, and if that’s your plan, check out my Split itinerary and Split Old Town guide so you can make the most of your time before heading to the islands.

Quick answer: If you’re not bringing a car, book the catamaran to Hvar Town. If you’re bringing a car, book a car ferry to Stari Grad or Sućuraj instead.

Catamaran to Hvar Town

The passenger catamaran is the best way to get to Hvar if you are travelling without a car. It is faster than the car ferry and drops you right in the centre of Hvar Town, close to the old town, harbour, hotels, restaurants, boat tours and water taxis to the Pakleni Islands.

• Best for: first-time visitors, Hvar Town stays, island hopping, short trips and anyone without a car.
• Main routes: Split to Hvar Town, Dubrovnik to Hvar, Korčula to Hvar, Brač to Hvar and Vis to Hvar, depending on the season.
• Good to know: summer ferries and catamarans can sell out, especially on weekends and around peak arrival times.
• Book: check Hvar catamaran tickets and ferry routes here.

Car ferry to Hvar

If you’re travelling to Hvar with a car, you cannot take the passenger catamaran to Hvar Town. You’ll need to use one of the car ferry routes instead.

• Split to Stari Grad: the best car ferry route for most travellers staying in Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska or the western side of Hvar Island.
• Drvenik to Sućuraj: useful if you’re coming from the Makarska Riviera or driving along the mainland coast, but Sućuraj is far from Hvar Town.
• Best for: road trips, families, longer stays, beach-hopping, inland villages, Kabal Peninsula, Sveta Nedilja and exploring beyond Hvar Town.
• Good to know: in high season, book ahead where possible and arrive early. Car ferry queues in Croatia are not where joy goes to thrive.

Private boat transfers to Hvar

A private speedboat transfer is the fastest and easiest way to get to Hvar, especially if you’re arriving late, travelling with a group, landing at Split Airport, or want door-to-door convenience without juggling buses, ports and ferry schedules.

• Best for: groups, families, luxury trips, late arrivals, early departures and airport-to-Hvar transfers.
• Route: many private transfers run from Split, Split Airport area or nearby marinas directly to Hvar Town or another agreed drop-off point.
• Why book it: it is more expensive, but much more flexible than public ferries and can save a lot of time.
• Book: check private speedboat transfers to Hvar here.

Getting Around Hvar Island

Hvar Island is almost 70 kilometres long, so getting around Hvar depends on where you’re staying and how much of the island you want to see. If you’re only staying in Hvar Town and visiting the Pakleni Islands, you can manage without a car. If you want beaches, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Kabal Peninsula, Sveta Nedilja or inland villages, having wheels makes life much easier.

Roads on Hvar can be narrow, steep and winding, especially once you leave the main routes. Some of the best beaches and viewpoints are reached by rougher roads, and many rental car companies do not allow driving on gravel or dirt roads, so always check the terms before you go adventuring like a tiny off-road hero.

Getting around Hvar by car

A car is the most comfortable way to explore Hvar Island, especially if you want air-conditioning, beach gear, flexibility and access to towns beyond Hvar Town. I explored Hvar by car and loved the freedom, but I would not rent one just to stay in Hvar Town. It is most useful if you want to see the wider island.

• Best for: Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Dubovica, Sveta Nedilja, lavender villages, family trips and longer stays.
• Pros: comfortable, flexible, good for longer distances and hot summer days.
• Cons: parking is annoying in Hvar Town, roads can be narrow, and some gravel roads may be off-limits in rental agreements.

Renting a scooter on Hvar

A scooter is one of the easiest ways to explore Hvar if you’re comfortable riding one. It makes parking easier, handles the narrower roads better than a car, and gives you more freedom than buses or taxis.

• Best for: Hvar Town to Stari Grad, beaches near Hvar Town, Brusje, Velo Grablje, Malo Grablje, Napoleon Fortress and shorter island loops.
• Not ideal for: long rides all the way to Sućuraj unless you enjoy numb legs and questionable life choices.
• Tip: choose a scooter with enough power for Hvar’s hills. A weak scooter on a steep road is not a personality-building exercise anyone asked for.
• Book: hire a 125cc scooter on Hvar.

Renting a quad or ATV on Hvar

A quad or ATV is a fun way to explore the rougher, wilder parts of Hvar Island, especially places where gravel roads make a regular rental car less appealing.

• Best for: Kabal Peninsula, inland viewpoints, gravel roads, quiet bays and off-the-beaten-path Hvar places.
• Why I like it: you can reach more places than with a scooter and avoid stressing about rental car restrictions on rougher roads.
• Good to know: wear proper shoes, take water and sun protection, and do not underestimate how exposed you are in summer heat.
• Book: rent an ATV on Hvar.

Boat rental and skippered boats on Hvar

A boat is the best way to explore the sea side of Hvar: Pakleni Islands, Red Rocks, south coast beaches, hidden coves, swimming spots and places you simply cannot reach properly by road.

• Best for: Pakleni Islands, Red Rocks, beach-hopping, private swimming stops and a proper Hvar boat day.
• Best option for most visitors: book a private or skippered boat tour so you do not have to deal with licence rules, insurance, deposits, fuel costs, anchoring or changing wind conditions.
• If you have a licence: you can rent a small boat from Hvar, but check the terms carefully before booking.
• Better for most travellers: book a private Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands tour and let the skipper handle the route.
• Read next: Renting a boat on Hvar: tips, rules and suggestions.

Getting around Hvar by bus and water taxi

You can get around parts of Hvar Island by bus and water taxi, but public transport is limited compared to having your own wheels.

• Buses: useful for travelling between main towns like Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska, but schedules can be limited, especially outside peak season.
• Water taxis: best for getting from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands, especially if you just want to visit one beach or bay for the day.
• Best for: simple town-to-town travel, Pakleni Islands beach days and visitors staying mostly around Hvar Town.
• Not ideal for: hidden beaches, inland villages, flexible day trips or exploring Hvar Island properly.

Best Time to Visit Hvar Island

The best time to visit Hvar Island is late May, June, September and early October. You still get warm weather, long days, boat trips, beach time and open restaurants, but with fewer crowds and better prices than peak summer.

• May and June: best for warm weather, green landscapes, fewer crowds, hiking, exploring towns and the start of proper beach season.
• July and August: hottest, busiest and most expensive. Best for nightlife, beach clubs and full summer energy, but book accommodation, ferries and boat tours early.
• September: one of my favourite times to visit Hvar, with warm sea, softer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• October: quieter and still lovely in good weather, but some seasonal places may start closing.
• Winter: very quiet, with many hotels, restaurants, bars and tour operators closed or running reduced hours.

Personally, I’d avoid visiting Hvar for the first time in peak August unless you specifically want the busiest beach club and nightlife scene. For beaches, boat trips, old towns, wine tasting and actually enjoying the island without melting into the pavement, shoulder season is the smarter move.

Planning a Trip to Hvar?

Hvar is one of the best islands in Croatia, but it is much easier to enjoy when you plan around your actual travel style. To help you piece it together, I’ve created a full Hvar travel guide cluster with itineraries, beaches, boat tips, town guides, accommodation advice and day trip ideas.

Hvar travel insurance

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when travelling abroad, and we’ve learned that the hard way!

Now we always get insured before we leave and Travel Insurance Masters is our go to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations here.