How many days in Hvar? The ideal stay in Hvar

How many days in Hvar? The ideal stay in Hvar

Hvar is a suitable town for different types of tourists. If you travel to Croatia during the summer months, you can stay here for a day and explore the old town (center) or stay longer and experience the culture, food, sights, and even the entire island of Hvar. The best time to come if you want to avoid crowds is in June or September, as everything is open and available, but at better prices and with smaller queues. Something you definitely can't miss while visiting the island, regardless of staying for a day or longer, are cultural landmarks such as St. Stephen's Square and Cathedral, the City Fortress, the Arsenal & Historic Theater, the City Lodge, and the Benedictine Nunnery.

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Which factors should you take into account for your stay in Hvar?

Which type of traveler are you?

If you travel as a family with kids, Hvar offers various activities and places to visit that are child-friendly. For instance, almost every single beach is suitable for children, and you can rent kayaks or paddle boats for them. Most restaurants also have children’s menus, and there are multiple outdoor playgrounds for playtime.

If you are an adventurous traveler, Hvar offers bike routes through stunning countryside and coasts with almost 450 routes (sports, sea solo, and alpine). Other adventurous activities while here include skydiving, diving, or kayaking.

If you are more of a luxury traveler, Hvar has everything to make your stay pleasurable. By staying in a 5-star hotel, you can enjoy experiences such as spa treatments, wellness facilities, a gym, and private bars. Hvar is also known throughout Croatia and beyond for fine dining experiences and some luxurious nightlife options.

If you travel as a couple, planning your stay here might be the easiest. Hvar is one of the best spots for couples in Croatia as it is a very romantic place, with many activities to enjoy together. These include renting a small boat to explore the entire island for a day, visiting all of the cultural landmarks, and tasting local wines.

Time of year

The time of year significantly affects your stay in Hvar. If you prefer a calmer environment, it’s ideal to travel in June or September. You can still experience everything available in the high season, but perhaps at better prices. 

If you want to experience the island of Hvar and its beaches in full bloom, then the best time to come is in July or August. The days are longer, the sunsets are magical, and the sea is perfect. During these months, there is rarely bad weather, so all activities are available, including boat excursions, renting a small boat, and private tours.

Budget

The island of Hvar offers options for different budgets, meaning you can enjoy everything within your means. For a more luxurious budget, you can stay in a 5-star hotel and dine at fine-dining restaurants. 

Some more budget-friendly options include private accommodations with various price ranges depending on the time of year, interior design, parking space, size of the apartment, and location. Prices will be lower if you book in advance.

Food prices also vary depending on the restaurant you choose, so it’s recommended to check the menu and prices before entering. 

Activities such as visiting cultural landmarks cost from 2-10€, and boat rentals or island excursions vary depending on the time of year (cheaper in the off-season).

One day trip to Hvar – What to visit?

Stroll through Old Town

The Old Town of Hvar is truly wonderful. It has old-world charm with picturesque small streets. Hvar is full of these charming streets, all of which lead to the town port, so you can’t get lost. These streets are ideal for taking perfect vacation photos.

In the Old Town, you can find many small local shops, “konobas” (traditional taverns) for a local meal, or discover some cultural landmarks.. You can also visit the Benedictine Nunnery where nuns create agave lace (a UNESCO heritage).

Visit the Fortica Fortress

The Fortica Fortress is one of the most important landmarks in Hvar and Croatia. It offers a stunning sight, standing majestically at the top of the town, offering protection. This was a crucial defensive system in the 13th century and again in the 16th century. The best time to visit is during sunset, as you can see the entire town and the islands in front of it with a magical sunset behind them.

Hula Hula beach

Hula-Hula Beach Bar is a day bar where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing while having a drink, or even have a full-on beach party. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea views and the islands. The best thing to do is to go there during sunset, as it’s a truly magical experience.

Three days in Hvar – A perfect plan

Day 1 – Explore Hvar Town

On your first day, it’s perfect to explore the town itself. This includes visiting all of the landmarks on the island of Hvar. In the Old Town, you can see the largest square in Dalmatia, St. Stephen’s Square, followed by the Cathedral of St. Stephen.

Next on your list should be the Arsenal and the historic theater, which was the first public theater in Europe. Just in front of the theater, you will see the City Lodge and the Clock Tower (Leroj), which was used as a ballroom, reading room, and meeting place for the local social elite.

There are two monasteries you must include: first, the Benedictine Nunnery and the church of St. Anthony the Abbot, where you can see a collection of art and lace made from agave threads by the nuns.

Your last stop should be the Fortica Fortress with its breathtaking views of the town.

Day 2 – Island hopping on a boat

For your second day, you can choose between multiple organized trips and excursions to different islands, caves, and other attractive locations.

You can either visit the Pakleni Islands (Palmižana, Ždrilca) and enjoy the sun and sea all day. You have the option to visit the Blue and Green Caves, where you can explore the beauty of the underwater world and see the different colors created by the sun and rocks.Other tours offer a visit to the Red Rocks, located on the southern part of Hvar, where you can also swim, snorkel, or jump from the rocks.

Day 3 – Wine tasting and lavender fields

Hvar is known for its mesmerizing lavender fields and high-quality wines. You can have a sensory experience by admiring the “purple gold” fields and enjoying their wonderful scent. It’s best to visit during July and August when the lavender is blooming.

What should you include if you stay 5 or more days?

