The best beaches in Hvar – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ISLAND’S STUNNING SHORES

Hvar’s coastal diversity comes from its rugged Dalmatian geology and prime position in the Adriatic Sea. Before the end of the last Ice Age, Hvar and the other Dalmatian islands were mountain peaks, part of the Dinaric Alps that line the coast of the mainland. You can still feel the island’s mountainous DNA in its dramatic limestone cliffs that quickly descend into hidden pebble coves, pine-fringed bays, and a handful of rare sandy stretches.

Unlike many over-touristed hotspots that can feel packed in peak season, even Hvar’s most popular beach clubs manage to keep a laid-back, effortlessly chic Croatian island vibe while delivering a top-tier beach experience.

What makes Hvar Island’s beaches exceptional:

Pokonji Dol is a large pebble beach just east of Hvar Town that combines the wild beauty of the island’s southern coast with a full complement of facilities. And the atmosphere! Bright blue water and a white pebble beach form the perfect backdrop for a Mediterranean retro reverie. Slip on your swimmers, turn up some 1960s Italian pop music, and imagine you’re Sophia Loren or Alain Delon working on your tan between film festivals.

The walk from the main square takes about 25 minutes along a scenic coastal path, but the moment you stretch out on the sun-warmed stones and gaze across the glittering sea to the little islet crowned by its lighthouse, the effort feels entirely justified.

A perfect sweeping arc of white pebble beach crowned by an 18th century stone villa against a backdrop of limestone cliffs, Dubovica has attracted both locals and foreign tourists for decades. This unique geography, combined with pristine smooth pebbles and water in mesmerising shades of turquoise, has earned Dubovica first place amongst Hvar's most photographed beaches.

Once you reach the parking spot on the main road, you will need to follow the zig-zagging pathway by foot down to the beach itself – it’s best to avoid flip-flops for this steep walk down, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Dubovica has very little shade and no umbrellas or chairs to rent, so make sure to bring your own. You will find a small local restaurant Konoba Dubovica on one side of the beach and Duba Beach Bar for fresh juices and cocktails on the other. It’s never truly “crowded” here, but by the rather lofty standards of Hvar Island, this beach can feel a bit busy in the high season.

This pair of gorgeous coves, Malo and Velo Zaraće, might just be two of the most beautiful on Hvar. Malo Zaraće faces east – it is the smaller bay and cradled by high cliffs – making it a good fit for those seeking shelter from summer rays. Velo Zaraće has a pair of fantastic small restaurants and a lovely beach, also enclosed by a unique stone outcropping. Due to limited parking, Zaraće is never very crowded. The island of Hvar has a special energy, sometimes muffled by the hubbub of travel and commerce in the hotspots, but its presence is especially palpable here.

Malo Zaraće might also be our favourite place to watch the sunset on Hvar, although with so many good options, the choice isn’t easy. On the right side as you face the sea, a long set of stairs descends to a pair of small, quiet beaches, encircled by limestone cliffs. As the sun sets, the whole “amphitheatre” is tinged pink and a gentle breeze flows in from the west.

Maybe you just arrived at Hvar Town, dropped off your bags, and are ready to refresh yourself with a swim, or maybe you’re looking for a quick dip before coffee in the morning. For convenience and liveliness, these nearby beaches can’t be beat, with plenty of spots to sprawl and soak up the sun within walking distance of Hvar’s central town. That said, a little extra exploration can offer some major rewards.

Walk right (westwards) on the Riva (the waterfront promenade) as you’re facing the harbour, and you’ll encounter the following beaches, from first to last:

A classic wedding site, and not without reason. Gorgeous sun loungers and chic Mediterranean architecture make this spot the quintessential spot to get into the European summer mindset. Bonj carries more than a whisper of celebrity glamour: to the left lies the legendary Beach Club Hvar, where the international jet-set claim their private pontoons and cushioned sunbeds.

