Hvar Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

One of the most beautiful islands in the world, Hvar is popular amongst celebrities and normal tourists alike. Its gorgeous beaches overlook vibrant turquoise water which will instantly get you in the holiday mood. We loved walking around picturesque Hvar Old Town, kayaking around the island and beach hopping along the coast. Above all we enjoyed taking relaxed waterfront walks along its stunning coastline. During peak season Hvar buzzes with activity and has a vibrant nightlife. However if you come outside of the peak season you can enjoy a tranquil island with a slow pace of life. This Hvar destination guide has everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Hvar Croatia.

Short on time? Here are our Hvar Croatia top recommendations:

Highlights: discover the Pakleni Islands, relax on Hvar’s beaches and enjoy a meal in Hvar Old Town.

Activities: book your Hvar Croatia Tours with Get Your Guide.

Accommodation: we use Booking.com to find the best hotels.

Car Hire: for great value car rental in Croatia we recommend Localrent.com.

Transport: FlixBus for intercity buses.

Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.

Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.

Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

What is Hvar Croatia known for?

Hvar is one of the most popular islands in Croatia and is a favourite destination for celebrities and also for tourists that want an unforgettable holiday. It is famous for its red wines made with the Plavac Mali grape as well as its gorgeous lavender fields. Hvar boasts a beautiful coastline dotted with stunning beaches and secluded coves surrounded by crystal-clear water. Additionally, Hvar has a charming old town and is blessed with glorious sunsets.

Why you should visit Hvar Croatia

The stunningly beautiful island of Hvar is one of the most popular islands in Croatia. It is also a favourite holiday spot of A-List celebrities such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z. When you step onto the island you feel like you’re a world away from anywhere. Despite this, Hvar is extremely accessible, being just a one hour ferry ride from Split.

Apart from its dazzling beaches and scenic waterfront promenades, the island is also home to a number of interesting buildings. The Hvar Public Theatre is the oldest public theatre in Europe, dating back to 1612. Another impressive structure on Hvar is Fortica Fortica – a Spanish medieval castle that proudly stands on a hilltop overlooking the town. Hvar is steeped in history, and this can be seen in the streets of the beautiful Hvar Old Town as well as in traditions that span back centuries such as the UNESCO listed procession of Za križen.

Another major draw-card of Hvar is its delicious food. Unsurprisingly, the island has an abundance of delicious seafood on offer. There are also a number of must try local dishes such as octopus salad as well as the local fish stew, Forska Gregada.

Hvar Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Hvar Croatia

• Language – Standard Croatian. English is widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Croatia since 1 January 2023. Prior to 2023, the currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HKR). Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country. Furthermore, there are a number of ATMs on the island of Hvar.
• Population – 11,000 (2011)
• Area – 297 km²
• County – Split-Dalmatia
• Region – Dalmatia
• Emergency number – 112
• Police number – 192

Utilities in Hvar Croatia

• Electricity – Croatia uses Type C as well as Type F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Croatia and typically do not last for long.
• Water – the tap water in Croatia is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Croatia. Additionally, you can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Public toilets are common in the larger cities in Croatia. Public toilets along the coast often have a charge for use. This can range anywhere from 25 cents to 1 euro. We have found toilets in shopping centres that are free to use.
• Telephone country code: +385

Where is Hvar Croatia?

Hvar is in the central Dalmatia county of Split-Dalmatia in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. It is a Croatian island on the Adriatic Sea. Hvar has four main municipalities: Hvar (town), Stari Grad, Jelsa and Sucuraj and each of these municipalities has several settlements.

The closest major Croatian city to Hvar is Split on mainland Croatia. Nearby islands include Brač, Vis and Korčula. Hvar is 1 hour by ferry from Split and 3.5 hours by ferry from Dubrovnik.

How to get to Hvar Croatia

Hvar destination guide: Arriving by land

The island of Hvar is accessible from Split and Dubrovnik on mainland Croatia.

Hvar Croatia intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Hvar Croatia are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Shuttle Bus – Pleso Prijevoz operates a shuttle bus service between Split Airport and the Split bus terminal. A one way ticket costs 8 euro (prices as at 2024). The journey time is 40 minutes.
• Train
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Hvar from within Croatia

It is possible to bring your own vehicle to Hvar on a ferry.

Intercity trains to Hvar Croatia

There is a train line running from Zagreb to nearby Split Croatia. From Split, you need to take a ferry to Hvar.

Intercity buses to Hvar Croatia

A common way to get around Croatia is by using intercity buses. Intercity buses terminate at nearby Split Croatia. From Split, you need to take a ferry to Hvar.

Hvar destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Hvar is Brač Airport (Airport code BWK). It is 23km from Hvar.

