Where to stay on Hvar – best accommodation in Hvar, Croatia

Hvar stole our hearts! We spent a month living in Hvar and exploring the island. It was glorious and we think everyone should spend at least a few days on this magical island.

But choosing where to stay on Hvar, if you’ve never been here before can be hard, there are just too many options! But worry not, we’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed it down to a much more manageable list of only the best hotels and apartments!

To help you out we’ve compiled this Hvar accommodation guide that will give you:

1. All the information you need to make an informed decision
2. A geographical breakdown to help you pick the perfect town and area
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each town, area, budget, and type of accommodation

Are you planning a trip to Hvar?
Make sure to check this Hvar travel guide!

 

Where to stay on Hvar – the best town/area for you

The majority of towns and attractions are located on the wider Western part of the island while the narrow eastern point is very sparsely populated with limited facilities and roads.

Depending on your budget and holiday style, the best areas to base yourself on Hvar are:

• Hvar town is the biggest town on Hvar Island and a true Mediterranean dream full of Venetian architecture, charming cobblestone streets, fantastic restaurants, art galleries, boutique stores and the iconic Spanjola fortress perched on the hill above the old town. CHECK DEALS IN HVAR

• Stari Grad with a peaceful harbor, a long riva, charming stone alleys and gorgeous hinterlands and bays, is a true Mediterranean gem and a quieter alternative to Hvar while not compromising on amenities. CHECK DEALS IN STARI GRAD

• Jelsa is a delightful small town with a relaxed vibe. It is located on the opposite side of the Stari Grad plains along a deep inlet with a large marina and it expands over steep hills on either side.  CHECK DEALS IN JELSA

• Vrboska is a quiet fishermen’s village along a canal that seeps far inland. Vrboska is also known as the Venice of Hvar due to its stone bridges and long canal on which you’ll find a small islet and a lone palm tree on it. CHECK DEALS IN VRBOSKA

• Sv. Nedilja is a newer village located on the southern shores of Hvar island, just under Sv. Nikola, the highest mountain on Hvar. To get there you’ll have to drive through a one-way tunnel carved into the rocks. CHECK DEALS IN SVETA NEDILJA

• Milna is a small coastal town just before Hvar town with a sheltered bay, pine forests, and a nice selection of restaurants and bars. CHECK DEALS IN MILNA

• There are some hidden parts of Hvar people rarely talk about and tourists rarely step foot in. Or so one would assume! If your idea of a holiday is pure relaxation and want to be able to jump into the sea right from your balcony (figuratively and sometimes literally), you might want to consider one of these hidden bays!

The best accommodation on Hvar

Below we break down the best places to stay at on Hvar island and give you options for every budget in all the main towns/villages of Hvar, including a collection of unique and remote alternatives at the end of the article.

Where we stayed in Hvar

Apartments and Rooms Ivanović

For our month in Hvar we wanted all the comforts of a home without breaking the bank. We stayed at Apartments and Rooms Ivanovic and had the best experience ever.

Don’t worry, we are not recommending this place because it was part of a sponsored deal. We paid for the stay ourselves and genuinely loved it!

Ivanka is a fabulous host! She will give you plenty of tips, is always available for a chat and is a genuinely nice person who will try to help you with anything you need.

The apartment we booked was spacious and well furnished, the kitchen well equipped and we were able to park our car right in front of the house! From the apartment, it is less than 10min walk to the main square and about 15min to Pokojni Dol beach.

 

Where to stay in Hvar Town

Best for: young couples, groups of friends and anyone wanting a good night out
Known for: the glitz and glamour, a thriving party scene, beautiful old town centre, the Spanjola fort and the Pakleni Islands
Read next: The ultimate guide to Hvar town

Hvar is the main touristic hub on the island and can also be described as a party town. It gets very busy in summer, however, you can still find quieter corners as you venture towards the outskirts of town.

If you prefer a quieter neighborhood consider booking your accommodation outside the old town, either further up the hill or towards Pokojni Dol and Podstine beaches.

Hvar has the most accommodation and restaurant options but it is very expensive during peak season.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to rent a vehicle then Hvar town is your best option.

If you have a car make sure to enquire about parking options and potential parking fees. The apartments on the hill above Hvar generally offer free parking in front of the house.

 

Best hotels in Hvar town

If you want a no-fuss holiday with all the facilities you could possibly need at your fingertip, then a hotel room in Hvar town is the perfect choice for you.

Indulge in the magical Mediterranean and book yourself one of these fabulous hotels!

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a cheap hotel in Hvar. If you’re on a budget it’s best to book an apartment or a guest house. The added benefit? You’ll have access to a kitchen and can save even more money by making your own meals.

Best guest houses and boutique hotels in Hvar town

For those of you wanting the best of both worlds – the service of a hotel and a cozy feel of a home away from home, a small boutique hotel or guest house is the go. There are plenty of great options for every budget in Hvar, but the ones below really stand out!