Hiking or cycling through Hvar

Hvar offers numerous climbing grounds and cycling routes with magnificent views. There are 10 climbing areas on the whole island with around 450 routes (alpine, sea solo, and sport climbing). 

You can choose between hilly, flat, or mountain routes on this island. There are around 13 routes that you can explore, such as the “Ten Bays,” Humac, and the “Following UNESCO” route (likely referring to a route that follows UNESCO World Heritage sites).

Visit the countryside

Hvar is full of small picturesque villages, some populated and some not. Some closer to Hvar town include Brusje, Velo Grablje, Malo Grablje, and Milna.

Malo Grablje is the only uninhabited village and is located near Milna. This enchanting little village will delight you with its stone houses where time seems to have stood still. Even though everything is abandoned, it’s still beautiful to explore.

Next to it is located Velo Grablje. They have restaurants, renovated private houses, and even some villas. It is popular due to the lavender fields and the Lavender Festival held in August. 

A little further is the village of Brusje. This small village has only 174 inhabitants, and here you can experience the real life of locals by trying their food in small family-owned restaurants.

Diving and snorkeling

Hvar has around 15 spots that are ideal for diving and snorkeling within a 5-30 minute ride by speedboat. Some of the most beautiful ones are:

  • Vodnjak: A small island with several dive points featuring red gorgonians and stunning blue water, making it a perfect combination.
  • Stambedar and Vela Garska: Fantastic spots for both beginners and more experienced divers.
  • Poseidon Pillar: A rock that rises just out of the water.

Places for the best snorkeling experience include:

Other wonderful spots for snorkeling are: Red Rocks, Green and Blue Caves, Palmižana, and Ždrilca.

Taršće: A small bay on Sveti Klement (Pakleni Island), it is quiet, remote, and beautiful for this activity.

Visiting less crowded beaches

Some beaches that are less crowded but still boast stunningly clear azure blue waters include:

  • Borče (near Milna)
  • Zaraće with its long pebbly beach and crystal-clear water.
  • Some more distant resorts with stunning untouched nature, where you can only hear crickets and waves, include: Jagodna, Lozna, Zastupac, Sviračina, and Lučišće (which has the longest beach)

The best tips for making the most out of your time

Best months to visit Hvar

It depends on what type of tourist you are. If you enjoy partying, a crowded town where you can meet many people, see cultural landmarks, and experience everything a town has to offer in its full glory – then June, July, and August are perfect months for you.

If you prefer a more peaceful and quiet vacation, but still want to experience everything that the town has to offer, then May, September, and October are for you. The weather is excellent, the sea might be a little colder, but you can still sunbathe. It’s not as crowded as in other months, so it won’t be as busy in restaurants and bars.

Book your ticket for a boat trip in advance

It is best to book tickets for boat excursions in advance because seats are limited, and demand is high, especially in the high season. The best thing to do is to contact us or book your spot via WhatsApp or email.

Accommodation tips

Explore accommodation options thoroughly on booking sites a few weeks or months before your vacation in Hvar, Croatia. This way, prices will be lower, and capacity won’t be full.

If you are more interested in swimming, snorkeling, walking, and sunbathing but still want to be closer to the city center, then the best areas are Bukainka, Vrisak, Križni rat, or Lučica.

If you want to be in the city center close to all landmarks, restaurants, and bars, then houses and hotels around the Old Town are best for you. Prices will be higher, but you are located closer to the center.

Budget per day in Hvar (alone vs family vacation)

The average price per day on your vacation in Hvar, Croatia is around €130.

  • Budget travelers can expect to spend around €58 per day.
  • Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around €130 per day.
  • Luxury travelers can expect to spend around €262 per day.

On average, a couple would spend around €1800 in a week for visiting Hvar. This price includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Prices can vary based on your travel style. For instance, hotel rooms are more expensive than private accommodations and hostels. Meals can be cheaper by eating in “konobas” (traditional taverns) or at fast-food places and bakeries rather than restaurants. Drinking cocktails instead of mixed drinks or wines will also increase your bills.

FAQ

How many days should I stay in Hvar to explore it properly?

3-5 days are ideal for exploring not only the town of Hvar but the whole island as well.

Yes, you can. In one day, you can see the entire Old Town, experience local food and drinks, see important landmarks (St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Loggia, the Theater and Arsenal, the main square…), and even take a swim in the crystal-clear water. So don’t forget your swimsuit and SPF cream.

Yes, it is. Hvar has many promenades for long walks with strollers or for walking. It also has multiple outdoor playgrounds perfect for younger children. Hvar is also entirely walkable, so children won’t get tired easily.

There are many quiet beaches that are perfect spots for families with children, and they also offer some water activities such as paddle boats and kayaks, which are perfect for them.

The summer season is the best time to visit Hvar because you get to experience everything that Hvar has to offer. If you enjoy partying, then June, July, and August are perfect months for you. If you prefer a more peaceful and quiet vacation, but still want to experience everything that the town has to offer, then May, September, and October are for you.

Hvar isn’t more expensive than other Croatian islands; it simply has more options for luxury tourism, which might make it seem like an expensive place. Hvar offers more budget-friendly alternatives for everyone, starting from accommodation, restaurants, drinks, types of transportation, and daily activities.

Yes, you can. You can rent a boat through WhatsApp or email here on our site. You can rent a small boat perfect for a couple. This way, you can explore the Pakleni Islands, such as Palmižana or Ždrilca, and their hidden beaches and bays. You can rent a small boat for a day (usually 8 hours), fuel and water are usually included in the price.

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