Hvar City - a Complete Guide
The city of Hvar is the biggest town on the island, with around 4300 habitants. It has a rich history dating all over to Illyric villages 1000BC. Today, it is the heart of tourism, and all eyes are on it all summer long. With rich content and programs during the summer season, Hvar City will for sure provide you with the time of your life!
We’re bringing you a complete guide to the sunniest and the most beautiful lavender-scented island in the whole world. Everything you need to know, from transport to accommodations and sightseeing locations will be listed below. Let’s talk about why Hvar should be the very first destination on your travel list!
How to get to Hvar City?
When coming from the land, Hvar City is connected with ferries and catamarans. A full yearly schedule can be found on our “Split to Hvar” blog.
Island’s bus line connects Hvar with other villages, and a timetable can be found here.
The most efficient way to reach Hvar City from the sea is a boat taxi, which is also the most flexible one when considering departure location. A boat taxi can get you to Hvar from any port in Dalmatia in minimal time with guaranteed safety and great, professional staff.
What to see
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Fortica Fortress
The best view in all of Hvar goes to fortress Fortica above the city’s center. Built during the Venetian era, the fortress originally served as a defense system. Today, it holds a collection of amphoras. Enjoy the beautiful architecture together with a breath-taking land sight in this Hvar’s gem.
Cathedral
Also known as the St. Stephen’s cathedral, this building was originally built in the 12th century, but has been reconstructed and upgraded throughout the next few centuries, and got its final shape in the 17th century. The bell tower was finished in 1549. The area around the cathedral was once the center of all happenings, but now, it’s a tranquil place for people to enjoy the scenery and the singing of seagulls.
Arsenal and a public theatre
Arsenal is the most important public building in Hvar. It was built after 1292 when Venice ordered its construction. It served as a naval warehouse. This old Arsenal from the 13th century became dilapidated over time, so in the 16th century, a new one was built on the same site, only to be burned down by the Turks in 1571. It got its present appearance during the restoration and upgrade in 1611, during the reign of Prince Pietro Semitecol.
Known as the oldest theatre in Europe, the Hvar public theatre was built in 1612 on the first floor of the Arsenal during its reconstruction. Although small, it definitely has a spirit and is an interesting sight, together with the whole building.
Paklinski Islands
This world-famous group of islands is located right across the Hvar City. Characterized by numerous beaches with turquoise sea and stunning nature, Paklinski Islands should definitely be on your travel list. The biggest island among them, St. Klement, is also a marina and offers great food and beverage service. Palmižana, the most famous of beaches on the islands is also located on St. Klement. They’re reachable by an organized ferry that stops at Palmižana, Marinkovac, and Jerolim bays. The faster option is a boat taxi, as it can drop you off wherever you’d like.
Napoleon fort
This fort, built above the Fortica at the beginning of the 19th century, was used as a military fort during the Napoleonic era. Today, it serves as an observatory of The University of Geodesy in Zagreb. It is reachable by car.
Museums and galleries
Exhibition of Hangovers
Built in the style of an anonymous story-sharing museum, this one offers a bit different kinds of stories. Hangovers. It is open from 7 PM to 11 PM, and the ticket price is 40kn. Read the crazy stories of other people and share your own if you want!
Soša Gallery
Soša Gallery is a colorful and sweet exhibition in the heart of Hvar. It is open Mon-Sat from 9.30 AM to 11 PM. There are hand-made jewelry, handbags, paintings, and sculptures available for purchase, so you can take an original part of Hvar back to your home!
Hanibal Lucić summerhouse
Built in the 16th century, this house serves as a Museum of Hvar Heritage today. Hanibal Lucić was a famous Croatian poet born in Hvar City. It is located in the center of the City.
Activities and more
Wine tasting at “Tri Pršuta”
Want to taste some of the best wines on the island? Seek no more, because Pršuta 3 has everything you need, and more. Try out great black and white wines followed by a plate of homemade sheep cheese and dried meat and learn more about the process and history of winemaking.
Blue Cave and Paklinski Islands tour
Blue cave is located on the east side of Biševo, small island south-west of Hvar. We suggest you set one day aside to plan a full-day trip to Blue Cave, you won’t regret it. Book an organized tour(sad na ovo ide link organizatora tih tourova), or a private boat if you’re feeling creative with trip planning. Dalmatia Express offers private boat tours covering the whole blue surface of the Dalmatian part of the Mediterranean Sea, so we suggest you check them out.
Walking tours
Beaches nearby
Pokonji dol
Located in one of the coves nearby the Cit of Hvar, Pkonji Dol is the biggest and most popular beach around. It is ideal for families due to its shallow entrance and smooth pebbles. Nearby restaurant and bars are perfect for a quick pause between floating on the sea.
