Simple Travel Plans

Island stop

Hvar

Hvar Town is a compact first island stop with its harbour, historic centre and places to stay close together.

Why go

Why visit Hvar?

Hvar Town works well as a first island stop between larger coastal cities. The historic centre, harbour and accommodation are close together, making a few relaxed days straightforward.

It suits travellers who want a mix of old streets, short walks, nearby swimming and boat trips. The Pakleni Islands and inland wine experiences add variety to a longer stay.

Guided tours

Popular tours in Hvar

A one-hour walk through Hvar Old Town with a local guide is a good start, before you explore on your own.

Timeless Hvar: Old Town walking tour

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First visit

Highlights

  • St. Stephen's Square sits at the centre of Hvar Town.
  • The walk towards Fortica brings views over the town and islands.
  • The harbour is well suited to a slower morning.
  • Nearby beaches and rocky coves offer places to swim.
  • Boat trips reach the Pakleni Islands.
  • The Franciscan monastery area gives another quiet part of town to explore.

When to go

Best time to visit

Hvar is at its most active in the warmer months, when ferry links and seasonal businesses are more widely available.

Hvar in winter

Winter is much quieter. Many seasonal hotels, restaurants, beach businesses and tours close, and ferries run less often, so stay flexible and check transport and opening hours.

Check Visit Hvar

Bus, ferry and on foot

Getting there

Hvar Town has no road connection to the mainland, so most visitors arrive by passenger ferry or catamaran with operators including Jadrolinija and TP Line. Some routes are seasonal and not every ferry stops in Hvar Town; if yours uses another island port, check the local transfer.

Official information: Jadrolinija · TP Line

Plan your route

Easy to combine with

Split

Catamarans and ferries connect Hvar with Split, where the ferry port sits beside the main bus station for onward buses. Not every boat stops in Hvar Town, so check the port.

Guided tours

Book a tour

Tours that work well on a first visit. You book and pay on Viator.

St. Stephen's Square in Hvar town, with the fortress above

Timeless Hvar: Old Town walking tour

A one-hour walk through Hvar Old Town with a local guide.

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Hvar town and the Pakleni islands seen from the fortress

Pakleni Islands boat tour

About five hours from Hvar Town harbour to the Red Rocks and bays on the Pakleni Islands, with time to swim, brunch and snacks included and a restroom on board. The boat carries up to 50 people.

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Hvar wine tasting in a small group

About two and a half hours visiting a family winemaker in Jelsa for wine and olive oil tasting, including Plavac Mali and Prošek. Pickup is offered from a Hvar hotel, Hvar bus station or Stari Grad ferry port, with a maximum of 10 people.

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Hvar wine tour with Dalmatian dinner

A six- to eight-hour tour visiting two family wineries for four to five tastings at each, including Prošek, followed by a three-course Dalmatian dinner. Hotel pickup is included.

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More tours in Hvar

See more walking, boat and wine experiences from Hvar.

See all Hvar tours

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Good to know

Short tips

  • Hvar Town centre keeps you close to the harbour and main sights.
  • Križna Luka is quieter and walkable, with small beaches nearby.
  • Near Pokonji Dol puts you closer to the beach but involves more walking.