Is Hvar expensive? Plan your budget in advance!

Is Hvar expensive? Plan your budget in advance!

Even though Hvar might appear to be a luxurious destination in Croatia, you can definitely enjoy it on a budget. Hvar offers a variety of activities for a one-day trip, but the longer you stay, the more you will experience. If you want to spend your money wisely, it's important to plan your stay in advance.

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Is Hvar really expensive? Are there any options for budget-friendly vacation?

Hvar truly caters to everyone. You can have a top-notch, luxurious vacation in Hvar, or you can experience all the beauties of Hvar if you travel on a budget. Hvar boasts luxurious restaurants, 5-star hotels, beach bars, private boat transfers, nightlife, and a range of other luxury offerings.

However, Hvar also offers a wide range of options for mid-range budget travelers. If you plan to travel here, book your accommodation in advance to save some money. Some practical saving tips include booking everything early, eating in small, narrow streets that are not in the strict center of town, and booking group excursions to explore the islands and caves.

What is the average cost of accommodation in Hvar?

Luxury hotels

Hvar has multiple luxurious hotels that offer top-notch service. All of them are located in the city center with wonderful views of the town, sea, and vibrant life. These hotels provide experiences such as spa treatments, fine dining restaurants, private pools, gyms, and concierge services and are one of the best in Croatia.

Mid-range options or guest houses

If you travel to Hvar but prefer more budget-friendly prices, then the best option for you is private accommodation. Hvar is full of houses that rent rooms or apartments to tourists, often featuring great interior designs, views, and proximity to beaches or the city center. You can also rent a pension, another excellent and more budget-friendly option in Croatia.

Hostels and camping sites

Hvar town has only one campsite, called Vira, located on the beach a short distance from the city center. Also, Hvar offers multiple hostel options, located around the town, so you can choose the one that best suits you. These options are the most budget-friendly if you have limited funds or if you travel alone and want to meet new people.

Peak season vs off-season prices

There is a price difference between peak season and the off-season. For instance, accommodation prices are much lower during May, September, or October than in July and August. You can also save some money in the off-season by renting boats, cars, and bikes. Prices in restaurants and bars might also be slightly more affordable during the off-season.

Dining and food costs in Hvar?

Fine-dining and high-end restaurants

Hvar has multiple fine-dining and high-end restaurants widely known in Croatia. Some of them include: Gariful, Mediterraneo, Giaxa, Laganini (Palmižana), and Štajun. All of these restaurants, besides offering excellent food, provide a unique experience with well-trained staff and a harmony of flavors. Prices are around €70+ per person, but you can check the menus and prices before entering.

Local “Konobas” and casual dining

“Konobas” offers local food and a family-style dining experience. This is a more casual dining option, especially if you travel on a budget. Konobas give you the opportunity to try locally grown vegetables and fruits, olive oil, and taste a variety of local wines.

Bakeries, supermarkets and fast-food

Bakeries and fast-food options are a great choice for cheaper meals, especially if you are there for just a day. The city center has multiple bakeries and fast-food options.

Drinks and cocktails at beach clubs

The cost of drinks and cocktails varies from place to place. Cocktails are generally more expensive (around €10-€20), while mixed drinks are cheaper depending on what you’re drinking. Popular beach clubs often have higher prices.

What are the transportation costs?

Water taxis

The price per person from Plamižana to Hvar is €15, with a minimum of 5 passengers and a maximum of ten. The price to Ždrilca is €10, and you can return to Hvar whenever you want; simply call 30 minutes in advance.

Ferry boats

The catamaran fare from Hvar to Split is €30 in one direction. Ferry prices are lower, but car prices vary depending on the size of the car (smaller cars are cheaper). Off-season prices for catamaran lines are €6. The price from Hvar to Korčula is €23, from Hvar to Dubrovnik is €48, and from Hvar to Brač is €25. All of these prices can be checked online as they change during the off-season and high season.

Rental cars and scooters

Car rental prices in Hvar and Croatia generally vary, but the average price range from €50-€80 for 1-2 days. Price also depend on whether it’s the low or high season. All cars come with a full tank of gas, third-party insurance, no mileage limit, and maps and tips.

Local taxis (price per km)

Average price for taxis in Hvar may vary, but it is around €5, and then €2 per kilometer. The afternoon price is €2.50 per kilometer, and the waiting time is €10 per hour. There are also fixed prices for Stari Grad, which is around €35.

