Can you do a day trip to Hvar from Split?

Can you do a day trip to Hvar from Split?

It's a very popular day trip destination in Croatia for people who want to see as many places as possible while on vacation. Traveling from Split to Hvar is quite fast, allowing you to enjoy the beauties of Hvar within a limited timeframe. It is advisable to leave Split early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) in order to have enough time to fit everything in your itinerary - explore the town during the day, enjoy swimming, and try local food.

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How can you get from Split to Hvar?

Ferry boat

Ferry boats are the only option if you travel by car. “Jadrolinija” is the only company that operates ferries. The ferry from Split doesn’t stop in Hvar town itself, but in Stari Grad – Old Town (a 20-minute ride from Hvar town). The ferry journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Water taxi

Water taxis are one of the most popular forms of transport if you travel from Split to Hvar. They are the fastest and most reliable way to reach the islands in Croatia. This is aslo the best option if you are looking for a safe, fast, comfortable, and private travel experience to your holiday destination. The journey to Hvar takes less than an hour. Prices vary from agency to agency but typically range from €400 to €650. Regardless of the agency, the price includes fuel and the skipper.

 Speedboat tour

Speedboat tours typically last 11-12 hours, providing the perfect opportunity to visit as many places as possible in a day. Visits to the Blue Cave, Komiža (on the island of Vis), Stiniva Bay (with its stunning beach), the Blue Lagoon, the Pakleni Islands (near Hvar), and Hvar town are included in the itinerary. Almost all tours include a skipper and a guide, snorkeling gear, windproof jackets, and life jackets. Some speedboat tours also include visits to the islands of Brač and Šolta along with Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, all in one day.

Blue cave

What is the distance between Hvar and Split?

The distance between the island of Hvar and Split is 43 km (on a map) but approximately 63 km by sea. There are multiple ways to travel to Hvar from Split. The ferry journey takes 2 hours and stops in Stari Grad (Old Town). The speedboat line takes 1-1.15 hours and stops directly in Hvar town. Finally, a speedboat takes less than an hour to reach Hvar.

How much does this trip cost?

The cost depends on your chosen mode of transportation. The ferry is the cheapest option in Croatia generally, with one-way tickets starting at €8.10. Speedboat lines cost around €25 per person in the high season. Water taxis range from €400 upwards depending on the number of people.

Which is better: a self-guided trip or an organised tour to Hvar?

If you prefer freedom and want to travel at your own pace without feeling rushed, then a self-guided trip is better suited for you. Hvar town is relatively small, so it’s easy to navigate, and you can also visit the tourist board office for maps and more information. On the other hand, if you want to visit all the important landmarks on the island of Hvar and hear interesting facts and information within a shorter time frame, an organized trip might be a better option.

Renta Boat Hvar

What to do on a day trip to Hvar?

Exploring old town (main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hvar Fortress)

In the old town, you can see the largest square in Dalmatia and one of the largest in Croatia, St. Stephen’s Square, followed by the Cathedral of St. Stephen. It’s built in the Venetian style and is truly breathtaking. Next on your list should be the Arsenal and the historic theater, the first public theater in Europe. Just in front of the theater, you will find the City Lodge and the Clock Tower (Leroj), which was used as a ballroom, reading room, and meeting place for the local social elite. Your final stop on this trip should be Fortica Fortress, which offers the most breathtaking views of the town, especially during sunset.

Coffee or brunch with a view

Island of Hvar offers many relaxing and cool spots for an early coffee or brunch. Some popular places you should check out are:

  • “Glod” for coffee to go and a perfect breakfast idea.
  • “Code 11” is located just in front of the water with beautiful views of the nearby islands.
  • “Restaurant Park Hvar,” one of the most popular spots for brunch.
  • “BB Club” with slightly higher prices but literally in the city center with views of the entire town.

There are also many other spots where you can simply enjoy your coffee, such as “Kava 37,” “Coffee Snob,” and many more.