 

Best holiday homes and apartments in Hvar town

When traveling in a group or simply wanting more privacy and social distancing, private apartments and small guest houses are the best options. There’s nothing quite like the cozy feeling of a home and having access to a fully equipped kitchen.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to compromise on comfort or facilities, just check out our suggestions below!

Where to stay in Stari Grad

Best for: a romantic getaway or charming family holiday
Known for: The fields of pharos (Stari Grad plains), it’s ritch history
Stari Grad: The ultimate guide to Stari Grad

Stari Grad is fairly small and the bars close at a reasonable time making the whole neighborhood discussion obsolete. The recommendations below are all in or within a few minutes walk from the old town.

However, if you choose to book a different option make sure it is actually located in Stari Grad. We’ve noticed that many search engines display accommodation from a much wider area under 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. While you won’t find any nightclubs in Stari Grad, the town itself is still very lively with a good choice of restaurants and bars, and easy access to the nearby towns.

We also found this free carpark just outside the old town that you might want to consider if your chosen accommodation doesn’t provide parking. But keep in mind that there are limited spaces available and you might not always be able to find a spot.

 

Where to stay in Jelsa

Best for: a healthy mix of it all
Known for: good food, adventure park, lively historic town

Jelsa has a small town center but spreads out quite a bit over the hills and along the coast, yet it’s still all easily walkable making the neighborhood discussion obsolete once again. If you choose to stay in the old center you’ll have to park outside the old town and walk the rest of the way.

In some ways, Jelsa is the cutest of the towns with its beautiful streets, small city center, cute shops and fabulous restaurants.

Jelsa is a mix of it all and offers everything from fine dining to wineries and nightclubs. Youngsters will enjoy the Adventure Park, nature lovers will fall in love with the surrounding landscapes and foodies will find their happy place in one of the many authentic Dalmatian restaurants and wineries.

Where to stay in Vrboska

Best for: a quiet holiday with easy access to everything
Known for: the lone palm tree island, authentic Dalmatian life

Vrboska is very small and quiet and there are only a few restaurants and a small shop. Depending on what kind of holiday you’re after you might prefer to only stay here for a couple of nights or consider one of the off-beat accommodations we suggest below.

Vrboska is only a short drive from Stari Grad and Jelsa and from here you can easily reach all interest points on the island.

Vrboska is also known for the popular FKK camp just outside of town which attracts nudists from all over the world.

If you choose to stay in Vrboska we recommend you rent a car to easily explore the island.

 

Where to stay in Sveta Nedilja

Best for: getting away from the summer crowds, rock climbers and hikers
Known for: gorgeous scenery, underwater wine cellar, the vicinity of some of the most beautiful bays on Hvar
Read next: The best beaches on Hvar

Sveta Nedilja is built into a hill so keep in mind that what might look like 200 meters from the beach, could in fact be a 10-minute walk up a steep hill.

Sveta Nedjelja is a quiet retreat with beautiful scenery.

Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches on the island as well as climbing crags, a via ferrata and fabulous wine.

If you choose to stain in Sveta Nedelja you’ll need a car, or even better a boat or an ATV.

Where to stay in Milna

Best for: families
Known for: the beach, great campsite and good food

Milna takes up a narrow stretch along the coast and no matter where you stay you’ll hardly ever be more than 5min walk from the beach.

Milna is perfect if you want to be close to Hvar but not in the middle of the party scene.

This is also a much more affordable town and you’ll have a beach at your doorstep! Milna is also a popular destination for families with young kids.

Unique accommodation on Hvar, off the beaten path

Best for: getting away from it all
Known for: gorgeous nature, beautiful secluded bays, charming old villages, lavander fields, olive orchards and vineyards
Read next: Your guide to Hvar island

The below suggestions are a collection of the most unique places to stay in Hvar that range from opulent villas to simple cabins and tents. What they all have in common is that they’re remote, beautiful, and give you easy access to some of the most breathtaking beaches on Hvar Island.

This is the kind of accommodation you choose for the ultimate retreat. The kind where time is irrelevant and the stress tension in your neck and shoulders magically disappears, and you rediscover the small joys of life.

Some of the options recommended below offer pick-ups from the ferry terminal but for others, you’ll need your own transport and no, most of the time you can not get there by bus!

We would highly recommend having your own wheels if staying at the below places longer than just a couple of days. This way you’ll be able to get to a groceries store and explore the rest of the island.

 

Splurge | Villa Oceanus

Type: whole villa
Closest town: 4km from Hvar

This luxurious villa is located in a private bay inside a gated nature park just a short drive from Hvar town. With a private sea pier, a swimming pool, 6 bedrooms and bathrooms, ample dining and lounge options, built with and furnished with the highest quality material and furniture, this is the ultimate lux retreat!

