Hvar is the perfect summer destination and an absolute must-visit in Croatia. As one of the sunniest and liveliest islands in Croatia it is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant bar scene, rich history, and exquisite cuisine.

I was fortunate enough to spend a whole month in Hvar, basking in the Mediterranean sun, exploring the hidden bays, finding the best sunset views, and eating the most delicious food. During this time I’ve hung out with locals and explored some highly underrated hidden gems, beyond the usual touristy route, all in the name of research for this Hvar travel blog.

It’s fair to say that I’ve grown to know the island inside out and now I’m sharing all my insider knowledge with you! Below you’ll find carefully crafted itineraries and recommendations on the best things to do on Hvar in 3, 5, and 7 days.

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

Hvar must-do’s

Short on time? These are the top 5, most unique things to do on Hvar that you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on!

1. Visit the Pakleni Islands & Blue Cave
2. Explore Hvar town
3. Enjoy the beach
4. Venture off the beaten path
5. Do a wine tasting

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Hvar Itinerary overview – the best of Hvar Island

I’ve condensed all of the best things to do and the most amazing places to see into these 3, 5, and 7 day itineraries. All of these allow for plenty of leisure and beach time, without missing out on sightseeing!

I’ll be giving you plenty of information with links to other relevant articles for each place or activity whenever I mention it for the first time. But since these activities repeat for different itineraries I left those as a list and you can refer back up for more info when needed.

Please note: I’ve provided opening times for the summer season throughout this article but these might change depending on the season.

Where to stay in Hvar

If it’s your first time on Hvar, then staying in Hvar town is the obvious choice and this itinerary has been designed with a base in Hvar town in mind. That being said you can easily adapt it if you’re staying anywhere on the western side of Hvar island.

Hvar town is fairly small and easily walkable, but when picking where to stay keep in mind that there are hills and parking can be an issue. The old town is a pedestrian-only zone and in the peak of summer, the party scene is lit.

If you do choose to stay in the center of town, Hektorovic house just off the main square is a fantastic choice with great value.

I stayed at Apartments Ivanovic and loved it, it was clean, spacious, and quiet. What I didn’t love that much was the walk up the hill, but this was a necessary evil in order to have secure parking in front of the house.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel rather than an apartment then Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel is the perfect choice smack in the middle of town.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

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How many days on Hvar?

Three to five days is the perfect amount of time to see Hvar for most people and is enough time to see the main sights, enjoy the beach a little as well as get a little taste of the island beyond Hvat town.

Three days will allow you to see the main attractions in Hvar town, explore the magical Pakleni islands, as well as a bit of the Western side of the island. In five days you’ll be able to explore Hvar Island extensively, enjoy the many beaches and you’ll get to explore some of my favorite hidden gems too. If you want to explore deeper and visit some of the surrounding islands, you’ll need a full week, which will also give you enough time to hop over to the surrounding islands should you choose to.

Hvar Island is the fourth largest island in Croatia and its shape is quite narrow and long with plenty of hills. The roads aren’t great, and getting from A to B takes way longer than one would hope for. Allow for some extra time if you’d like to explore the island in its fullness.

7-day Hvar itinerary

One week is the perfect amount of time to discover Hvar Island and its surroundings, work on your tan on the most beautiful Hvar beaches, venture off the beaten path and explore the surrounding islands.

Make sure to get my Hvar Google Map to get instant access to 100+ locations of best attractions, restaurants, hotels and some hidden gems only locals (and soon you) know about. It’s packed with insider info and destinations and sights you’d never know existed on Hvar.

Day 1 – Hvar Town

Take the first day to explore Hvar town and its beautiful beaches. Start the day by visiting the Spanjola Fortress, then find some shade in the narrow alleys of Hvar old town and discover its history and imposing architecture.

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!

When it gets too hot it’s time to go for a swim, before ending the day with a beautiful sunset display with drink in hand at Falko beach bar.

Spanjola Fortress

Location: Spanish Fortress
Opening times: 9 AM – 9 PM, open until 10 PM on Saturday, change with seasons

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 and its 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.

Saint Stephen’s Square & historic buildings

Location: Trg Svetog Stjepana
Book your tour: Hvar walking tour

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.

Franciscan Monastery bl. Gospe od Milosti

Location: Franciscan Monastery
Opening times: 9am–3pm & 5–7pm, closed on Sunday (change with season)

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

Pokojni Dol and Bonj beach are both within walking distance (in opposite directions) from the old town of Hvar. Bonj is the closer, more popular one but in our opinion, Pokojni Dol is the much nicer one!

Read next: The best beaches on Hvar island

Pick Bonj Beach if you don’t feel like walking too much (it’s not only closer but also on the way to your last destination of the day), if you want a bit of a party vibe, a selection of bars and the option to rent paddleboards or a jetski.

