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Situated on Croatia’s sun-drenched Dalmatian coast, Hvar Town is a place that blends Venetian elegance with Adriatic charm. It’s a town of terracotta rooftops, lavender-scented breezes, and a harbour that glows golden at sunset. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a quiet square or watching yachts drift in from the islands, Hvar has a way of making time feel slower, in the best possible way.

This destination is perfect if:

  • You want a mix of coastal beauty and cultural depth
  • You enjoy wandering through historic streets with no fixed agenda
  • You love fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours
  • You’re looking for a base to explore nearby islands and beaches
  • You want to feel connected to a place, even in a short visit

Things to do in Hvar Town

Beach days

There is no better way to enjoy Hvar then to spend time at the beach. There are some within walking distance of the town, or you can take a boat to nearby islands.

The beaches here are stony, so you may want to bring some rock shoes, or you can buy them from the local kiosks for 10 euros. They are not the coolest footwear ever, but are kind of necessary for the rocky beaches!

If you are looking for the perfect reading recommendation for your time in Hvar, I’d recommend The Olive Grove by Eva Glyn. This is set on the nearby island of Korcula, so perfect for the setting as you’ll learn more about Croatia whilst reading. It also has interesting themes around personal growth, mental health and friendship which I very much enjoyed.

 

Another joy of staying in Hvar Town is how easy it is to reach nearby beaches by boat. Just a short stroll from the main harbour, you’ll find plenty of options for water taxis, private boat rentals, and guided tours that whisk you away to the Pakleni Islands — a cluster of pine-covered islets with hidden coves, barefoot beach bars, and crystal-clear swimming spots like Palmizana, Mlini, and Zdrilca. A round trip costs around 15 euros each and you will usually return at either 4pm or 5pm.

Visit the Fortress

A trek up to the ‘Fortica’ or Fortress is a ‘must do’ activity on your trip to Hvar. The fortress was built when the area was under Venetian rule in the 16th century but has even older medieval foundations. The fortress was designed to protect the town from Ottoman and pirate attacks

Even if you’re not too interested in the history, there are great views over the town. The walk up is actually not as strenuous as you might think. The steps up from town are a little steep, but as you get towards the fortress it becomes gentler and is surrounded by trees.

Full day boat trip

While you’re in Hvar it’s lovely to get out on the water for a full day. We took this speedboat tour and would definitely recommend it. It usually includes the green cave and the blue cave, but sadly when we visited the blue cave was closed due to high tides. However this didn’t spoil the experience as we actually visited a World War 2 military tunnel instead, which was probably more unique and memorable than the blue cave would have been.

 

We spent the day visiting a few different places including the green cave, swimming and enjoying the beautiful coastline. I’m not a speedboat expert but it seemed like a really nice boat for the price we paid, and the group was small so we had more than enough space.

Enjoy a coffee

If you like coffee you are in for a treat. There are two great options in Hvar; Coffee Snob and Kava. Now this doesn’t happen very often, but Mr Travel Psychologist and I disagreed about which was our favourite. He liked that Coffee Snob’s drinks were super-strong and I preferred the setting of Kava. Luckily this didn’t cause problems for our marriage and we took turns visiting each. You can decide which one you preferred and let me know!

Enjoy a drink

There are lots of places to enjoy a drink at sunset along the harbour. If you stay at the apartment I’m going to recommend, you will also get a great view from the balcony (more on this later).

After dark, Central Park Club is one of Hvar Town’s most atmospheric spots, blending old-world charm with a lively, creative energy. Just steps from the main square, it’s known for its nightly live music, from soul and jazz to swing and acoustic covers. We visited most nights for a drink during our stay in Hvar and would definitely recommend it.

 

 

Restaurant options in Hvar Town

If you’re craving a laid-back brunch spot with bold flavours and a creative twist Hvar Brewing Co delivers. It’s not just about the craft beer, their brunch menu is quietly brilliant. I had the hash browns with avocado and eggs, and it was so good I went back for a second round later in the trip. The vibe is relaxed, the portions generous, and the setting just far enough from the harbour to feel like a local secret.

