Best Beaches on Hvar Island: 10 Hvar Beaches I’d Actually Go Back To in 2026

Hvar has some of the clearest water in Croatia, and a visit to this island is not complete without spending time on the best beaches on Hvar Island.

I spent a month on Hvar exploring the island by car, on foot, by scooter, and by boat, with one very serious mission. I set off to find the best beaches on Hvar beyond the same obvious spots everyone repeats. I started exploring the usual recommendations like Milna, Zarace, and Dubovica, but one thing became clear very quickly.

Most Hvar beach lists stop exactly where the tarmac turns into gravel. And that’s exactly where you’ll find some of the most incredible beaches on Hvar!

I knew there was much more to Hvar beaches than the easy-access bays, so we got our car dusty, tested the awkward roads, followed the footpaths, and did the unglamorous research bit too.

Some beaches were absolutely worth the effort. A few famous ones were fine but overhyped. And a couple of lesser-known coves ended up being our favourites on the whole island and I highly recommend adding them to your Hvar Itinerary.

This guide is based on the beaches I actually visited. Below you’ll find the best beaches on Hvar Island, including beaches near Hvar Town, quiet coves, Pakleni Islands swim spots, sandy-ish beaches, and the places I’d genuinely go back to.

Some beaches are easy walks from Hvar Town, some are hidden down steep gravel roads, and some of the most beautiful bays are much better reached by boat.

Best beaches near Hvar Town

If you are staying in Hvar Town without a car, you still have several good beach options. The beaches closest to Hvar Town are not always the quietest or most dramatic on the island, but they are easy, convenient, and perfect for a half-day swim.

• Pokonji Dol: the best proper beach near Hvar Town and my top pick if you want clear water, restaurants, and an easy swim.
• Bonj Beach: the easiest beach to reach from the centre, best for beach bars, sunbeds, and a more social scene.
• Falko Beach Bar area: better for sunset drinks and rocky swimming spots than a classic beach day.
• Mekićevica and Robinson Beach: quieter options if you are happy to walk further from Pokonji Dol.
• Pakleni Islands: not technically Hvar Town beaches, but they are the best nearby boat-access beach day from Hvar harbour.

Where to stay in Hvar

Hvar town is the perfect base for your trip on Hvar. It is fairly small and easily walkable, and most tours and trips start from here. The old town is a pedestrian-only zone so make sure to check for parking when booking your stay.

What to expect from the beaches on Hvar Island

Before you start planning your Hvar beach days, there are a few things worth knowing. Hvar beaches are beautiful, but they are not always soft, sandy, or easy to reach. The best ones often involve pebbles, rocks, steep access roads, boat rides, limited shade, and a bit of logistical effort.

Most Hvar beaches are rocky or pebbly

One thing you should know about the Croatian coast is that there are very few true sandy beaches. Most beaches on Hvar Island are rocky coves, pebble beaches, stone platforms, or tiny bays surrounded by cliffs and pine trees.

Some beaches have concrete slabs or jetties, others are completely natural. If you are dreaming of soft Caribbean-style sand, Hvar is not that kind of island. But if you want crystal clear blue water, dramatic coves, and wild swimming spots, Hvar is hard to beat.

Are there sandy beaches on Hvar?

Sort of, but do not expect long sandy beaches. Hvar is mainly a pebble and rock beach island. Jagodna Beach is one of the closest things to a sandy beach on Hvar, and a few bays have softer shallows or a sandy seabed, but most beaches still require water shoes.

If sandy beaches are a priority, Jagodna is the one I would add to your Hvar itinerary. Otherwise, embrace the pebbles. They are a big reason the water is so ridiculously clear.

Access can be tricky

Hvar is deceptively hilly, and once you leave the main towns, the roads can get narrow, steep, gravelly, or all three at once. Some of the best beaches on Hvar are easiest by boat, while others require driving down sharp turns or walking down rocky paths from roadside parking.

While you can explore some of the more popular Hvar beaches with a rental scooter, I’d consider an ATV rental if you want to explore the Kabal Peninsula or more remote beaches on the southern side of the island.

For the easiest way to see several of Hvar’s best south coast beaches in one day, book this speedboat tour. It includes stops around Zaraće, Dubovica, Lučišća Bay, and Red Rocks, which cannot be reached by land.

Location, sun, and wind matter

When choosing beaches on Hvar, you need to think about more than distance. The direction of the bay matters because of sun position and wind.

