Taking pride of place as the jewel in the crown of a cluster of Croatian islands including Brač, Vis and Korčula, Hvar is undoubtedly one of the best places to holiday in Croatia. So what is there to do in Hvar that attracts so many travellers?
The party island of Hvar has become a highlight on every international socialite’s calendar, thanks to its nightlife and the annual Ultra Europe Festival. These glampackers don’t come for Hvar’s verdant pine forests, olive groves or lavender fields, but for its after-dark atmosphere. But if you’re wondering what to do in Hvar that doesn’t involve late nights and glitter, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re unsure how long to spend in Hvar, three days is enough to get a feel for the ‘Queen of the Croatian islands’. We ended our Croatia trip there after spending time in Dubrovnik and one day in Split.
19 Top Things To Do in Hvar, Croatia (that don’t involve partying)
I thought I’d share some of my favourite pictures from our trip to Hvar, plus the best things to do in Hvar for couples and families. As the locals will tell you, there is more to this island than its nightlife!
If you are heading to Hvar for a hedonistic holiday, please remember to respect the island and its habitants. Pick up your litter, be polite… just don’t be a d*ck, basically. The destination has become something of a victim of its own success in recent years and the crowds of rowdy teens make life hard for the locals.
Here’s my pick of the best places to visit in Hvar and what to do on your trip.
1. Swim in the crystal clear sea
The famously blue Adriatic is everywhere you look in Hvar, so you’re never far from a refreshing dip in the water.
2. Watch the sunset
Golden hour is the most magical hour of the day in Croatia, and it’s the perfect time to head out for a walk in the cooler air.
3. Hop aboard a yacht
Most Croatia sailing trips will stop in Hvar, meaning there’s plenty of nautical eye candy bobbing in the bay.
If you aren’t on a sailing holiday in Croatia but you’d like a taste of life at sea, you can easily book a yacht excursion from Hvar and enjoy a day (or half a day) on the waves. Check out the below tours!
4. Get lost in Hvar’s intriguing narrow streets
The hoards of glammed-up tourists are decidedly out of place within Hvar’s 13th century stone walls – one part of the island’s past that will never be lost.
Dedicate an afternoon to wandering the atmospheric stairways. You’ll stumble upon itsy-bitsy boutiques and unpretentious art galleries.
I loved that the Old Town is a car-free zone and it’s one of the places you absolutely have to visit while you’re in Hvar.
5. Eat at one of Hvar’s best restaurants
Climbing all those stairs in search for a cute konoba is what keeps travellers fit. Try Konoba Menego if you want to eat at a traditional family-run tavern.
The most popular local dish to order in Hvar is Hvarska Gregada, a fish stew made with potatoes, onions and olive oil.
If you’d like to delve deeper into Hvar’s gastronomy, try a food tour of the island.
6. Climb to the top of the Spanish Fortress
The Tvrdava Fortica, now referred to as the Španjola Fortress – or Spanish Fortress as it’s also known – gives visitors one of the best views of Hvar. It was originally built by the Venetians.
It’s worth the climb – the 13th century fortress is now one of Hvar’s top attractions and it’s certainly the best place to go for photographers.
This medieval castle has a hefty entrance fee if you want to go into the little museum at the top, but you don’t have to pay to stand outside and watch the sun go down!
Don’t bother doing this little hike at midday, you’ll sweat too much.
7. Set sail to the Pakleni islands
Some of the best places to visit in Hvar aren’t actually on the island itself! The Pakleni Islands are scattered in front of Hvar Town, and are a popular day trip from the island.
Party at Carpe Diem beach club on Marinkovac, bare all at the nudist beach on Jerolim or spend a night on Sveti Klement, the largest of the Pakleni Islands.
You can book one of the below island tours from Hvar.
8. Chill on one of Hvar’s beaches
Croatia knows how to do a good beach, and a day by the sea is one of the best things to do in Hvar. The beaches in Hvar are gorgeous, but pebbly. Bring beach shoes.
The best beach in Hvar is probably a small cove called Dubovica, which lies on the island’s south coast. Alternatively, you can easily get to Pokonji Dol from Hvar Town.
Hvar has some strict rules for tourists. There are huge signs along the coastline which detail the fines you’ll get for strutting around the streets in your swimwear and being drunk. Hvar isn’t here for your tan lines and wet bikinis.
The more adventurous travellers might like to hire a jet ski or SUP to bring a touch of adrenaline to your beach day.
9. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral dominates the Old Town’s skyline, so it’s hard to miss.
Hvar’s renaissance bell tower provides an apt backdrop to some incredible pieces of art, including Madonna and Child, by an unknown artist. Its baroque architecture makes Hvar’s history obvious.
10. Sip coffee in St. Stephen’s square
Hvar’s main pjaca (plaza or square) is the beating heart of the island and one of Hvar’s top attractions, with numerous restaurants and bars with outdoor seating on the stone cobbles. It’s the perfect place to grab breakfast and people-watch.
11. See more Renaissance art in Hvar’s monastery
You can’t miss the Franciscan monastery when you’re at Hvar’s harbour. Don’t miss the Last Supper painting, whose creator is the subject of much debate.
There’s a garden at the monastery which houses a cypress tree that dates back to the 1700s.
