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The stunning Hvar Island is the most famous island in Croatia, and for good reason. It is known for being a buzzing party scene, where boat tours often stop, but there is more to it than just nightlife. It has beautiful historical buildings and lush natural beauty with the countryside covered in vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields. With its indented coastline there are many secluded beaches and coves to explore. Hvar town is the most popular spot, but tranquil Stari Grad, Vrboska and Jelsa are also worth exploring.

Towns

Hvar town is a popular stopover for yachts and boats which are cruising around the islands, and is known for its nightlife and beautiful architecture. The town was controlled by Venetians in the middle ages, and has 700-year-old fortified town walls, Venetian architecture, and churches dating back to the 14th century. 

If you want to see the relaxing side of Hvar Island, check out Stari Grad, Vrboska and Jelsa. Stari Grad is the oldest town on the island, with traces of Greek inhabitants from the 4th century BC. Make sure you visit Tvrdalj, a 15th century fortified Renaissance castle with a beautiful fish pond. At the end of a little estuary is the picturesque town of Vrboska, sometimes called ‘Little Venice’, with stone bridges and tightly packed stone buildings. It has a good marina, and some lovely beaches. Jelsa is a peaceful village surrounded by pine trees. Hike up to the 4th century BC Greek tower of Tor for wonderful views of the island and the mainland.

Other places to stay & visit

  • Hvar Island

    Hvar Island has history and culture with warm and friendly locals welcoming their guests. 

  • Vis Island

    Vis is the furthest island from the mainland, with clean waters and a naturally beautiful island.

  • Korcula Island

    Korcula Island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and hosts various events throughout the year. 

  • Lastovo and Mljet Islands

    Both islands sport dense forest, natural surroundings and some stunning walks to fulfil that need for the great outdoors.

  • Brac and Solta Islands

    Less visited by tourists, these authentic islands offer rocky landscapes and gorgeous swimming spots. 

 

  • Stari Grad 

  • Canal in Vrboska

  • Port of Jelsa Town

Activities

Hire a bike or car to explore the island at your own pace. All the little towns have their own charms and attractions, and you can find lots of secluded beaches and bays to relax in. Take a wine tasting tour around some of the vineyards on the island, and admire the hillside grapevines. Grapes have been grown on Hvar since ancient times, and the vineyards and olive groves on the Stari Grad plains are UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you fancy some exercise, there is a pretty coastal walk between Jelsa Vrboska, with lots of nice spots to stop for a swim. Hvar Island is a great place for hiking, for all skill levels. Take a gravel pathway past olive groves, vineyards and lavender fields to see abandoned villages. Hike to the Hvar’s highest point on St Nikola mountain for a fabulous view. You can also hire a dinghy in Hvar town and spend the day exploring the gorgeous Pakleni Islands. There are lovely secluded beaches, and great diving spots where you can see a reefs of multicoloured algae, sponges and exotic fish.

  • Exploring by bike on Hvar Island

  • Stari Grad plains

Nightlife

The best spot for nightlife is Hvar town where you can party all night long from June to September. The most famous nightclub is Carpe Diem. The seaside bar has a lovely outdoor deck with sea views and comfy sofas, a big dance floor and a bar top which is often literally ablaze. You can have relaxed drinks or a meal during the day, but at night it becomes party central. Other clubs include a disco in a Venetian fortress, and a Hawaiian-style beach bar where you can sip cocktails on sunloungers. Hvar also hosts popular summer music festivals featuring acts like Tame Impala and James Blake. There is also one well-known nightclub in Jelsa, which usually features London DJs.

  • Bar top ablaze in Hvar

  • Carpe Diem Club, Hvar

Beaches

The best beaches on the island are Milna and Dubovica, a few kilometres east of Hvar town, accessible by car or boat. For lovely secluded beaches head to the Pakleni Islands where you will be spoilt for choice.

  • Milna beach

  • Dubovica beach

  • Body

  • Body

  • Body

Food and wine

Hvar is a brilliant place to go for wine tasting. Some of the vineyards have been there for more than 2000 years, and there are lots of options for tours. Many of the restaurants in Hvar town have wonderful sea views, surrounded by palm trees and serve delicious fresh food. The smaller towns also have some great restaurants, with more opening as the tourist demand increases.

 

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