2 Days in Hvar Itinerary: How to Spend 48 Hours on Hvar

Two days in Hvar is enough to see Hvar Town, swim at beautiful beaches, visit the Pakleni Islands, and still squeeze in either the Blue Cave or Stari Grad if you plan it well. This is not the slowest Hvar itinerary, but it is a very doable 48-hour route if you want to make the most of a short stay.

I spent a full month on Hvar a few years ago, which gave me time to explore beyond the quick ferry-stop version most visitors see. For this 2 day Hvar itinerary, I’ve stripped that down into the best possible short trip: one day focused on Hvar Town, fortress views, old town streets, beaches, and sunset, and one bigger day built around the Pakleni Islands plus the Blue Cave or Stari Grad.

The key with 2 days on Hvar is choosing the right trade-off. If you want the most iconic boat trip, combine the Pakleni Islands and Blue Cave. If you prefer a more varied island day with beaches, history, wine, and a calmer town, combine the Pakleni Islands and Stari Grad instead. Both routes work, but they are different trips.

So this guide will help you decide what to do in Hvar for 2 days, what to skip, and how to make the most of 48 hours in Hvar.

Where to Stay in Hvar for 2 Days

If you only have 2 days in Hvar, stay in Hvar Town. It is the best area to stay in Hvar for a short trip because you’ll be close to attractions, restaurants, beaches, nightlife, and boat trips.

Hvar Town is small and walkable, but the old town is pedestrian-only, the streets get steep quickly, and parking can be annoying. If you’re bringing a car, check parking carefully before booking.

2 Days in Hvar Itinerary

If you only have 2 days on Hvar, make sure to get this Hvar map to save time and get ready for a couple of packed but awesome days!

Two days in Hvar is just enough to explore Hvar Town, spend time on the sea, swim at beautiful beaches, and even squeeze in the Blue Cave or Stari Grad if you plan it well.

Hvar Island is all about the beaches, so I’ve made sure this 2 day Hvar itinerary gets you to some of the best ones. I’ll also recommend some fantastic Hvar tours that will help you make the most of 48 hours in Hvar. When you’re in a time crunch, tours can be a real lifesaver!

Day	Plan
Day 1	Hvar Town, Spanjola Fortress, old town lanes, Saint Stephen’s Square, south-coast beaches, Napoleon Fort sunset, dinner and drinks in town
Day 2	Choose your packed day: Pakleni Islands + Blue Cave + dinner in Hvar Town, or a shorter Pakleni Islands trip + Stari Grad + Konoba Kokot

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 of your 2 days in Hvar itinerary 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, it’s best to retreat to the beach. You can either join this fabulous boat tour or rent some wheels to access Zarace and Dubovica Bay.

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

Stop	Plan
Spanjola Fortress	Start early for the classic views over Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands.
Hvar Town	Explore the old alleys, Saint Stephen’s Square, the Arsenal, Hvar Theatre, the Riva, and the Franciscan Monastery.
Beach break	Head to Zarace and Dubovica with your own wheels, join the south-coast boat tour, or keep it easy with Pokonji Dol near town.
Napoleon Fort	Go for sunset if you have transport or enough energy. It is one of my favorite views on Hvar.
Dinner and drinks	Have dinner at Junior, then finish with drinks at BackLane.

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

Hvar Town is the historic port town on the south coast of Hvar Island and the island’s busiest, most polished hub.

It grew into an important Adriatic trading and naval center under Venetian rule, and today its compact old town still revolves around the harbour, Saint Stephen’s Square, the Arsenal, and the 17th-century Hvar Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest public theatres.

Make sure to book this Hvar walking tour for the best experience and to make the most of your 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 prettiest little beach right in front of it and a lush green garden around it. 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, as well as Luscica Bay and Sv. Nedelja. This tour also includes a stop at the Red Rocks, which cannot be accessed by land.

Alternatively, 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 Mediterranean holiday.

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

These are the best beaches to visit from Hvar Town if you only have a few hours on your first afternoon:

• Zarace Beach: Best if you have a car, ATV, scooter, or e-bike and want a more dramatic south-coast beach. Zaraće is actually split into two nearby beaches, Malo Zaraće and Velo Zaraće, both with clear water, rocky scenery, and a much wilder feel than the beaches right by Hvar Town.
• Dubovica Beach: Best for the prettiest classic Hvar beach stop. It is a short drive from Hvar Town, but you’ll need to walk down through olive groves to reach the bay, so wear proper shoes and don’t bring too much stuff.
• Pokonji Dol Beach: Best if you want the easiest beach option without renting anything. It is walkable from Hvar Town, has clear water and beach restaurants, and makes the most sense if you want a simpler first-day swim.

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 and 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 menu 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 my 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 of this 2 day Hvar itinerary gives you a choice: either keep it simple with a boat day and dinner in Hvar Town, or choose a shorter Pakleni Islands trip and continue to Stari Grad before dinner.

If you have loads of energy, long summer days, and transport sorted, you can fit the Pakleni Islands, Blue Cave, and Stari Grad into one day. But I’m not going to pretend that is relaxing. It will be a tough, packed day, so only do all three if you genuinely like moving fast.

Day 2 option	Best for	How to do it
Pakleni Islands + Blue Cave	The biggest boat day and most iconic sights	Book a Blue Cave tour that includes the Pakleni Islands, then have dinner and drinks in Hvar Town.
Pakleni Islands + Stari Grad	A more varied day with beaches, history, and a proper island dinner	Choose a shorter Pakleni Islands trip, then head to Stari Grad in the evening and continue to Konoba Kokot for dinner.
All three	Ambitious travelers with long daylight and high energy	Possible in summer, but fast-paced. Expect a long day and do not plan it without checking tour timing and transport.