Many Hvar beaches are tucked below steep cliffs or hills, which means they can be in shade in the early morning or late afternoon. This is great when it’s brutally hot, less great if you arrive at 6pm expecting golden-hour sun and find the whole bay already dark.

Wind direction also matters. If the wind blows straight into the bay, the water can get choppy and currents can bring in seaweed or surface mess. If you are booking a boat tour or renting a boat, a good skipper or rental company should help you adjust the route around the conditions.

The water is ridiculously clear

The lack of sand might be annoying underfoot, but it is exactly why the water around Hvar is so clear. Since there is very little sand to cloud the sea, the beaches on Hvar often have that vivid blue, almost fake-looking water Croatia is famous for.

We kept looking down thinking the water was too shallow to jump into, only to realise it was four or five metres deep. That is how clear it is.

10 best beaches on Hvar

It is hard to name one single best beach on Hvar because the island has very different kinds of beach days. Sometimes you want an easy beach near Hvar Town with restaurants and sunbeds. Sometimes you want a quiet cove with no facilities. Sometimes you want a dramatic south coast beach that takes actual effort to reach.

After visiting countless Hvar beaches and bays I still cannot pick a clear winner. My personal favourite is Lučišća, while Pokonji Dol is the beach I’d recommend to almost everyone staying in Hvar Town. Dubovica is the classic postcard beach, Zaraće is great if you want a scenic cove with a bar nearby, and the Pakleni Islands are best if you want a boat day.

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Beach	Best for	Access	Facilities
Lučišća Beach	Dramatic scenery, clear water, quiet coves	Boat or steep walk from gravel road	Bar
Pokonji Dol	Easy beach day near Hvar Town	Walk or drive from Hvar Town	Restaurants, sunbeds, umbrellas
Dubovica Beach	Classic postcard beach, families, scenery	Drive plus 15-20 minute walk	Bar, restaurant
Jagodna Beach	Sandy-ish beach, relaxed swim, south coast	Drive via Sveta Nedilja	Bar & restaurant nearby
Malo Zaraće	Quiet swimming, clear water, scenic rocks	Drive down steep road	Nearby facilities in Velo Zaraće
Velo Zaraće	Beach bar, food, dramatic bay	Drive down steep road	Bar, restaurant
Brizenica Bay	Snorkelling, quiet, Kabal Peninsula	Gravel road, best by ATV or careful car	None
Stari Stani	Boat day, snorkelling, Pakleni Islands	Boat taxi or private boat	Nearby Palmizana
Maslenica Beach	Quiet beach near Vrboska	Short walk or drive from Vrboska	None
Bonj Beach	Convenience, beach clubs, cocktails	Easy walk from Hvar Town	Bars, restaurants, sunbeds, toilets

1. Pokonji Dol Beach, Hvar Town

Parking: Free, gravel
Facilities: Restaurants, jetty, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent
Best for: Best beach near Hvar Town, convenience, scenic swimming
Good to know: It gets busy in high season, but you can walk further to Mekićevica or Robinson Beach.

Pokojni Dol (or Mustaco beach) was our go to beach for an after work swim and one of the first beaches we really fell in love with. I still remember walking down the footpath and catching the first glimpse of this gorgeous blue bay!

Pokojni Dol beach is lively but it never felt too crowded. We can imagine it might be a different story in the peak of summer so if it gets too busy for your taste you can easily walk a little bit further to Mekićevica beach (nude, no facilities) or Robinson beach (restaurant, boat jetty).

We were staying on the hill just above Hvar town so it was just a short walk down or, when we were feeling particularly lazy, we’d just drive down and park 2 metres from the sea. Pokojni Dol is so easily accessible and incredibly beautiful that it quickly turned into our go-to beach for an afternoon dip.

Access:
It is a 20min walk along the coast from Hvar town or a 10min walk down an ankle-breaking path from the hill above Hvar town.

You can also drive to Pokojni Dol and there’s a spacious parking right next to the beach. However, the road is too narrow for two-way traffic and there’s no fencing on the sea side. On top of that it also serves pedestrians and bikes so drive carefully.

2. Lucisca beach, Sv. Nedilja

Parking: Free, roadside
Facilities: Bar, jetty
Best for: Dramatic scenery, clear water, quiet beach day
Good to know: Best reached by boat, ATV, or by walking down from the gravel road.

Getting to Lučišća Beach is a bit of a mission, but trust me, it is worth the effort. The small white pebble beach is surrounded by aloe vera plants at the back, sloped rock shores on the sides, and a dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs and mountains. It is easily one of the most beautiful beaches on Hvar Island.

