2 day Hvar Itinerary – How to make the most of 48 hours on Hvar

Nestled in the azure embrace of the Adriatic Sea, Hvar Island is the crown jewel of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Famous for its sun-soaked days, lavender-scented breezes, and crystal-clear coves, Hvar is the epitome of Mediterranean charm and beauty.

I was fortunate enough to spend a full month wandering its cobblestone streets, exploring hidden beaches, venturing to the edges of the island and uncovering the best local restaurants. And while I wish everyone could indulge in such an extended island escape, I understand time is often of the essence.

To help you make the most of a shorter visit, I’ve crafted a perfect two-day Hvar itinerary that captures the essence of this enchanting island. Whether you’re drawn to historical sites, natural beauty, or simply savoring local cuisine, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of Hvar in just 48 hours.

Are you planning a trip to Hvar?
Make sure to check all the Hvar travel guides!

Where to stay in Hvar

If you only have 2 days on Hvar, stay in Hvar town which is the centre of the action on the island. Hvar town is fairly small and easily walkable but keep in mind that the old town is a pedestrian-only zone, there are hills and parking can be an issue.

2 days in Hvar itinerary

If you only have 2 days on Hvar make sure to get this Hvar map to save time by not getting lost and get ready for a couple of packed (but awesome) days!

Two days are just enough to explore Hvar town and spend some time on the sea. Hvar island is all about the beaches so I’ve made sure you get to experience the best ones. I’ll also recommend some fantastic Hvar tours that will help you get the most out of just two short days. When you’re in a time crunch, tours can be a real life saver!

PS: If you think you could squeeze an additional day or two into your Hvar vacation, make sure to check this Hvar itinerary that outlines the perfect way to spend 3-7 days on Hvar.

Day 1 – Hvar Town

Start the first day by exploring Hvar town and the fort. Join this walking tour for a guided experience and a similar route as the one I suggest below. A knowledgeable guide will explain the sights and history in more detail and the tour price includes all entrance fees!

In the afternoon, when the town heats up its best to retreat to the beach. You can either join this fabulous boat tour or rent some wheels to access Zarace & Dubovica Bay.

In the evening, head up to Napoleon Fort for sunset, the views are simply breathtaking!

Spanjola Fortress

Perched above Hvar, the Fortica or Spanjola Fortress is quite a sight! And the views from the top? Even better!

I recommend you start early and hike up the Spanjola Fortress before it gets too hot. Here you can enjoy your morning coffee with views all over town and the Pakleni Islands.

To get to the fortress follow the signs from town and make your way up the many stairs until you reach a winding footpath lined with pine trees and aloe vera plants. As you keep climbing up, the views keep getting better!

Explore Hvar Town

Make sure to book this Hvar walking tour for the best experience and to make the most of you time.

Hvar’s charming alleys

One of my favorite activities in Hvar was to just get lost and explore these little alleys and find new bars, shops, and restaurants. Hvar has some of the most charming stone streets lined with beautiful old houses, loads of potted plants, and exquisite hidden corners.

So take a detour or two as you make your way down from the fort and get purposefully and beautifully lost.

Saint Stephen’s Square & historic buildings

Saint Stephen’s Square is at the heart of Hvar town and where you’ll find some of the most impressive buildings of Hvar. With its 4500 square meters, this is the largest square in Dalmatia. The square used to be part of the bay but was leveled out and paved in the 18th century.

On the southern side of the square you’ll find the Arsenal and, on the second floor, the historic Hvar Theatre which is considered to be the first European public theatre that was also available to the lower class.

Facing the sea and Hvar’s little harbor is the Saint Stephen I. Cathedral with its adjacent Renaissance bell tower. In front of it a large elevated platform serves as the meeting grounds for locals and tourists alike.

Hvar Riva

From the iconic St. Stephen’s Square make your way along the Riva towards the serene Franciscan Monastery.

The Riva, Hvar’s bustling waterfront promenade, is the vibrant heartbeat of the island. Lined with chic cafes, upscale restaurants, and luxury yachts, it’s the perfect place to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Franciscan Monastery bl. Gospe od Milosti

This 15th-century Franciscan monastery sits on the little peninsula just around the corner from the Hvar Riva with the pretties little beach right in front of it and surrounded by a lush green garden. The monastery houses a small museum and the gardens make for the perfect quiet stroll under Cypress trees.

Enjoy the Beach

For the ultimate experience, book this speedboat tour which will take you to Zarace and Dubovica beaches listed below as well as Luscica Bay and Sv. Nedelja. This tour also includes a stop at the Red Rocks which can not be accessed by land.

Altternatively, grab your rental car, rent an e-bike or even better, rent an ATV and head off to some of the most beautiful beaches on Hvar and just take it easy and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean holiday.

