Hvar Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat
Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular islands, and for good reason. It’s sunny almost all year round, has a mix of great pebble beaches, a fun nightlife scene, and plenty of day trip options if you want to explore nearby islands. Whether you’re here to relax, swim, hike a little, or enjoy seafood with a glass of wine, Hvar has you covered.
MUST SEE IN THE ISLAND OF HVAR
Hvar Old Town
Most people base themselves in Hvar Town, and it’s the best place to start exploring the island. The old streets are full of cafés, bars, boutique shops, and restaurants, and the main square by the harbor is always busy. You’ll find the Cathedral of St. Stephen at one end of the square, with the old Arsenal and theatre nearby — one of the oldest public theatres in Europe. The waterfront promenade (riva) is great for a morning walk, with yachts and small fishing boats side by side.
During the day, Hvar Town has a relaxed vibe. It’s nice for grabbing a coffee, doing a bit of shopping, or walking up the narrow alleys that lead away from the square. You’ll find plenty of little wine bars, bakeries, and spots to pick up souvenirs.
At night, the town completely changes. The bars along the waterfront fill up, and places like Carpe Diem or Hula Hula Bar are popular if you’re looking for a party. If you prefer something quieter, you can still find cozy konobas (traditional taverns) tucked away in the side streets.
Tvrđava Fortica (Spanish Fortress)
The Spanish Fortress (Tvrđava Fortica) is Hvar Town’s main historical landmark. Built in the 16th century during Venetian rule, it was designed to protect the town from attacks, and it still has old cannons, thick stone walls, and lookout towers. Today, it’s one of the island’s top attractions thanks to its history and unbeatable views.
From the center of town, you can walk up in about 20 minutes. The path is uphill but well-paved, winding through shady pine trees, so it’s not too tough. You can also drive or take a taxi if you’d rather skip the climb.
At the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Hvar Town, the harbor, and the Paklinski Islands — some of the best views on the island. Inside, there’s a small museum with historical artifacts and even old prison cells, but the highlight is definitely the terrace.
Opening hours: roughly 9:00 am – 9:00 pm in summer (shorter in off-season).
Tickets: about €10 for adults, half-price for kids.
Best time to go: sunset. The whole town glows orange as the sun dips behind the islands, making it one of the most beautiful (and photogenic) spots in Hvar.
Tip: bring water for the climb, and if you prefer fewer crowds, head up early in the morning or right before sunset when it’s cooler.
BEACHES AROUND HVAR
Hvar’s beaches are mostly pebble or rocky coves, with crystal-clear water. Many locals and travelers use water shoes to make swimming easier. Some spots have bars or restaurants, while others are completely natural.
Dubovica
Dubovica is probably the most iconic beach on Hvar, and you’ll see it on postcards and Instagram all the time. It’s a wide pebble bay with crystal-clear water and a backdrop of an old stone villa, which gives it a very traditional Dalmatian look.
Because it’s only about 15 minutes by car from Hvar Town, it does get busy in peak season, but the water is amazing for swimming and snorkelling.
Parking is on the main road, and then you’ll need to walk down a rocky path for about 10 minutes — wear proper shoes, not flip-flops. There’s usually a small beach bar serving simple drinks and snacks, but it’s not guaranteed to be open, so bring your own supplies if you’re staying for the day.
Milna Plaža
Milna is a charming little village about 4 km east of Hvar Town, and its main beach, Milna Plaža, is a great choice if you want a mix of swimming and comfort. The pebble beach slopes gently into the sea, making it good for families or anyone who prefers easy access to the water. The bay is calm and sheltered, so it’s less windy than some other spots.
Right by the beach, you’ll find several konobas and restaurants, so you don’t need to bring food with you. Many places serve fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Because of the facilities, Milna Plaža is one of the easiest and most convenient beaches near Hvar Town — you can spend the whole day here without worrying about supplies.
