15 Best Things to do in Hvar, Croatia
Looking for the 15 best things to do in Hvar for the ultimate Croatian getaway? Keep reading!
Croatia is one of the most magical countries in Europe and has established itself as one of the best summer holiday destinations in the world. Although there are many stunning cities to visit and enjoy, Hvar ranks as one of the most beautiful and charming.
It is a more luxurious island in Croatia where you will find high-end accommodation and more superyachts than you can count. The affluent feel of Hvar only adds to its charm, plus there is plenty to see and do that isn’t as pricey.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Hvar for the perfect holiday.
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15 Best Things To Do in Hvar
Explore Hvar Town
Hvar’s old town is every bit as charming as the rest of the island. It is built into the mountainside so you will have to walk up endless stairs while exploring, but it is all very worth it.
The streets are narrow and built with light-coloured stone walls and cobblestone streets. You will find flowers and plenty of greenery along the way that pop against the neutral walls adding an interesting and unique twist.
Wandering the maze of streets is beyond enjoyable and one of the best things to do in Hvar. Look for local shops, restaurants, and more to stop at during your explorations! You will likely feel like an old royal while you stroll the streets, feeling transported back in time.
Hvar town is also is home to some of the best boutique hotels with sea views!
➡️ Read More: Croatia vs. Montenegro
Beach Day at Dubovica
Dubovica is a very popular beach in Hvar that is often referred to as the most beautiful beach in the world. It is located in a small secluded cove with a pebbly beach and surrounded by white-washed rocks.
This beach is moderately busy but the perfect place to escape too early in the morning for a swim in the crystal clear, aqua blue waters. There is also a beach bar and restaurant so you can spend the day here with food and drinks on command.
Escaping to this idyllic beach is one of the best things to do in Hvar.
Walk in St. Stephen’s Square
Upon arrival in Hvar, one of the first things you will see is St. Stephans Square. There is no way you can miss Hvar’s square as all streets will lead you here. It is the hub of activity in Hvar where you will find tons of people, restaurants, shops and more.
St. Stephen’s Square is also the largest public square in Dalmatia. You likely won’t want to spend too much time here as it’s quite busy in the high season, but seeing it and admiring the bustle of Hvar is a must.
Go to the top of the Spanish Fortress (Tvrdava Fortica)
Walking up the mountain to the top of Hvar’s Spanish Fortress, also know as Tvrdava Fortica, is one of the top things to do in Hvar. The walk up the fortress supplies stunning views of Hvar and the surrounding islands and it is absolutely magical.
Getting to the top is not super easy as the stairs are quite steep in the old city and the stones are smooth and can be slippery. However, the fortress is very easy to reach and the views are unmatched.
Visit The Cathedral of St. Stephen in Hvar
The Cathedral of St. Stephen in Hvar is located in St. Stephen’s Square and is one of the most famous monuments of the area. It is a catholic church that towers in the old town square and is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.
Visiting this picturesque church is one of the top things to do in Hvar if only to just admire its exterior.
Fun fact: there are two different-sized doors. The larger door was for important people and the smaller one was for commoners.
Explore the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands are a set of islands located off the coast of Hvar and are some of the most beautiful islands in Europe! Taking a taxi boat or boat tour to these islands is easily one of the best things to do in Hvar to see and experience nature at its finest.
The sea here is a bright aqua blue and full of yachts, sailboats, and more. There are plenty of beaches and beach bars to enjoy and it is the ultimate beach day getaway spot.
Go on a Boat Tour
One of the most popular things to do in Hvar is to go on a boat tour around the island. There are so many stunning hidden gems all around Hvar that are best reached by boat and this is one of the most popular ways to get around.
You can join boat tours or rent one for yourself for a private experience – all of which range from beach excursions, sunset cruises and much more.
In Hvar, I rented a boat for 6 people and it was around €400 for the whole day. The company was super accommodating and brought us all around Hvar to all the top places and hidden gems.
It truly was an unforgettable experience and I strongly suggest renting a boat (preferably one where you can pick where to go and when to stop).
Explore Stari Grad
Stari Grad is a beautiful town located on the Northern side of Hvar. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and a place full of history and culture.
Stari Grad is pretty different from other towns in Hvar where you won’t find as much luxury and glamour but cobblestone streets, little boats and a very old town.
Visiting Stari Grad is often something most tourists skip but this is one of the top things to do in Hvar to see a different and more unique side to the island.
Enjoy Wine Tasting at Sveta Nedilja
Wine tasting in Europe is pure magic. There is nothing better than exploring new wineries and tasting local wines from around the world. There are plenty of amazing wines from Croatia and some of the best are in Hvar.
This is why one of the top things to do in Hvar is head to Sveta Nedilja to enjoy amazing local wine and tours.
One of the top places to go for wine tasting with plenty of awards and famous celebrity appearances is Bila Idro.
This small wine cellar and restaurant is full of locally harvested wines and is open for wine tastings for your enjoyment. It is the perfect stop on a boat tour around Hvar for a little wine and even snacks!
Explore the Red Rocks
Easily one of the most magical places and top things to do in Hvar is venturing to the Red Rocks. A visit here will show you one of Hvar’s most amazing natural wonders that is well worth visiting.
This natural phenomenon is one of the most amazing sights to see in Hvar and taking a boat here is one of the best things to do in Hvar.
There are many private tours that will bring you here to marvel at the rocks and some of the tours will even let you swim.
The water is amazingly clear and blue and you can swim all the way inside the caves to see the magnificent rocks from the inside. This is truly a bucket list experience in Croatia.
Visit Jelsa
Jelsa is a lovely town located on the island of Hvar and is well worth a visit. It is surrounded by the two tallest mountains on the island and is a welcome and slower-paced place to spend some time exploring.
It has a lovely promenade, orange-roofed houses and plenty of culture and history to discover.
Enjoy Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Monastery is Hvar’s most famous monastery and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Hvar. This 15th-century is the ideal place to visit for a tranquil and spiritual getaway.
It is full of history and unique features and offers a slower-paced attraction than other places in Hvar. Surrounding the monastery are bright blue waters and plenty of boats.
Eat at the Amazing Restaurants
One of the best things about Hvar is all the amazing restaurants. Most of Croatia and the Balkans have very meat and fish-focused restaurants with pasta and pizza as secondary options.
As a result, it can be difficult to find healthy and whole food restaurants, and finding good restaurants is especially difficult for vegetarians or vegans. However, Hvar is different.
In Hvar, you will find plenty of restaurants with smoothie bowls, fresh juices, avocado toast and more. The variety is amazing and makes eating healthy a lot easier. Some of the best restaurants in Hvar are Central Park Club, Fig Hvar, and more!
Visit Brac Island
Brac Island is located off the island of Hvar but is one of the best places to head to for a day trip.
This is one of the most unique and amazing beaches in Croatia and is the perfect place for a day trip. Heading here is one of the top things to do in Hvar, in addition to going on a day trip to Split.
Go on a Tour
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
There are so many amazing things to do in Hvar. This is easily one of the most beautiful places in Croatia and the ideal place to visit for a seaside getaway.
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Love,
SSW
