Wondering if Hvar Island is worth visiting when you go to Croatia? Whether Hvar is on your list or you’re hearing about it for the first time, we’re going to break down things to do and why I loved this iconic island. Fun fact: Croatia has over 1,000 islands…so if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your trip planning, I probably just made it worse. But fear not! If we haven’t met, I’m Gina, and I’m here to tell you about one island that NEEDS to be on your itinerary. Presenting: Hvar!
Related post: 18 Things To See and Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
When most people think of visiting Croatia, two places usually come to mind: Dubrovnik, with its iconic city walls and medieval charm, and Split, with its Roman ruins and bustling waterfront. Hvar may not have the name recognition of Dubrovnik or Split, but it definitely deserves a spot on your radar—especially if you’re trying to decide between multiple Croatian islands. Personally, it took me forever to decide where to go on my Croatia trip, but after doing a ton of research, I noticed a lot of people mentioned Hvar was their favorite place they stayed in ALL of Croatia.
Well damn. I guess we’re going!
During my trip to Croatia, I spent time in Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. If you read my Dubrovnik post, you know I said I think of Dubrovnik as the masculine version of Greece. Using that same analogy, think of Hvar as your gay bestie. There’s forts, but there’s also flowers. There’s neutral spaces, but also bright vibrant colors.Yes honey. We’re getting the best of everything.
- Pro Tip: You’ll see the word “Dalmatia” a lot when you’re here, and no, this isn’t a separate country! Dalmatia is a coastal region of Croatia that stretches from Zadar in the north to Dubrovnik in the south and also includes Hvar.
The Recap: Why I Think Hvar is Worth Visiting
Out of all 3 places I visited in Croatia, Hvar was my favorite. It was the most glamorous place I went in Croatia, yet somehow managed to feel laid back. I spent days relaxing at the beach, and then got dressed up to go get dinner and drinks. Hvar is known as a “party island,” but I found plenty of spots where I could relax with a cocktail, watch the sunset, and soak up the atmosphere without feeling hungover the next day. (No judgement if you want to shut the club down, of course!)
For my Aesthetic Travelers, you’ll be delighted to know Hvar has many gorgeous places for photo ops. One of my favorites was this entryway into Central Park Club, near Black Pepper restaurant. Even better – it’s located on a street (Skaline od Gojave, pictured above) that’s adorned with similar flowers.
Another huge highlight for me was the food. Croatia has officially become my favorite foodie country, and Hvar had incredible food AND an aesthetic atmosphere to enjoy it in. From seafood to pasta to elegant waterfront dining, the island is filled with restaurants where you can put on your favorite dress and enjoy a beautiful, slow-paced dinner (and don’t worry, I listed my favorite foodie places further down).
Hvar is located only an hour by ferry from Split and roughly a 3 & 1/2 hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik. I loved that it was easy to get to, and there was only one ferry port so it was easy to find. You’ll notice a lot of vendors selling lavender around the port and throughout the old town, which is one of the things Hvar is known for. It is sold around the island as essential oils, soaps, perfumes, and sachets.
The Best Things To Do in Hvar
Have A Beach Day At One of the (Boujee) Beaches
Having a relaxing beach day was one of my favorite things I did in Hvar. I chose to spend my beach day at Beach Club Hvar at Bonj Beach. This is somewhat of a boujee beach spot, but I was able to snag a chair for only 15 euro (cash only). If you come to Hvar in the peak of summer, you’ll want to get here early…word on the street is these chairs get taken fast!
On the way to Bonj Beach, you’ll see other places to lay in the sun – think large, flat rocks, and docks along the water. In other words, don’t get too bummed if Bonj Beach is crowded. You’ll have options!
In addition to Bonj Beach, you’ll also find lively beaches like Hula Hula Beach and quieter spots near Dubovica Bay or Pokonji Dol for more relaxed sunbathing. But watch for sea urchins in the water – these little creatures can be painful if you step on them!
- Pro Tip: In addition to having sea urchins, the beaches in Croatia are all pebble beaches – make sure you have these water shoes so you don’t hurt your feet!
Do A Blue Cave Tour
I took this blue cave tour when I was in Hvar and had a great time. We were able to go inside the blue caves, swim in the Adriatic Sea, eat lunch, and sunbathe. (Fun fact: We stopped to swim near the island of Vis, where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed!) The caves were a little over an hour away from Hvar, but once we got there, everything else was close-by.
Seeing the blue caves was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and was similar to the blue grotto in the Amalfi Coast. Keep in mind, sometimes the caves close at the last minute due to weather, so there’s a chance you may not get to go inside. If you have any questions, you can check with the tour agency the day before.
- Pro Tip: We were on a speedboat, and there were no bathrooms…make sure to use the bathroom before you go!
Check Out The Views From The Spanish Fortress
The Spanish Fortress (aka Fortica, aka Fortress Spanjola) is a 16th-century fortress that was originally built to defend against Ottoman invasions. Today, it offers one of the best panoramic views on the entire island. From the top, you’ll get a breathtaking look at Hvar’s terracotta rooftops, the bustling harbor, and the nearby Pakleni Islands scattered across the sea.
