The Complete Guide to Hvar Island, Croatia
From wine tasting to turquoise beaches- why choose Hvar- the ultimate travel guide!
Planning to visit Croatia? You’ve probably heard of the Island Hvar, Condé Nast Traveller’s best European island award winner in 2021. It’s no wonder why it truly is the best- from extraordinary beaches, one-of-a-kind food, and culture to sizzling nightlife and fiery sunsets.
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!
Table of Contents
- 1 The Complete Guide to Hvar Island, Croatia
- 1.1 From wine tasting to turquoise beaches- why choose Hvar- the ultimate travel guide!
- 1.2 About Hvar Island
- 1.3 Towns
- 1.4 Beaches
- 1.5 What to visit - Attractions
- 1.6 Activities
- 1.7 How to get to Hvar
- 1.8 Transportation on the island
- 1.9 Gas stations
About Hvar Island
The long and narrow island of Hvar is located in the very heart of central Dalmatia. It’s known as the sunniest island in the world, with more than 2700 sunny hours a year!
Populated since prehistory, Hvar has been building its distinctive culture during the Greeks all up to the Venetian Republic. Many famous writers and inventors, such as the renaissance poet Hanibal Lucić and the inventor of dactylography, Ivan Vučetić, were born and raised on Hvar.
With its warm and mild climate, there is no better place to enjoy countless hours in the sun while enjoying a light breeze followed by the scent of lavender, which Hvar was once famous for.
Towns
The island of Hvar has four administrative centers- Jesla, Hvar, Sućuraj, and Stari grad.
You can find more about Jelsa, Stari Grad, and Hvar city on our complete guides. Here’s a quick what-to-visit in these beautiful towns:
Jelsa
Jelsa is a beautiful little city on the north coast of the island. With only around 1,5 thousand habitants, it’s perfect if you’re looking for some privacy and silence while walking across the coastline.
On the other hand, Jelsa offers lively nightlife with a few night bars and clubs such as “Tarantela” and “Dgigibaoo”. You can dance, enjoy domestic liquors (called rakija in Croatian), cocktails and wines while listening to good music.
What to do: “Ribarska noć”- a fisherman’s night, “Fešta vina”- festival of wines
Restaurants: “Murvica”, “Huljić”, “Nono”, “Pitve”, “Marko”
Hvar
Located at the west of Hvar, the city of Hvar is the biggest city on the island. The old city’s center is a must-see, together with the fortress above it. The old town called Groda is surrounded by the city walls with doors on each side of them.
The city itself was once a center of Hvar’s renaissance literature and that is celebrated annually on Hvar’s theatre days. Hvar even has a Museum of cultural inheritance.
Must-sees: Radošević, Ivanić and Doimi palaces, Arsenal, Hvar public theatre, fortress Fortica, Museum of Hvar’s cultural inheritance, St. Stephen cathedral
What to do: “Faros Maraton”, Lavander Festival in Grablje nearby Hvar, summer manifestations lasting around 100 days each summer
Restaurants: “Lola Bar”, “Menego”, “Mediterraneo Dine & Wine”, “Pošteni”
Stari Grad
Croatia’s oldest city, Stari Grad (in Croatian meaning literally “Old City”) is yet another beautiful location built in a characteristic Mediterranean way. Surrounded by pine forests and with a light refreshing breeze protecting it from the sun, Stari Grad is perfect for relaxing walks and enjoying coffee next to the sea.
Must-sees: Petar Hektorović’s villa
What to do: summer manifestations, Stari Grad’s nights
Restaurants: “Eremitaž”, “Zvijezda mora” “Restaurant Albatros”
Sućuraj
Sućuraj is a small village set around 6km from the land. With only 400 habitants, it is a great place if you’re a fan of privacy and quality time with family. There are two sand beaches nearby- Česmica on the South and Bilina on the Northside.
Must-sees: Venetian palace, St. Ante church
What to do: local beaches Česmica, Bilina, Perna, Mlaska
Restaurants: “Fortica”, “Gusarska Luka”, “Mizarola”
Beaches
Hvar Island offers various types of beaches that suit every taste, from secluded coves to crowded public beaches. The beaches mentioned in this section will be included in a map at the end of this section.
Mline- Paklinski Islands
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- Paklinski Islands
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 (nudist beach) - Paklinski Islands
Naturist (nudist) island Jerolim is known to many people. Named the best nudist beach in Europe 2011 by CNN. It is part of the Pakleni islands and it is closest to town Hvar. On the south side of the island there is a bar and a small pebble beach surrounded by flat rocks which are ideal for sunbathing. On the north side of the island beach looks directly to beautiful historical town Hvar.
Offers: Beach bar, restaurant (currently closed), snack bar, cafe bar
Facilities: sunbed and parasol rent, public toilet
Lučišća
Two kilometers north of Sveta Nedjelja, Lučišća is a pebble beach located beneath 500-meter cliffs. It’s not well known due to its isolation from the main road. You can get to it by leaving your car at the nearest parking and walking around 200 meters through a narrow and rocky road.