Relaxing at a nearby beach (Dubovica, Pokonji Dol, or Pakleni Islands)

The Pakleni Islands consist of multiple islands, with Palmižana and Ždrilca being the most famous throughout Dalmatia and entire Croatia. Daily excursions from Hvar to these islands are available. You can explore hidden bays and beaches, find secluded spots for swimming, or have lunch and drinks at local restaurants. The Pakleni Islands offer the perfect opportunity to relax all day, enjoying the sounds of nature and the mesmerizing view of that area.

  • Dubovica is a bay that is not accessible by foot, only by car, but it’s the largest beach on the island. It has a few restaurants, bars, and houses, and boasts crystal-clear water and a pebbly beach. 
  • Pokonji Dol beach is located in Hvar town, reachable on foot, and perfect for families with children. It’s the longest pebbly beach in Hvar, with a couple of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the entire day.
Palmizana beach

Have a drink at a beach bar

One of the most popular beach bars in Hvar and alongside the seaside in Croatia is Hula-Hula with some interesting beach parties. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, check out beach bars like “Beach Klub” Hvar, or Falko Beach Bar, a perfect spot for a cocktail or coffee with mesmerizing island views, especially beautiful at sunset. You can also check out “Pachamama” next to Pokonji Dol beach and Duba Beach Bar during your one-day trip.

Quick taxi boat to Pakleni Island (optional)

You can rent a taxi boat to the Pakleni Islands and enjoy for as long as you like. The Pakleni Islands are the perfect spot to spend the day relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. These islands are covered in bays and coves that you can explore, with stunning nature and crystal-clear water.

Visit lavender fields (optional)

Lavender fields are located near the villages of Brusje and Velo Grablje in Hvar, Croatia. You can join an organized field trip to see them during August when the lavender is in bloom. Alternatively, you can travel there independently by car. Also, in August, the Lavender Festival is held in the village of Velo Grablje, where you can participate in various events over several days and see and try lavender products.

Lavander fields

Early dinner in Hvar town

Dinner in Hvar usually starts around 6:00 PM. Some restaurants you should try if you want to experience local dishes include:

  • “Lungo Mare” and “Gariful” are also highly regarded, especially for their seafood.
  • “Pošteni” is located on the main square.
  • “Grande Luna” with excellent fish dishes and local specialties and a wide range of local wines.
  • “Dalmatino,” one of the best restaurants in Hvar with an excellent menu featuring both fish and meat dishes.

Taking a boat to Split

There are the same options for returning to Split as there were for coming to Hvar. The ferry boat may be the most limited option since there are only two lines back to Split in a day. However, fast boat lines are more common, especially during the high season. It’s best to choose a departure time in the later afternoon hours, for example, around 6:00 PM. The third and fastest option is by water taxi. This is the best option if you are unsure when you want to return to Split. This way you can reach Split in less than an hour.

FAQ

How much does a day trip to Hvar cost?

Transport to Hvar can cost from €8 to €25 or more, depending on the type of boat service you choose. Next are food and drinks. Even though a meal in a mid-range restaurant typically costs around €20-€25 per person, nice dining restaurants may charge more. If you want to visit cultural landmarks in Hvar, you also have to pay for tickets, and prices vary from attraction to attraction, with €10 being the most expensive.

All of the beaches on the island are free of charge; there are no private beaches in Hvar. You can also enjoy walks around the Hvar promenades, watch sunsets on the beaches, swim, and soak up the sun. The Museum of Mystery Ivan Vučetić (father of dactyloscopy) is also free of charge and is a must-see location. Hvar also has a fortress with free entry: Fort Napoleon, which offers breathtaking views of the entire town and stunning sunsets.

It’s best to leave Split around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM to avoid the intense heat later in the day. This will give you enough time to explore the town, even take a swim, and grab lunch at a restaurant.

It is possible to visit the Blue Cave by renting a private tour from Hvar. This option provides you with your own boat and a custom-made route tailored to your needs and wishes.

Absolutely! Hvar is a beautiful little Dalmatian town located on the island of Hvar. It’s full of life, especially during the summer, with stunning water, shores, and a charming old town. You can choose from many activities, even within a single day.

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