Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Beach GatG, Party GatG, Sailing GatG, Wine GatG

Hvar is such a cool Croatian island. Having visited this island on a Croatia sailing trip and spent a few nights here, I would definitely go back.

If you're planning a holiday in Hvar and are looking for recommended things to do in Hvar, what activities to do in the day and the evening, how to get around and recommended accommodation for Hvar, I've covered all of these in this article to inspire you to visit this Croatian Island. 

Why Travel To Hvar?

Stay for – 2/3 nights. More if you like to party.

Is Hvar Safe?  With Hvar being a party island, you may encounter a few rowdy revellers in the early hours of the morning. As with anywhere, keep your wits about you in the evenings.

Did you Know? Hvar has the best weather in Croatia.

Hvar is one of the most popular islands in Croatia. It is known for having year-round sunshine and attracting a party crowd but beyond the party scene lies sleepy picturesque villages and first-class vineyards.

Along the natural harbour and the superyachts, you’ll find historic stone streets and a marble promenade lined by palm trees that guide you around the harbour.

Hvar town is the main area, and as the sun goes down, the town comes alive. Stray away from the main plaza and wander down cobbled alleys to find hidden restaurants. 

It’s not all about the bars and restaurants either (although the cuisine is fab), as you can find architecture to marvel at. Stroll past Venetian townhouses, and visit a Franciscan monastery, churches and an impressive cathedral.

There is even a castle! The former summer residence of an important Croatian poet, Tvrdalj Castle, is a well-preserved Renaissance castle with inscriptions set into the walls. You’ll find the first public theatre in Europe here too.

Being a good place to swim with clean water and warm temperatures means that the island attracts sun worshipers who sometimes bare all on the beaches. Although Hvar is an island itself, there are many small islands to visit from here. If the noise gets too much, jump in a water taxi and head to one of the islands.

When you need some culture, head to Stari Grad on the northern side of the island, the oldest village in Hvar, Hvar is growing as a tourist destination but still has areas off the beaten track, so you can have the best of both worlds.     

Local's Tip – “Visit outside of the summer months, and the town will be very quiet, but many places are closed.”

Best Things To Do in Hvar, Croatia

1. Visit the Cathedral of St Stephen

Built on the site of a 6th Century Church, the Cathedral of St. Stephen is an impressive building. Its mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture can be found in the town square.

2. Explore Pakleni Islands

Off the southwest coast of Hvar, you’ll find the stunning Pakleni Islands, one of the most popular places to visit if you come to Hvar. Reachable by a boat taxi from Hvar to Pakleni Islands.

The islands may be small, but you’ll find an art gallery and cocktail bar amongst idyllic bays. Explore the Roman ruins at Vlaka, or sample some of Croatia’s finest wine at the vineyards of Andro Tomic.

3. Contemplate the views from Hvar Fort

Španjola Fortress, or Hvar Fort, is one of the best places to get panoramic views of the city. It is definitely a must-see attraction in Hvar!  Besides the stunning views, you can also visit its small museum with historical items.

4. Go to the Franciscan Monastery 

Near to one of Hvar’s public beaches, this beautiful monastery is home to paintings of Venetian artists. It was built in the 15th Century and has a 300-year-old Cypress tree on its grounds. Concerts are also held here, so check if there may be one during your stay.

Solo's Tip – “Go to see the mountaintop shrine and abandoned village. It was so peaceful as I was the only one there.”

5. Escape the crowds

Hvar is full of partygoers if you visit in the summer months, so get yourself off to the Pakleni Islands for some quiet time. Families tend to frequent Banj, the most central beach so go to Maslina and Lanterna where you’ll find some sand and pine forests to relax at.

6. Lose yourself

Find some solitude on the little island of Zecevo amongst the pine trees and untouched nature. Take a boat from Vrboska or Jelsa to get here. If you want to lose your clothes as well as yourself, there is a nudist beach here too. Or just sit on one of the benches along the waterfront and gaze at the sea.

Get the best view: Fortica Castle has fantastic views over the island archipelago.

7. Discover the hidden gems near Hvar

Just 40m from Amo Beach, you’ll find Kordovon across the thinnest part of Jerolim. This relaxing little area has cool artwork made from driftwood, wooden sunbeds and hammocks to relax in. There’s a bar where you can grab a snack and drink too. You will find nudists here just to prepare you. * Explore the hidden gems on a Hvar Hidden Gems tour. 

8. Enjoy the sun

Most of the beaches on Hvar have stones instead of sand, but the sea is safe to take a dip. If you are brave enough to bear all for no tan lines, there is a nudist beach on Jerolim Island. If you prefer to stay bikini-clad, Dubovica Beach is a wonderful little beach with a pretty cove. Outside the Carpe Diem club is also a good beach.

9. Go to the local markets

Head to the green market for fresh food or fruit liquors to take home with you.

Activities in Hvar for every type of traveller

Active GatG

Hvar is good for the active solo. You’ll find some good walks from the town or go swimming at one of the beaches on the island. Rent an e-bike and cycle to Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, or kayak around it instead. 