The water is super clear and gets deep pretty fast. You can also jump off the small jetty and surrounding rocks and there’s a fabulous bar offering refreshments.

Access:

Arguably the best way to reach Lučišća beach is by boat, however you can also drive there, park on the road above and walk the last bit down the hill. It is a 10-15min walk down from the gravel road. Keep in mind that most rental cars will not let you drive on gravel roads so you’d have to walk an extra 2km from Sveta Nedilja.

If you’re coming from Hvar Town Google Maps will try to send you over 4.3 km of bumpy gravel roads (right before the tunnel towards Stari Grad), but do yourself and your vehicle a favour and take the long route around through Pitve, the one way tunnel and via Sv. Nedilja. We made the mistake of following google’s directions and that ‘road’ got really sketchy at times. Would not recommend driving there unless you rent a quad or really don’t care much for your car and its suspension.

3. Dubovica Beach, Hvar

Parking: Free, roadside
Facilities: Bar, restaurant
Best for: Classic Hvar beach scenery, families, longer beach days
Good to know: Go early in July and August. It is one of the most famous beaches on Hvar and does get busy.

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.

This bay is a favourite on the island and since it’s a bit of a walk, people often stay here for the bigger part of the day. We only had to share it with a dozen of others but despite its size, we imagine it can get quite busy in the peak of the season.

There is some shade under the trees at the back but you’d need to come early to secure your spot. There’s no sun bed or umbrella rental so we recommend you bring your own shade.

Access:
Dubovica is about 10km outside the town of Hvar. There is a clearly sign posted small carpark by the main road. It is a 15-20min walk down to the beach from the car park.

4. Zarace Beach, Hvar: Malo Zarace and Velo Zarace

Parking: Free roadside parking near the bottom
Facilities: Bar and restaurant at Velo Zaraće
Best for: Clear water, scenic swimming, quieter beach day
Good to know: Malo Zaraće is quieter and prettier; Velo Zaraće is better for facilities.

Zaraće Beach is actually two beaches in one: Malo Zaraće and Velo Zaraće. They sit on opposite sides of the same tiny coastal village, and both are protected by dramatic rocky spits that make the water incredibly calm, clear, and blue.

As you drive along the 116 road, you might notice the long rock formations just off the coast. From above, Zaraće looks almost unreal, a bit like Yoda’s head is poking from beneath Hvar Island. These rocky spits shelter the bays from wind and currents, which is why the water here is often so still.

Malo Zaraće, or Little Zaraće, is on the right as you come down the road. This is my pick if you want the prettier and quieter beach. It has a small pebble beach, dramatic rocks, and a big boulder in the middle that makes the beach look smaller than it actually is. Walk behind it and you’ll find that the beach continues further around.

Velo Zaraće, or Big Zaraće, is on the left. The beach itself is similar in size, but it feels more open and has better facilities thanks to the nearby bar and restaurant. If you want food, drinks, loungers, or an easier beach-bar setup, Velo Zaraće is the better choice.

I prefer Malo Zaraće as a beach, but Beach Garden above Velo Zaraće is a great stop for drinks, shade, and a more comfortable lounger afternoon.

5. Jagodna Beach, Sv. Nedilja

Parking: Free, in the shade
Facilities: Bar and restaurant nearby
Best for: Sandy-ish beach, south coast beach day, relaxed swimming
Good to know: The bay loses sun earlier than exposed beaches because it sits below tall cliffs.

Jagodna Beach is a little slice of paradise just a few minutes’ drive from Sveta Nedilja. What makes it so special? Sand. Or at least, the closest thing to a sandy beach on Hvar Island.

And if that wasn’t enough to peak your interest, let us tell you that this little cove is so incredibly picturesque, that you might never want to leave. A short stretch of sandy shore surrounded by big boulders on both side and orange cliffs with pine forests at the back. The water is as blue and crystal clear as ever, and you don’t even really need water shoes on this rare sandy beach in Croatia!

There is a small bar & restaurant overlooking the beach and a small free carpark at the end of the road. There is also a campsite nearby but no facilities on the beach itself.

Jagodna beach is a very secluded bay surrounded by tall cliffs which means it doesn’t get much sun in the morning and late afternoon. We got here around 6pm and it was already in complete shade.