This tiny beach boasts a nearby inflatable aquapark that will keep kids entertained for hours if not days. There are a number of nearby cabanas, including those at the legendary/infamous Hula Hula, where adults can also while away the time. Part of Majerovica is dog friendly and the beach is only partially shaded, so those with small kids should probably bring an umbrella.

This quiet beach is a bit of a trek from the centre of Hvar Town, but reward is a major dose of calm.

On the way walking along the promenade to reach Podstine President’s Beach is an amazing sunset spot, so it’s worth visiting here even if you don’t want to swim. Come September or October, you might spot locals on the promenade at dusk, patiently fishing for squid with glowing lures. Tucked just under the promenade is a pocket-sized beach that fits maybe two towels and a lot of romance. Miss that sliver of pebbles and you can still rent a sunbed on the wooden deck and gaze at the sun diving into the Adriatic.

Sheltered from the wind (and the crowds), President’s Beach does not have a restaurant or toilets, but nearby Falko beach bar can supply both. It’s also possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the elevated wooden platforms. This beach wears its name rightfully: it’s right next to one of the presidential villas, where Croatia’s current leader, Zoran Milanović, retreats every summer. The privacy is ironclad, though, so temper any paparazzi dreams as you likely won’t catch so much as a glimpse. With the same level of privacy, yet possibly with more comfort and luxury, Villas Azzurro & Verde sit just behind, waiting for those who like to vacation like presidents.

Changing direction and walking left (eastwards) on the Riva brings you to another set of beaches, the first of which is Križa.

Tucked just beneath Hvar’s Franciscan monastery and a mere 4-minute stroll from the main square, this little beach is the closest patch of sea to the heart of Hvar Town. It’s the ideal spot for a quick dip or a lazy sunbathe before hopping on a catamaran – when you spot your boat gliding into the harbour, you can still saunter over and board without breaking a sweat. A firm favourite with the post-party crowd nursing last night’s revelry, it gets lively in high summer, but lovely and convenient nonetheless.

A longer walk from the centre of Hvar Town, past the iconic Pokonji Dol, think of this as a half day outing, but this slice-of-heaven beach is a true escape. Leave the bustle behind for a boho-chic beach bar, seriously good fresh food, and a resident dog who’s one of the friendliest concierges on the island.

The eastern side of Hvar Island feels like stepping into another place entirely – wild, silent, and gloriously detached from the glamour of the west. The remote south-eastern coast beaches stretch from the sleepy ferry port of Sućuraj at the island’s tip to the bays south of Zastražišće village roughly in the middle. Of course, the coastline continues west past Zastražišće, but the beaches there are mostly only accessible by boat.

If you’re coming from Hvar Town, Stari Grad or Jelsa, the modern road gives way to an older, narrow road at the village of Poljica. This narrow road winds all the way to Sućuraj, with steep gravel tracks on both the north and south coasts plunging down to the hidden bays below. A proper 4×4 is essential (and double-check your rental agreement allows off-road driving) before you commit to these spectacular, solitary coves.

On this side of the island, you’ll find almost no one: a couple of humble konobas, a village minimarket or two, zero supermarkets, and a scattering of seaside houses. In exchange, you get some of the island’s most breathtaking beaches – dramatic, untouched, and often completely empty. Solitude comes at a price, though: count on at least 30 minutes to an hour of adventurous driving from the western towns. For those willing to make the journey, this is Hvar at its raw, unforgettable best.

Unless, of course, you’ve cleverly booked yourself into La Villa Bleue, a dazzling hideaway perched, quite literally, on the edge of Medvidina Bay, one of Hvar’s most spectacular southeastern coves.

Medvidina is actually a trio of pristine pebble beaches tucked side by side, each more impossibly beautiful than the last. They’re technically open to anyone brave enough to make the pilgrimage, but with zero facilities and a four-kilometre serpentine gravel track to negotiate, only the most dedicated seekers of solitude ever lay eyes on them. For guests of La Villa Bleue, this wild, turquoise Eden is simply the house beach – steps from your private terrace.