Bonus: there are actually a few smaller coves just a short walk from the main beach, so if Milna is crowded, you can often find a quieter spot nearby.
Malo Zaraće
Malo Zaraće feels a bit more wild and untouched compared to Dubovica or Milna. It’s made up of two pebble beaches, separated by rocky cliffs and dramatic stone formations. The water here is incredibly clear, making it excellent for snorkeling.
There aren’t really any facilities, so it’s one of those “bring everything with you” type of beaches. That’s also why it’s usually less crowded. The atmosphere is very calm — great if you want to just relax, swim, and escape the buzz of Hvar Town.
Above the beach are old abandoned stone houses and ruins, giving it a slightly mysterious feel. Many photographers love coming here for the mix of rugged cliffs, turquoise sea, and historic ruins.
Pokonji Dol
Pokonji Dol is the closest proper beach to Hvar Town, only a 20-minute walk from the center or a short drive. It’s a wide pebble beach with super clear water, and because it’s so easy to reach, it’s very popular with both locals and visitors.
The beach is well set up for comfort — you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are a couple of restaurants and bars right by the water serving fresh seafood, pizzas, and cold drinks. That makes it an easy option if you don’t feel like packing supplies for the day.
Because of its size, Pokonji Dol can handle more people than some of the tiny coves around Hvar, but it does get busy in peak summer. If you head there in the morning or later in the afternoon, you’ll find it a bit more relaxed.
PAKLINSKI ISLANDS DAY TRIPS
Just across from Hvar Town are the Paklinski Islands, a group of 21 small, forested islets scattered in turquoise water. They’re one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Hvar.
You can get there in three main ways:
Water taxi – The simplest and cheapest option. Boats run regularly from Hvar Town’s harbor (every 15–30 minutes in summer), and tickets are usually around €10-15 return depending on the island.
Organized boat tour – Good if you want to visit several islands in one day. These often include swimming and snorkeling stops.
Rent a small boat – No license needed for the small motorboats. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and find hidden coves. Just keep in mind the sea can get choppy in the afternoon, so start early.
Palmižana
Palmižana is the most developed and popular of the Paklinski Islands. It has a few pebble coves with clear, shallow water — and unlike most beaches around Hvar, the seabed here is sandy once you’re in the water, which makes swimming especially nice. There’s also plenty of shade from pine trees and sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent, so it’s a comfortable choice if you want to spend the whole day.
One word of advice: while Laganini is one of the most famous restaurants on Palmižana, it’s become very focused on the super-yacht crowd, and regular visitors often feel a bit overlooked/looked down.
Instead, I’d recommend Toto’s or Bacchus — both offer great food, a more welcoming atmosphere, and much better value. Perfect if you want to enjoy Palmižana without the pretentious vibe.
Otok Marinkovac (Plaža Mlini)
Marinkovac offers two very different experiences depending on what you’re looking for.
On one side, you’ll find the Carpe Diem Beach Club, famous for its all-night parties with international DJs. If nightlife is your thing, this is the spot. Boats run from Hvar Town in the evening and bring partygoers back in the early morning.
During the day however, the island has a completely different vibe. On the opposite side, there are peaceful coves like Ždrilca Beach and Plaža Mlini. These pebble beaches have casual beach bars, calm turquoise water, and are great for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing away from the crowds.
Tips for Visiting the Paklinski Islands
Bring cash — not every bar or restaurant accepts cards.
Water shoes help if you plan to swim at pebble or rocky coves.
The sun is strong, and shade is limited in some places, so pack sunscreen and maybe a hat.
If you rent a boat, go earlier in the day when the water is calmer.
BOAT TRIP TO VIS AND BIŠEVO
A full-day boat trip to Vis Island and Biševo is one of the most popular excursions from Hvar. Boats usually leave in the morning (around 8–9 am) and return late afternoon. You can book in advance online, through your hotel, or directly at the harbor.
Cost: group speedboat tours are usually €70–100 per person. The Blue Cave entrance fee is extra (about €25 pp).
