Table of Content
- What are the most important landmarks in Hvar
- Why is Old Town so interesting and attractive for tourists
- What else to do during your vacation in Hvar
- What are the best options for one-day boat excursions
- Which local beaches are the most popular in Hvar
- FAQ
What are the most important landmarks in Hvar?
Old town
The Old Town of Hvar is truly wonderful, one of the most impressive sites in Croatia. It has an old-world charm with picturesque small streets. Hvar is full of these kinds of streets, and they all lead to the town port, so you can’t get lost. The small streets in the Old Town are full of charming local shops where you can grab souvenirs or something to remember Hvar by. There are also pastry shops, restaurants, and bars where you can sample some of the best local wines in Croatia and taste some exquisite Mediterranean food.
Some landmarks you can’t miss in the Old Town of Hvar include:
- The Arsenal and the historic theater
- The Loggia (a covered walkway)
- St. Stephen’s Square, the largest square in Dalmatia, with the cathedral at its top.
- The Benedictine nunnery, where nuns create agave lace (a UNESCO heritage).
Hvar Fortress (Fortica)
The Fortica Fortress is one of the most important landmarks in Hvar and Croatia as well. It stands majestically atop the town, offering stunning views. 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. While there, you can grab a drink at a coffee bar, visit the amphorae collection, or buy souvenirs from the two shops.
Fortress of Petar Hektorović (Tvrdalj)
Tvrdalj Castle of Petar Hektorović is located in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. It was the summer residence of Hektorović, a Croatian poet during the 16th century. He was an important figure during the Renaissance period in Croatian literature, and his most important work was “Fishing and Fisherman’s Talk.” Tvrdalj is a beautiful Renaissance building with a mesmerizing seawater fishpond, and next to it is a tower with a dovecote. Hektorović envisioned creating a microcosm, a small, enclosed space for all of God’s creatures – fish, birds, plants, and people.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral and its square
The largest square in Dalmatia and of the most beautiful in Croatia is located right here in Hvar. It’s called St. Stephen’s Square, or “Piazza” by the locals. Piazza has always been a gathering place for locals, known for its iconic coffee bars. It’s the most vibrant part of Hvar, especially on Sundays after mass. It’s a must-visit for tourists, especially because St. Stephen’s Cathedral sits atop the square.
Boutiques and local art galleries
Hvar is full of local shops, souvenir shops, authentic boutiques, galleries, and stands. A unique find in Hvar town is the Šoša Gallery, which has been attracting art lovers from all over the world. The gallery displays unique art objects and playful decorative gifts that will remind you of Hvar.
The island is also known for its stands. You’ll find two locations in Hvar town full of stands offering various products. You can choose from lavender products, for which Hvar is famous, or stunning and high-quality handmade jewelry.
Franciscan Monastery
The stunning Franciscan Monastery is one of the most impressive buildings in Hvar. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in the 15th century, while the Renaissance chapel of the Holy Cross was built in the 16th century. The monastery is also the final resting place of the Croatian poet Hanibal Lucić.
Grapčeva cave
Located near the village of Humac on the south side of Hvar, Grapčeva Cave is covered in stalactites and stalagmites, creating a magical atmosphere. It holds significant historical importance as the discovery of pottery fragments revealed its age to be around 6000 BC. Visiting this cave offers a glimpse into the land of the Cyclopes, where legend has it that the mythical giant Cyclops battled Odysseus.
Milna
Milna is a small village located 5-10 minutes from Hvar town. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, ideal for spending time on the beaches and soaking up the sun. It has two sandy beaches separated by a pine forest. Milna is perfect for those seeking tranquility, especially families with children.
Hvar public theatre
Located on the upper floor of the Arsenal building, the Hvar Public Theatre was the most important public building in Hvar, as it was the historical shipyard for galleys. The theater itself was the first public theater in Europe. It boasts a stunning interior with a magnificently painted ceiling. There are also two well-preserved frescoes, one from 1819 and another from 1900.
Why is Old Town so interesting and attractive for tourists?
The entire Hvar experience is encapsulated in its Old Town. It’s simply charming and encourages further exploration. You can observe how locals live, particularly the older residents who primarily reside in the Old Town, while enjoying a glass of wine at a nearby bar. The past and present intertwine in these small streets. It’s full of small local souvenir shops, pastry shops, galleries, and restaurants. And most fascinatingly, you can’t get lost, as all of these streets lead back to the main port.
What else to do during your vacation in Hvar?
Explore local beaches
Hvar boasts many beautiful beaches and bays. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia include Dubovica, Mekićevica, Pokonji Dol, and Milna Beach. Dubovica is a bay that is not reachable by foot, only by car, and it’s the largest among all the beaches on the island. It has several restaurants, bars, and houses with crystal-clear sea and a pebbly beach. Mekićevica consists of two bays: Mala and Velika Mekićevica, and a Robinson Crusoe-style beach. This spot is perfect if you want a bit more privacy and fewer people around. Pokonji Dol is a long pebbly beach that is always full of tourists and locals. It has multiple restaurants and bars, so you can spend the whole day there.
