Basina – THE 2026 TRAVEL GUIDE

You have landed on our guide to Basina, a sheltered cove home to a collection of holiday homes on Hvar Island. We are Hvar Away, producing detailed local guides and travel journals to help you make the most of your visit to Hvar.

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Basina, located in a protected cove with views of the island of Brač, is hugged by dense pine forests, olive groves, vineyards, and lavender fields. Its crystal-clear waters are often teeming with shells and fish, much like the neighbouring waters of Mudri Dolac and Rosohotnica.

What truly sets Basina apart, though, is its atmosphere. The cove has a slow, unhurried rhythm that feels universes away from the island’s busier towns. Days unfold gently here: a quiet morning swim, coffee on a shaded terrace, children exploring tide pools, and long golden evenings spent watching the colours shift over the bay. It’s the kind of place where you immediately breathe deeper, where time stretches, and where even a short stay feels like deep rest.

The best thing to do in Basina is nothing at all… “fjaka” as the locals call it, which is something like a siesta, but may also include other forms of pleasurable laziness. Each morning, awake to the sound of crickets, the smell of pine, and the view of the turquoise Adriatic. Is there really a need to “do” anything?

Basina’s cove is surrounded mostly by large smooth rocks, but you can explore in either direction to find smaller pebble coves and your perfect, pine-shaded spot. As you’re on the island’s north side, you are more sheltered here than on the south coast, which is ideal for kids (or adults!) who prefer to spend more time out of the sun.

Follow Basina’s shoreline northwards around the cove – if you’re looking out towards the sea from Basina, it’s the left side of the bay. The stones quickly become a trail, which will take you approximately halfway to Mudri Dolac, the neighbouring bay, before becoming a smooth, paved path for the remainder of the short walk.

Mudri Dolac has a small pebbled beach at its centre, with more rocky outposts as you walk further along the shoreline.

The third bay of this enchanting trio is Rosohotnica. Again accessible with a short walk from Basina – this time in the opposite direction around the shoreline – Rosohotnica is simply charming, with equally clear water and even larger natural flat areas upon which to lay your towel.

Beaches further out from Basina can be reached by car (or by hike!), but it can be a lot more fun to get there by boat. Here are two we recommend not to miss:

The island of Hvar is home to world-class beaches on both its northern and southern coasts. Don’t miss our full guide to the best beaches on Hvar.

Once you’ve recharged your batteries at your lovely beaches nearby, the region offers a number of day trips and excursions to keep you busy...

A short drive from Basina takes you to Stari Grad, the oldest town on Hvar Island. It provides a pleasant change of pace and can serve as a nice reminder that civilization exists outside of the tranquil bubble of Basina. Yet Stari Grad remains far calmer than many places on the island. You can get lost wandering the narrow stone streets lined with centuries-old houses, exploring numerous shops and galleries with local crafts or artwork worth considering as a chance to take a piece of Hvar home with you.

The town is also largely flat, which makes it much easier to get around than Hvar Town's steeper lanes. This suits older visitors or families with young children particularly well.

You cannot come to Stari Grad without visiting the stunning Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest agricultural landscapes in the world. This entire landscape looks almost exactly as it did 2,400 years ago when Greeks from the island of Paros colonised the island and divided the Ager (from the Greek αγρός for field) into huge estates.

The most rewarding way to discover the Stari Grad Plain is by bicycle. A gentle ride along quiet backroads and dusty tracks allows you to meander between the patchwork parcels at your own unhurried pace, passing ancient vineyards and gnarled olive trees while the warm earth releases the heady scent of wild herbs.

You might wonder what 2,400 years of history might taste like. You will find the answer in a farm-to-table supper served right in the heart of the Plain: rustic wooden tables nestled among the vines, seasonal dishes made with ingredients gathered that very afternoon, and outstanding local wines enjoyed beneath a canopy of stars. It is one of those understated yet deeply memorable evenings that Hvar does so well.

A quaint former fishing village just 3 kilometres from Basina, under ten minutes by car, Vrboska consists of narrow canals lined by stone houses and an intriguing fortress church. The village is crossed by pretty bridges, giving it a distinctly Venetian charm.

