Hvar Travel Guide: What to See and Do in Hvar
Photo of Aleksandra Krasinska on Unsplash
General Information about Hvar
Hvar is one of Croatia's most popular islands in the Adriatic Sea.
This destination is known for its crystal clear beaches, perfect Mediterranean climate, and lively nightlife.
In addition, Hvar is a perfect place for those looking for a relaxing vacation with historical and cultural sites to visit.
One of the most visited attractions is the town of Hvar itself, which has a rich history and culture. Visitors can enjoy the old town, with its ancient stone streets and historic buildings, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Spanish Fortress.
Hvar's beaches are another of the island's most popular attractions, with crystal-clear coves and sandy beaches perfect for water sports such as diving and windsurfing.
In short, Hvar is a stunning and versatile destination in Croatia, with something for everyone.
Whether you're looking for a beach vacation or adventures filled with culture and history, Hvar is the perfect place for you.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful destination on your next trip to Croatia!
Location of Hvar
Where is Hvar located? Take a look at the interactive map and find out.
Hvar Map on Google Maps.
History of Hvar
Hvar is an island located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. The island has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and has witnessed a rich history dating back more than 2,500 years. The town of Hvar is the capital of the island and was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC.
During the Middle Ages, Hvar became an important naval and trading base for the Venetians, who built fortifications to protect it from Turkish attacks.
In the late 15th century, the island became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leading to an era of great economic and cultural development. During these times, buildings such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis were constructed.
Today, Hvar is one of Croatia's most popular destinations, and is known for its crystal clear beaches, lively nightlife, culture and history.
If you are looking for a place full of charm and beauty for your next vacation, don't miss the opportunity to visit Hvar on your next trip to Croatia.
Places to Visit in Hvar
Hvar Town: The town of Hvar is the island's main attraction, and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich historical heritage. Visitors can explore the old town, with its ancient stone streets and historic buildings, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Spanish Fortress.
Fortica Fortress: Situated on a hilltop above the town of Hvar, Fortica Fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea. The fortress was built in the 16th century to protect the town from Turkish and Venetian attacks.
The Blue Grotto: The Blue Grotto is an underwater cave located on the blue coast of the island. The cave is known for its stunning blue color, caused by sunlight entering through a hole in the ceiling and reflecting on the water.
Zlatni Rat beach: Zlatni Rat beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and is known for its tongue-shaped white sand and crystal clear waters. The beach is ideal for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Franciscan Monastery: Located on the western end of the island, the Franciscan Monastery was founded in the 15th century. The monastery is known for its impressive collection of historical items, as well as for its beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the coast.
What to Do in Hvar
Hvar offers a wide variety of activities for visitors looking for exciting and unique experiences.
Enjoying the beach: Hvar has a large number of sandy and stone beaches, with crystal clear and calm waters, perfect for enjoying the sunny summers sunbathing and enjoying a swim. Some of the most popular beaches include Zlatni Rat, Dubvica and Stipanska.
Exploring nature: The island of Hvar is known for its stunning natural scenery, with hills covered with pine and olive trees, and a wealth of walking and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the island by bike or on foot, enjoying the natural beauty of the place.
Visiting the vineyards: Hvar is known for its wine production, visitors can enjoy wine tasting in the various wineries on the island.
Nightlife: Hvar's nightlife is famous all over Croatia, with a great variety of bars, pubs and clubs offering live music and partying events for all ages. One of the most popular clubs is the Carpe Diem Beach Club.
Discovering history and culture: Hvar has a wealth of historical and cultural sites, such as the Fortica Fortress, the Franciscan Monastery and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Visitors can explore these sites and learn more about the island's rich history.
In short, Hvar offers a wealth of activities to make the most of the island and its charms. With the wide variety of opportunities for all ages, it is an ideal place to go on vacation with your family and friends.
From Greca, we offer different tours and excursions around Croatia with which you can enjoy a complete family vacation.
Traditional Food of Hvar
If you are a food lover, Hvar, Croatia is the perfect place for you. The island has a rich culinary tradition that combines Mediterranean flavors with influences from Croatian gastronomy.
Some typical dishes include Pekka, a meat and vegetable stew simmered under an iron bell. Brudet, a fish stew with tomatoes and spices, and Pasticada, a meat stew marinated in wine and spices.
Hvar is famous for its production of olive oil, wine and spirits. Visitors can enjoy tastings of olive oils and wines from local fields and cellars.
All in all, Hvar's gastronomy is a unique experience, combining fresh ingredients, authentic flavors and a tradition of generations.
Beautiful Beaches around Hvar
Hvar is known for its beaches, and here you can find a list of the most famous ones:
Dubovica beach: this beach is a real hidden gem. Located in a hidden cove, surrounded by rocks and vegetation, it is a perfect beach to relax on your vacation with the family.