Pick Pokojni Dol if you prefer a nicer bay with a more relaxed vibe and beautiful clear water. There’s also two restaurants here where you can grab some refreshments or lunch.

Sunset drinks at Falko

Location: Falko Beach Bar & Food
Opening times: 11 AM – 9 PM

Falko Beach bar and restaurant is located at the tip of the little peninsula and it is one of the rare places in Hvar where you can watch the sun drop down (almost) into the sea rather than disappear behind a hill hours before sundown.

We loved the relaxed vibe at Falko Beach Bar, the abundance of hammocks, bean bags, and cozy 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.

Day 2 – Pakleni Islands

Spend the second day out on the water exploring the gorgeous Pakleni Islands just off the coast of Hvar town and end the day with a celebratory drink at Backlane Craft bar, maybe even followed by a night out!

Read next: The ultimate guide to the Pakleni Islands

Pakleni Islands

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.

Read next: Your guide to the Pakleni Islands

If you have a boat license then renting a boat and exploring at your own pace is the best way to experience the Pakleni islands.

This private tour is the next best thing, and if you’re on a budget I highly recommend this group tour. You can also catch a water taxi to the islands, but you’ll be limited to one island.

I’ve planned for you to see Vis & the Blue Cave on day 6 of this itinerary, but you could also combine it with the Pakleni Islands on this packed tour. But I truly believe that the Pakleni Islands are worth a full day if you can dedicate the time.

Drinks at Backlane

Location: BackLane craft bar
Opening times: 9 AM – 1 AM

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 3 – Beaches and Stari Grad

It’s time to venture beyond Hvar town and you can do that in two ways – by land or by sea.

By land: 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.

By sea: 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, which I’ve planned for you for tomorrow. This tour also includes a stop at the Red Rocks which can not be accessed by land.

In the late afternoon make your way toward Stari Graad and its plains. You can drive there on your own or catch the bus.

Zarace beach

Location: Malo Zarace, Velo Zarace

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

Location: Dubovica Beach

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.

Read next: The best beaches on Hvar island

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

Petar Hektorovic Fortress (Tvrdalj)

Location: Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, Stari Grad
Opening Times: 10:30AM–1:30PM

Petar Hektorović was a Croatian writer and poet who was born and died in Stari Grad. Tvrdalj was his summer residence, a Renaissance home that was later fortified so that it could act as shelter before the Turks for the local citizens.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful sea water fish pond surrounded by arcs, a peaceful garden and the old kitchen at the back. The living quarters are closed to the public and are privately owned.

Stari Grad Plains

Stari Grad plains are a UNESCO world heritage site, protected for the preservation of the ancient chora, a geometrical system of land division used by the ancient Greeks. Here you’ll also find several roman ruins and archaeological sites.

Wine tasting at Hora winery

Location: Hora Winery
Opening times: By reservation

In the heart of the Stari Grad Plains you’ll find a gorgeous agrotourism, Hora Winery. They mainly serve their own products; wine, olive oil, cheese and cold cuts.

We did a wine and olive oil tasting at Hora Winery and not only was it fabulous, but very reasonably priced too! On top of that they offer peka (order at least 2h in advance!) and BBQ dishes if you choose to have dinner here.

Day 4 – Beaches of the South

Today calls for a car, or even better, an ATV as you’ll be exploring the beaches of the South followed by dinner (which is an experience in itself) at my favorite restaurant on Hvar.

This itinerary takes you to three different beaches, so pack your sunscreen, a lunch pack and plenty of water.

Please note: To reach Luscica Beach and Gromin Dolac you’ll have to drive over dirt roads and most car rental companies won’t allow you off tarmac roads. If you don’t want to rent a quad, you can walk from Sveta Nedjelja to Luscica beach (about 1km) and skip Gromin Dolac beach.

Read next: The best beaches on Hvar

Luscica beach

Location: Bay Lučišća

The small, picture-perfect white pebble beach is surrounded by aloe vera plants at the back, sloped rock shores on the sides, and boasts a breathtaking backdrop of steep cliffy mountains. The scenery here really is breathtaking!

Sv Nedelja

Read next: Your guide to Hvar island

Sv. Nedilja sits right under Sv. Nikola, the highest mountain on Hvar and is a quiet retreat with beautiful scenery and a unique underwater wine cellar in the harbor.

Jagodna bay

Location: Beach Jagodna

Jagodna Beach is a little slice of paradise just a few minutes drive from Sveta Nedilja. What makes it so special? Sand! Yes, you heard that, Jagodna beach is (at least partially) a sand beach, in Croatia!

Gromin Dolac Beach

Location: Beach Gromin Dolac

Gromin Dolac Beach is like no other beach we’ve found on Hvar! Under a cliff of conglomerate sedimental 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, is the cave like formations.

