13 Best Things to Do in Hvar Town, Croatia + Local Tips for 2026

Hvar Town was my home for a month, and it is still one of my favourite places in Croatia. I loved getting lost in the winding stone streets, hunting down the best restaurants, chatting with locals, learning the island’s history, and spending far too much time basking in the sun on its beaches.

Hvar Town is the main town on Hvar Island and the easiest base for a first trip. It has Venetian architecture, cobblestone lanes, a beautiful harbour, great restaurants, beach clubs, boat trips, and easy access to some of the best beaches and islands around Hvar.

It is also famous for nightlife, yachts and summer chaos, but Hvar Town is no longer the party destination it once was. The best things to do in Hvar Town include fortress views, old town lanes, historic buildings, clear-water beaches, sunset bars, the Pakleni Islands, local wine, and a few easy day trips beyond town.

This guide focuses on Hvar Town, not the whole island. I’ll cover the best things to do in Hvar Town itself, the top boat trips and day trips from town, where to stay, how to get around, and a few places worth leaving the harbour for.

Where to stay in Hvar Town

For a first trip, I’d stay in Hvar Town. It is the easiest base for boat tours, restaurants, nightlife, beaches, the Pakleni Islands, and exploring Hvar Old Town on foot.

The old town itself is pedestrian-only, so check parking carefully if you are arriving with a car. If you want convenience, stay close to the harbour or St Stephen’s Square. If you want a calmer stay with beach access, look slightly west of town toward the Amfora and Moeesy side.

17 Best Things to Do in Hvar Town

Hvar Town is famous for its beach bars, nightlife, yachts and glossy summer scene, but that is only one side of it. The scene in Hvar is changing.

From summer 2025, Hvar has stricter noise limits, so even Carpe Diem has to close by midnight and some venues have shifted toward quieter formats like silent disco. Hvar still has a party scene, especially around Hula Hula and Carpe Diem, but it is not the nonstop chaos people sometimes imagine. Honestly, that makes Hvar Town better for travellers who want the atmosphere without losing the entire next day to drunk crowds and nightclub noise.

This guide focuses on what to do in Hvar Town itself, plus the best boat trips, beaches, viewpoints, food spots and short day trips from Hvar Town. If you are looking for the best things to do in Hvar Old Town (and a little beyond) you are in the right place.

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1. Climb up the Spanjola Fortress

Insider Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light and photos, in the evening you’ll be shooting against the sun

If you only do one thing in Hvar Town, make it the walk up to Španjola Fortress. Also known as Fortica, this 16th-century fortress sits just above Hvar Old Town and has the classic postcard view over the terracotta rooftops, the harbour, and the Pakleni Islands.

The climb starts from the backstreets above St Stephen’s Square and takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on how often you stop for photos (and stop you will!). The stone steps are steep in places, but it is not a difficult walk unless you are doing it in peak July heat. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want softer light and less heat.

Once you are at the top, you can walk the fortress walls, look into the small museum displays, and get those ridiculously pretty views everyone comes to Hvar for. There’s also a cool bar inside the fort, hydration is important in summer!

You can visit independently, but if you want more context on the history of Hvar Old Town, the fortress, the Arsenal, and St Stephen’s Square, pair it with this private Hvar walking tour with a local guide or grab this audio guide.

2. Spend a day on the 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 and while the name, Pakleni Otoci, literally translates to Hell Islands, in my experience, they’re more like Paradise Islands!

The Pakleni Islands are one of the easiest and best things to do from Hvar Town and one of the best day trips from Hvar.

Across the Hvar Strait, on this small archipelago, you’ll find picturesque coves, stunning beaches, hip bars, and beautiful nature. The Pakleni Islands are the perfect place to bask in the Mediterranean sun, swim in the clear Adriatic waters and discover new bays and just have a bloody good time!

The main island, Sveti Klement, is where you’ll find places like Palmižana, but the real magic is getting beyond the most obvious stops and seeing a few quieter bays too.

You can catch a water taxi to the islands but you’ll be limited to that one island. I’d recommend you book this Pakleni Islands boat tour instead. It is the easiest way to spend a few hours swimming, island-hopping, and seeing more of the coastline without dealing with boat logistics yourself.

If you want more flexibility, quieter coves, and control over the pace, a private Pakleni Islands boat tour is the better choice. It costs more, but this is one of those places where having your own skipper can genuinely make the day better.

3. Explore Saint Stephen’s Square

Insider Tip: People watch in the evening, take photos in the morning

Saint Stephen’s Square is at the heart of Hvar Town and where you’ll find some of the most impressive buildings in Hvar Old Town. With its 4,500 square metres, this is the largest square in Dalmatia. The square used to be part of the bay but was levelled 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 public theatre in Europe that was also available to the lower classes.