Hike to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje or opt for a half-day tour to ensure that you don't get lost and to discover why the residents left here in the 1950s. A local dinner is also included. * Check prices and dates for abandoned village hike

Adventurous GatG

One of the things to do in Hvar for adrenalin junkies is to skydive over the island strapped to an instructor. With amazing views, you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Italy during your tandem skydive.

Budget GatG: Walk along the waterfront admiring the expensive superyachts.

Cultural GatG

Hvar is home to the Lavender Festival. Take the old road from Hvar Town to Brusje and Velo Grablje to see and smell the lavender. * Or join the 3 hour Lavender tour from Hvar.

Explore the Roman ruins on the tiny island of Vlaka or take the walking tour of Hvar to learn about the local culture.

Wine GatG

Wine lovers will literally love Hvar. This island of Croatian wine exports its wine around the world. Taste some of the country’s best wine In Stari Grad, on the northern side of Hvar, or take a boat taxi to the vineyards of Andro Tomic for some Sveti Klement wine.

Visit one of the country's top winemakers within the important wine region. * Enjoy a glass of wine (or 4) with others on a 3-hour wine tasting tour

Museums & Arty GatG – Hvar is known for its lace work which you can see at the Benedictine nunnery museum. For more natural pieces, you’ll find artwork made out of driftwood by local artists at Kordovan.

Ocean GatG – One of the Hvar things to do for ocean lovers is to take a guided kayak tour or try stand up paddleboarding instead.

Shopping GatG – Hvar isn’t really the place for shopping, but you can pick souvenirs such as lavender oil to take home. Find little stalls lined up along the harbour with locally made products.

Wellness GatG – Enjoy a mud bath in an old Roman villa at Sveti Klement, one of the Pakleni islands.

Have a tourist moment – Ask one of the yachties on a super yacht if you can climb onboard.

Where to wear your heels – At Pink Champagne, a sassy club with a decadence-style entrance and lift that takes you into the club, it is pricey, but it’s one of the clubs in Hvar to be seen.

Less Than 1 Day in Hvar

Hire a bike and cycle around the island. You can easily see Hvar in a few hours or take a 2 hour tour to learn more about the island.   

Where to Meet Others

You can have as much solo time as you need here as there are plenty of places to explore where you won’t see others. Then when you do want some company, you’ll find others to talk to in the main town. Just sit at the bar at one of the many bars, and you'll soon get chatting to someone.

To interact with the locals, chill out on the loungers at Hula Hula Bar, watching the world go by. The locals are friendly, and because the island attracts the yachties, you’ll never be short of company if you need it.

Hvar Tours

Take a boat tour from Hvar and spend the day at the impressive Blue Cave, seeing Vis then visiting Paklinski island. * Check prices and availability: Blue Cave.

Or see the world-famous Blue Cave Hvar then explore the impressive Green Cave whilst cruising around the archipelago. * Check prices and availability: Green Cave

Hvar Tours & Excursions – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and tours in worldwide destinations, including Hvar. Choose from a Blue Cave tour from Hvar, a 3-hour wine-tasting tour or explore the hidden gems of Hvar.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people, but there are plenty to book as a solo, including Hvar boat trips, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price, and availability, then book online. * Check prices & availability for all tours in Hvar

What To Do in Hvar in The Evenings

Sit by the harbour, watching the birds fly above. The main square is a lively place at night whether you choose to sit in one of the restaurants and people watch.

Sign up to the Hvar pub crawl, and meet others whilst enjoying an hour booze cruise around the Pakleni islands before heading off to a club.

At night, enjoy a Croatian sunset along the Hvar shoreline on a sunset sea kayaking tour. 

Party GatG

It’s not quite Ibiza, but Hvar is one of Croatia’s top party destinations. Party during the day at Hula Hula, a cool day club with a DJ playing House music.

Laganini is a cool spot and is reachable by water taxi to Palmizana. Nautica is a popular bar, but it does attract the younger crowd, so maybe avoid it if you prefer a different scene.

If the bar closes at 2 a.m., head to Carpe Diem, the main club on the island, which attracts the bigger DJs. Or take a water taxi to its sister club Carpe Diem 2, on a nearby island. The entrance is costly but you’ll meet people on the water taxis to party with (your boat fee should be included in the price too).

Where To Eat in Hvar

There are a lot of places to eat in Hvar around the main square. You’ll find typical Mediterranean food here with lots of fish. Gregada is a popular dish made of fish and potatoes. Wash it down with a homemade shot of Prosek.

£ – Gustico Burger & Pizza Bar. You’ll find this takeaway/pizza bar off the beaten track, but it’s worth the walk up the hill for one of their burgers. Find at – Ulica Lucije Rudan 7.

Restaurants For Typical Cuisine

£ – Dalmatino. Serving Croatian, European and Mediterranean cuisine in a white brick interior, this restaurant has great food and service to match. Try the black gnocchi. Find at – Ulica Sveti Marak 1.

££ – Junior. A traditional family restaurant serving amazing langoustine with great service and a relaxed atmosphere. They serve Croatian, seafood and Mediterranean dishes. Find at – Ulica Kroz Burak 10.