Savor the food and wine scene
Hvar offers a rich gastronomic experience. If you decide to travel here can try some of the best local dishes and pair them with top wines from Hvar’s wineries. You know that the cuisine is good when Hvar’s Mediterranean diet was inscribed as an intangible UNESCO heritage in 2013. It’s simple yet one of the most delicious cuisines you can try. The number one ingredient is olive oil, which Hvar produces abundantly. Here, everything revolves around the season, taste, and fresh produce. One of the sayings that perfectly describes the importance of fish, oil, and wine is: “A fish swims three times in Dalmatia.” Once in the sea, then in local olive oil during preparation, and finally in white wine as it is consumed.
Experience Hvar’s nightlife
In Hvar, you can experience different types of nightlife. Whether you want to party until dawn or simply enjoy drinks with live music, Hvar has it all. If you prefer a more relaxed nightlife experience and want to enjoy drinks until around 2:00 AM, there are plenty of bars in the city center where you can dance and drink. Some of the most famous ones include Kiva Bar, Aloha, and Nautica. These places create the most popular and vibrant part of Hvar’s nightlife. If you prefer a slower pace and want to experience a pleasant and vibrant atmosphere, Hvar offers multiple locations for you. Some of the best include Central Park Club, Backlane Craft Bar, Ka’lavanda Bar with its excellent and unique cocktail collection, Teraca Bar, and Vintage Bar.
Explore lavender fields
Lavender fields are located near the villages of Brusje and Velo Grablje. You can go on organized field trips to see them in bloom during August. Also during August, the Lavender Festival is held in the village of Velo Grablje, where you can participate in various events and see lavender products. There are multiple farms and locations where you can explore lavender products, making them perfect souvenirs or relaxing gifts. Don’t miss places such as Fjori For a, a garden with more than 80 different plant species where you can experience tastings and presentations of their products, mostly lavender-based.
Hiking adventure
For everyone who travels here, a hiking adventure in Hvar will be magical. You can choose between different types of hiking trails that offer unique experiences. You can visit the lavender fields, following the twisted, rugged roads that will awaken all your senses. Hear the sounds of bees and crickets, smell the fragrant Mediterranean herbs like lavender, immortelle, and sage, while observing stunning views of the distant sea, sun, and dry-stone walls.
Snorkeling tour
Snorkeling is a very popular activity in Hvar. The island 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 include Vodnjak, a small island with several dive points featuring red gorgonians and stunning blue water. Stambedar and Vela Garska are fantastic spots suitable for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers. You also have the Poseidon pillar, a rock that rises just out of the water.
If you travel to Hvar, places for the best snorkeling experiences include Taršće, a small bay on Sveti Klement (Pakleni Island), which is quiet, remote, and beautiful for this activity. Other wonderful spots for snorkeling include the Red Rocks, the Green and Blue Caves, Palmižana, and Ždrilca.
What are the best options for one-day boat excursions?
Pakleni Island
The Pakleni Islands are the perfect spot for a one-day boat trip. You can rent a small boat and become your own captain for the day, exploring the islands and hidden bays. You can choose between multiple islands, with Palmižana and Ždrilca being the most famous. Palmižana has its own ACI marina on one side, while on the other (south) side is Vinogradišće Bay. This is a marvelous bay with several restaurants and bars where you can relax and try delicious food. On each Pakleni Island, you can find numerous paths through pine woods that lead to hidden and less-known beaches. Or you can go by small boat and stop at different bays and beaches for swimming or snorkeling.
Blue and Green cave
The Blue and Green Caves are unique places you simply must visit. These are natural wonders where the sun meets the rocks and the sea, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for your senses. You can usually visit these caves as part of a boat excursion. In the Green Cave, you can even take a swim. Afterward, Stiniva Bay awaits you. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you can snorkel, swim, or enjoy a relaxing drink at a bar. After that, the Blue Cave experience awaits. You will spend 15 minutes inside the cave, taking pictures and videos to capture this natural wonder.
Red rocks
The Red Rocks are a perfect spot for a trip with a small boat or as a stop on your private tour. The Red Rocks are a natural phenomenon worth visiting, especially because you can jump off them into the water. Here you can lie on the boat and soak up the sun or snorkel and discover the underwater world. This place is truly a masterpiece of nature and a must-see on your Hvar bucket list.
Bol Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat)
This beach is located just outside of Bol, about a 20-minute walk away. This beach is unique in the world. The “horn” changes its direction depending on the waves and currents. Here you can enjoy a full day of water activities, restaurants, bars, and activities for both children and adults.
