Hvar
City

Hvar

Croatia's lavender-scented island of ancient charm and nightlife

Hvar hits different. This Croatian island manages to be both ancient and cutting-edge, serene and wild, all at once. You'll find 13th-century stone streets that lead to world-class beach clubs, lavender fields that give way to yacht-filled harbors, and sunset dinners that turn into dawn parties. It's no wonder celebrities and honeymooners alike flock here. But here's what makes Hvar special: despite all the glitz, it never lost its soul. The locals still harvest lavender by hand, fishermen still mend nets in quiet coves, and that medieval charm remains gloriously intact.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Hvar. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Hvar Town is where the action happens. Stay near the main square (Trg Svetog Stjepana) and you're walking distance from everything that matters. The Riva waterfront has the priciest hotels but unbeatable harbor views. Look for places along Fabrika street for slightly cheaper options that still put you in the heart of things. Jelsa works if you want island life without the party scene. This fishing village on the north coast stays refreshingly low-key, even in peak summer. The beaches are better here too – less crowded, more swimming, fewer selfie sticks. Stari Grad is for history buffs who don't mind being 20 minutes from the nightlife. Croatia's oldest town has UNESCO-listed agricultural fields and stone houses that date back to Greek times. Plus, the ferry port is right here, making arrivals easy.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Book accommodation early for July-August or expect to pay 50% more than shoulder season rates
  • 2.Water taxi rides to beaches add up quickly – budget 15-20 euros per person per trip
  • 3.Restaurants on the Riva waterfront charge premium prices for harbor views – eat one street back to save 30%
  • 4.Rent scooters by the week rather than daily to get better rates – usually saves about 20%
  • 5.Buy lavender products at Saturday morning markets instead of tourist shops for half the price
  • 6.Many beach clubs have minimum spend requirements rather than entry fees – factor this into nightlife budgets

Travel Tips

  • •Pack reef-safe sunscreen – Croatian waters are crystal clear and worth protecting
  • •Download offline maps before exploring – cell service can be spotty in remote coves
  • •Bring cash for small family restaurants and beach bars – many don't accept cards
  • •Book dinner reservations by 4 PM, especially in summer – popular places fill up fast
  • •Pack a light jacket even in summer – evening breezes off the Adriatic can be surprisingly cool
  • •Learn basic Croatian greetings – locals appreciate the effort and service improves noticeably

Frequently Asked Questions

Take a catamaran from Split harbor directly to Hvar Town (1 hour, 7-8 daily departures in summer) or drive to Drvenik and take the car ferry to Sućuraj, then drive across the island (2.5 hours total). The catamaran is faster and more scenic.

Explore Hvar

Things to Do in HvarWhen to Visit Hvar3 Days in Hvar7 Days in Hvar

Ready to explore Hvar?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.