Hvar Island Travel Guide
Hvar - Croatia’s Popular Party Island
Hvar Island is a hit amongst tourists traveling to Croatia. The coast is packed with super yachts and the pathways of the old city are packed with local restaurants and cafes. It’s quite charming, yet also luxurious. This island is just a short ferry ride from Split, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to spend a few days relaxing in the sun or an evening sipping champagne, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Accomodations:
Palace Elizabeth
Stunning 5-star hotel located right by the main square.
Adriana Hotel
A lovely boutique hotel and spa with a great rooftop overlooking the harbor.
Riva Marina
The sister hotel of Adriana. If you don’t stay here definitely enjoy a drink or coffee at the outside bar/restaurant along the harbor.
All of these hotels are perfect locations in Hvar Town. This area is most recommended and has the most activity.
Food:
Ka’lavanda
A trendy breakfast and lunch spot within the old city of Hvar. Also, a good place for pre or post dinner cocktails.
Passarola
Dalmatian cuisine, Michelin rated and has an outdoor rooftop terrace. You’ll see plenty about this place and for good reason.
Konoba Menego
Our favorite meal on the island (& maybe even the entire trip). This family run konoba with Croatian cuisine is located in old Hvar. They don’t take reservations and the restaurant is tiny. You’ll find it by looking for the man slicing meat just outside the door. This is a MUST when visiting Hvar. Amazing food, quality service, and very affordable.
Fig Hvar
A delicious spot for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Gariful – G Spot
A sushi and lounge bar with a trendy rooftop terrace. There is a fresh fish restaurant downstairs that is located right on the harbor.
Konoba Bunar
A very popular hidden spot within the old city. Highly recommend showing up early or making a reservation.
Macondo
Amazing low key local restaurant with large portion sizes and fresh fish. It gets popular in the evenings so I highly recommend a reservation or going early.
Kantun local juice bar
Little local shop with juices, matcha lattes, and healthy treats
Beach Clubs/Bars:
Beach Club Hvar
Stunning upscale beach club where you can rent day beds above the water, order drinks and food, and swim in the Adriatic.
Beach Club Carpe Diem
If visiting during the day take a water taxi located across from the old theater. The water taxis run to the beach club every 20 minutes but only leave the island every hour on the hour (and don’t be surprised if one hour they decide to take a break). Plan accordingly because of this! At night they have taxis right by Carpe Diem Club (on island) taking you there and back to Hvar every hour.
Hula Hula
This place is a big party with college spring break beach bar vibes. A great place to watch the sunset though – highly recommend making a reservation for sunset.
To Do:
Hike to Hvar Fortress
Easy 15-20 minute uphill hike from the main square that offers beautiful views of the harbor and Hvar. Explore the fortress for a small fee. A must-do one morning while visiting.
Visit Lavender Fields
You’ll see people selling local lavender products all over town and, depending on the time of year, you might be able to go visit the fields. They bloom from May until mid-July.
Beach Club
Rent a day bed at one of the many beach clubs in Hvar mentioned above.
Swim in the Adriatic
There really aren’t beaches in Croatia except for those covered in pebbles. However, all over Hvar’s coast there are rocks and ladders that lead into the ocean. There are also day beds available to rent along the coast that are much cheaper than the beach clubs.
Rent a boat
Various companies around Hvar offer boat rentals with or without a captain. We rented with Hvar Boats Riva. It’s worth booking at least a few days ahead of time. If you are driving yourself they will provided a map of the best locations. Even on a rough day, the ocean is easy to navigate and nothing is too far. Highly recommend stopping by the local bakery or grocery store for a picnic and driving up to the underwater winery for a bottle of wine.
Explore the Pakleni Islands
You’ll see this spread of small islands from the main port in Hvar. You can either go by taxi boat or rent a small boat for the day and drive around these little islands. You’ll find beautiful coves, rocky beaches, and even some beaches marked as FKK which means nude beach.
Visit the under the sea winery
Just down the coast a bit you will find an incredible winery located under the sea. Stop by on your boat excursion to pick up a bottle or spend the afternoon indulging in a tasting or meal.
Sunset sailing
You’ll see sail boats all over the island and what better way to catch the sunset than on a sail boat? Mario Rents, located right in town, offers all types of excursions.
Visit the Blue Cave
You can do a private or group tour that will most likely take the entire day but it is WORTH IT. Mario Rent mentioned above has several options for tours.
Walk along the coast
From the main port of Hvar you’ll find a pathway leading up and down the coast. Whether it’s a morning run or afternoon stroll, definitely make some time to walk along this.
*Spending time in Hvar but catching a flight from Split? Dalmatia Express will take you right from Hvar to Split airport in 55 minutes.
BRING CASH - you’ll read you don’t need it and yes, a lot of places take cards but tips, taxis, and some local stores won’t take card. Be sure to bring plenty of it. *In January 2023 Croatia will be switching to the Euro.