Palmižana
Palmižana is one of the best-known Pakleni Islands. You can reach it by renting a small boat or as part of an excursion. It boasts its own ACI marina on one side, while on the other (south) side is Vinogradišće Bay. This is a marvelous bay with several restaurants and bars where you can relax and try delicious food. It also has a sandy beach, which is unusual for Hvar. You can snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Blue Lagoon Budikovac
You will mostly see this if you go on an excursion or a private tour to the Blue and Green Caves. Budikovac Island is located on the eastern tip of the island of Vis. It is an uninhabited island with long pebble beaches and a crystal-clear lagoon. This is what makes this place special. The lagoon is mesmerizing, with its turquoise color constantly changing shades. This is a perfect little paradise for snorkeling or taking unique underwater photos.
Which local beaches are the most popular in Hvar?
Dubovica beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on the whole island. It is a long pebbly beach with crystal-clear and clean water surrounded by hills. The scenic surroundings will blow you away. Dubovica also has a couple of restaurants and bars where you can try local food or grab a drink and enjoy the view. This place is an inevitable destination to visit if you have a car or scooter, as it is not reachable by foot from Hvar or any other place on the island.
Mekićevica beach
Just a 10-minute walk from Pokonji Dol is this beautiful pebbly beach. The beautiful pine forest and the small path leading to it are the perfect spot if you want a quiet place to relax. There is also a small dock where you can stop if you have a boat or try your hand at fishing if you have the gear.
Beach Robinson
BEACH ROBINSON It is a pebbly beach situated in Mekićevica Bay, just a 15-minute walk from Pokonji Dol, or a few minutes by boat. Boats go regularly from the top of the port in Hvar. This place is perfect for someone who is looking for a peaceful and quiet place to enjoy the day. This place is perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Malo Zaraće beach
Malo Zaraće is a pretty small beach, but one of the most beautiful places you can imagine. High rocks surround the beach, with a beautiful forest behind it and a cliff with mesmerizing views. This is the perfect spot for relaxing and simply enjoying the view. You have natural shade provided by the trees. If you want a slightly bigger beach, then check out Velo Zaraće, which is next to it.
Jagodna beach
A perfect spot for enjoying time with your family. It is surrounded by a pine forest, making it the perfect place with natural shade. The beach is mostly pebbly, and the water is crystal clear, with rocks perfect for jumping from. A campsite and a restaurant are nearby if you want to have lunch in this scenic location.
Pokonji Dol beach
You can reach Pokonji Dol by foot or car because it has a large parking lot (free of charge). It has wonderful surroundings, and a beautiful walking trail leads to it. Here you can enjoy crystal-clear water and a pebbly beach. You can also rent a sunbed and parasol, or kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Hula Hula
Hula Hula is a beach bar that operates during the day. It is a pretty popular spot for day parties or a place where you can enjoy food, drinks, and the mesmerizing sea. It hosts multiple events during the summer, bringing in some popular artists for an unforgettable experience. Hula Hula has two parts: one is a restaurant, and the other is a bar. You can also rent a sunbed and soak up the sun while enjoying your cocktail.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Hvar?
The best time to visit Hvar is during the summer, as everything is open. If you want to avoid crowds and large numbers of people, then it’s best to come in May or September. July and August are the high season, so prices are higher, and there are more people everywhere.
How many days should I spend in Hvar?
3-4 days is enough to visit everything on your bucket list in Hvar. You can explore the entire Old Town, go on a day trip to the Pakleni Islands or the nearby Red Rocks, and even go on an excursion to the Green or Blue Caves. There are plenty of beaches where you can enjoy yourself within a 3-4 day timeframe and have a proper night out.
Is Hvar expensive for tourists?
You can have a top-notch luxurious vacation while in Hvar, or on the other hand, experience all the beauties of Hvar on a budget. It doesn’t mean that everything is expensive, and that you can’t spend your vacation here. Hvar has more budget-friendly alternatives for everyone, starting from accommodation where you can rent an apartment or hostel.
What’s the easiest way to get to Hvar?
The easiest way to get to Hvar is by plane, flying into Split Airport. Then, catch a speedboat, ferry, or private taxi to get to Hvar. The trip from Split lasts 1-2.30 hours depending on the chosen transportation. Options to come from Korčula, Vis, or Brač to Hvar are by speed boat lines.
Are there family-friendly activities in Hvar?
Yes, there are. Almost all of the beaches are family-friendly and easily accessible. The beaches are usually pebbly and quite shallow, so you don’t have to be extra cautious. The most popular beaches for families include Pokonji Dol, Dubovica, and Galeb. Hvar also has multiple open-air playgrounds that are perfect for kids to play. It abounds in various promenades ideal for longer walks with gorgeous views.