You’re able to walk to Fortica from the town center, though it does involve a bit of an uphill climb…so bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Once you reach the top, you can explore the fortress walls, visit the small museum and prison (yes, this fortress served as a prison in WWII!), and take in the stunning views that make the effort totally worth it.
- Pro Tip: There’s an entrance fee to get into the fortress; bring cash
Walk Around St. Stephen’s Square
St. Stephen’s Square (Trg Sv. Stjepana) is located in the heart of Hvar Town. It’s home to historic buildings, elegant cafés, and charming shops, and is a great place to grab coffee or breakfast and people-watch. Make sure to check out St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a beautiful 16th-century church with a baroque bell tower and ornate interior.
Check Out the Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan Monastery is about a 10 minute walk from St. Stephen’s Square and a peaceful retreat from the island’s busier spots. It’s tucked along the waterfront and features a beautiful cloister, a small museum, and a serene garden overlooking the sea. Inside, you’ll find historic artifacts, religious art, and a famous 17th-century painting of The Last Supper. It’s a quiet, cultural stop that’s perfect for those wanting to add some history to their Hvar itinerary.
Take A Bike Tour
Biking through the Hvar countryside is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the island at a faster-yet-slower pace. By that, I mean you can cover a lot of ground quickly while choosing to leisurely relax at your favorite stops.
Some tours have e-bikes or mountain bikes…others are guided or let you explore at your own pace. You’ll pass by olive groves, vineyards, restaurants, lavender fields, pine woods, beaches, and get to see a different side of Hvar than you would on foot or by car.
Book Your Top-Rated Bike Tour Here
Taste Some of Croatia’s Best Wine
Hvar has fantastic wine tours that teach you about the history of the island, all while you’re trying some of the country’s best vino and olive oil. Can you think of anything better? Me either. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out some local wineries. (Fun Fact – the Wine Lovers Tour to 3 Wineries with Local Tastings tour takes you to a winery with an underwater wine cellar overlooking the bottom of the sea!)
Book Your Top-Rated Wine Tour Below
Take A Boat Tour to the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands are a dreamy cluster of uninhabited islets known for their crystal-clear coves, hidden beaches, and lush pine forests. (Fun fact – they were named after paklina, a type of pine resin used when building ships!) You are able to take a boat tour around these gorgeous islands that let you swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and/or paddleboard. I highly recommend taking at least one boat tour while you’re in Hvar – the water looks too inviting to not jump in!
Book this top-rated tour to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar here!
Take A Lavender Tour on the Old Road
If you are really a fan of lavender, you can take a tour to see the lavender fields up on Hvar’s old road towards Stari Grad. You’ll see the lavender fields in the city of Brusje, get to learn about the history of the island, and get incredible views of the sea and mainland. Book your lavender tour here!
Party At One of the Clubs
Hvar is a known “party island,” so expect to find a lot of places you can dance the night away. 20-something year old Gina would have been down, but 30-something year old Gina prefers an aesthetic bar where she can sit and enjoy her drink (see next section)…especially when traveling solo. In other words, I didn’t go clubbing. If you’re disappointed in me, don’t be…I got a lot of fun out of my system when I was younger 😉. If you wish to partake in the clubbing scene, check out these spots:
- Carpe Diem Bar
- Hula Hula Hvar Beach Bar
- Central Park Club
- Aloha
- Kiva Bar
Discover Your Favorite Restaurant or Bar
Croatia is officially my favorite foodie country in the world, and if you love Mediterranean/Italian food, it just might be yours too. I loved every single restaurant, bar, and coffee shop I tried here. There are a lot of terrace restaurants, along with restaurants with outdoor seating where you can look out into the water and the city. Does it sound like paradise? Because it is. Maybe one day I’ll be able to stay longer and eat my way through Hvar, but until then, check out some of my favorite spots so far:
The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops in Hvar (According to Me, Anyway…)
- Black Pepper
- Mediterraneo Dine & Wine
- Carpe Diem (this is a restaurant in the daytime, bar/club at night. Fun fact – there’s a $95,000,000 bottle of champagne inside!)
- Fig
- Paradini Garden Terasse
- Falko Beach Bar (you can get food and drinks and lay out in the sunbeds if any are available)
- kava37 (coffee shop)
- Coffee Snob (coffee shop)
- Backlane Craft Cocktails (cocktail bar – serves drinks only)
- Ka’Lavanda Bar (cocktail bar – serves drinks only)
Where To Stay in Hvar
Hvar has plenty of cute, beachy accommodations that are perfect for your island stay. The biggest thing you need to know is depending on where you stay, you may have to drag your suitcase up and down cobblestone steps in order to get to your apartment or hotel. At the time of this post, Uber is NOT available in Hvar, but there are taxis…just know they may be expensive.
Hvar Town is the main city in Hvar Island and where all of these photos were taken. It’s where the ferry port is in Hvar and where you’ll be spending the majority of your time.
Some Top-Rated Hvar Hotels and Apartments Include:
- Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort (4 star hotel; near Bonj Beach)
- Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar (4 star hotel)
- Hvar Riva Rooms (4 star hotel)
- Sunny Days ”Sara” Apartment (spacious apartments with balcony and kitchen)
Additionally, many top-rated homes and apartments for Hvar are available on VRBO – check them out here!
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