Dinner at Konoba Kokot

Location: Konoba Kokot
Opening times: 6 PM – 12 AM (best to book a table)

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.

Day 5 – Offbeat Hvar

Off-beat and off-road! Today you’ll be heading on the path less traveled to explore the Kabal Peninsula (dirt roads only) where you’ll find more beautiful bays and Tito’s caves. On the way back you’ll go through some cute Dalmatian villages and end the day at the best viewpoint in all of Hvar. Again you’ll need a car, scooter, or even better, an ATV. You can cover a lot of ground with an e-bike too, but probably won’t make it all the way to Tito’s caves.

Read next: Your guide to Hvar island

Kabal Peninsula

The Kabal Peninsula near Stari Grad is often an overlooked part of Hvar but for us it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!

On Kabal you’ll find some the most beautiful bays on the island and you’ll only have to share them with a handful of people (if any) and loads of fish. At the tip of the peninsula, you’ll find Tito’s caves that were built into the rocks to guard the entrance to the Stari Grad Channel.

Lunch at Tiha

Location: Tiha lounge bar
Opening times: 10 AM-ish – 10 PM-ish

Tiha Lounge truly does have a soul and is a living, breathing manifestation of the owner’s 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 and restaurant 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.

Brusje & Velo Grablje

Location: Brusje, Velo Grablje

Take the scenic backroads from Stari Grad back towards Hvar which will take you through Brusje and Velo Grablje. These tiny villages are cute, but the real treat are the roadside views on the way.

Brusje is often recommended as THE spot to visit lavender fields, but before you get your hopes up, the lavender fields of Brusje and Velo Grablje are just a vague reminder of what once was a leading industry on Hvar island.

This lavender tour will give you better insights and show you the fields and lavender produce on the island. This Hidden Gems Tour is fantastic as it takes you not just to the villages but also Napoleon fort, which is the next stop on this itinerary!

Napoleon Fort for Sunset

Location: Napoleon fort

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.

Sitting on top of the tallest hill around, the 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.

Day 6 – Vis and the Blue Cave

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.

Read next: Your guide to visiting the Blue Cave

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.

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed off the vessel while in the cave and the visit only lasts a few minutes due to the high demand and the small capacity of the cave.

To make the most of this trip make sure to book this group tour or even better this private 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.

Stiniva Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Croatia. Hidden at the end of a deep inlet and framed by the iconic tall cliffs that cut deep into the narrow bay only leaving a four-metre wide opening for small boats to enter.

Day 7 – Brac and Jelsa

In the morning make your way to Jelsa where you’ll catch the boat over to Bol on Brac Island. You’ll be spending the day on Brac and grab dinner in Jelsa upon your return.

If you book this private tour, you’ll be leaving by speed boat from Hvar town. If you prefer to do the trip by ferry from Jelsa I recommend you catch the bus to avoid paying rental costs just so you can pay for parking too.

Day trip to Bol, Brac

The Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) in Bol on Brac island is the poster child of the Croatia Tourism Board. This iconic spit changes shape with the tide and it’s a sight not to be missed!

Many believe that Zlatni Rat is a sandy beach, it certainly looks like one in the photos! But in reality, the beach is made of (smaller than usual) pebbles.

One would be forgiven to spend the whole day busking in the Mediterranean sun on this beautiful beach, but Brach has so much to offer it would be a shame not to explore further.

I highly recommend booking this scenic flight over Brac. The views over Brac, the Golden Horn, and the surrounding islands are just breathtaking, not to mention the Biokovo mountains in the back!

Consider checking out Blaca Monastery, Zmajeva Spilja (Dragoon Cave), hike up Vidova Gora, try the local wines at Stina Winery and indulge in the delicious Dalmatian food at one the many authentic restaurants.

Book your Brac day trip:

Private boat tour from Hvar to Brac

Brac scenic flight

Jelsa

Jelsa is a delightful small town with a relaxed vibe. It is located along a deep inlet with a large marina and expands over steep hills on either side.

Jelsa is a fabulous town to explore with its beautiful streets, cute shops, and fantastic restaurants. Here I have found the best ice cream shop and more churches in a tiny area than usual, even for Croatian standards!

Depending on how early or late you come back from Brac, you might have some time to kill before dinner. If so, the Adventure Park is the perfect place to have some fun. You can challenge yourself with an archery game or try human table football.

5 Day Hvar itinerary

With 5 days you’ll be able to explore Hvar Island extensively but, compared to the 7-day itinerary, you’ll have less time to explore the surrounding islands.

Because this itinerary doesn’t allow for a day trip to Brac, you won’t be going via Jelsa for the ferry either. That’s why I recommend you start earlier on day 4 and visit Jelsa on your way to the beaches of the south.

