Hvar holidays

How to reach Hvar

Flight time: Flights to Hvar from London typically take about 2 hours 30 minutes. You will most likely fly into Split Airport as there is no airport on Hvar itself. Several airlines operate direct flights from other major UK airports.

Transfer time: From Split Airport, it’s a 30-minute bus or taxi ride to Split harbour, from where you take a ferry or catamaran to Hvar Town – a voyage of between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the service.

Price:

• The bus from Split Airport to the harbour costs around €5.

• The ferry or catamaran to Hvar costs approximately €10–€20 one way.

• A taxi from Split Airport to the harbour will cost around €30.

Best time to visit Hvar

April to June

• A wonderful time to visit if you enjoy the (bearable) heat and fewer tourists.

• Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, with minimal rainfall (20–50mm) and plenty of sunshine (8 to 10 hours daily).

• The sea is usually warm enough to swim in by mid- to late May.

July to August

• Peak season when temperatures can soar to 30°C or higher.

• There’s around 12 hours of daily sunshine, and rainfall is rare.

• This is the time to visit if busy beaches and lively café society are what you’re looking for.

September to October

• Although still quite busy, the shoulder season remains a good time to visit.

• Temperatures from 18°C to 26°C and about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine.

• There is significantly less pressure on local facilities during this time.

November to March

• The weather can still be incredibly mild, with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C.

• Rainfall is slightly higher (60–120mm).

• There are fewer ferries to the island but it is much quieter, and accommodation prices are lower, making it a good time for a peaceful visit, so long as you aren’t seeking beach action.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken throughout the island.

• Local habits and customs: Croatians are welcoming and gregarious. Greeting people with a smile and saying “dobar dan” (good day) will be much appreciated. Tips (napojnice) are not obligatory, but if you’ve had a round of drinks or a full meal, it’s polite to round up the bill by 10 percent or to the nearest convenient figure.

• Currency: The official currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: There are regular services between Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska. All Stari Grad–Hvar Town services call at Stari Grad ferry port to pick up and drop off ferry passengers.

• Electricity and plug types: Wall sockets in Croatia operate at 220 volts and take round, two-pin plugs. British and US travellers should purchase a continental adaptor before leaving home.

• Time zone: Dubrovnik is in Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Where to stay during your Hvar holidays

Choosing the right place to stay is key to enjoying your Hvar holidays to the fullest. Hvar Island offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly apartments, ensuring there’s something to suit every traveller’s needs. Here’s a guide to the most popular tourist towns and resort areas on the island.

Hvar Town

Hvar Town is the bustling heart of the island, known for its vibrant nightlife, historic sites, and picturesque harbour. Staying here puts you close to major attractions such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Fortica Fortress, and the Franciscan Monastery. The town offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to charming boutique stays. For those looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of dining and entertainment options, Hvar Town is the ideal choice. Explore our deals on holidays to Hvar Town for the best offers.

Stari Grad

Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe and offers a more relaxed and historical experience. This charming town is perfect for those who enjoy exploring ancient sites and tranquil settings. The Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. Accommodation here includes cosy guesthouses, family-run hotels, and self-catering apartments. Enjoy the peaceful ambience and historical charm by checking out our cheap holidays to Stari Grad.

Jelsa

Jelsa is a family-friendly town known for its beautiful beaches and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great base for exploring the island’s natural beauty and offers a variety of water sports and outdoor activities. Jelsa has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to mid-range apartments. The town’s central location makes it easy to explore other parts of the island.

Sveti Nedjelja

Sveti Nedjelja is a picturesque village on the southern coast of Hvar Island, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat. Known for its stunning cliffs, vineyards, and crystal-clear waters, this area is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing.

Milna

Milna is a small village located just a short drive from Hvar Town, offering a peaceful setting with beautiful beaches and coves. It’s a great choice for travellers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the island without being too far from the main town. Milna offers a range of accommodations, including beachfront hotels and charming guesthouses.

Tips for choosing the right accommodation

• Book early: Especially during the peak summer months, accommodations can fill up quickly. Booking in advance ensures you get the best selection and rates.

• Consider location: Think about what you want to be close to, whether it's the lively atmosphere of Hvar Town, the historical sites of Stari Grad, or the serene beaches of Milna.

• Read reviews: Check reviews from other travellers to get a sense of the quality and service of the accommodations you’re considering.

By selecting the right area and type of accommodation, you can enhance your experience and make the most of your Hvar holidays. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of Hvar Town or the peaceful retreat of Milna, Hvar Island has something for everyone.