Zarace Beach is actually two beaches very close together, each with a completely unique look and vibe. As you drive on the 116 road you might notice long rocky spits just off the coast. They look absolutely mind blowing. Actually, if you check out Zarace on google maps it looks a bit like Yoda’s head is poking from beneath Hvar island.

Malo Zarace is an idyllic little bay with a small pebble beach that has always been a locals favorite. Velo Zarace beach is approximately the same size as Malo Zarace, but there is no boulder in the middle and the rocky spit reaches way further into the sea. This beach is a lot more open and more popular, partially due to the beach bar and restaurant here.

Dubovica Beach is a long stretch of pebbly beach in a decently sized cove just a short drive from Hvar town. To get there you’ll walk through olive groves before getting down to this picturesque bay with white pebbles and old stone houses adding to its picture-perfect vibe.

If you prefer an easier option within walking distance from Hvar town, Pokojni Dol Beach is the go.

Napoleon Fort for sunset

While the Spanish fortress takes all the glory and all the tourists, the Napoleon fort takes all the sunset views with none of the crowds. You can walk up to Napoleon fort or rent an e-bike.

If for whatever reason you decide not to spend the afternoon on the beach, opt for this Hidden Gems Tour which will also take you to Napoleon Fort.

Sitting on top of the tallest hill around, the Napoleon fortress boasts breathtaking views over Hvar town and the peninsula to the West, Brac island, Pakleni Islands, all the way to Vis island, and it offers a direct line of sight over the horizon to the West.

Watch the sky turn orange, the cliffs on Brac reflect the colorful light until the Sun drops into the ocean.

Dinner at Junior

Junior is a lovely family-owned restaurant in a cute little alley just off of the main square. There are only a few tables outside in the charming alley and the many is rather compact but delicious. Specializing in fresh fish dishes, this hidden gem offers a true taste of the Adriatic.

Drinks at Backlane

BackLane is by far our favorite bar in Hvar! They brew their own beer and the IPA was absolutely fantastic, just the right amount of bitter versus fruity. You can also choose from a vast array of delicious cocktails and enjoy live music in a beautiful stone alley.

Day 2 – Pakleni Islands, Blue Cave and Stari Grad

The second day is devoted to the open sea with an evening stroll through Stari Grad before dinner.

Pakleni Islands and Blue Cave

You can choose to only visit the Pakleni islands or combine it with a tour to the Blue Cave.

The Pakleni Islands are a chain of rocky islets that dot the sea just off the coast of Hvar. This beautiful archipelago is only a short boat ride from Hvar town.

The Paklinski Islands are the perfect place to bask in the Mediterranean sun, swim in the clear Adriatic waters and just have a bloody good time! Here you’ll find picturesque coves, stunning beaches, hip bars, and beautiful nature. This Hvar and Pakleni islands Yacht Tour is a fantastic way to explore the archipelago or, if you’re up for a workout, opt for this kayak tour from Hvar town

The Blue Cave (also Blue Grotto or Plava Spilja) is a gorgeous sea cave on the east side of the island of Biševo, just off the coast of Vis island. The Blue Cave is by far the most popular day trip in this part of Croatia.

The sunlight enters the cave through a crack in its arched roof and reflects off the water’s surface illuminating the entire space with blue light making for a unique natural phenomenon and a gorgeous sight.

To make the most of this trip make sure to book a Blue Cave tour that also includes a stop at the Pakleni Islands, like this Blue Cave group tour or even better this Blue Cave private speed boat tour Both also include the Green Cave nearby and a stop at Stiniva Beach on Vis Island. If you’d like to squeeze more into your day, consider this 5 island tour.

Read next:
Your guide to the Pakleni Islands
Your guide to the Blue Cave

Explore Stari Grad

Stari Grad is the quieter, more authentic alternative to Hvar town and, in peak season, a very welcome retreat from all the craziness and parties of Hvar town. With a peaceful harbor, a long riva, charming stone alleys, and gorgeous hinterlands and bays, Stari Grad is a true gem you must explore!

We highly recommend you visit Petar Hektorovic Fortress (Tvrdalj), stroll down the riva, meander the old stone streets, feel the coziness of the many squares, and admire the many, many churches.

Read next: The ultimate guide to Stari Grad

Dinner at Konoba Kokot

If we only had one mean on Hvar Island we’d want to have it at Konoba Kokot. Sure, the tables might not all be perfectly level and the plates might not be beautifully decorated (and definitely not half empty), but this family-run restaurant will show you what true Dalmatian hospitality really is.

Grandma Jagoda and her (extended) family will welcome you with homemade grappa and show you to a table in their own backyard.

Everything they serve, they produce themselves or source from locals they know and trust. Here you’ll only get the freshest ingredients from the island, veggies from their garden, cheese from their own goats, lamb from their kettle, boar hunted in the nearby hills, and the daily catch from the Adriatic sea.