For a more traditional option, try Konoba Menego. Tucked into the stone steps leading up to Hvar’s fortress, this small restaurant is the kind of place that doesn’t need to be Instagrammable to be memorable. Family-run since 1999, it’s proudly traditional and services honest, home-style Dalmatian cooking served in a cosy, characterful space. If you’re curious about Croatian food beyond the tourist menus, this is where to start. Their Croatian plate starter is a generous, rustic spread of local cheeses, cured meats, olives, and house-made preserves. It’s a delicious introduction to the region’s flavours and food philosophy.

And yes, you’ll be served a generous basket of bread, because in Croatia, it’s a cultural staple. Locals often say no meal is complete without it, and it’s used to scoop, savour, and share. This is the case at Konoba Menego, and any other traditional restaurant you visit in Croatia.

For a special dinner in Hvar, I’m recommending Paradise Garden. I must admit I feel a bit silly recommending this, as it’s already number one on TripAdvisor so it’s a bit of an obvious choice. However, it did really live up to the high expectations that we had for it. The food and service were exceptional and worth the price tag. We actually ate out most nights during out stay in Hvar and we never had a bad meal, but at the same time the other restaurants didn’t blow me away. Paradise garden definitely did so I’d recommend giving it a try.

How to get to Hvar

Getting to Hvar is refreshingly straightforward, whether you’re arriving from Dubrovnik or Split. The most scenic and popular option is by ferry, with regular catamaran services connecting all three destinations. If you’re starting in Dubrovnik, as I did on my Croatia 10-day itinerary, you can catch a direct ferry from Dubrovnik’s port to Hvar Town, which takes around 3 hours. It’s a beautiful journey along the Dalmatian coast, and arriving by sea sets the tone for the island’s relaxed elegance. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Split, the ferry is even quicker, just one hour and runs frequently throughout the day. Either way, it’s worth booking in advance, especially in summer, as seats fill up fast. Once you arrive, the harbour is just steps from the Old Town, so you can drop your bags and dive straight into island life.

How long do I need in Hvar?

Three to four nights in Hvar Town is the sweet spot. It’s enough time to settle into the island’s slower rhythm, explore the Old Town, take a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, and enjoy long, lingering meals without feeling rushed. You’ll have space to climb to the fortress, sip coffee by the harbour, and maybe even return to your favourite brunch spot (I did). It’s the kind of place that refreshes you quickly — not because there’s nothing to do, but because everything invites you to pause, breathe, and be present.

Where to stay in Hvar

We stayed at Apartments Old Town Hvar Sea View which were exceptionally good. The clue is in the name, and they really do have a great view over Hvar. The apartment itself was amazingly clean and new and included so many thoughtful touches, such as a little blanket to use on the balcony and a drying rack for clothes. We enjoyed making breakfast in the kitchenette and we really felt like it was a little home from home.

The only downside was needing to carry our luggage up the steps from the port, but it was totally worth it for that view!

Last but not least

If you’re feeling hedonistic – Enjoy some Gelato! My favourite was aRoma gelato located on Hvar port. This branch was visited by the Somebody Feed Phil food and travel programme, and for good reason. They have some very unique and extravagant flavours so it is definitely worth visiting at least once or twice.

 

If you want a sense of accomplishment  – the walk up to Napoleon Fortress will certainly deliver. It’s a moderately steep 30–45 minute hike through pine-scented trails and old stone paths, rewarding you with panoramic views over Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands. Built in 1812, the fortress adds a layer of history to the climb and I hear it’s much quieter than the Fortress at the edge of town, even at sunset.

Reasons to be optimistic – In 1571, Hvar Town was devastated by an Ottoman raid that left much of the city in ruins. But rather than retreat, the people of Hvar rebuilt their homes and the town. Just four decades later, in 1612, they founded Europe’s oldest public theatre, a remarkable act of optimism and civic pride. At a time when most theatres were reserved for aristocracy, Hvar’s was open to all citizens.

Today, you can still visit the Hvar Public Theatre, tucked above the Arsenal building on the main square. Though it’s currently undergoing restoration, the space occasionally opens for guided tours and cultural events. Standing inside its historic walls, you get a sense of the town’s enduring spirit — one that values art, dialogue, and shared experience. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that resilience often begins with imagination.