As you get closer to Sućuraj, the beaches do become more crowded, because they are more accessible to that harbour town and to the mainland just beyond. But they remain blissfully calm, never approaching the buzz you’ll find on the western coast. Here are two of our favourites from Hvar’s serene southeast:

For a true escape, visit Mrtinovik cove on the southern coast. Tucked into this tiny, hidden cove you’ll find Gambo, the ultimate off-grid konoba: no menu, no WiFi, cash only, and zero pretension. They simply grill whatever the boats brought in that morning, with lamb peka as the ace up their sleeve for non-fish eaters. One fixed price (€55 per person in 2025) buys you an endless parade of dishes and unlimited local wine until you wave the white flag.

The bay itself is pure wilderness: crystalline water and untouched nature, just the sound of waves and cicadas with a few sunbeds available. Reaching it is half the adventure. The track down is rough gravel, so unless you’re in a proper 4×4, leave the car behind and arrive by boat (most do) or on foot. Sailboats love the sheltered anchorage, and by midday the cove is dotted with yachts whose crews all seem to have the same delicious secret.

Veprinova is a quiet, sheltered cove on Hvar’s southern coast with a handful of holiday homes and one restaurant. This small pocket of turquoise water and clean arc of smooth pebbles sits a touch closer to Hvar Town than Mrtinovik and the condition of the road makes it easier to reach, yet it’s still far enough to earn proper day-trip status. Once you arrive, the peace is absolute. The beach is tucked far below the main road, surrounded by southern Hvar’s ubiquitous pine-forested hills. The scent is incredible. With crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling, Veprinova feels like a secret slice of the island reserved for those willing to make the journey.

The bay is home to Veprinova Fish Restaurant, hands-down one of our all-time favourite spots on the island. This utterly charming, family-run konoba turns out simple, soul-satisfying seafood pulled straight from the crystalline waters at your feet. Every table commands a jaw-dropping panorama across the bay, and the welcome couldn’t feel more genuine if they adopted you on the spot.

The northern coast offers a striking view of the Mosor mountain range and is studded with beautiful bays and beaches sheltered by steep, wooded cliffs. The water is especially clean on this side of the island because of how the sea currents flow, and the northern orientation of these bays make them an ideal choice for those who are sensitive to sun.

Like the southeastern bays, the northeastern bays (east of Jelsa) feel remote and secluded, yet the payoff is immense. Here, from east to west, are some of our northern favourites.

Mala Pogorila is a spacious, family-friendly pebble beach that you can actually drive right up to, perfect for unloading picnic bags and buckets without a hike. A handful of apartment houses sit above the bay so it may feel more well-developed than some of the completely wild bays, yet once you spread your towel, you’ll feel gloriously alone. No restaurants, no sunbeds, no umbrellas, just the wide blue Adriatic sparkling in front of you and whatever supplies you’ve thoughtfully packed.

Quite possibly the best beach on Hvar that somehow no one knows about. Pokrivenik feels like a nostalgic retreat on the set of a sun-drenched indie film you never want to end: two sun-dappled coves tucked side by side, one dotted with old stone cottages, the other home to tiny Hotel Timun and a beautiful restaurant, Preza. The water is absurdly calm and clear, perfect for drifting on a SUP or slicing through in a kayak – or simply doing absolutely nothing at all in glorious, uninterrupted peace.

The stuff that happy family memories are made of. Stroll past the shaded football pitch, small chapel, lush community garden, and crowded balotea court on the pier to a little slice of heaven. Sparkling seawater between steep wooded cliffs make this pebble beach a perfect place to spend the day, or an entire summer.

Right on the water’s edge, the easy-going Šer Zane tavern dishes out solid pizza and fresh seafood whenever hunger calls. For four decades Stiniva has been a family favourite, so expect your kids to be kicking a ball with new Croatian or Slovenian friends within minutes while you nurse a cold glass of local wine at a table practically in the sea. Pure summer nostalgia.