Jagodna
Hidden behind surrounding cliffs between Ivan Dolac and Sveta Nedjelja, Jagodna is a true gem of Hvar’s beaches. The beach is mostly sandy, which is a true relief to your feet. Enjoy the sunsets while splattering in the shallows.
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, bar
Facilities: sunbed rent
Žukova
Located right across the Island of Brač and 2 km from Stari Grad, Žukova has a bit of something for everyone. If you’re coming with your family, there is a pebble part of the beach, and if you’re more of an adventurous type, Žukova has cliffs surrounding the bay, perfect for exploring and sunbathing.
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
Dubovica
A hidden beach reachable only by an unmarked mountain road or by sea. Dubovica has a 200-meter-long shore, natural shade from pines and pebbles carried by the beautiful clear sea.
Offers: restaurant
Grebišće
Nearby Jelsa, Grebišće is a stunning shallow sand beach perfect for families and pairs. Sand is great for playing games such as picigin and building sandcastles with your little ones.
There is also a pine forest right above the beach if you’re ready to take a nap in the shades while listening to the songs of crickets or just enjoy the pastoral scenery.
Offers: restaurant, beach, cafe and snack bar, pancake house, fast food bar, ice cream stand, pedal boats, sand volleyball terrain
Facilities: public toilet, outdoor showers, changing cabins, parasol and seabed rent, grocery and sea equipment store
Malo and Veliko Zaraće
The rocky beaches below the village of Zaraće (9km south of the City of Hvar) are perfect for adventurers. Veliko Zaraće is in the east and a little in the west. You can reach the beaches by boat or road. Enjoy jumping into the clear sea from the rocks and exploring the seabed. There is a restaurant nearby if you get hungry!
Offers: restaurant
Best Beaches of Hvar Island, Croatia - Full Map
As we promised a full map containing all of the above mention locations. If you need help reaching any of the beaches via private taxi boat contact us.
What to visit - Attractions
Arsenal
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.
The Hvar public theatre
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.
„Za križen“
Every Holy Thursday, a night procession is being held on the island. The tradition has been preserved for a couple of centuries now. Starting at 10 PM, the procession lasts 8 hours, with a walk of 25 kilometers (15.6 miles)! It is truly a beautiful scene that can rarely be seen.
Tvrdalj
Located in Stari Grad, Tvrdalj is a building built by Hvar’s famous poet Petar Hektorović in the XVI century. It was originally built to be a summer house. Hektorović included an aquarium, and a dovecot in it, creating a whole little world on its own. It is filled with inscriptions carved in stone, revealing his life mottos and love for literature.
Lavender festival Velo Grablje
Definitely the best smelling festival you could ever attend, the lavender festival in Velo Grablje is being held every year in July. There, you can see photography exhibitions, and attend conferences about the cultivation of lavender and other traditional Mediterranean herbs. The whole event is followed by live music, degustation of lavender products, and children’s art workshops.
Fortica
Located in Stari Grad, Tvrdalj is a building built by Hvar’s famous poet Petar Hektorović in the XVI century. It was originally built to be a summer house. Hektorović included an aquarium, and a dovecot in it, creating a whole little world on its own. It is filled with inscriptions carved in stone, revealing his life mottos and love for literature.
Carpe Diem beach bar & club
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 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!
Observatory Hvar
If you’re more on a scientific side, Hvar, once again, has something to offer. The observatory was opened in 1972 and conducts research in the field of solar physics, photometry of stars and star clusters, and galaxies. A double telescope is used to observe the Sun; one captures the photosphere and the other the chromosphere.
The observatory is located in the southwestern part of the island of Hvar, above the town of Hvar on a steep hill 240 m above sea level in the historic fortress Napoljun, built by the French army during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century.
Activities
Cycling
Want to get sporty? Hvar has a lot of great cycling routes, from hilly to lowland ones depending on your wishes and capacities. You can ride along the coastline or go through the inner part of the island and spectate nature as a light breeze blows through your hair. Watch out not to go cycling if the sun is too bright or the temperatures are too high and bring a lot of water with you!
Kayaking
There is no better way to incorporate physical activity into your beach day than kayaking. You can watch the land from far away, fish swimming beneath you, and seagulls singing above your head, all in one!
Boat rides- Blue cave and Pakleni islands
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, 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.
Diving
Interested in seabed exploration? We’ve got you covered! Hvar has a few diving companies to make your wish come true: Diving Viking. Get to know the marine life, enjoy the great sea temperature, and all in all, learn the basics of scuba diving (unless you’re already into it). There are snorkeling tours for the kids and ones not so interested in the deeper waters.
Wine tasting
Wine has always been a way of preserving tradition and sharing it with others. Reward your taste buds with the best wines on the island, enjoy traditional Mediterranean food like prosciutto, cheeses, and olives, and indulge in the hedonism Hvar offers!
