How to Spend One Fabulous Day In Hvar Island
The island of Hvar, an enchanting island nestled within Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast, offers an idyllic getaway that promises breathtaking panoramas and a wealth of cultural heritage. With its intriguing history and awe-inspiring vistas, Hvar is a destination that should be on every traveler’s must-visit list.
Moreover, Hvar has gained a reputation as the “party island” of Croatia, drawing a lively crowd of bachelorette parties and party lovers to its shores. However, beyond the vibrant nightlife, Hvar has so much more to offer. From hiking the island’s rugged terrain to sailing its crystalline waters, the island caters to a wide range of interests.
Hvar’s stunning natural beauty and fascinating history, combined with its reputation as a party hub, make it an irresistible destination for any traveler seeking an unforgettable experience in Croatia. Even spending just a day in Hvar will leave you captivated by its breathtaking and unforgettable panoramic views.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Where is Hvar Island located ?
How to get to Hvar
Ferries to Hvar
What is the best way to get to Hvar ?
Do they have Uber in Hvar ?
Top Things To Do In One Day In Hvar
Savor The Enchanting Views As You Approach Hvar By Ferry
Hvar Harbor
St. Stephen’s Square
Where To Eat In Hvar Town
Stroll Through the Historic Streets of Hvar Town
Experience Breathtaking Views of Hvar and Pakleni Islands from Fortica Fortress
Witness the Stunning Sunset from the Fortica Fortress
Dive into the Crystal Clear Waters of Hvar
The Franciscan Monastery
Explore the Enchanting Pakleni Islands
What is Hvar famous for?
Where is Hvar Island Located ?
Hvar is a picturesque island nestled in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and nestled between the neighboring islands of Brac and Korcula. The charming island is easily accessible via ferry, with the nearest Dalmatian coast town of Drvenik just a 35-minute ride away, making it a convenient and sought-after destination for travelers seeking a coastal escape.
How to Get to Hvar
The best way to get to the island of Hvar is by ferry or boat, as there is no airport in the island. The nearest airports to Hvar are in the island of Brac (BWK), which is 14.4 miles/ 23.2 km away, and Split (SPU) airport, 26 miles or 42 km away from Hvar.
Ferries to Hvar
Split to Hvar
Approximately 14 daily ferry trips are available between Split and Hvar, operated by Kapetan Luka (Krilo), Jadrolinjia, Adriatic Fast Ferries, and TP line. Ferry journeys take between 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on the route.
All ferries/ catamarans depart from Split port and travel to Hvar town, Jelsa, or Stari Gard on the north side of Hvar island.
Dvrenik to Hvar
In addition to Split- Hvar ferry routes, there are also daily 11 ferry journeys from Dvrenik to Sucuraj ferry port in Hvar in the peak seasons. Jardolinjia is the only ferry company operating journeys between Dvrenik and Hvar. Each ferry trip takes 35 minutes.
Dubrovnik to Hvar
There are 2 daily fast ferry trips from Dubrovnik to Hvar taking 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. Kapetan Luka and TP Line are the two ferry companies operating the fast ferry journeys between Dubrovnik and Hvar.
One-way ferry trip from Dubrovnik-Split costs € 45.00 ($48.49).
What is the best way to get to Hvar?
The fastest way and the best way to get to Hvar is by ferry. The fastest ferry journeys to Hvar are from Dvrenik, Split and nearby islands of Brac and Korcula.
Can you visit Hvar without a car?
Yes, you can absolutely visit Hvar without a car. You can get to many places, especially near Hvar town by foot and can book taxis from anywhere on the island.
Can you get a car to Hvar?
Yes, there is one car ferry running from Split to Stari Grad port in Hvar, operating 3-6 daily ferries. Each ferry journey takes around 2 hours with a cost of €43 ($46.34) for a small car.
Do they have Uber in Hvar?
No, there is no Uber in Hvar, but there is a similar service called PickApp in Hvar. All you need it is to install “PickApp” application and use it ordering a taxi ride.
Alternatively, there is UberBOAT services offering services from Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and other islands in Croatia.
A maximum of 8 people can share a boat ride and split the fare. The boat ride from Split Airport to Hvar takes around 1 hour.
Top Things To Do In One Day In Hvar
Savor the Enchanting Views as You Approach Hvar by Ferry
As you approach the charming town of Hvar on the island, you’ll immediately sense the island’s distinctive ambiance, a harmonious blend of Dalmatian and Mediterranean influences and a rich tapestry of ancient history. Upon arrival, your attention will be immediately drawn to the remarkable sights that define Hvar’s unique character. The picturesque harbor adorned with palm trees, the majestic Fortica Fortress perched atop the hills and the Franciscan Monastery nestled along the coastline will captivate your senses.
Hvar Harbor
Ferries to and from Hvar Town operate from Hvar Harbor, which is bustling with private yachts and boats. Upon arrival, the waterfront area greets you with a diverse selection of restaurants and bars.
St. Stephen’s Square
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Hvar’s waterfront, St. Stephen’s Square ( Trg Sv Stjepana ) stands as one of the largest historic main squares along the Dalmatian coast and in Croatia. At the heart of this square, you’ll find the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a striking example of Baroque architecture dating back to the 17th century.