Mala Stiniva is smaller, wilder, and more intimate than Vela Stiniva. It’s located north of Poljica village (so that’s west from Zastražišće). Like Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva is two bays in one. The larger has a generous pebble beach, a handful of apartment houses, calm water almost every day in summer, and a decent access road that won’t rattle your rental car too much.

We almost always head for the smaller cove instead. Slip past the houses on the main bay and follow the little road around; you’ll find a raw, untouched pocket of sea with nothing but clear water, smooth rocks, and a single tiny fishing house that looks as if nature placed it there herself. No facilities, no noise, just perfect silence, brilliant snorkelling, and flat stones that practically beg for a towel and a long, worry-free afternoon.

The Stari Grad bay is sometimes overlooked by visitors to the island as a place to drive through on your way to and from the ferry port, but it is a very pleasant area to explore in its own right. The coastline here is a maze of big bays that splinter into ever-smaller coves and secret beaches, so every turn of the bow reveals something new. Hands down, the best way to explore is by renting a small boat (if you have a skipper license) and letting curiosity be your guide. If you don’t have a license, or prefer to arrive rather than wander, just flag a water taxi and name your spot. Not sure which bay fits the mood? Ask the skipper; tell them what you’re after (quiet, lively, great snorkelling) and they’ll point you to the perfect one.

Tiha Bay is a larger bay within the Stari Grad Bay, with several mini-inlets. Yachts like to anchor here, because it’s protected from most winds. There is a terrific restaurant called Veli Dolac: be sure to call ahead if you’re coming in the high season or want to eat the specialty, called peka, which must be cooked for several hours in advance.

A few bays further down, you will find Tiha Lounge Bar, another fantastic no-frills family-run operation that serves simple but scrumptious Dalmatian cuisine. Local wines and cocktails can be enjoyed from shaded sunbeds and hidden hammocks, all within steps of the glistening Adriatic.

Also within the Tiha collection of inlets, Vala Restaurant sets tables so close to the water you half expect the waves to join you for dinner. The feedback on the food is consistently excellent, but don’t be shocked if your perfectly grilled fish goes cold while you’re hypnotised by the sea turning violet and gold at sunset. Some views simply demand your full attention.

There are many small beaches to visit in the Stari Grad bay, but two are particularly worthy of note:

The future site of Croatia’s first Four Seasons hotel, is still, for now, a gloriously quiet, pine-shaded secret just outside Stari Grad. Because the Stari Grad peninsula is laced with dozens of smaller coves, visitors scatter far and wide, leaving Brizenica surprisingly peaceful even though it’s one of the closest to town. You’ll stretch out beneath tall pines that release their warm summer scent with every breeze, listening to the Adriatic whisper over smooth pebbles, and wonder how long this perfect hush can possibly last.

A quiet little gem, and one of the locals’ best kept secrets. Backing up to a pretty olive orchard and vineyard, this secluded beach has a nice swathe of shade, even in the middle of the day. There is also a great little tavern here that offers mussels, freshly caught fish, and other home-made treats.

Hvar’s southern coast, usually referred to as the “south side”, is the island at its most dramatic and intoxicating. Sheer cliffs plunge into glowing turquoise water, hidden coves appear around every inlet, and the beaches (almost all smooth pebbles) rank among the finest in Croatia if you don’t insist on sand.

What sets the north and south coasts apart is the south side’s scent: hotter, saltier air heavy with pine resin and the unmistakable spicy note of wild immortelle. It clings to your skin, works its way into your clothes, and etches the day permanently into memory. You won’t find that exact perfume anywhere else on earth, which is really just nature’s clever way of making sure you come back.

The south side is also a prime vineyard terrain for those winemakers tenacious enough to take it on. Steep limestone cliffs provide the minerality that grapes love, plus long days of sunshine, which is reflected off both the sea and the rocks, boosts grapes’ intensity. Read more about what makes Hvar wine special in our guide to wine on Hvar.