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

On Saint Stephen’s Square, also referred to as Pjaca, you’ll find a great selection of bars and restaurants. This square really comes to life in the evenings when everyone gathers here for a scoop of ice cream, dinner or drinks. Grab a seat and watch the world go by.

While you’re here, look down and see if you can find Milo’s face. It’s a stone on the square floor where the holes look like a little smiley face, and once you spot it, you’ll never unsee it.

If you want more context on the history, culture and architecture around Hvar Town, join this Hvar walking tour with a local guide or grab this self-guided audio guide.

4. Meander the Laneways and Stairways of Hvar Old Town

Insider Tip: Skaline od Gojave is the prettiest stairway in Hvar Town, especially when the bougainvillea is in bloom and the restaurant tables are set up along the steps.

Make sure to get my Hvar Google Map for more gems like this one!

Hvar Old Town has some of the most charming stone streets, lined with beautiful old houses, potted plants, tiny shops, wine bars, restaurants and hidden corners. One of my favourite things to do in Hvar Town was to just get lost in these little alleys, find new cafes, browse local boutiques, and see where the stairways would take me.

I’d recommend you tackle these stairs and alleys early in the morning or in the evening so that you’ll be able to really enjoy them. The town of Hvar is built over two hills, with a maze of narrow alleys and many, many stairs. I swear, those stairs get steeper and multiply every time the temperature rises, so avoid them in the peak of the day.

This is also where you’ll find some of the best small-scale shopping in Hvar Town. Don’t expect a big shopping centre, this is more about linen pieces, jewellery, swimwear, Croatian design, lavender products, wine, olive oil, and little souvenirs you’ll actually want to bring home.

If you want more context while wandering around Hvar Old Town, this self-guided audio tour is an easy option, or book this private Hvar walking tour with a local guide for a proper guided experience.

5. Take a Day Trip to the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is one of the most popular day trips from Hvar Town and one of those classic Croatia boat tours everyone talks about. It is beautiful, but the cave itself is only a small part of the day, so don’t book this just for one glowing blue photo.

The best Blue Cave tours from Hvar usually include a full island-hopping route with Vis, Stiniva Bay, the Green Cave, Budikovac, swimming stops, and sometimes the Pakleni Islands on the way back. That is what makes the trip worth it.

I’d especially recommend doing the Blue Cave from Hvar rather than Split if it fits your Croatia itinerary. It is still a full-day speedboat trip, but from Hvar the logistics make more sense and the day feels less like a marine endurance test.

6. Watch the sunset from the Napoleon Fort

Insider Tip: Pack a picnic and arrive in the late afternoon to see Hvar town basking in the golden light. Make sure to get my Hvar Google Map for more gems like this one!

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.

While you can’t actually enter the fortress, you’ll get breathtaking views from the carpark and the viewing platform in front of it.

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.

The fortress is a bit of a hike from Hvar town so consider joining this Hidden Gems Tour.
It takes you to Brusje (known for lavender fields), and Malo and Velo Grablje before wrapping up with breathtaking views from Napoleon fort.

7. Try Local Wine and Olive Oil

Hvar is not just beaches, boats and beach clubs. The island has a long wine-growing tradition, especially around the inland villages and the south coast, and you’ll also find excellent local olive oil, lavender products and simple Dalmatian food that tastes a lot better than it has any right to.

You can try local Hvar wine in town, but I think this is one of those experiences that gets much better when you leave Hvar Town for a few hours. The inland villages are quieter, more traditional, and give you a completely different side of the island.

If you want an easy option, book a Hvar wine tasting tour. For something more rounded, this Hvar island tour with wine and olive oil tasting is a better fit if you want to see more of the island too.

8. Grab ice cream at aROMA

Oh boy, my mouth starts watering just thinking about this creamy, rich, delicious gelato! This is the best ice cream I had in all of Croatia and it would be a sin going to Hvar and not trying it. If there’s a line it’s totally worth the wait, the ice cream is absolutely delicious. And! They also have a branch in Stari Grad as well which is equally as good.

Location: aROMA
Opening times: 10am – 11pm

9. Admire the Franciscan Monastery

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 surrounded by a lush green garden. The monastery houses a small museum and the gardens make for the perfect quiet stroll under Cypress trees.

In the evenings, as the sun starts to set, the white stone walls of the monastery and the park walls lit up in the softest orange light while the boats gently sway with the tide. A peaceful and beautiful sight.

If you’re up for a swim, there’s a cute little beach just in front of it as well.

Location: Franciscan Monastery
Opening times: 9am–3pm & 5–7pm, closed on Sunday

10. Grab sunset drinks at Falko bar

Hvar Island is hilly, the bays are deep and its orientation just doesn’t allow for many sunset spots. Most places just get in the shade some time after 5pm when the sun hides behind the hill. And then there’s Falko bar.