On day two you get to choose if you prefer to take it easy and explore the Pakleni Island at a slow pace or if you prefer a more packed day and include a visit to the Blue Cave as well. If you choose the latter, book this group tour or even better this private tour.

Day 1 – Hvar Town

Visit Spanjola Fortress | Hvar walking tour

Explore Hvar town | Hvar walking tour

Pokojni Dol or Bonj Beach

Sunset at Falko Beach Bar

Day 2 – Pakleni Islands (and Blue Cave)

Pakleni Islands

Red rocks & Pakleni islands

Hvar and Pakleni islands Yacht Tour

Half-day Pakleni kayak tour from Hvar town

Pakleni Islands & Blue Cave

Blue Cave private speed boat tour

Blue Cave group tour

Blue Cave and 5 island tour

Drinks at Backlane

Day 3 – Beaches and Stari Grad

Get a vehicle | rental car | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Zarace Beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Dubovica Beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Explore Stari Grad

Wine tasting at Hora Winery | Wine and olive oil tasting 

Day 4 – Jelsa and beaches of the South

Get a vehicle | rental car | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Jelsa

Luscica beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Sv Nedelja | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Jagodna Beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Gromin Dolac Beach

Dinner at Konoba Kokot

Day 5 – Off beat Hvar

Get a vehicle | rental car | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Kabal Peninsula

Tiha Lounge bar and restaurant

Brusje & Velo Grablje | Hvar lavender tour | Hidden Gems Tour

Napoleon Fort for sunset | Hidden Gems Tour

3 Day Hvar itinerary

Three days are just enough to get a good taste for Hvar and What this Island has to offer. We’ve prioritised beaches above all since they are Hvar’s best selling point but the itinerary on the second and third day is a little bit more packed.

If you wish to visit the Blue Cave you can do so on the second day by booking this guided tour that includes the Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands.

Day 1 – Hvar Town

Visit Spanjola Fortress | Hvar walking tour

Explore Hvar town | Hvar walking tour

Pokojni Dol or Bonj Beach | rental car | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Sunset at Falko Beach Bar

Day 2 – Pakleni Islands

Pakleni Islands

Red rocks & Pakleni islands

Hvar and Pakleni islands Yacht Tour

Half-day Pakleni kayak tour from Hvar town

Pakleni Islands & Blue Cave

Blue Cave private speed boat tour

Blue Cave group tour

Blue Cave and 5 island tour

Napoleon Fort for sunset | Hidden Gems Tour | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Drinks at Backlane

Day 3 – Beyond Hvar Town

Get a vehicle | rental car | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Zarace Beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Dubovica Beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour

Explore Stari Grad

Wine tasting at Hora Winery | Wine and olive oil tasting 

Dinner at Konoba Kokot

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.

Day 1 – Hvar Town

Start the first day by exploring Hvar town and the forts. In the afternoon, when the town heats upits best to retreat to the beach. You can either join a boat tour or rent some wheels to access Zarace & DUbovica bay. If you prefer an easier option within walking distance, Pokojni Dol is the go.

Visit Spanjola Fortress | Hvar walking tour

Explore Hvar town | Hvar walking tour

Zarace & Dubovica Beach | Hvar beaches speedboat tour | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Napoleon Fort for sunset | Hidden Gems Tour | rent an ATV | rent a scooter | rent an e-bike

Drinks at Backlane

Day 2 – Pakleni Islands, Blue Cave & Stari Grad

The second day is devoted to the open sea. You can choose to only visit the Pakleni islands or combine it with a tour to the Blue Cave. Either way you’ll be back in the late afternoon which gives you just enough time to explore Stari Grad before dinner.

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.

Pakleni Islands

Red rocks & Pakleni islands

Hvar and Pakleni islands Yacht Tour

Half-day Pakleni kayak tour from Hvar town

Pakleni Islands & Blue Cave

Blue Cave private speed boat tour

Blue Cave group tour

Blue Cave and 5 island tour

Explore Stari Grad

Dinner at Konoba Kokot

What to pack for Hvar, Croatia

Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm Mediterranean weather, including shorts, t-shirts, and my favorite, flowy dresses. I highly recommend packing a linen shirt that you can use as a bikini coverup or as a long-sleeve layer if you get chilly at night.

Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat, and high-quality sunscreen are crucial. Don’t forget a beach bag (ideally one you can use as an everyday tote), a beach mat, a reusable water bottle (you can drink tap water in Croatia), and obviously, your favorite bikinis.

The beaches in Croatia often have sharp rocks or pebbles so water shoes are recommended and don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the cities and national parks.

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.

Ultimate Hvar
Travel Guide

READ NOW

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.

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