I highly recommend Konoba Kokot for dinner (make a reservation!) but you’ll need your own wheels to get there. Otherwise, Apollo & Antica are both great options in Stari Grad.

Getting to Hvar, Croatia

There is no commercial airport on Hvar and in order to reach the island, you’ll have to take a boat or a ferry from Split, Drvenik or one of the surrounding islands.

Most visitors come to Hvar from Split, and if that’s the case with you, make sure to check out my Split itinerary to make the most of your time in Split Old Town and its surroundings.

Car ferry

There are two ferry lines connecting Hvar to the mainland; Split – Stari Grad and Drvenik – Sucuraj. While you can usually just rock up at the port and get a ferry ticket there, in high season it’s better to book it ahead of time.

Book your car ferry

 

Passenger ferry to Hvar town

The passenger ferry is much faster than the ferry and it will drop you off in the centre of Hvar town. This is the best option if you do not have a car.

Book your ticket to Hvar

 

Private transfers

Private transfers by speedboat are the fastest way of getting to Hvar and often include pick up from the airport.

They’re a fabulous option for bigger groups, late arrivals and anyone wanting to take some extra precautions with social distancing and Covid safety. Private transfers are also a lot more flexible in terms of drop off points and can get you much closer to your chosen accommodation on Hvar.

Book your private transfer here.

 

Getting around Hvar in Croatia

Hvar is almost 70 kilometres long and as soon as you venture past Jelsa the roads get narrower and windier. And parking is an issue in most of Croatia.

There is also plenty of places on Hvar that are only accessible over gravel or dirt roads. Most rental car companies won’t allow you on gravel or dirt roads and these are often the most beautiful places you won’t want to miss out on!

 

By car

Despite exploring the island by car ourselves, this would not be our first choice if we had to rent a car on the island. Some roads (if you’d like to explore deeper) are just too narrow for two way traffic and parking is an issue in most places in Croatia. On top of that, most rental companies will not allow you to drive on dirt roads, which rules out the majority of roads worth driving on on the island.

That being said, a lot of people explore the island by car since it’s cost effective and very easy to get it over by ferry if you rent a car in Split and there certainly is something to be said about AC!

Hire a scooter

A scooter is a fabulous way to explore Hvar! It’s easy, affordable and the island is just small enough that you can get almost anywhere by scooter. OK, maybe not Sucuraj or you won’t be able to feel your ass by the end of it.

Navigating the narrow roads and parking is a lot easier when you have a scooter, just make sure you get one that’s strong enough to get you over the hills before you get old!

Rent a scooter 

 

Hire a Quad (ATV)

As we mentioned before, there’s plenty of gravel and dirt roads on Hvar d certain areas are better explored with a 4×4!

We’d recommend you rent an ATV for the Kabal Peninsula and to take the shortcut (past Zi’s favourite beach) to Sveta Nedilja. On top of that you’ll be able to discover loads of other bays and beautiful viewpoints you can’t access otherwise.

Rent an ATV

 

Use public transport

There are several buses per day that connect the main towns and villages on Hvar island as well as water taxi services you can use. But these will only get you so far.

Where to eat in Hvar

We tried many restaurants during our month in Hvar and we’re happy to report that we never had a disappointing meal! That being said, there are a few meals and restaurants that really stood out.

Konoba Kokot for authentic Dalmatian hospitality. If you have the time (and wheels) we urge you to book a table at Konoba Kokot. This is our absolute favorite restaurant on the island!

Stajun for a fancy dinner. If you prefer to stay in town, Stajun has the cutest crockery and the best burrata we ever tried, and we tried many! While we were in a hurry and went for a single course, Stajun is actually famous for their set 3-course meal.

Junior for fabulous seafood. We also really loved the fish platter at Junior, a small family run fish restaurant that serves the daily catch and fabulous wine.

 

Best time to visit Hvar island

The best time to visit Hvar is in the shoulder season which runs April till mid-June, and September to October. This is when the crowds are manageable, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the prices more affordable. If you visit in Autumn you’ll also have the benefit of the warmer sea.

Hvar claims it gets the most sunshine of all the islands and it is a popular summer holiday destination that becomes very crowded, loud, and expensive in the peak of season which is late June till the end of August.

As a rule of thumb, we would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer. It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive. You’ll have a much better experience visiting in late spring or early Autumn.

During the winter months, Hvar is very quiet and most bars, restaurants and shops are closed.

 

Planning a trip to Hvar?

Hvar is a beautiful island and we’re sure you’ll love it! To help you plan your trip to Hvar Island we’ve prepared a series of travel guides for you to help you dig deeper into each of the above mentioned locations.

 

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.