In addition, this area has long been a favourite of fishermen and sailors, who transported goods between Hvar, Korčula, the mainland and farther afield destinations in the old days before large-scale shipping.

The south side of the island offers plenty to do and enjoy, even beyond the classic beaches everyone knows. The south side is more developed in places than the wild northern coast we just explored, with a string of lovely seaside villages east of Hvar Town that are quintessentially Croatian with serene, pine-scented calm.

Milna Beach is one of the easiest beaches to get to on Hvar. Just a 5-10 minute drive out of Hvar Town, the village of Milna has a small handful of restaurants, a minimart and bakery, a fun summertime atmosphere, a large beach and a quieter sister beach, Mala Milna, towards the west. On the main beach, cushy sunbeds are available for hire if you fancy stretching the afternoon into evening.

Mala Milna is home to Notos Restaurant, our go-to when the mood calls for a proper, polished beach lunch without sacrificing the barefoot island feel.

The water here may not hit the electric turquoise of some of the more eastern coves, but it is sparkling clear and often teeming with fish, making it a snorkeller’s quiet delight.

Milna is also the start or end point of one of Hvar’s best hikes. Head into the island, towards the beautiful cliffs towering overhead and you’re on your way towards the mysterious abandoned village of Malo Grablje. Keep walking up the canyon and you will find an ancient stone stairway up to Velo Grablje, the heart of Hvar’s historic lavender production. There are great spots for dinner or a drink all along this short trail, and the views from the top are worth the workout.

Borče Bay lies just west of Mala Milna and splits neatly into two smaller coves: larger Velo Borče and pocket-sized Malo Borče. Both are noticeably quieter than nearby Milna.

Most day-trippers arriving by car or on foot settle on the spacious pebbles of Velo Borče, only a couple of easy kilometres from Hvar Town yet a world away from the bustle. It’s also a favourite lunchtime stop for charter boats, so expect a few sleek yachts anchored offshore.

Those who arrive by sea almost always slip around the headland to tiny Malo Borče instead, claiming an even more private patch of paradise. Both beaches offer generous natural pine shade (Velo Borče especially), but there are no sunbeds or restaurants, so pack everything you’ll need in your beach bag.

Lučiśća is the stuff of beachy dreams. Travelling further east, between Dubovica and the grape-growing village of Sveta Nedjelja, you will find this magical pebble cove hidden against a backdrop of thick pine forest and framed beneath dramatic 500m-high cliffs on the island’s southern ridge.

While the access can be challenging (think: gravel road followed by a steep 10-minute hike down), it's definitely worth the effort. Of course, if you're arriving by sailboat, you'll avoid this problem altogether.

There is a beach bar nearby, but remember to bring your umbrella and plan to arrive before the peak heat of the day.

Continuing further east, Jagodna is that rare Hvar unicorn: an (almost) sandy beach. After days of tiptoeing over hot pebbles or wearing beach shoes, sinking your feet into tiny pebbles that feel like sand is nothing short of miraculous. The setting is pure theatre too, numerous mini bays cupped beneath glowing orange cliffs and thick pine forest, with water so vividly blue it almost hurts to look at.

With no facilities in the immediate surroundings, visitors must bring their own provisions, sunshade, and sense of adventure. The effort required to reach Jagodna is handsomely rewarded by some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular natural scenery.

The village of Ivan Dolac strikes the perfect balance for families: it feels properly connected (shops, cafés, life) yet remains wonderfully calm compared to the island’s larger hubs like Stari Grad or Hvar Town.

The main beach sits right in the heart of the village, an easy stroll from anywhere you’re staying. Reaching the village itself is half the fun: the narrow tunnel from Pitve to Zavala feels like a miniature adventure, guaranteed to delight kids.

Once you’re here, the car can stay parked for days. Everything is steps from the water: beach bar, a couple of solid restaurants, cafés, ice-cream stalls. Parents can nurse a cocktail in the shade while the children make instant holiday friends and spend hours leaping through the waves.