Pokonji Dol Beach: This beach is perfect for families and groups of friends. It is one of the largest beaches on the island and has a wide variety of activities to do, such as water sports and beach sports.
Zlatni Rat beach: It is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. Its crescent shape, white sand and crystal clear waters make this beach a unique place not to be missed.
Mekicevica beach: This beach is perfect to relax and unwind on your vacation without crowds.
Soline beach: This beach is perfect for those looking for a more active environment. It is located near the town of Hvar and is popular with visitors due to its numerous activities, such as beach volleyball and soccer.
Milna beach: This beach is perfect for those looking for a more local experience. It is located in a small fishing village and is known for its crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
In addition, there are several restaurants nearby offering delicious local seafood dishes.
Stipanska beach: This quiet beach is located on an island close to Hvar, so you will need a boat to get there. It is a quiet and beautiful beach, surrounded by forests and rocks, and offers a lot of activities such as snorkeling and kayaking.
How to Get to Hvar
How to Get to Hvar by Plane
Hvar is a small island, therefore, it does not have a direct airport to this destination. However, you can arrive by plane to Split airport, and from there use the different ferries and boats available to reach the island of Hvar.
How to Get to Hvar by Ferry
The best way to get to Hvar is by ferry from the port of Split, which departs several times throughout the day in the direction of the island. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and you can enjoy the wonderful views as you arrive on the island.
You can also reach Hvar from Dubrovnik, but it takes about 4 hours.
How to Get to Hvar by catamaran
It is also possible to get to Hvar by catamaran from Split, which takes about 1 hour. This type of transportation is recommended if you want to enjoy a different experience and are looking for a faster and more comfortable trip.
How to Move around Hvar
Hvar is a small island, therefore, getting around has no difficulty and you can find different options around the island.
By foot: being a small island, it can be easily explained on foot. The main town, Hvar, is compact and can be covered in a short time, which makes it a perfect island to walk around.
By bike or scooter: There are several rental stores in the town of Hvar and it is a perfect way to explore the island with more freedom and be able to reach unknown corners.
By Cab: You can easily take cabs around the island to get around without any problems. However, this option is more expensive than the previous ones.
By car: if you prefer to move by car, you can rent in the different companies of rent and rent of the city of Hvar or surroundings.
By bus: public transport is the cheapest and most convenient way to move around the island. Buses cover most of the island and you can reach any destination without any problem.
Take a look at Greca’s travel tips and travel guides and enjoy your vacation like never before.
Port of Hvar
The port of Hvar is one of the most impressive places in Croatia. From here, visitors can admire the beauty of the Adriatic Sea while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. In addition, the port is the starting point for exploring the old town of Hvar and its beautiful beaches.
The history of the harbor dates back to Roman times, and over the centuries it has been an important commercial and cultural center in the region.
Today, the port of Hvar is a tourist area, with a variety of restaurants, bars and stores offering local and international products.
Visitors can also take a stroll along the promenade and contemplate the luxury yachts that line the harbor, creating a unique atmosphere.
Cultural Aspects of Hvar
Hvar is a very special town, located on the beautiful Croatian island of the same name. While it is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is also a place where history and culture are very present.
Walking through its stone streets is like stepping back in time. You will find historic buildings and monuments that are a reflection of its rich history.
St. Stephen's Cathedral is a real treasure, with its impressive bell tower and ancient paintings and sculptures. The Spanish fortress is another place not to be missed, with its breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the sea.
But Hvar is not only history, it is also a living and evolving culture. Music and dance are an important part of local life, and there are many festivals throughout the year where you can enjoy live dance and music performances. The Hvar Summer Festival is one of the most popular, where you can enjoy live music and dance performances.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Hvar?
Croatia, in 2023, has joined the Eurozone, which means that now the official currency of Croatia is the Euro and not the Kuna.
Average prices in Croatia are considered cheap as a tourist destination.
The average price of accommodation in season for a double room is around 40 euros.
On the island you will find different Airbnbs, hotels and hostels which we recommend to book in advance to avoid any inconvenience and find better prices.
Food in Hvar is considered cheap, as in the rest of Croatia.
And you can find different types of restaurants, whether they are traditional local food, fast food or prepared food restaurants and stores to make your day at the beach or your day trip easier.
The average restaurant prices are between 10-25 euros, and depending on your personal taste, you can choose what price you are willing to pay.
If you choose to move around the Croatian islands by ferries and different boats, the average ticket price is between 12-15 euros each way.
If you are traveling with your own vehicle, the ferries have the possibility to take your car with you, and the average price of the ticket plus your vehicle is around 80 euros round trip.