Offers: trampolines, a restaurant, and bars
Facilities: changing cabins, sunbed, pedal boat, and parasol rent
Križna Luka
A pebble beach in the city, with natural shade provided by pine trees around the shore.
Facilities: sunbed and parasol rent
Mekićevica
The beach is located 2,5 km east of the city of Hvar. You can enjoy jumping into the turquoise and crystal-clear sea from rocks. The cove is approachable by land (on foot with an approx. 30-minute walk along the coast) or by sea and there is a local restaurant nearby.
Offers: restaurant
Facilities: sunbed rent
Paklinski Islands Beaches
Mlini
Mlini cove is a part of Ždrilica, a beautiful cove on the Paklinski Islands. With its beautiful shade, turquoise sea, and sounds of waves rushing to the shore, we can confirm that Mline is a true romantic paradise. It is reachable by water taxi, there is a nice restaurant and a bar. If you’re coming with your family, a children’s playground is also there, so you won’t have to worry about your little ones while relaxing in the Sun.
Offers: playground, sports terrains, bar, restaurant, ice cream stand
Facilities: outdoor showers, changing cabins, and sunbed rent
Palmižana
The most famous destination for tourists and anyone who wants to enjoy a day at the beach accompanied by the smell of rosemary and pines. It is reachable by ferry or water taxi from Hvar and there are multiple restaurants and bars there.
Offers: Beach bar, restaurant, ice cream stand, a la carte restaurant, snack bar, cafe bar
Facilities: seabed and parasol rent, changing cabins, public toilet, and an outdoor shower
Jerolim
Jerolim is a nudist beach on the same-named island which is a part of the Paklinski Islands. It is even amongst the 15 best nudist beaches in the world. With perfectly preserved nature, you can fully connect to it, far away from the crowds.
Offers: restaurant, beach bar, cafe bar
Facilities: outdoor showers, changing cabins, public toilet, parasol, and sunbed rent
Paklinski Islands are reachable by a private boat taxi. A ride from Hvar City to Jerolim beach lasts around 20 minutes.
Restaurants
Giaxa – A modern restaurant in the 15th-century palace. Giaxa mixes traditional Dalmatian recipes with high standards of modern cuisine. Try out colorful and delicious meals together with a glass or two of the great wines they offer. Offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals.
Mediterraneo Dine & Wine – The best-rated restaurant in the city. Offers classic Mediterranean dishes, including fish, meat, and vegan options.
Click Here To Get to Mediterraneo
Dalmatino – Another popular Dalmatian-dish-serving restaurant in Hvar, with a great choice of seafood meals.
Click Here To Get to Dalmatino
Fig Hvar – A bit more relaxed atmosphere, Mexican dishes, and good music – Fig has it all. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available, and prices are reasonable and totally worth it! Offers breakfasts, too.
Hvar Nightlife
Carpe Diem
If you’ve come here to have a time of your life and dance your night away in the most luxurious way possible, Carpe Diem is just the right place for you. Located on Paklinski islands. There is an organized boat included in the entrance fee (only at night- 300kn per person), or you can come by a private ride. Night club opens after midnight and closes just as the sun starts to rise. If you’re coming there during the day, a two-way ride costs 50 kn. The other option is a boat taxi. Enjoy the great atmosphere, and refreshing cocktails. Don’t forget to snap a shot at Carpe Diem’s water swing!
Pink Champagne
Enjoy drinking champagne in this modern nightclub whilst swinging to great music brought to you by well-known DJs.
Kiva
Kiva is a bar that is down a short pedestrian walkway in the center of the city. It seems small, but when the music starts, it can hold a surprisingly big amount of people. Not recommended if you’re not a fan of crowded and loud places.
Hula Hula
A place well known to the locals. Hula Hula is a nice bar next to the sea, just enough far away from all the noise and happenings in the city. Good music and drinks are guaranteed.
Best accommodations
Hotels
- Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort – a four-star resort
- Adriana – a four-star hotel
- Palace Elisabeth – a five-star hotel
- Podstine – a four-star hotel
- Pharos – a two-star hotel
Hostels
Villas
Groceries and more
There is a Muller shop in the center offering sanitary products and food, along with a couple of Studenac and Konzum markets. A bigger Tommy supermarket is next to Hvar’s football pitch.
Pharmacy is located right across from the Arsenal.
A hospital and an emergency room are also located in the city’s center.
Gas station
Ina gas station is located on the south side of the town, next to the football playground.