If you’re craving a little more elbow room, just wander 5-10 minutes east along the shoreline to Podnožica Beach. The water there is ridiculously clear and teeming with fish, so anyone who remembers to pack a mask and snorkel usually ends up deliciously wrinkled by sunset.

There’s also a popular beach bar Šanpjerin with a dog-friendly beach right behind it.

Keep walking the coastal path even further east and you’ll reach the tiny, secluded Ivan Dolac FKK Beach, a clothing-optional cove barely big enough for a couple of towels. Perfect if you want the sea entirely to yourself.

The Pakleni Islands float just opposite Hvar Town’s graceful Venetian waterfront, so close that islanders once swam across for the evening and back. Today, water taxis zip you over in minutes, sea kayaks offer a satisfyingly athletic approach, and anyone with a skipper’s licence should absolutely rent their own boat. Sixteen islands mean endless coves to discover, and you will want to hop between several.

For the classic Hvar party scene, forget the mainland side and head straight here. The archipelago delivers the liveliest beach clubs in the area: thumping cabanas, flowing rosé, and the legendary Carpe Diem Beach.

Jerolim, meanwhile, has been the island’s favourite nudist spot for over a hundred years and still draws a relaxed, clothing-optional crowd.

Yet the real magic of the Pakleni lies in the quiet corners. Most islands are completely uninhabited. Claim an empty bay, drop anchor, and swim or snorkel to your heart’s content. Vodnjak is a diver’s dream, laced with underwater caves and vivid marine life. Find your own pocket of paradise; chances are you’ll have it entirely to yourself.

Mlini is the beach on Pakleni that most taxi-boat visitors head for, yet somehow it never feels overrun and keeps every bit of its magic. In 2025, a return water taxi from Hvar Town was €10 per person and sunbed hire €15.

What really sets Mlini apart is the colour of the water, easily the most electric blue on the entire island, and the surreal low-tide moment when a narrow ribbon of pebbles appears, letting you stroll across to the little islet of Piccisola. There’s absolutely nothing on Piccisola except rocks, gulls, and the quiet thrill of having walked between two islands without getting your hair wet. Instant bucket-list material you didn’t know you needed.

Just around the headland in Ždrilca Bay lies another inviting pebble beach, served by Tri Grede restaurant and the easy-going Mamato Bar, ideal for cold drinks, fresh seafood, or a long lazy lunch while your feet are still wet from the sea.

Get your party on. The Pakleni Islands are home to Carpe Diem Beach, a late-night satellite of one of the best known nightclubs in the Mediterranean that attracted visitors Hvar for over 20 years.

Since summer 2025, new regulations have quieted Carpe Diem Beach after sunset, toning down Hvar’s legendary nightlife a notch. Yet the daytime magic is undiminished. It remains the place to spend a sun-drenched day feeling effortlessly part of the international in-crowd, rosé in hand, music pulsing just loud enough, and the certain knowledge that most people back home would kill to be exactly where you are.

In 2025, the club operated from 11am to midnight, with the restaurant taking final orders at 6.30pm. The “after beach” party continued until 12am. Come early, stay late, and let the Pakleni glamour work its spell.

The most developed part of the archipelago is around Palmižana, which is on St. Clement, the biggest island of the Paklenis. There is a pleasant marina here with a cute cafe, a playground, a botanical garden, and several high-end restaurants including Toto's and Bacchus that serve first-rate fish and other traditional seafood-based dishes.

Paths lace the whole area. Have a wander – a cocktail or a dip in the sea is never far. If you fancy an easy hike, head over to Vlaka, where you will find ruins of a Roman villa, healing mud baths with rich history, and the vineyard closest to the sea of any on Hvar.

If falling asleep to the sound of the gentle lapping of the Adriatic is an essential ingredient of your visit to Hvar, then prepare to be fulfilled. We believe there’s nothing more blissful than a barefoot stroll out to the beach from your villa in the morning. Each home in our Steps Away From The Sea collection ensures that the sea becomes an inseparable part of your stay.