Falko bar has the perfect location at the tip of the peninsula where you can actually see the Sun drop into the sea (well, at least in spring) while you chill on a sunbed on the rocky shores with a delicious cocktail in hand.

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

11. Go fancy at Bonj Les Bains

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. Bonj beach is by far the most accessible beach from Hvar town, and consequently the busiest, but Bonj Les Bains stays exclusive, opulent and by no means crowded. Here you can rent day beds, sip cocktails, show off a little and bask in the Mediterranean Sun.

12. Jump in the clear blue waters at Pokojni Dol beach

Insider Tip: You can drive to Pokojni Dol or take the shortcut and walk over the hill rather than around.

Pokojni Dol (or Mustaco beach) was my go to beach on Hvar and one of the first bays I really fell in love with. I still remember walking down the footpath and catching the first glimpse of this gorgeous blue bay! Pokojni Dol is so easily accessible and incredibly beautiful that it quickly turned into my go-to beach for an afternoon dip.

13. Go au natural at Mekicevica beach

Just a short walk around the corner from Pokonji Dol you’ll find one of the prettiest little bays around Hvar. Mekicevica beach is a true oasis of peace and quiet where clothes are optional, but a swim is a must!

Location: Mekicevica beach
Insider Tip: Wear decent sandals or water shoes as the path there is a bit of an ankle breaker.

14. Enjoy the best craft beers and cocktails at BackLane Craft Bar

It was on one of my many aimless strolls through the old town that I stumbled upon BackLane. Little did I know this would soon become my favourite bar in Hvar. The staff instantly made me feel at home!

They brew their own beer on the island 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.

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

15. Go Shopping in Hvar Town

Shopping in Hvar Town is not about big malls or bargain hunting. There is no proper Hvar shopping centre in the old town, and honestly, that is part of the charm.

Shopping in Hvar is all about small boutiques, linen pieces, swimwear, jewellery, Croatian design, lavender products, local wine, olive oil and pretty little things you’ll convince yourself are “practical souvenirs”.

The best shops in Hvar are around St Stephen’s Square, the harbourfront and the narrow lanes of Hvar Old Town. I’d browse in the evening when the heat drops and the town comes alive.

Prices are very Hvar, so don’t expect this to be the cheapest place to shop in Croatia. But if you want a nice linen shirt, a beachy dress, local lavender, or a small gift that does not scream airport souvenir, Hvar Town is a fun place to browse.

16. Have Coffee with a View at Adriana Hotel

For one of the best easy views in Hvar Town, head to the rooftop terrace at Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel. I had one of my favourite coffees here, mostly because the view over the harbour is ridiculously good.

It is especially pretty around dusk when the harbour lights start coming on and the town shifts from beach-day mode into dinner-and-drinks mode. You get the boats, the waterfront, the old stone buildings and the Pakleni Islands in the distance, without having to climb another set of stairs. A small miracle in Hvar.

You don’t need to stay here to enjoy the view, but if you do want a central waterfront hotel in Hvar Town, Adriana is one of the strongest options.

17. Explore beyond Hvar town

Insider Tip: The roads in Hvar are something else. If you want to explore deeper, consider renting an ATV so you can drive on gravel roads.

While Hvar town is absolutely fantastic and I loved every moment of my month (and every return visit) in Hvar, I have to admit that most of my favourite corners are actually beyond the city of Hvar.

Rent a scooter, a car, or even better, a quad and adventure beyond Hvar town. Stari Grad and Jelsa are within easy reach and the island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and bays we’ve ever seen!

If you have your own wheels, you can turn this into a relaxed island road trip. If you don’t, a guided tour is usually easier than trying to piece it all together with buses.

If you have more than one day in Hvar, I’d absolutely make time for this side of the island. Hvar Town is the easiest base, but the island gets much more interesting once you venture past the Riva.

Getting to Hvar Town, Croatia

There is no commercial airport on Hvar Island, so to get to Hvar Town you’ll need to arrive by ferry, catamaran, car ferry plus bus/taxi, or private speedboat transfer. Most visitors travel to Hvar from Split, but you can also reach the island from Drvenik, Dubrovnik, Korčula, Brač and other nearby islands depending on the season.