Despite its compact size, Vrboska offers plenty to keep everyone entertained for an easy day trip from Basina. There is a well-equipped dive centre, an excellent marina popular with sailors, and a windsurfing school, alongside rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes. Tennis courts, beach volleyball, an inflatable water park and even ping-pong tables are all close at hand.

Families in particular love Soline Beach, a spacious crescent of fine pebbles with crystal-clear shallow water that shelves very gently. It is perfect for little ones to splash about safely. The beach is noticeably larger and more accommodating than the smaller and rocky coves closer to Basina. The surrounding pines provide generous shade on hotter days. With a café and facilities on site, it is an easy, relaxed choice for a full morning or afternoon by the sea.

Jelsa is even quieter than Stari Grad, with a gentle, almost storybook Mediterranean feel. Its old town is compact but inviting, offering just enough narrow stone streets and small squares to encourage a slow wander and a few well-chosen photo stops.

The Church of St John, along with its surrounding square, is especially photogenic. The elegant may even allow husbands who can never take good photos of their wives to capture a shot that might delight their other half.

At the centre of town, a leafy park with playgrounds provides welcome shade, even in the height of summer, and works well as a pause point after meandering the promenade, ice cream in hand.

Jelsa is also a base for a popular boat transfer to Bol on Brač Island, departing early each morning and returning in the late afternoon. It leaves ample time for a day trip to Bol and Golden Horn Beach, and still be back in Jelsa in time for a relaxed dinner in one of its excellent harbourfront restaurants.

Basina is all about slow living and sea views, and its accommodation scene reflects exactly that. Most properties are just steps from the water, with terraces designed for sunrise coffees, sunset wine, quiet evenings, and star-filled skies.

You won’t find big hotels or busy resorts here. Instead, Basina is dotted with family-run apartments, seaside holiday homes, and a handful of exceptional villas tucked in the surrounding pines and olive groves.

One such exceptional villa is The Glass Tree House, occupying its own private peninsula of pine forest in the neighbouring bay just next to Basina. Anyone who has ever dreamed of living quietly among the trees and feeling like they guard the forest will recognise the appeal of this modern villa as a glass-built fortress of solitude, suspended within the forest rather than imposed upon it.

The villa offers complete privacy and a strong sense of immersion in the surrounding forest. Mornings unfold in a living space that feels level with the treetops, and the space creates a rare balance between deep calm and high luxury.

The Glass Tree House also provides a front-row seat to Hvar's subtler wildlife, primarily an array of birds. Though, even if you are not an avid birdwatcher, it is easy to settle in with a morning coffee and allow the day to start slowly.

When you do feel like moving, a two-minute stroll along a fragrant path through the pines leads down to the small secluded beach below the villa.

Wherever you stay in Basina, whether that’s a cosy apartment by the sea or a glass fortress in the forest, the setting does the heavy lifting. You’ll never be far from calm waters, pine forests, and the inexplicable sense of deep island tranquillity… all just a few minutes’ drive from the island’s towns.

There is really only one option for dining out in Basina itself, and that’s Kod Rusota. Fresh, kid-friendly, and authentic Dalmatian food served with a smile in a location that somehow manages to combine a traditional konoba with an American-style roadside diner.

For more dining options, you are rather spoilt for choice with the three nearby gastronomic centres of Vrboska, Jelsa, and Stari Grad, each only a short drive away. Hvar Town, the island's lively capital, is just 25 minutes by car, making it perfectly feasible for an evening excursion when something more refined calls.

Do consult our dedicated local guides for each town, where we share our hand-picked restaurant recommendations and insider tips.

When you wander Basina’s pathways and hike its forested trails, it may feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era. So it might be surprising to learn that Basina's history does not stretch back to ancient times.

In the 15th century, the shipbuilding villagers of Vrbanj sought a harbour for their fishing expansion, and established the port town of Vrboska. When Vrboska grew and separated from Vrbanj in the 19th century, the inhabitants turned to Basina for a new, safe harbour. The cove's wind-protected location soon made it a favourite retreat, leading wealthy ship owners and sailors to build summer homes there. Although few of the original summerhouses remain, the spirit of relaxed hedonism endures.

