A COMPLETE 2026 TRAVEL GUIDE

The Island of Hvar, Croatia

Stretching out in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Hvar’s elongated silhouette is an uncanny reflection of a holidaymaker lounging on a deckchair, which is perfectly in keeping for the sunniest island in Europe that boasts nearly 2,800 sunshine hours yearly.

The appeal goes well beyond the weather. Hvar holds more UNESCO-listed heritage sites than any island on earth. Its beaches rank among Europe’s finest, with some of the cleanest waters on the continent. Captivating history, delectable cuisine and natural beauty all come together on one little island. It's no wonder many of our guests return year after year, always discovering new island treasures.

Hvar Island illustration
  • GETTING THERE

    Closest airports: Split (SPU) and Dubrovnik (DBV)

    To reach Hvar: Car ferry, catamaran, or private boat

    HOW TO GET TO HVAR
  • KEY TAKEAWAYS

    Surface area: 298 km2 (115 square miles)

    Length: 68 km (42.3 miles)

    Population: 10,678

    Highest point: Sveti Nikola, 628m (2060ft)

    Largest settlement: Hvar Town

  • ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS

    Sunshine hours: 2,724 per annum

    UNESCO Heritages: 6

    Famous for: Beaches, sunshine, natural beauty, culture, lavender fields

    Popular with: Families, couples, friend groups

HVAR TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to stay on Hvar Island

Hvar Town

The right base on Hvar can define your entire trip. This long, narrow island packs in everything from the iconic marble-paved labyrinth of Hvar Town to secluded beachside sanctuaries, legendary party beaches, and tranquil family coves.

A common point of confusion for first-time visitors: Is Hvar a city? Or the entire island? The answer is... both! “Hvar” refers to the lively main town (Hvar Town), and the island itself is also called Hvar, with several distinct towns and dozens of smaller villages. We are here to help you understand how the island is laid out and where to stay so you can match your stay to the kind of holiday you actually want.

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HVAR ISLAND GUIDE

Things to do in Hvar

Whether you’re chasing adventure or pure relaxation, quiet village squares or lively evenings, raw nature or deep-rooted culture, Hvar serves it all with that unmistakable Croatian warmth. The island’s experiences are as diverse as they are unforgettable: an Adriatic treasure that genuinely has something for everyone. Here are our some of our must-do experiences on Hvar.

  • Explore Hvar Town’s marble-paved streets: Explore the Renaissance drama of Hvar Town, which reached its zenith under Venetian rule and still shows many traces of its polyglot, cosmopolitan past as a centre for Adriatic trade. The UNESCO-listed architecture tells the story of rich history and culture, while the quietly glamorous atmosphere remains one of Croatia’s most sophisticated pleasures.
  • Visit the lavender fields: Best enjoyed during June and July, a visit to Hvar’s lavender fields invites a relaxed hike or a scenic drive across the island’s interior. Few sights feel as quietly magical as an endless sweep of purple under the Adriatic sun.
  • Island-Hop the Dalmatian Archipelago: Hvar sits at the perfect crossroads of the central Dalmatian islands, each with its own unmistakable character. A day trip from Hvar is easy by speedboat, private yacht, or public catamaran, and many visitors combine two or three islands in a single outing.
  • Plan your Hvar itinerary: To fully embrace the essence of Hvar, download our free guidebook with seven full-day itineraries that guide you through the best experiences the island has to offer.
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Hvar Town

TRAVEL JOURNALS

Plan your trip to Hvar

The village of Pitve on Hvar Island

You have a Mediterranean vacation on your mind, and you’ve heard good things about Hvar. Maybe you even visited long, long ago – for a wedding, yacht week, or a family holiday. But you are not quite sure how it all works... Is Hvar a city? Or the entire island?

Updated on November 21, 2025
Hidden beach on Hvar island

Hvar's 270 kilometres of pristine coastline rivals that of any tropical paradise. From the dramatic cliffs of the secluded southern coast to the crystalline turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands, Hvar's beaches offer an extraordinary diversity of experiences. This journal will help you find the best spots for whatever you’re seeking: total tranquillity, family fun, a party atmosphere, or something in between.

Updated on December 1, 2025
Croatia Vacation The Ultimate Guide 2026

Let us take you through the essentials to know when planning a trip to this enchanting country in 2026, alongside an itinerary that travels through the most popular destinations, with our recommendations and travel tips.

Updated on November 26, 2025
SEE ALL HVAR JOURNALS

HVAR TRAVEL TIPS

From founders and friends

“Don’t miss the buzzing little town of Jelsa for dinner one night. It’s often overlooked compared to the island’s larger towns of Hvar Town and Stari Grad, but it’s our favourite. Jelsa’s waterfront has some of the most delightful restaurants and spots for ice cream, and such a laidback vibe.”

“We adore the village of Pitve. It is one of the oldest hamlets on the island, established to watch over the settlements and fields below from its incredible vantage point. Shaded by the rim of the island’s ridge line, Pitve stays much greener than the rest of Hvar and enjoys a breath of cool mountain air, even in the peak of summer. This historic town is perfectly preserved. There is no new construction here, just beautifully restored stone houses in a setting that would suit a Mediterranean fairy tale.”

“No visit to Hvar is complete without a first-class seafood dinner. Dalmatian cuisine prepares fish simply, with just olive oil and a garnish of garlic, lemon, and parsley, which allows the incredible flavour and texture shine through. Don’t expect to find maple-glazed salmon or tuna with mango salsa here. Unfortunately many restaurants, even high-end ones, import their fish from distant waters – so ask us where to find truly local, wild-caught fish.”

LOCAL GUIDES

Hvar’s towns and villages

Explore Hvar's most delightful locations with our curated collection of local guides. Each guide unveils the island’s most charming towns, villages, or hamlets. Find insider tips on how to get there, must-sees and must-dos, and our recommended places to eat and drink.

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Explore trending Hvar destinations

All local guides
View from Španjola fortress in Hvar town during summer

Local Guides

Hvar Town

Stari Grad centre in the morning

Local Guides

Stari Grad

Local Guides

Jelsa

Vrboska bridge over trubbled waters

Local Guides

Vrboska

Malo Grablje, abandoned village on Hvar Island, Croatia

Local Guides

Malo Grablje

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