Pakleni Islands and Blue Cave

You can choose to only visit the Pakleni Islands or combine them 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 and creating 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.

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!

I 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.

Dinner at Konoba Kokot

If I only had one meal on Hvar Island, I’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, especially if you want peka, but you’ll need your own wheels to get there. Otherwise, Apollo and Antica are both great options in Stari Grad town.

Getting to Hvar, Croatia

There is no commercial airport on Hvar, so you’ll need to reach the island by boat or ferry from Split, Drvenik, Dubrovnik, or one of the surrounding islands. For this 2 day Hvar itinerary, most people will arrive from Split and take either a passenger catamaran directly to Hvar Town or a car ferry to Stari Grad.

Most visitors come to Hvar from Split. If that’s your route, check out my Split itinerary to make the most of your time in Split Old Town before or after Hvar.

• Passenger catamaran to Hvar Town: This is the best option if you are not bringing a car. The catamaran is faster than the car ferry and drops you right in the centre of Hvar Town, which is exactly where you want to be for a short stay. Book your Hvar catamaran ticket here.
• Car ferry to Stari Grad: If you are bringing a car, take the Split to Stari Grad car ferry. Stari Grad port is not in Hvar Town, so you’ll still need to drive or take transport across the island after arriving.
• Drvenik to Sucuraj car ferry: This route can make sense if you are driving from the south, but Sucuraj is on the far eastern end of Hvar. It is not the most convenient arrival point if you are staying in Hvar Town for only two days.
• Private speedboat transfer: The fastest and easiest option, especially for groups, late arrivals, or airport transfers. Book a private speedboat transfer to Hvar here.

For this itinerary: If you are not bringing a car, take the passenger catamaran straight to Hvar Town. It saves time, avoids extra transfers, and makes the whole itinerary easier.

Getting Around Hvar in Croatia

Hvar is almost 70 kilometres long, and once you go beyond Hvar Town, the roads get narrower, hillier, and more winding. You can see a lot in 48 hours, but only if you are realistic about transport.

For this itinerary, you do not need a vehicle for Hvar Town or the Pakleni Islands, but having your own wheels makes beaches, Stari Grad, Napoleon Fort, and Konoba Kokot much easier. Just keep in mind that many of Hvar’s prettiest coves are reached by rough roads, and most rental car companies do not allow driving on gravel or dirt roads.

• By car: A car is comfortable and practical if you are bringing one over from Split, especially for Stari Grad, Dubovica, Zarace, and countryside restaurants. But parking can be annoying, Hvar Town is pedestrian-only in parts, and some of the best offbeat places are not rental-car friendly.
• By ATV: An ATV is the better choice if you want more flexibility for rougher roads, viewpoints, Kabal Peninsula, or shortcuts across the island. For a packed 2 days on Hvar, it can save time and open up places you’d probably skip otherwise.
  
• By e-bike: An e-bike can work well for active travelers, especially for shorter routes around Hvar Town, Napoleon Fort, and some inland roads. I would not rely on it for every far-flung beach unless you are comfortable with distance, heat, and hills.
• By bus and water taxi: Buses connect the main towns and villages on Hvar, and water taxis are useful for the Pakleni Islands. They work for simple plans, but they will limit you if you want beaches, wineries, sunset viewpoints, or dinner outside town.

For this itinerary: For 2 days in Hvar book a Pakleni Islands boat tour or Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands tour, and rent an ATV or bring a rental car from Split if you want to add beaches, Stari Grad, Napoleon Fort, or Konoba Kokot without wasting time on buses.

Where to Eat in Hvar

I tried a lot of restaurants during my month on Hvar, and the island seriously delivers on food. For a short 2 day Hvar itinerary, I’d keep most meals in Hvar Town unless you have transport, then use one meal as an excuse to go somewhere more memorable.

• Konoba Kokot: My favorite traditional restaurant on Hvar and the place I’d choose for one proper Dalmatian dinner if logistics allow. It is outside Hvar Town, so you’ll need your own wheels or a taxi. Book ahead, especially if you want peka.
• Stajun: A polished dinner option in Hvar Town if you want something more refined without leaving town. I especially remember the burrata, and the restaurant is known for its set menu.
• Junior: A small family-run seafood restaurant tucked in an alley near the main square. Go here for fresh fish, a compact menu, and a more intimate dinner in Hvar Town.
• Paradise Garden Hvar: A family-run but more upscale restaurant with a beautiful setting. It is pricier, but I’d go back for the pistachio roche alone, which says a lot because dessert loyalty is serious business.
• Adriana rooftop bar: Best for coffee or a drink with harbour views. I had one of my favorite Hvar views here, especially around dusk when the lights start coming on around the harbour.
• BackLane Craft Bar: My favorite bar in Hvar Town for craft beer, cocktails, live music, and a relaxed old-town alley setting.
• Antica or Apollo in Stari Grad: Good options if you choose the Pakleni Islands + Stari Grad version of Day 2 but do not want to continue to Konoba Kokot.

For this itinerary: I’d do dinner at Junior or Stajun on Day 1, then choose between dinner in Hvar Town after a Blue Cave tour or Stari Grad/Konoba Kokot if you do the Pakleni Islands + Stari Grad route.

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 and a very helpful Hvar map for you to help you dig deeper into each of the above mentioned locations.

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