6. Brizenica Bay, Stari Grad

Parking: Limited roadside parking
Facilities: None
Best for: Quiet beach, snorkelling, Kabal Peninsula exploring
Good to know: Access is over gravel roads, so an ATV rental makes more sense than a standard rental car.

Brizenica Bay holds a special place in our hearts. It was here that we went for our very first swim of the season and it was magical!

There is a small pebbly beach at the end, but as usual we opted for the rocks on the side where you can find plenty of flat surfaces to lie down as well as some shade. The bay is long and narrow and, as usual on Hvar, the water is crystal clear and a beautiful aqua blue colour.

This bay is just unknown enough (hope we didn’t jinx it!) and hard enough to access, that it stays very quiet even in the peak of summer. Since there’s not many people or boats, the bay is teeming with life and it’s the perfect spot to go snorkelling. There is also a good spearfishing spot at the very tip of the rocks and you can catch octopus here.

Access:

Brizenica Bay is located at the beginning of the Kabal Peninsula and it can be reached by car over gravel roads. There is a small carpark at the end of the road leading down to the bay but due to storms, part of the road has been washed away so we do not recommend you drive any further than this (unless you have a 4×4 or rent a quad, which we’d recommend if you want to explore the Kabal Peninsula further). There is just enough space by the side of the road for a few cars and you’ll need to reverse back out since there’s no space to turn around.

7. Stari Stani, Pakleni Islands

Parking: N/A
Facilities: There’s a beach bar in G.dok and the facilities of Palmizana just over the hump
Best for: Quiet, scenic, snorkel
Good to know: Access is best by boat

Ok, I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t even spend much time on the shore at Stari Stani. Not because we never made it there, but because we jumped into the water off our boat and did not want to leave. We could not believe how many fish were in this bay.

Stari Stani is the next bay over from Palmizana but it only gets a fraction of the boats and beach goers which means calm, peace and beauty!

Access:

Stari Stani is technically on the Pakleni Islands rather than Hvar Island itself, but it is one of the best beach and swim spots you can visit from Hvar Town. You can take a boat taxi to Palmižana and walk from there, but I’d rather visit as part of a boat day. But I highly recommend you book this Hvar and Pakleni islands Yacht Tour for a better experience!

Parking: Free
Facilities: None
Best for: Quiet, scenic

8. Maslenica Beach, Vrboska

We found Maslenica by chance. The sky started clearing up just as we were exploring Vrboska (turns out there’s not much to explore there) and we were suddenly given the gift of time and blue skies. A quick Google Maps consultation later and we were en route to Maslenica Beach.

It turns out this is a fairly popular beach for the residents of Vrboska, but luckily this is a tiny village so Maslenica never really gets too crowded.

There are 2 tiny pebble beaches in the bay and loads of rocks and pine trees (perfect for a hammock!) on all sides. As common for North-facing bays on the island, Maslenica beach doesn’t get much sun after 5pm.

Access:

Maslenica bay is a short 1km walk or drive from Vrboska town. The last bit is gravel roads but you can easily walk this part. From the carpark above the bay it is a 5min walk through the forest to get to the bay.

9. Gromin Dolac Beach

Parking: Free, roadside
Facilities: Beach bar, glamping, SUP & kayak rental at the bar
Best for: Quiet, scenic

Gromin Dolac Beach is like no other beach we’ve found on Hvar! Under a cliff of conglomerate sedimentary rocks you’ll find a decently sized pebbly beach but its most unique feature, and the reason we decided to visit Gromin Dolac in the first place are the cave like formations.

Over centuries the sea has eroded into the cliff and made wave shaped cave ins that give this beach its unique look and a nice shaded area to lie down. Somehow we also found the pebbles here a little bit more comfortable to lie and walk on than elsewhere, which is great since we forgot to bring our water shoes! Since the sea floor is made of pebbles there are also hardly any urchins making for the perfect worry free bathing experience.

Just above the beach you’ll find Cast Away, a cosy beach bar and glamping. Here you can grab some refreshments, have cuddles with Bailey (the resident dog thats gonna smell your sandwich from miles away) and fall in love with their kittens as well as rent SUPs, kayaks and mountain bikes.

Access:

Drive through the one-lane tunnel in Pitve and turn left towards Zavala and Gromin Dolac. The last 3km from Zavala are over gravel roads. When we drove there the road was under construction and the last few hundred meters were in very bad shape so we ended up parking on top of the hill just before the beach.

From the road there is a narrow footpath leading to the beach which is not clearly sign posted. The walk only takes a minute or two and is mostly flat.