Partying
After a long day of sunbathing and wandering around the sunny Hvar, comes the time to get dressed and go dancing. We’re bringing you a few of the best-rated clubs and night bars around:
Pink Champagne – enjoy drinking champagne in this modern nightclub whilst swinging to great music brought to you by well-known DJs.
Carpe Diem – a true party paradise. Located on Paklinski Islands, Carpe Diem will for sure give you the nights you won’t forget.
Hula Hula - a place well known to the locals. Hula Hula is a nice bar in the city of Hvar, just enough far away from all the noise and happenings in the city.
Seven Hvar - a smaller club placed in the center of Hvar
How to get to Hvar
If you want a detailed explanation of all the options of getting to Hvar from Split (ratings included) check our blog Getting from Split to Hvar Everything you need to know!
Via Split
Your Croatian adventure is likely to begin in the beautiful city of Split. Dalmatia’s capital, full of stunning Roman architecture and sights from Marjan hill is definitely worth a few hours of exploring in between your travel.
Airport Split, Croatia
The easiest and quickest way to get to Hvar is via the Split airport.
The airport is located in Kaštela, right inside Split’s suburbs. It is well connected to the city, though traffic jams are usual during the tourist season (June to September). You can look for flights here.
Train
If you’re arriving from Zagreb, the train is an alternative option. Croatia’s train system and organization are generally much slower but if you’re interested in watching the landscapes of Lika and Dalmatia through train windows, this is the option for you. Croatian railways offer transport service by train, and you can even transport your car with it for 101 kn. You can find more info on that on their website stated above.
Ferry
Coming from Italy? You can easily get to Split from Ancona. The sail usually lasts one night. Imagine the beautiful center of Split being your first sight in the morning!
Jadrolinija offers ferry transfers from Split to Hvar. You can sail to Hvar city, Jelsa, or Stari Grad, depending on your travel plan and accommodation. One-way sail lasts around 120 minutes. Jadorlinija’s ticket selling spot is located in the port of Split, Obala Lazareta bb. You can transport your vehicles on ferries, although tickets tend to be pricey during the season.
Catamaran
Split – Hvar
Krilo and Jadrolinija provide transports via catamarans. They’re faster and easier alternatives to ferries, but you are limited to the luggage you carry on your own.
How and where to buy Jadrolinija Tickets
You can buy tickets for Jadrolinija ships on their website and their mobile application. Ticket Stations can be found here.
Private boat taxi
Definitely the fastest and the most pleasant way to get to Hvar Island is the private boat taxi. It can get you anywhere you’d like, depending on your plan. You can get from Split to Hvar (any city on your mind) and even from the Split airport (Resnik) directly to the island. All the offers, together with the contact to the pleasant staff can be found here. The company also offers the „Blue cave trip “, incorporating visits to Vis island and Pakleni islands, so don’t forget to check that out!
Taxi Airport- Split
Transport from the airport to Split city center can be tough during the summer. We’ve found the best and fastest taxi transport company for you. Get more info on Split airport taxi transfer best deal.
Bus Airport- Split
Probably the simplest way to get to the city from the airport and vice versa is the local bus. One way ticket costs 13 kunas (if you buy it on the bus, 11 kunas if bought in the ticket shop around the city) and luggage is extra 5 kunas. You can find the newest schedule here. Bus number 2 offers transport from Split to the airport, so make sure you search for it on the site.
Via Dubrovnik
Another alternative is Dubrovnik, another beautiful location to spend your afternoon, or even a night or two. Surrounded by city walls, it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience and a must-have in your travel photo album.
Airport Dubrovnik
If you’re more interested in arriving at Hvar from Dubrovnik or spending some time in Dubrovnik first, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You can look for flights here.
Dubrovnik to Hvar transfer
Now that you’ve arrived in Dubrovnik, let’s see all the possible ways of getting to Hvar.
Dubrovnik to Split road
The best option when traveling with a personal vehicle, since catamarans don’t transfer them. There is 230 km between them and, thanks to the newly built Pelješac bridge, you won’t have to cross the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. The toll usually costs around 55 kn.
A bus is an alternative, lasting around 4-5 hours per one-way ride. See the schedule of rides here.
Catamaran
Both Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka offer transport via catamarans from Dubrovnik to Hvar, with the journey lasting from 3:15 to 3:30 hours. The offer is only active from April to October.
Alternative routes
There are also a few ways you can get to Hvar via surrounding islands.
Airport Brač- though small, it is an option if traveling by a smaller plane
Catamaran Milna (Brač)- Hvar and Bol(Brač)- Jelsa is available occasionally. The transport is offered by Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka. Find the schedule here.
Drvenik- Sućuraj ferry – Drvenik is a small city south-east of Split, near Makarska
There are also seasonal international routes connecting Hvar with Ancona(Pets and bike-friendly!) and Pescara. The schedules are published weekly.