Other nearby airports include:

• Split Airport (Airport code SPU). This airport is 42km away.
• Mostar Airport, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Airport code OMO). This airport is 114km away.
• Zadar Airport (Airport code ZAD). This airport is 85km away.

The national airline of Croatia is Croatia Airlines.

Hvar destination guide: Arriving by boat

The island of Hvar is on the Adriatic Sea. There are 4 ports on Hvar island – at Stari Grad, Hvar, Jelsa as well as Sućuraj. Ferries and catamarans operate from Hvar to Split, Drvenik and Dubrovnik on mainland Croatia as well as the nearby Dalmatian islands of Korčula, Vis and Brač. There are also ferries from Hvar to Ancona and Pescara in Italy. Some ferries can accommodate vehicles as well as foot passengers.

The closest city to Hvar island on mainland Croatia is Split. Depending on the season, there are 2-19 ferries that make the crossing from Split to Hvar each day. The journey time is 50 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on the route. A one way ticket costs 5.71-25 euro for adults (as at 2024). There are 3 main ferry companies that provide ferries to Hvar:

• Kapetan Luka (Krilo) – one way ferry ticket from Split to Hvar 25 euro, travel time 50 minutes (as at 2024).
• Jadrolinija – one way ferry ticket from Split to Stari Grad starts from 5.71 euro, travel time 120 minutes; one way catamaran ticket from Split to Hvar starts from 5.84 euro, travel time 65 minutes (as at 2024).
• TP Line – one way ferry ticket from Split to Hvar 25 euro, travel time 75 minutes (as at 2024).

Hvar destination guide: How to get around Hvar Croatia

Walking in Hvar Croatia

By far the easiest and also cheapest way to get around the main towns in Hvar is to walk. Most of the main attractions for each town are within easy walking distance.

Local buses in Hvar Croatia

Local buses service Hvar. These services are operated by the local public transport service, Cazmatrans Hvar. The town of Hvar is the central hub from which all buses either starts or stop. For more information, see these websites: https://getbybus.com/en/blog/buses-hvar-island/ and https://cazmatrans.hr/en/

Bus prices on the island of Hvar

Prices of bus tickets depend on the number of kilometres – the more kilometres you ride in a bus, the more you pay, but here are the fixed prices as at 2022 for some of the most frequent lines (per direction):

• Stari Grad – Hvar: 27 kn
• Jelsa – Hvar: 39 kn
• Vrboska – Hvar: 33 kn
• Sucuraj – Hvar: 65 kn
• Milna – Hvar: 19 kn

Trams in Hvar Croatia

Hvar does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Hvar Croatia

There are no trains on Hvar.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Hvar Croatia

Hvar does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Hvar Croatia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Croatia. This includes:

• Bicycles – There are a number of bike hire shops on the island such as hvar★life.
• Electric scooters
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• SUVs
• Boats

In Croatia people drive on the right side of the road.

Localrent.com is ideal for hiring a car in Croatia, offering competitive rates and personalised service. The user-friendly platform connects you with local providers, featuring a wide range of vehicles to suit any trip. With transparent pricing, detailed rental info, and responsive customer support, booking is a breeze. Renting a car through Localrent.com gives you the freedom to explore Croatia’s historic cities, stunning coastlines, and scenic countryside at your own pace.

Taxis in Croatia

Taxis are common in Croatia. Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However outside of major cities taxis may not have meters. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
• Price per kilometre
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.

Taxi tariffs in Croatia are set by the cities or districts.

Ride-share services in Hvar Croatia

There are a number of rideshare services operating in Croatia. These include Uber, Bolt as well as CarpoolWorld. There is even UberBOAT on the Dalmatian coast during tourist season.

Hvar destination guide: Is Hvar worth visiting?

There is a reason why Hvar is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. It is a stunningly beautiful island that has beautiful beaches surrounded by crystal clear water. It is a lively island with a bustling old town area, fantastic cafes and restaurants and vibrant nightlife. The island is blessed with gorgeous sunny weather and a warm Mediterranean climate. Whilst the island is one of the more expensive places to visit in Croatia, it is well worth the high price tag!

Hvar destination guide: How long to spend in Hvar Croatia

Just an hour by ferry from Split, Hvar is a perfect day trip destination. However once you get there you won’t want to leave! It is a beautiful island with great food, scenic coastal walks as well as a charming old town area. If you have the time, staying for a few days or a week would be perfect. We spent 1 week in Hvar and enjoyed taking time to experience everything this gorgeous island has to offer.