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT VILLA OCEANUS

 

Upper end | Plage Cachée – Glamping

Type: Glamping
Closest town: 3km from Vrboska

Just a stone throw from Vrboska, right on the beach and shaded by a thick pine forest you’ll find Plage Cachee Glamping. This is the kind of place where you wake up to the birdsongs at sunrise and can spend your days unwinding.

Each tent is equipped with a private bathroom and a little terrace overlooking the sea. The boho decor is absolutely gorgeous, the water is candy blue and the gardens are perfectly manicured. Would you ever want to leave?

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PLAGE CACHEE

 

Mid range | Villa Mala Dora

Type: whole villa
Closest town: 9km from Stari Grad

Vila Mala Dora is a cute stone house right on the shores of a private beach featuring a little garden, outdoor wood oven and a private jetty.

The villa can accommodate up to 6 people and offers breathtaking views and free wi-fi. This is the perfect choice if you want the privacy and quietness of a secluded bay but still being able to access all the facilitiEs quickly and easily.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT VILLA MALA DORA

 

Mid range | Robinson Bella

Type: apartments
Closest town: 5.5km from Bogomolje village, 18km from Sucuraj, 39km from Jelsa,

Right on the shores of the beautiful Mala Pogorila beach, you’ll find Robinson Bella offering several apartments of various sizes. The apartments are modern and fully equipped, the views over the bay are stunning and you only need to climb a few stairs before jumping into the water.

This is one of the most remote accommodation options on this list and you will definitely need a car to get there (keep in mind that part of the access is over gravel).

This is a great place for families and couples who want to retreat, enjoy the beach and press pause on their everyday hustle.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT ROBINSON BELLA

 

Budget | Cast Away – Eco Resort

Type: Glamping
Closest town: 11.5 km from Jelsa, closest village is Zavala 4km away

Cast away is a self-sustainable eco-village in Gromin Dolac, right next to one of our favorite beaches in Hvar.

The a-shaped wooden tents at Cast Away are simple, there is no wi-fi and the solar power is limited. But the sea-views views are breathtaking, Milly, the resident dog and the rescue kittens will shower you with love and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves and crickets.

Cast Away has a bit of that hostel vibe and is a great spot for youngsters looking to connect with nature and experience Hvar in a different way. There is a communal kitchen, shared bathroom, safety lockers, bike and a bar on site. Bike, SUP and windsurf rental is also available.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT CAST AWAY

 

What you need to know before choosing your Hvar accommodation

 

The roads on Hvar are bad

Hvar Island is the fourth largest island in Croatia and its shape is quite narrow and long with plenty of hills.

What looks like just around the corner (Sveta Nedelja, I’m looking at you!) might take over an hour to get there due to the poor road network.

Tarmac is a commodity, windy, narrow and steep roads are the standard, and getting around takes time.

Parking is an issue

Ok, let me rephrase that. Parking is an issue in the old towns.

That should come at no surprise since this seems to be the case in most Croatian cities.

The old city centers were built before the invention of the car and the streets are barely wide enough for a horse so when staying in the heart of Hvar, Stari Grad, Jelsa or Vrboska you will need to park at the outskirts of town.

If traveling by car, make sure you check for parking before booking your accommodation.

Book well in advance

Hvar, and Hvar town in particular, are a very popular holiday destination that gets very busy in summer which means high demand for accommodation.

Book as soon as possible to secure a good place at a good price!

If you wait too long with booking your accommodation all the best options will be gone.

 

Hvar is on the expensive side

Speaking of price … The prices on Hvar, and in Hvar town particularly have been going up like crazy!

We got a good deal on our accommodation because we visited in the shoulder season, during Covid and stayed the full month but on an average summer, for the average length of stay, the prices are quite steep.

If you’re on a budget consider staying outside of Hvar town (see options below) and avoid visiting in July or August.

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.

 

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 center of Hvar town. This is the best option if you do not have a car.

Book your boat trip 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 kilometers 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 one 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.

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 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!

Hire a 125cc 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

 

Hire a boat

A day on the boat is an experience in itself but a boat is also a great way of getting around and exploring some of the most secluded bays and beaches on the island!

We highly recommend you rent a boat and explore Pakleni Island, the Red Rocks and drop anchor in any bay that calls your name.

Rent a Betina 20hp

Read next: Renting a boat on Hvar – tips, rules, suggestions

 

Use public transport

There are several busses per day that connect the main towns and villages on Hvar island as well as water taxi services you can use.

 

Best time to visit Hvar island

The best time to visit Hvar is in the shoulder season (April till mid-June or in September and October) 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 and becomes very crowded, loud and expensive in the peak of season (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 get too hot, too crowded and too expensive and we believe 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 and for an easy plug and play solution, feel free to swipe our Hvar itinerary!

 

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.

 

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