Explore our beach villas in Hvar

Certain beautiful beaches on the island are known to be “family beaches,” where children and their antics are welcome (and party-loving adults and their antics are not). Hvar has a few beaches on its northern coast that cater exceptionally well to families with children. Discover exactly why Croatia (and Hvar in particular) ranks among Europe’s best destinations for family holidays with children.

Soline Beach in Vrboska is a family favourite. It has a water playground that children will go wild for and a shady, wind-sheltered location that everyone will appreciate. For older children, it’s an ideal spot for watersports with kayak, SUP, and jetski rentals all available. There are also tennis courts, volleyball, and even ping pong tables nearby.

Soline is serviced by ample parking and an irresistibly mellow little beach cafe bar, Beach Kafić.

This rare, gently sloping sandy beach sits just a short, easy stroll from the centre of Jelsa, close enough even for little legs. It is the ultimate family-friendly playground: natural pine shade, a bouncy waterpark, changing rooms, proper showers, parking, and the ever-convenient Mina Beach Restaurant & Lounge Bar. All those comforts have made it deservedly popular, yet the beach is big enough that you can almost always carve out your own peaceful patch for swimming and serious sun-worship.

Press on a little further westwards from Mina to Grebišće. This soft sand beach is a dream for parents with small children. Like an enormous kiddie pool, the water stays shallow at Grebišće for the length of a football pitch if not farther. On the left side, there is a cabana with drinks and food. On the right side, there is a beautiful olive orchard. The beach itself is not that big, so it’s a good idea to arrive on the earlier side if you’d like to spread out.

There is a paid parking lot that makes things easy for a small fee. On the tip of the right side is a charming cafe called Čorni Petar that is a great spot for teens or parents.

Top tip: Between Mina and Grebišće (the two beaches are an easy stroll apart), Pura Vida Lounge Bar has swiftly become the spot that keeps everyone happily marooned all day. The views are spectacular, the prices reasonable, and the tranquillity addictive, but it’s the genuine warmth of the staff and the effortless good vibes that turn a quick morning coffee into a full-day love affair ending only when you finally drag yourself in for one last swim as the sun dips beneath the horizon.

As elsewhere in Croatia, most of Hvar’s beaches have pebbles, with a few sandy exceptions. Bring a pair of water shoes, and the pebbles won’t bother you.

You might also appreciate having one of the folding beach cushions which are sold everywhere, including most supermarkets, although a beach towel is usually adequate to relax comfortably on the rocks.

The only things you might want to leave at home are your speakers and a cooler. People usually avail themselves of the ubiquitous cabanas and seaside restaurants rather than pack a full picnic, and beach-goers almost never blast tunes. Follow the local customs and you’ll avoid seagulls and dirty looks.

Essential items to pack in your beach bag:

A rental car is pretty much essential if you want to chase Hvar’s most spectacular beaches. Many of the best stretches lie at the end of twisting coastal roads or rugged gravel tracks, and having your own wheels gives you total freedom. Just double-check that your rental agreement permits off-road detours before you commit.

For beaches near the main towns, a quick taxi ride works perfectly well.

If you’d rather sit back and let someone else do the navigating, we recommend booking an organised boat trip. They’re brilliant for hopping between several coves in a single day, especially along the dramatic southern coast where some of the most jaw-dropping bays are reachable only from the sea.

In terms of critters, Hvar is pretty safe, but if you’re barefoot, take care not to rest your foot on one of the spiky black balls you see beneath the water – these are sea urchins and will give you a nasty poke. Likewise, keep an eye out for snakes, boar, and dogs off leash.

Finally, bring your confidence! One of the many nice things about beaches in Croatia is that people of all ages and sizes enjoy them. It’s all about just enjoying the water, warm weather, and time with loved ones.

Peak Season (July-August):

Shoulder Season (June & September):

Low Season (May & October):