Hvar destination guide: What to do in Hvar Croatia

Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Hvar destination guide: Free things to do in Hvar Croatia

There are enough free activities in Hvar Croatia to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Pakleni Islands – round trip by taxi boat costs around 15 euro per person (as at 2024)
• Pokonji dol Beach
• Mlini Beach – round trip by taxi boat costs around 15 euro per person (as at 2024). Bathrooms also have a fee
• Jerolim Island (nudist island) – round trip by taxi boat costs around 15 euro per person (as at 2024)
• The Harbour of Hvar
• Trailhead to Napoleon Fortress
• Malo Grablje
• Mekićevica Beach
• Stari Grad Plain
• Palmizana Botanical Garden (on Pakleni islands) – round trip by taxi boat costs around 15 euro per person (as at 2024)
• Gališnik Island
• Beach Robinson

For more details, see our Hvar travel guide on the 12 Best Free Things To Do in Hvar Croatia.

Hvar destination guide: Paid activities in Hvar Croatia

A number of attractions in Hvar Croatia charge an entry fee:

• St Stephen’s Cathedral (Katedrala Sv Stjepana I) – 2 euro entry fee (as at 2024)
• Tvrdava Fortica – entry fee is 10 euro for adults (as at 2024). However it’s free to walk around the trails and gardens leading up to the fort.
• Franciscan Monastery – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2024). Entry to the Church of Our Lady of Grace is free
• Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović (Tvrdalj Castle) – entry fee is 4 for adults (as at 2024)

Other paid activities in Hvar Croatia include:

• Wine Tours
• Watching a show at the Hvar Public Theatre
• Fishing charters and tours
• Sailing
• Watersports

Weather in Hvar Croatia

Hvar enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has cold winters, with average temperature range between 7°C and 12°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September. During this time the weather in Hvar is generally hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 22°C and 29°C in the hottest month of July. The month with the most rainfall is November with 9.4 days of rain on average. Conversely the driest month is July with an average of 3.3 rainy days.

Best time to visit Hvar Croatia

The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Croatia

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Croatia include Croatian Telecom (Hrvatski Telekom), A1, Telemach, Bonbon as well as Tomato.

5G has been in Croatia since October 2020. 3G is expected to be switched off in Croatia in early 2025.

Croatia is ranked 21^st fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 78^th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 71mbps and upload is 29mbps (as at May 2024).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Croatia. These include phone stores, some supermarkets, newspaper kiosks as well as online.

How much to budget for Hvar Croatia?

Is Hvar expensive?

Yes, Hvar is one of the most expensive destinations in Croatia. The island is a popular holiday destination for celebrities such as Beyoncé, Tom Cruise and Prince Harry, adding to its exclusivity and appeal. However it is possible to visit the island on a budget, particularly if you visit during the off-season and stick to free or cheap activities.

Hvar destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Hvar Croatia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city as well as free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and also some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities as well as eating at high end restaurants.

Hvar destination guide: Accommodation in Hvar Croatia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Hvar Croatia. Airbnb also operates in Croatia.

Where to stay in Hvar Croatia

We recommend the following accommodation in Hvar:

• Best campsite in Hvar – Cast Away is a paradise for travellers who love nature and adventure. You will feel at home in this friendly and lively community, surrounded by stunning scenery. The place has two private beaches and a shuttle service to take you there. You will never get bored with the variety of activities and amenities available, from kayaking to yoga. Plus, the beds are super cosy and comfy.
• Best hostel in Hvar – Stay in a piece of history at Helvetia Hostel, a charming hostel located in a 500-year old building in the heart of the old town. You will be amazed by the panoramic views from the rooftop patio, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset. The owner is an exceptional host who will treat you like family and make your stay unforgettable. The hostel has a cosy and friendly atmosphere, where you can meet other travellers and have fun.
• Best B&B in Hvar – B&B Buzolic is a delightful B&B where you will feel welcomed by a kind and hospitable family. You will love the tasty breakfasts that are prepared according to your preferences and served on the balcony with a stunning view. You can also enjoy the pool area, which is very relaxing and inviting. The apartments are spacious, clean, comfortable and nicely decorated. It’s in a great location within walking distance of the port, the old town as well as the beaches.
• Best mid-range hotel in Hvar – Heritage Hotel Park Hvar is a splendid hotel that overlooks the beautiful harbour, where you can watch the boats and the sunset. It is wonderfully located in the heart of Hvar Old Town and not far from the port. The rooms are spacious and luxurious with comfortable beds and lots of character. You will also enjoy the delicious breakfasts and the exceptional service that the hotel provides.

How much is accommodation in Hvar Croatia?

Hvar is a popular summer destination and prices will vary depending on the season.

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 12-30 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 25-200 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 300-600 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 100-400 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Hvar destination guide: Food in Hvar Croatia

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Hvar.