Best things to do in Hvar

Beautifully unspoiled and pitted with a wealth of bays and coves, the island of Hvar still has plenty to enchant the seclusion-seeker.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Fortica: Largely intact stretches of defensive wall plunge down the hillside from the citadel towards the terracotta roofs of Hvar Town below, while beyond stretch the deep-green humps of the Pakleni islands just offshore.

• Sveti Nikola: Not only is it a fantastic hike up to Hvar’s highest peak, but the views are simply sensational, stretching away along the Adriatic coastline as they do.

The best districts

• Hvar Town: The swankiest resort on the Adriatic is full of temptations, whether you’re a culture vulture, Mediterranean foodie or cocktail-bar cruiser.

• Stari Grad: Straggling along the side of a deep bay, the island’s main port is a laidback charmer of a town, its narrow streets as atmospheric as anywhere in the Adriatic.

Museums

• Stari Grad Museum: Located in the Bianchini Palace, an impressively restored Renaissance pile from 1896, the highlight here is a spectacular Roman shipwreck.

Parks and gardens

• Tvrdalj, Stari Grad: The summer house and walled garden of the 16th-century poet and aristocrat Petar Hektorović. It has largely been divided up into allotments, although a portion has been tidied up and returned to its former glory.

Historical monuments

• Arsenal, Hvar town: Dominating Hvar town’s main square is the arcaded bulk of the seventeenth-century Venetian arsenal, whose upper storey was adapted in 1612 to house the town theatre, one of the oldest Baroque playhouses in Europe.

• Franciscan Monastery, Hvar town: At the heart of the monastery is the monastic church, manifesting beautifully carved choir stalls and a fanciful partition which dates from 1583.

Day trips in the area

• Pakleni Islands: Just a short boat ride from Hvar Town, this chain of 11 wooded islands is perfect for a day of beach-hopping, swimming and delving into hidden coves.

• Vis Island: Enjoy the unspoiled nature and clear seas of most travellers’ favourite island – and don't miss the famous Blue Cave on the nearby Biševo Island.

Activities for families in Hvar

You could spend weeks beach-hopping here on Hvar, but there are stacks of other family-oriented activities to do on the island.

• Beaches: With so many beaches on the island, it’s not tricky to find family-friendly ones, so for starters try Uvala Dubovica, a large, shallow bay near Hvar town, or Grebišće in Jelsa; shallow and sandy underfoot, it’s perfect for safe paddling and playful splashing around.

• Boat trips: Take a family-friendly boat trip to explore the nearby Pakleni Islands, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling along the way.

• Caving: A terrific family adventure awaits at Grapčeva Cave, which is famous for being one of the earliest-known sites of settled human culture on the Adriatic islands. A highly atmospheric place to visit, with an entrance passage leading to a large chamber decked with stalagmites and stalactites.

Free things to do in Hvar

From glorious beaches to leisurely town strolls, there’s more than enough to do on Hvar without having to dip into one’s pocket.

• Walking Hvar Town: Wander the Old Town’s timeless streets exploring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere without spending a penny.

• Beaches: You can barely turn a corner without encountering another beach, most of which are free to access: two of the best are Dubovica Bay, near Hvar Town, and Zarace, a lovely pebble beach in between Hvar Town and Stari Grad.

• Stari Grad Plain: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient agricultural landscape offers a glimpse into the island’s historical farming practices – and it’s free to explore.

Nature and outdoor activities

Holidays to Hvar will inevitably include experiencing the great outdoors. The surrounding blue waters and hilly interior make it ideal for all kinds of activities, whether that’s a gentle hike or bike ride, or a more adventurous pursuit like diving.

• Diving: Hvar’s crystal clear waters attract divers from all over, and you can have a go too: Diving Center Viking offers a range of dives, including visiting the wreck of English merchant boat Paulina, which came to grief in a nearby lagoon in the 1800s.

• Water sports: The clear, gentle waters all around Hvar are perfect for a variety of water sports – windsurfing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding and the like – though nothing beats circuiting the island in a kayak.

• Hiking: The island’s hilly interior is laced with a series of well-marked trails, and unlike the coastal resorts, you’ll likely have the hills all to yourself.

• Cycling: Being an island, Hvar’s roads are generally quiet, making cycling a pleasant experience for both casual and serious cyclists; bikes can be hired in Hvar Town and Stari Grad.