10. Bonj beach, Hvar

Parking: N/A
Facilities: Plenty of bars restaurants, sun bed rental, ATMs, public toilets …
Best for: Convenience, party

Bonj beach is by far the most accessible beach from Hvar town, and consequently the busiest. Bonj beach is among the most popular Croatia party beaches and is known for a lively beach bar scene and for the exclusive Bonj Les Bains Beach Club. Here you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drinks!

To be fair, this is our least favourite beach from the list (again, we like them a bit more quiet) and we believe that the best beaches in Hvar are found further out of town. Bonj beach is great if you’re limited on time, don’t have a ride or are looking for a place to have fun and party.

There’s a decently sized (for Hvar standards) pebble beach and some pretty comfy rocks around it but we couldn’t help but notice a slightly pretentious vibe in the air. The beach itself gets shade just before 6pm but there’s plenty of beach bars on the tips that will offer beach beds and cocktails long past sunset.

Access: Bonj beach is a short 10-15min walk along the coast from Hvar town.

 

Best beach bars and beach clubs on Hvar

Hvar is known for two main things – the beautiful beaches and its party scene. What happens when you combine these two together? You find yourself at a beach bar!

During our month in Hvar we had a chance to visit many of them and below we’re listing the ones that really stood out.

Hvar’s beach club and nightlife scene has changed in recent years because of stricter noise rules. Outdoor music and late-night beach parties may be much more limited than they used to be, especially around Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands.

Beach clubs like Carpe Diem are still a lot of fun and worth checking out, but do not assume the old “party until sunrise” Hvar scene is still running as usual.

I had some properly fun nights out in Hvar in my twenties, and places like Carpe Diem and Hula Hula are still Hvar institutions. But the island is no longer quite the “party until sunrise and deal with the damage tomorrow” place it once was. And that is not a bad thing. Hvar has so much more to offer than drunk teenagers, noise, and pavement puke.

The parties are still there, but they are usually a little less loud and end earlier, which means you can actually enjoy the next morning too. If nightlife is a big reason you are coming to Hvar, check the latest opening hours and event schedules before you go. If you are here for beach bars, sunset drinks, beautiful coves, and a more grown-up island vibe, Hvar still delivers.

Carpe Diem, Pakleni Islands

Carpe Diem is an institution you cannot ignore and by far the most famous beach club on Hvar. There is a Carpe Diem in the marina of Hvar Town and from what we’ve seen there, we did not expect to like the Carpe Diem on Pakleni Islands, but we were proven wrong!

The beach club takes up a big chunk of the island with sun beds, loungers, tables in the shade under trees, a massive stage and dance floor, a swimming pool, boat docks on either side, the large Carpe Diem beach … the list goes on. It turns out we could easily spend the day (and night!) here and we highly recommend you check it out too.

We only saw it in shoulder season on a fairly quiet day but we heard stories of the legendary parties held here at night in the peak of summer when they fly in some big names.

Laganini, Pakleni Islands

Laganini is a cool beach club and restaurant in the most popular bay on Pakleni Islands, Palmizana. Laganini means to take it easy, to chill, and that’s exactly the vibe you get here on the big loungers and private pergolas with lounge music in the background.

Tiha lounge bar, Kabal Peninsula

Tiha Lounge is our little secret and on a regular year we probably would have decided not to share it with the world. Some places are just meant to stay small and authentic, and Tiha is one of them. However, after the rough covid times, we believe this little gem can use all the support we can give it.

Tiha Lounge truly does have a soul, and is a living, breathing manifestation of the owners love for this part of the world, art, crafts and great hospitality. Tiha translates to the quiet one and as the name suggests, this lounge bar is a place to relax and retreat. In this cozy Hvar beach club you won’t find crazy parties late in the night, but you will be treated like family and you will fall in love with the quirky decor, bluest of waters and chilled vibes.

Falko Beach Bar, Hvar

Falko Beach bar and restaurant is just a short walk from Hvar town past Bonj beach. It’s located at the tip of the little peninsula and has a rocky beach with a small jetty with stairs to help you get out of the water.

We loved the relaxed vibe at Falko Beach Bar, the abundance of hammocks, bean bags and cosy places to chill. During the day you can rent sun beds here, or have lunch, but the real magic happens as the sun starts going down.

Falko is the perfect spot for sunset drinks! Try the fabulous Cucumber Mule cocktail and watch the sun go down as the sky lights up in the most beautiful shades of orange and pink. Falko bar is one of the rare places in Hvar where you can watch the sun drop down (almost) into the sea rather disappear behind a hill hours before sundown.