How much does food cost in Hvar Croatia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Hvar Croatia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 10-25 euro for a main dish
• Bakery food – burek 2-3 euro, cake 2-3 euro, 1-2 euro for loaf of bread, chocolate donut
• Glass of wine – 4-6 euro
• Coffee – 2-3 euro

Regional dishes in Hvar Croatia

• Dalmatian Peka – a baked dish made with meat and vegetables and slow cooked over embers in a fireplace under a heavy cast iron bell. Any type of meat can be used.
• Forska Gregada – a fish stew which has spices and potato and is cooked on a high heat. The name comes from the word Grego, which is what the locals called the Greeks who first brought this dish to Starigrad on Hvar Island. It is mentioned by writer Petar Hektorović in “Fishing and Fisherman’s Complaints”. A good Gregada has fresh fish and several different types of fish.
• Pečicu na tečicu – fresh goat cheese fried with sugar
• Herb marinated goat’s cheese in olive oil
• Wild cabbage salad
• Octopus salad
• Fish soup with rice
• Baked bass with boiled Swiss chard and potatoes, or mashed potatoes with onion
• Starogrojski paprenjok – a traditional dessert made with honey, flour, saffron, prosecco and olive oil. It is made into various shapes such as clover, heart, butterfly and horse. This dessert was mentioned in a famous poem by Croatian poet Petar Hektorović. It has been registered as one of Croatia’s protected cultural property.
• Rožada – a pudding similar to a crème caramel
• Arancini (candied orange or lemon peel)
• Paradižet – a dessert made from vanilla, eggs and milk. The name translates to Paradise.
• Prošek” desert wine

Cheap Eats in Hvar Croatia

• Pekarnicas (Croatian bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and also delicious food. Burek is typically around 2-3 euro and a loaf of bread is around 1-2 euro. Other common food that can be found in pekarnicas include donuts as well as cakes.

Fine dining in Hvar Croatia

Hvar is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

Michelin Plate restaurants in Hvar Croatia (2024):

• Mediterraneo
• Maslina

Hvar Croatia culture

Croatia national holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany – 6 January
• Easter Sunday – typically in March or April.
• Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Statehood Day – 30 May
• Corpus Christi – 16 June
• Anti-Fascist Struggle Day – 22 June
• Victory Day – 5 August
• Assumption of Mary – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day – 1 November
• Remembrance Day for the victims of the Homeland War and Remembrance Day for the victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja – 18 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day – 26 December

National symbols of Croatia

• Croatia flag – a tricolour flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, white and blue from top to bottom. Additionally, in the middle of the flag, across the three bands, is the Croatia coat of arms
• Croatia coat of arms – a red and white checkerboard on a main shield with a crown of five smaller shields. The five smaller shields represent the five different historical regions of Croatia. These five shields have symbols on them, but their background colours alternate between bleu celeste and azure.
• National flower – iris
• National bird – common nightingale
• Croatia’s national animal – kuna zlatica (European pine marten)

Croatia pastimes

• National dish – Istrian Yota
• Popular drinks – Rakija, loza, Malvazija wine, Teran wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 80% Catholic, 6% Eastern orthodox (as at 2019)

Famous people from Hvar Croatia

• Famous people born in Hvar Croatia – Renaissance poet and playwright Hanibal Lucić, writer Petar Hektorović, historian Vinko Pribojević, poet Mikša Pelegrinović, playwright Martin Benetović, anthropologist who pioneered fingerprinting Juan Vucetich (born Ivan Vučetić), historian Grga Novak, sculptor Kuzma Kovačić
• Celebritites that have visited Hvar – Beyoncé and Jay-Z (their daughter is named after ivy from Hvar Island), Jackie Onassis, Orson Welles, Prince Harry, Jodie Foster, Tom Cruise, Bono, Emperor Franz Josef I, Edward and Mrs Simpson, Magic Johnson

Is Hvar Croatia Safe?

Croatia travel guide: Safety in Croatia

We travelled through Croatia for two months and found the country to be extremely safe. Croatia ranks 14^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2023). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly at crowded tourist attractions in Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb as well as in National Parks. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase. Take care in nightclubs and don’t accept free drinks as drink spiking is a particular risk.

If you are planning to explore more remote areas, beware that there may still be unexploded landmines from the Croatian War of Independence.

Croatia travel guide: General safety considerations in Croatia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Croatia:

• Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been found in Croatia. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya. Malaria was eradicated in Croatia in 1964. Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported on the Adriatic Coast and in northeastern Croatia.
• Altitude sickness – Croatia has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Croatia, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Croatia has been making progress with improvements in road safety in recent years. However it still has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Europe. This is due to a combination of narrow and windy roads as well as speed and other driver behaviour. Take care on the roads in Croatia.
• Water safety – If you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect. Watch out for sea urchins as they can sting.
• Earthquakes – Croatia experiences earthquake activity. If you experience an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If you are inside get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If you are outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

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