• By passenger ferry/catamaran: This is the easiest way to get directly to Hvar Town if you are travelling without a car. Catamarans from Split usually drop you right by the harbour, which means you can walk straight into the old town. In summer, book tickets ahead because popular departures sell out.
• By car ferry from Split: If you are travelling with a car, take the car ferry from Split to Stari Grad, then drive about 25–30 minutes across the island to Hvar Town. This is the best option if you want to explore more of Hvar Island, but parking in and around Hvar Town can be annoying, so check your accommodation carefully before booking.
• By car ferry from Drvenik: The Drvenik to Sućuraj car ferry can work if you are driving up or down the coast, but Sućuraj is at the far eastern end of Hvar Island. It is useful for some itineraries, but it is not the most convenient route if your main goal is Hvar Town.
• By private speedboat transfer: This is the fastest and easiest option if you are arriving late, travelling in a group, coming from Split Airport, or just don’t want to deal with ferry schedules. It costs more, obviously, but for groups it can make sense. You can book a private transfer from Split Airport to Hvar.
• As part of a boat trip: If you are short on time and staying in Split, you can visit Hvar on a full-day boat tour, but I’d only do this if you truly don’t have time to stay overnight. Hvar Town is much better when you can see it in the morning or evening after the day-trip crowds thin out.

If you are coming from Split, make sure to also check out my Split itinerary and Split Old Town guide, as well as the best Split day trips.

Getting Around Hvar Town and Hvar Island

Hvar Town itself is very walkable, but the island is much bigger than most first-time visitors realise. Hvar is almost 70 kilometres long, and once you leave the main towns, the roads get narrower, hillier and more rural very quickly.

• On foot: This is the best (and in parts only) way to explore Hvar Town, the old town lanes, the harbour, St Stephen’s Square, and the Franciscan Monastery. Just know that Hvar Town is built on hills, so there are a lot of steps. Cute in photos. Less cute at 3pm in August.
• By boat tour: For the Pakleni Islands, Blue Cave, and south coast beaches, a boat tour is usually the easiest option.
• Rent a car: A car is useful if you want to explore Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Dubovica Beach, lavender villages, inland konobas and the quieter parts of the island. It is not needed in Hvar Town itself because the old town is pedestrian-only and parking can be a pain.
• Rent an ATV/quad: This is a good option if you want something more adventurous and easier for rougher roads and viewpoints. It can be especially useful if you want to explore inland Hvar without renting a full car.
• Rent an e-bike: An e-bike is a slower, more active way to explore outside Hvar Town without committing to a full island tour. It works best if you want a flexible day with a bit of movement, but don’t underestimate the hills.
• By public bus: Buses connect Hvar Town with places like Stari Grad and Jelsa, but schedules are limited and not ideal if you want to hop between beaches, villages and viewpoints. They work for simple A-to-B trips, not for a proper island-exploring day.
• By guided island tour: If you do not want to rent anything, book a tour that takes you inland. This is the easiest way to see a different side of Hvar beyond the harbour, beach clubs and old town. I’d look at this Hvar Hidden Gems Tour or this Wine and olive oil tasting.

Where to Eat in Hvar Town

Hvar Town has no shortage of restaurants and I had some brilliant meals in Hvar. But I’d still book the better restaurants ahead in summer and avoid picking the first waterfront menu you see when you’re already starving. Harbour views can easily do more heavy lifting than the food.

For a short stay, I’d mix one nicer dinner, one casual old town meal, a gelato stop, and at least one drink somewhere with a view. These are the places I’d look at first.

• Paradise Garden Hvar: My newest favourite in Hvar Town. It is family-run, tucked inside the old town, and feels fancy without being stiff. The garden setting is gorgeous, the food is worth the price tag, and I’d honestly go back to Hvar just for the pistachio roche.
• Dalmatino: One of the most consistently recommended restaurants in Hvar Town for a reason. It is good for a proper dinner, especially if you want fish, steak, local wine and polished service without going full yacht-money ridiculous. Book ahead.
• Fig Hvar: A good casual option for breakfast, lunch or dinner, especially if you want something a little different from the usual grilled fish and seafood pasta routine. Also useful if you need vegetarian or vegan-friendly options.
• Black Pepper: A strong choice for a nicer dinner in the old town lanes. Think modern Croatian food, a romantic little setting, and a menu that feels more interesting than the standard tourist strip options.
• Junior: A small family-run fish restaurant in Hvar Town. I loved the fish platter here, and it is a good one if you want seafood without the full waterfront scene.
• Štajun: A cute option for a slightly fancier dinner in town. I still remember the burrata here, and I’ve eaten a truly unreasonable amount of burrata in my life, so that says something.
• Konoba Menego: A good pick if you want a more traditional Dalmatian meal in the old town. Expect a cosy stone-house setting, local flavours, wine, cheese, cured meats and the kind of meal that feels more Hvar than another generic seafood pasta by the harbour.
• Gariful: The polished seafood splurge. Go here if you want waterfront views, serious seafood, and a more glamorous Hvar dinner. Not the budget choice.
• San Marco: A refined option inside Palace Elisabeth, overlooking the main square. This is more of a special-occasion dinner than a casual “I just came from the beach” situation.
• Konoba Kokot: Technically not in Hvar Town, but absolutely worth the drive.

Best time to visit Hvar

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 I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer. It just gets too hot, too crowded and too expensive and I 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 I’m 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 my Hvar itinerary!

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