Beach Garden

Just around the corner from one of our favourite beaches, Malo Zarace you’ll find Beach Garden, a cosy lounge bar overlooking Velo Zarace beach. Here you’ll find plenty of shade, big loungers, cute secluded sitting areas and even a couple of swings!

We stopped at Beach Garden at the very beginning of our stay in Hvar, before the season started so it was very quiet but can imagine this place gets very lively in the peak of summer. Try the Mojito here, it’s fabulous and we’ve heard the food is delicious too.

What to pack for a beach day on Hvar

Besides sunscreen, a beach towel, and something to read, Hvar beaches require a few practical extras. Many beaches are rocky, some have no facilities, and several involve steep paths or gravel roads.

These are the essentials I’d pack for Hvar beach hopping:

• Water shoes: Most beaches are pebbly or rocky, and sea urchins are common around rocks.
• Proper sandals or sneakers: Some beach paths are steep, loose, or ankle-breaky. Flip-flops are not ideal.
• Beach mat or padded towel: Pebbles are pretty. They are not comfortable.
• Shade: Bring a parasol or beach tent if you are visiting remote beaches without sunbed rental.
• Snorkel gear: Hvar has incredibly clear water, especially around rocky coves and the Pakleni Islands.
• Water and snacks: Some beaches have bars and restaurants, but the quieter coves often have nothing nearby.

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 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 beaches

Hvar is almost 70 kilometres long, and the best way to get around depends on which beaches you want to visit. If you are only staying near Hvar Town, you can walk to Bonj, Pokonji Dol, Falko, and the harbour for Pakleni Islands boat taxis. But if you want beaches like Dubovica, Zaraće, Jagodna, Lučišća, Brizenica, or Gromin Dolac, you’ll need transport.

There are also plenty of places on Hvar that are only accessible over gravel or dirt roads. Most rental car companies will not allow you to drive on gravel roads, and annoying as that is, those roads often lead to some of the most beautiful beaches and viewpoints.

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 are plenty of gravel and dirt roads on Hvar, and certain areas are better explored with a 4×4 or ATV.

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.

 

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 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 gets too hot, too crowded and too expensive and we believe you’ll have a much better experience visiting in late spring or early Autumn.

That being said, if you’re going to Hvar with the sole intention of working on your tan and swimming in the clearest bluest waters, then July and August are very favourable months. If that’s the case we’d recommend you stay at one of these off-beat spots with the nicest beaches at your doorstep.

Hvar beaches FAQ

What is the best beach on Hvar?

My favourite beach on Hvar is Lučišća Beach because of the dramatic cliffs, clear water, and tucked-away setting. For most travellers, though, Pokonji Dol is the easiest beach to recommend because it is beautiful, convenient, and close to Hvar Town.

What is the best beach near Hvar Town?

Pokonji Dol is the best beach near Hvar Town if you want a proper beach day with clear water, restaurants, and sunbeds. Bonj Beach is closer and easier, but it feels more like a beach club area than a scenic Hvar cove.

Does Hvar have sandy beaches?

Hvar does not have many true sandy beaches. Most beaches are pebble, rock, or concrete. Jagodna Beach is one of the closest things to a sandy beach on Hvar, but I’d still pack water shoes for most beach days.

Can you visit Hvar beaches without a car?

Yes, but you will mostly be limited to beaches near Hvar Town, boat-access beaches, and places reachable by taxi or tour. Without a car, I’d focus on Pokonji Dol, Bonj, Falko, Mekićevica, Robinson Beach, and the Pakleni Islands.

Are water shoes needed on Hvar?

Yes, I strongly recommend water shoes for Hvar. Most beaches are rocky or pebbly, and sea urchins are common around rocks. They are not glamorous, but neither is hobbling across hot stones like a wounded crab.

Is Zaraće Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Zaraće Beach is worth visiting if you want clear water, dramatic rock formations, and a beach that is still fairly easy to reach from Hvar Town. Choose Malo Zaraće for a quieter swim and Velo Zaraće if you want a bar and restaurant nearby.

What are the best beaches to visit by boat from Hvar?

The Pakleni Islands are the easiest and best boat-access beach day from Hvar Town. You can also visit south coast spots like Red Rocks, Dubovica, Lučišća, and Zaraće by boat, which is often easier than dealing with steep roads and parking.

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

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