12. Explore Jelsa’s Old Town
Away from the loud music, the laid-back beach resort of Jelsa is popular with families on holiday in Hvar. There aren’t many sights, but it’s a beautiful place to fully unwind – which might be all you want if you’ve already hit up Hvar’s bars and clubs.
Alternatively, you can taste local wine on a winery tour in Jelsa.
13. Take a boat trip to nearby caves
Book an organised boat trip to see the ‘Green Cave’ on Ravnik Island, home to the Green Cave. You’ll also get to see the stunning ‘Blue Cave’ on Bisevo Island.
Check out the below cave trips!
14. Find out why Hvar is known as the Lavender Island
If you’re visiting Hvar in June or July, you’ll be lucky enough to see the splendid lavender fields in full their full lilac glory.
You should explore the area around the tiny village of Velo Grablje if you’re keen to take pictures in one of the most beautiful places in Hvar.
Don’t have your own wheels but want some shots of those purple fields? Check out this tour of Hvar’s lavender fields which includes pick-up and a snack.
If you don’t have time to do a full tour, make sure you pick up some of the various lavender souvenirs you can buy on the island!
15. Spend a day at one of Croatia’s few sandy beaches
If Croatia’s pebbly beaches are giving you bruises, why not take a day trip over to nearby Brac? Lovrecina beach near the quaint town of Positra on the northern side of the island is a welcome respite to Hvar’s beaches, with its soft sand.
This neighbouring island is also home to Zlatni Rat beach, which is one of the most picture-perfect beaches in Croatia. It has a blue flag, which means you’ll find excellent facilities there so you can easily spend the full day relaxing.
16. Enjoy sundowners at Hula Hula
Travellers wondering what to do in Hvar as the sun goes down will be pleased to find this gem.
Once a local secret, Hula Hula is something of a Hvar institution for the glampackers these days. You’ll find the beach bar hiding in Majerovića.
17. Explore a deserted village
Abandoned by its residents a century ago, the unassuming hamlet of Humac is an interesting place to visit in Hvar. The more discerning travellers who are looking to learn about Hvar’s history during their stay should have their curiosity satisfied here.
There’s one restaurant in Humac where you can have a romantic meal cooked over an open flame (they don’t have electricity, duh).
Getting taxis back at night can be a bit of a challenge, so why not book a trip to the deserted village which includes transfers, a tour and a three course meal? It’s undoubtedly one of the most romantic things to do in Hvar for couples looking for a quiet night.
18. Try Croatian wine
Nursing a hankering for a decent glass of wine (or three?) Make a beeline for Tri Pršuta, which is Hvar’s best wine bar.
Croatia’s most famous wine is probably a red called “Plavac Mali”.
You can book a wine tour to learn more (and taste lots)! Take a look at the options below.
19. Okay, one party item on the list: Carpe Diem!
No guide to the best things to do in Hvar would be complete without it. Carpe Diem is a hive of VIP activity and it’s the place to be seen after dark in Hvar. They have fashion shows at the bar throughout the week and you’ll need a reservation to get in during peak season.
If you’re not in to thumping bass and sweaty crowds, go at ‘Blue Hour’, where the vibe is more chilled. It’s well suited to couples looking for a high-end experience.
Where to stay in Hvar
Neighbourhoods like Stari Grad (one of Europe’s oldest towns!) and Jelsa hold a certain appeal for those looking to discover Croatian culture, but if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Hvar for nightlife, Hvar Town is where the real party’s at. The town cascades down the ancient steps that take tourists to the lookout point at the Spanish Fortress, spilling out onto the rocks in the port.
Visiting Hvar Island in a group? It’s worth renting a villa in Hvar so you can all stay together. Check out the options available on James Villas, and booking.com.
For backpackers, there are a number of hostels in Hvar that won’t be too heavy on the old budget. Hostelword has the most options.
Check out all of the accommodation options in Hvar using the booking.com map below.
Booking.comHow to get to Hvar Island
There are no direct flights to Hvar but you can fly to Dubrovnik or Split – check prices using lastminute.com.
If you’re travelling from Split to Hvar, you can take a local bus, taxi or hire a car to get there. Check out your options via Bookaway.
There’s also a ferry between Split and Hvar, which takes just over an hour and a half.
Coming to Hvar via Dubrovnik? The drive takes around four hours.
Planning a trip to Croatia? You might find these posts helpful!
A three day itinerary for Dubrovnik
A 24 hour guide to Split, Croatia
10 Day Europe Backpacking Itinerary
Save money on your Croatia trip with my Travel Resources
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All photographs were taken on my Olympus Pen E-PL7.
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This Darling World says
Croatia is stunning!! Your photos really do it justice. It’s high up on my list!
This Epic World says
Fifty shades of blue! My God! This is stunning! I really wish to make a trip to Croatia soon 🙁
tashasoyster says
Beautiful photos! Which camera do you use? I’ve visited Croatia a couple of times but haven’t ventured to Hvar yet, hopefully next time.
Dannielle | While I'm Young says
I use the Olympus Pen E-PL7 🙂
Alyssa Ramos says
Omg I LOVED Hvar as well! Great information and stunning photos! Makes me want to go back when it’s warmer!
helenatravels says
Oh my Hvar looks amazing!
I’ve been actually wanting to visit to Croatia for a while now and this post definitely confirms that I really must go. 🙂