Vegetarian Restaurants

£ – Green Goodness Hvar. The perfect place for both vegetarians and vegans with green smoothies, chai pudding and vegetable dishes. Find at – Grge Novak 1.

££ – Fig Cafe Bar. A vegetarian-friendly cafe which offers vegan choices if you ask for them. Find at – Trg Svetog Stjepana 22.

Enjoy an ice-cream

Icy Bar Hvar – Find this food cart on the edge of the marina selling a wide variety of gelato. Find at – Riva bb.

Street Food – If the restaurants are too pricey, you’ll find a large supermarket near the bus station at Dolac. Buy organic fruit and vegetables at Green House, an organic health store. Find at – Kroz Burak 27.

Coffee & Cake – Nonica – Nonica may be small, but they sell delicious cakes and good coffee. Try the tiramisu. Find at – Ulica Kroz Burak 23.

Bars in Hvar

VINTAGE Wine Bar – a lovely place where you can enjoy locally-made wine and amazing local cheeses. The staff are really knowledgeable and may even give you free tastings. Find at – Obala Fabrika 4a.

Falko Beach Bar – A great little hideaway on the beach, away from the younger crowds. Perfect for watching the sunset. Find at – Shetalishte Tonija Petrica 22.

Where To Stay on Hvar

Hvar Town is a good place to base yourself to meet others, especially if you want to sample the nightlife. Other areas are either Star Grad, Vrboska or Jelsa for a quieter stay.

There is a choice of apartments, villas, guest houses and boutique hotels on the island. And for the budget traveller, you can find hostels too. The accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers. For all other accommodations, click on the link below. 

* Check prices for all accommodation in Hvar

The White Rabbit Hostel

This hostel is inside a renovated 15th-century building located only a few metres from Hvar town. The rooms are bright and spacious, and there is a dedicated female dorm as well as a guest bar for meeting others over a refreshment or two. Prices from €16 for an 8-bed mixed dorm.      

• Prices from £12 / €15 p/n for a bed in an 8-bed mixed dormitory room
• Check prices, dates and availability: The White Rabbit Hostel

Luka’s Lodge Guesthouse & Hostel

If you’re travelling to Hvar on a budget, Luka’s Lodge Guesthouse & Hostel is a good place to stay. There’s a shared lounge and a barbecue, plus the guesthouse puts on evening entertainment, so it’s easy to meet others here.

All of the staff make you feel really welcome and it’s in a good location, just a 15-minute walk to the beach. They don’t have female-only rooms, just mixed dorm rooms and double or singles.

• Prices from £32 / €39 per night for a bunk bed in a mixed dorm 
• Check prices, dates and availability: Luka's Lodge Guesthouse & Hostel

Pharos Hvar Hotel

This stylish 4-star hotel is in a great location just 2 minutes from the beach. There’s an outdoor if you prefer to stay on the sounds with sunbeams and a pool bar where you can grab a cocktail.

From the hotel, you can go sailing, snorkelling or cycle around the island. Breakfast is included, and there’s also a restaurant that serves Croatian and International cuisine. Choose from a double room with a park or sea view or a balcony (or both).

• Prices start from £162 / €195 p/n for a double room with park view
• Check prices, dates and availability: Pharos Hvar Hotel

Maki Exclusive Apartments

Only 200 yards from the beach, these gorgeous apartments have their own patio, air conditioning and living area to relax in. There is also a coffee machine and free toiletries too.

Named after the owner Maki who is super friendly and can’t do enough for you. Prices from €49 for a one-bedroom apartment.

• Prices from £242 / €290 p/n for the apartment
• Check prices, dates and availability: Maki Exclusive Apartments

How To Get Around Hvar

The main town of Hvar is small, so it is easy to get around on foot. When you arrive on the island, you can catch a bus from the ferry terminal at Stari Grad.

You can rent a car or moped to explore the rest of the island. Another way of getting around Hvar is by renting a bike or using the local bus. You can find timetables for Bus Croatia here.

How to get from Split to Hvar

There is no Hvar airport but there are ferries to Hvar from Split so if you're flying into an airport, fly into Split on the mainland instead. There is a daily catamaran from here to Hvar town. Check here for ferries Split to Hvar.

From Hvar, you can travel back to Split on one of the fast ferries or car ferries. Look at Rome2Rio for journeys. Travel from here to Italy on a ferry to Pescara. Check Direct Ferries for times.

If you fancy sailing the seas and island hopping, Travel Talk are a great company for sailing around Croatia. Their 8-day Sail Split to Dubrovnik tour includes a stop in Hvar, including Dubrovnik, Korcula, Makarska, Mljet, Omis and Split. * Check prices and itinerary here

Frequently asked questions about Hvar Island

• What is Hvar best known for? Hvar is famous for its lively atmosphere, delicious food and wine, luxury accommodations and amazing nightlife.
• How many days do I need in Hvar? You need at least two days in Hvar. 
• Is Hvar expensive to eat and drink? It isn't the most affordable destination, but it isn't expensive either.