Paladini Palace
Located in the center of St. Stephen’s Square, you’ll discover the Paladini Palace, an exquisite example of Gothic architecture dating back to the late 15th century.
Porta Maestra (Main Gate)
Another noticeable historical site from the main square is Porta Maestra (Main Gate) completed between 14th– 15th century.
As you venture towards the left from the square, a delightful array of kiosks awaits you, offering an abundance of souvenirs and local products. These charming stalls offer an assortment of souvenirs and local products, ranging from lavender products and jewelry to delicious honey.
Palace Elisabeth Hotel
Just a short walk from the harbor area and a stone’s throw away from the St. Stephen’s Main Square, you’ll be captivated by the sight of the magnificent Palace Elisabeth hotel building. This stunning architectural masterpiece combines Venetian and Austrian architectural styles, truly adding to its allure.
As you venture further along, passing by the enchanting Palace Elisabeth, a delightful array of restaurants, cafes, and bars await you. You can take a moment to indulge in a refreshing drink and savor delectable cuisine while relishing the breathtaking vistas of Hvar town and the picturesque waterfront.
Where to Eat in Hvar Town
- Anna Café is located on the front, just a few steps away from the ferries stops, it is a cozy sport for a cold drink, breakfast, or crepes.
- Aloha Bar is a good spot for some cold drinks just by the waterfront.
- Val Marina Restaurant is one of the top waterfront restaurants in Hvar Town with a variety of seafood, meat, and drinks options. It is located at Fabrika bb
- Dalmatino Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Hvar offering a variety of international dishes in its menu. The address is Ulica Sveti Marak 1
- Aroma Gelato Experience: Indulge in a delightful ice cream experience at Aroma Gelato, a charming gelateria situated by the harbor. With an enticing selection of flavors, including rich dark chocolate, creamy pistachio, refreshing watermelon, tropical mango, and luscious caramel, there’s something to please every palate. Treat yourself to two scoops for € 7.
- Kava37 Specialty Coffee Shop, located at Kroz Burak 37, is a great spot for coffee lovers, offering iced coffee, americano, cappuccino, and breakfast options.
Stroll Through the Historic Streets of Hvar Town
Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you leisurely stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets and stairs, tucked away behind the vibrant Hvar harbor area.
Explore the allure of stone-built structures, discover hidden stores, and marvel at stone walls adorned with vibrant foliage and blooming flowers, adding a touch of natural beauty to the surrounding.
Experience Breathtaking Views of Hvar and Pakleni Islands from Fortica Fortress (Trvada Fortica)
Upon arrival to Hvar, one of the first noticeable site is the Fortica Fortress, also known as Spanish Fortress, positioned on the hill above Hvar Town.
Embark on a delightful journey to the Fortress, a leisurely walk that takes no more than 30 minutes from Hvar’s harbor area.
As you traverse the path, you’ll find yourself immersed in a verdant embrace of local flora. The lush greenery of the surrounding plants and trees creates a serene ambiance to your journey.
Ascending the steep road toward the Fortress, you can capture the captivating vistas of Hvar and the picturesque Pakleni islands, offering glimpses of breathtaking beauty along your walk.
The origins of the Fortress trace back to the Byzantine era when a Citadel stood in its place. The present-day Fortress, however, was constructed during the Venetian rule in the 13th century. Amidst the Ottoman attacks in 1571, the local residents sought refuge within the protective walls of the Fortress.
Witness the Breathtaking Sunset from the Fortica Fortress
From the vantage point of the Fortica Fortress, you can capture awe-inspiring vistas of Hvar and the Pakleni islands. Prepare to be captivated by the unforgettable views, especially during the enchanting moments of sunset.
Dive into the Crystal Clear Waters of Hvar
Hvar Town harbor area is surrounded by rocky bays with no sandy beaches. However, Bonj beach provides a convenient option for those seeking a refreshing dip in the water. This beach area features inviting concrete platforms ideal for sunbathing and diving, ensuring a delightful beach experience.
Alternatively, if you have extra time to spare, a 30-minute walk from Hvar’s harbor area will lead you to the pebble beach of Pokonji dol. Here, you can relish the tranquil ambiance and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding scenery.
The Franciscan Monastery
Nestled along Hvar’s waterfront, you’ll discover the Franciscan Monastery built by a well-known stonemason from Korcula. This architectural gem, constructed in the 15th century, showcases exquisite Renaissance-style design.
Explore the Enchanting Pakleni Islands
If you find yourself with some extra time, consider embarking on a delightful 20-minute taxi boat ride from Hvar to the Pakleni Islands, also referred to as the Paklinski Islands. This picturesque archipelago consists of 20 islands, each offering a plethora of beach options to enjoy sun-soaked relaxation and exploration.
What is Hvar famous for?
Besides being one of the sunniest islands in Europe, Hvar is also famous for its lavender fields and wineries.
Brusje, Grablje, near Stari Gard, Gdinj, and Bogomolje are some of the best locations to see lavender fields. The months of June and July are ideal to witness the lavender blossoms.
Some of the recommended wineries to visit in Hvar:
✓ Luviji Wineries near Hvar town
✓ Dabokovic Winery in Jelsa
✓ Vina Ventus in Vrsnik
✓ Lacman Family Winery in Stari Grad
✓ Vinarja Braca Plancic in Vrbanj
