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Hvar Mini Guide
Tell me About Hvar
Hvar is a small island off the coast of Croatia, in the Adriatic. It has become a popular holiday destination due to its beaches and vibrant nightlife and is regularly voted into the top ten most beautiful islands in the world.
How can I get There
The easiest way is to fly into
Split Airport and take a bus or taxi to the port. From there you take the ferry or catamaran to Hvar or Stari Grad. The Fast ferries are operated by Blueline and take an hour to reach the island. Car ferries operated by Jadrolinija take 2 hours, from
Split, if you have a hire car or have driven from Europe. Once you are there, use the bus service to get from Stari Grad to Hvar as taxis are very expensive! If you have hired a car, it’s a great way to explore the island but bare in mind there are only two petrol stations on the island.
What can I see in Hvar Town?
Start at the Trg Sveti Stjepana, the town square – it is one of the most beautiful in Croatia, with one side open to the sea. There you will see the renaissance theatre and the Cathedral of St Stjepan with its elaborate bell tower. From there, walk up the hill to Spanjola Fortress for wonderful views over the harbour.
What Else can I do?
Get a water taxi or rent out a boat and head to the Pakleni Islands, where you can enjoy the secluded beaches and sunbathe and swim. Back in Hvar, visit the winery at Zlatan Otok and go for a wine tasting and have a leisurely lunch there. You can take a boat trip from there back to Hvar town. The island is also a great place for activities such as sea kayaking and rock climbing.
What is the Food Like?
Visit the Golden Shell Restaurant, it is very popular with the locals who go for the rabbit in fig sauce and fig brandy. Seafood is a good choice too, try the squid cooked in olive oil. You will eat well there, as many of the restaurants make their own wine, catch the local fish and use produce straight from their gardens.
I Heard About the Nightlife…
You can dance all night at Carpe Diem or Veneranda, these venues attract international DJ’s and are packed out with partygoers all summer long.
What Should I Take Home?
You can buy a piece of local lace made from the threads of agave leaves and a painted bottle of lavender oil to remind you of your stay.
– Two hotels in Hvar have been voted the coolest hotels in Croatia in a poll this month. They are the Grand Beach Resort and Hotel Podstine.
- Hvar Island is likely to be very popular this summer after appearing at number five on Lonely Planet's 'Must Visit Regions' list this year. It's also appeared on the Sunday Times 'Most Affordable Holiday Destinations' list and don't forget that part of that affordability is down to the low cost of our car hire in Hvar.