Unlike many Hvar settlements, Basina never built a church, square, or organised communal centre, which is why it remained a loose collection of summer houses rather than a true village. Today, the cove is home to around 140 vacation houses and apartment buildings.

If Basina features in your travel plans, you are in for a peaceful treat. First, make your way to the island of Hvar itself. A frequent point of confusion for visitors is mistaking Hvar Town for the entire island. In fact, Hvar Town (or “Grad Hvar” to locals) is the sophisticated southwestern hub renowned for its vibrant nightlife and occasional celebrity appearances. Hvar Island, however, is a far larger expanse in Croatia's southern archipelago, roughly three times the size of Manhattan.

Basina sits on Hvar Island’s northern coast, a serene cove in a deep, sheltered bay. It remains one of the quieter settlements, in pleasant contrast to the busier spots such as Hvar Town, historic Stari Grad (the island's cultural core and a favourite with sailors), and nearby Jelsa, a favourite with families. Something quite wonderful about Basina is to feel at such a distance from civilization while in reality being so close… never more than a few minutes’ away from any local conveniences and some of the island’s best dining establishments.

The most convenient major gateway to Hvar Island is Split, the lively coastal city on the mainland that merits a visit in its own right. Split has an international airport, train and bus stations, and a bustling ferry port, all handily situated close to the atmospheric old town.

Split Airport is around 30 minutes from the city centre. You can take the airport shuttle bus or a taxi/Uber to the ferry terminal. From there, board a car ferry (the only option if you have your own vehicle) or a faster passenger catamaran to the island. Services connect to Hvar Town, Stari Grad and, once daily, Jelsa. Both Stari Grad and Jelsa are only a short drive from Basina. For comprehensive details of your options and advice, refer to our full guide on getting to Hvar Island.

Reaching Basina without a car is quite straightforward. Simply book a Jadrolinija ticket from Split to Jelsa, Stari Grad, or Hvar Town. Bear in mind that direct catamarans to Jelsa and Stari Grad run only once daily in the afternoon, so if your flight lands earlier you may find it more convenient to head to Hvar Town, which enjoys several connections throughout the day.

From whichever port you arrive at, Basina is just a short taxi ride away: around 15 minutes from Stari Grad Port, roughly 18 minutes from Jelsa Port, and about 30 minutes from Hvar Town.

Both ferries and catamarans serve Stari Grad. In peak season, there is typically one catamaran per day (a pedestrian-only crossing that takes one hour) compared to up to five car ferries (a more leisurely two-hour voyage). The larger ferries tend to be steadier and kinder on those prone to seasickness. Both options feature onboard cafés serving light snacks and drinks, along with restrooms.

Catamarans do sell out in July and August, and queues can build quickly, so reserving online a day or two ahead is advisable. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure for boarding, though turning up 30 minutes early often secures better seats, as keen passengers frequently form lines well in advance. The crossing is generally pleasant, with weather-related cancellations uncommon in summer, though not impossible.

It is probably best to avoid arriving via Sućuraj unless you have ample time and a fondness for adventure. This pleasant little harbour lies at the eastern tip of Hvar, and the drive to Basina takes well over an hour, much of it along a narrow, twisting road with sharp drops and minimal barriers. If you relish hairpin bends and a touch of excitement, however, it might suit you perfectly. Otherwise, one of the more central ports keeps things considerably simpler.

If you are renting a car on the Croatian mainland or driving your own car from Europe, you will need to take one of the regular Jadrolinija car ferries from Split to Stari Grad. The crossing costs around €40 per vehicle. Once docked in Stari Grad, the drive to Basina is straightforward and pleasantly brief.

Alternatively, if you are coming from Dubrovnik or points south of Split, the Drvenik-Sućuraj ferry can prove more efficient. Though the subsequent drive across the island is winding and scenic (in the most exhilarating sense), it often saves hours compared to heading north to Split, queuing there and enduring the longer two-hour sailing.

In any case, it pays to reserve car ferry tickets a few days ahead during peak season and to join the queue at least an hour before departure. Spaces do sell out regularly in summer, and arriving early avoids any last-minute disappointment.