Fun activities and boat trips

Boat excursions and private tours

The price of group and private tours depends on the location you choose. For example, you have sailing trip around the Pakleni Islands for €100 per person, and private speedboat tours for up to 10 people ranging from €480-€650, depending on the location and time of year. Higher seasons mean higher prices.

Excursions to the Blue and Green Caves cost around €80 per person, and €50 for children under 12 years old.

Average price for private tour trip vary depending on the tour you choose:

  • Hvar-Vis: €600
  • Hvar-Pakleni Islands and the South side of Hvar Island: €480
  • Hvar-Bol (Brač): €600

Prices may also vary depending on the agency you choose and the time of year.

Nightlife

The cost of a night out depends on the individual. There are no club entry fees, except for one club. This means there is no entrance fee, and the only thing you are paying for are drinks. The cost of drinks varies depending on the drink you choose, but it’s typically around €5-€10 per drink, and cocktails are more expensive (€10-€20).

Cultural landmarks

Hvar offers multiple cultural landmarks, but you have to pay an entrance fee for most of them.

  • The entrance fee for the Fortica Fortress is €10, and €6 for children, students, and people over 65 years old.
  • The ticket for Leroj (Clock Tower) is €4.
  • The ticket for the Arsenal and Historic Theater is a combined ticket that costs €10, and €6 for children, students, and people over 65 years old.
  • There is also a combined ticket for all of these locations together, which costs €15, and €9 for children and students.
  • There are also tickets for places such as the Hvar Heritage Museum (€1.50), the Cathedral of St. Stephen (€2), the Franciscan Monastery (€7), and the Benedictine Monastery and the Church of St. Anthony the Abbot (€5).

What is free-of-charge on the island?

  • All of the beaches are free of charge on the island. There are no private beaches in Hvar.
  • You can also enjoy walking around the Hvar promenades, watching sunsets on the beaches, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
  • The Ivan Vučetić Museum of Mystery (the father of dactyloscopy) is also free of charge and is a truly must-see location.
  • The harbor of Hvar is one of the most beautiful promenades in town where you can wander around the side streets and small local shops and stalls.
  • Hvar also has a fortress with no entrance fee: Fort Napoleon. It offers breathtaking views of the entire town, and sunsets from there are truly spectacular. I recommend not going there during the hottest hours of the day as it takes around an hour to reach.
  • Hvar is also full of splendid locations to take wonderful photos, such as the area next to the Central Park Club with stone stairs surrounded by domestic flowers.
  • Additionally, Hvar has free outdoor gyms and multiple children’s parks that are also free of charge.

What are the main tips if you want to save up some money?

Avoid the peak season

You don’t have to avoid the peak season altogether, but there is a significant price difference. You will pay less for accommodation, ferry tickets, and even some cultural sights.

Eat and drink where locals go

Locals typically prefer places where the food is simpler and mostly Italian or Mediterranean. You can usually find these types of restaurants in smaller, narrow streets such as Mizarola, Faria, Alviž, Grande Luna, and similar.

Use public transportation

The advantage of using public transportation is the price. It’s much cheaper than taking a taxi or renting a car for a day or two.

Look for free activities

A great way to save money is to take walks on different promenades in Hvar at different times of day. For example, enjoy an evening walk next to the Amfora Hotel, a morning walk to Pokonji Dol Beach, and stay for a swim and lunch, or walk to the city center and explore the small narrow streets where you can see some shops, museums, churches and old houses.

FAQ

Is Hvar more expensive than other Croatian islands?

Hvar isn’t necessarily more expensive than other Croatian islands; it simply offers more options for luxury tourism, which might make it seem like a more expensive destination. Hvar also offers numerous budget-friendly alternatives for everyone, ranging from accommodation and restaurants to drinks, transportation options, and daily activities.

Spring and autumn are periods with cheaper prices and fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy everything Hvar offers without large crowds.

Yes, all of the beaches on Hvar are free. There is no entrance fee for any of the beaches.

A typical dinner in Hvar with mid-range prices and a menu featuring local Mediterranean cuisine usually costs around €20-€30 per person for a main dish and a drink (glass of wine).

Yes, you can! You just need to plan everything in advance and perhaps visit during the off-season. Prices for accommodation and transportation will be lower during these times. You can also eat at local bakeries or fast-food places.

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