• Fishing: The waters around Hvar are rich in all kinds of fish species, so why not join a local operator in Hvar Town for a big game fishing excursion, which typically includes the option to cook your own catch.

Discover the best beaches for your Hvar holidays

Hvar Island is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering a mix of vibrant hotspots and serene getaways. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family-friendly spots, Hvar's coastline has something for everyone. Here's a guide to some of the best beaches you can enjoy during your Hvar holidays.

Milna beach

Just outside Hvar Town, Milna beach is a charming, protected cove surrounded by pine forests. Known for its clear waters, it's an ideal spot for snorkelling. The village of Milna offers a laid-back vibe with local markets and restaurants, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Dubovica beach

Dubovica beach is a favourite among both locals and tourists. Located a short drive from Hvar Town, this pebbly beach boasts crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush greenery. Despite its popularity, it retains a serene atmosphere. There are sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, and a beach bar for refreshments.

Mekicevica beach

A hidden gem, Mekicevica beach is reached by a scenic 25-minute walk from Pokonji Dol. This secluded cove offers white pebbles and clear waters, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat. Nearby, Mama Pacha's Beach Bar provides covered day beds and lounge chairs, perfect for a relaxing day.

Jagodna beach

Located between the villages of Sveta Nedjelja and Ivan Dolac, Jagodna beach is a picturesque bay with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Surrounded by greenery and distinctive red cliffs, it offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The beach has limited shade, so it's best to visit early in the day.

Ivan Dolac beach

Ivan Dolac beach is a popular choice for families due to its fine pebbles and calm, turquoise waters. The beach is easily accessible by car and offers amenities such as beach bars, restaurants, and water sports. Despite its popularity, the surrounding coves provide quieter spots for those seeking more privacy.

Malo Zarace beach

Malo Zarace beach is one of Hvar’s most beautiful and secluded spots. Known for its dramatic rock formations and stunning turquoise waters, it’s perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. The beach is less crowded during the off-season, offering a peaceful retreat.

Tips for beachgoers

• Pack essentials: Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks as some beaches have limited facilities.

• Arrive early: Popular beaches can get crowded, especially during peak season.

• Wear suitable footwear: Many beaches are pebbly, so water shoes can enhance your comfort.

Hvar’s diverse beaches offer something for every traveller, making it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday by the sea. Whether you’re exploring secluded coves or enjoying vibrant beach clubs, the island’s coastline promises an unforgettable experience.

Being an island destination, seafood is everywhere, but there’s a veritable cornucopia of fantastic food to be sampled in the island’s many fine restaurants.

Some typical dishes

• Gregada: A Hvar speciality, this is a spectacular stew of fish cooked in white wine – few restaurants bother to serve it in single portions, however, so you’ll have to order it for two or more people to make it worthwhile.

• Pašticada: A thick beef stew slow-cooked with wine, vinegar and spices in a rich sauce, sometimes with prunes, and served with soft gnocchi.

Meat dishes

• Ćevapi: Juicy rissoles of grilled minced meat served with ajvar (a pepper-based condiment) and flatbread – the classic Balkan staple.

• Peka: Slow-roasted lamb, octopus or other local goodies under an ember-covered metal lid known as a peka, this is a traditional route to a deliciously succulent meal.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Brudet: A scrumptious fish stew comprising various types of fish, to which tomatoes and wine is added, and typically served with polenta.

• Crni rižot: One of Dalmatia's most iconic dishes, this black risotto takes its name from the main ingredient, cuttlefish ink – and the blacker the risotto, the better.

Street food

• Burek: A thick, flaky pastry packed with either minced meat, cheese or spinach: perfect for lunch on the run.

• Fritule: Small doughnuts typically flavoured with rum and citrus zest, dusted with powdered sugar – a cracking little sweet street treat.

Sweets and desserts

• Rožata: A speciality from Dubrovnik, this is a vanilla-flavoured custard dessert similar to crème caramel, to which rose liqueur is added.

• Kroštule: Deep-fried pastry twists dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed during festive occasions.

Local drinks

• Rakija: There’s nothing like a shot of rakija (grape brandy) to oil the wheels of social intercourse. Knock back a herb-infused travarica or carob-flavoured rogačica for a truly heart- and soul-warming experience.

• Plavac Mali: The best known of the local grape varieties, the rich red Plavac mali is grown everywhere in the fertile middle of the island and along the southern coast, while the indigenous Bogdanuša grape produces an intriguing dry white.