Blue Cave (Biševo)
The Blue Cave is the highlight of the trip and one of Croatia’s most famous natural sights. You’ll switch from your tour boat to a small local boat that can squeeze through the narrow entrance, and once inside, the whole cave glows an electric blue. The effect comes from sunlight passing through an underwater opening and bouncing off the white seabed, creating that surreal neon color.
Although local fishermen knew of the cave for centuries, it was the Austrian explorer Baron Eugen Ransonnet-Villez who brought it to wider attention in 1884. His descriptions and illustrations put Biševo on the map for travelers. Today, visits are carefully timed and last about 10 minutes, and entry depends on calm seas, since even small waves make the narrow opening unsafe.
It may be brief, but floating inside that glowing blue chamber is unforgettable — and one of those rare natural wonders that actually looks just like the photos.
Blue Lagoon
Most tours also include a stop at the Blue Lagoon, near Budikovac Island just off Vis. It’s a sheltered bay with shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water — ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The seabed here is a mix of sand and pebbles, which gives the water its bright colour.
Because it’s shallow, the water warms up quickly, making it one of the most comfortable swim stops of the trip. You’ll often spot schools of small fish while snorkelling, and some tours provide masks and snorkels if you don’t bring your own.
There’s usually time here to just float, relax, and enjoy the scenery before moving on to the next stop. On Budikovac itself, there’s a small beach bar, but most people treat this stop as more of a swim break than a place to spend long onshore.
Stiniva Beach (Vis Island)
A tiny bay surrounded by tall cliffs, Stiniva Beach is one of the most photographed places in Croatia. The narrow opening between the cliffs makes it feel almost hidden from the sea, and once inside, you find a small pebble beach with unbelievably clear water.
As part of a boat trip from Hvar, you won’t actually land directly on the beach. Boats aren’t allowed to enter the cove, so they anchor just outside, and you’ll need to swim through the gap in the cliffs to get in. It’s not a long swim, but if you want photos, make sure you bring a waterproof case or bag for your phone or camera.
There’s usually a tiny seasonal beach bar, but the facilities are very basic. The beach itself is small and can feel crowded in high season, yet the dramatic setting makes it worth the stop.
Fun fact: Stiniva was voted Best Beach in Europe in 2016 by European Best Destinations, which helped put it firmly on the map for travelers.
Tip: If you want the best experience, try to go early in the day before the tour boats arrive, or later in the afternoon when the light on the cliffs is beautiful and the crowds start thinning.
Make sure you book your trip early in your stay. The Blue Cave is only accessible in calm sea conditions, so tours can be cancelled at short notice if the weather turns. If that happens and you booked early, you’ll still have time to reschedule for another day. Also, whilst you should be able to pay the entrance fee at Biševo by card, it’s still a good idea to carry a bit of cash just in case.
WHERE TO EAT IN HVAR
Hvar has plenty of restaurants, from casual konobas (traditional taverns) to more modern places. A few good ones to check out:
Dva Ribara – Seafood spot right on the harbor. Simple, fresh, and a classic.
Konoba Menego – Cozy old-town konoba with traditional Dalmatian dishes. Feels very local.
Macondo – Another Old Town favorite, especially for grilled fish.
La Bocca – A modern restaurant with a mix of dishes and a good place for cocktails.
Code 11 – Trendy bar with food and drinks. Nice for starting your night out.
Hvar really packs a lot into one island. You’ve got the charm of the Old Town with its cafés, bars, and fortress views, beaches ranging from lively and convenient to quiet little coves, and easy access to the Paklinski Islands right across the water. Add in the option of a boat trip to Vis and the Blue Cave, and it’s no surprise Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations.
Whether you’re here for a few days or a week, the island has enough variety to keep you busy without feeling overwhelming. Spend a day exploring the town, a day hopping around Paklinski, another on the beaches, and if you can, set aside one full day for the Vis and Biševo trip — that’s a solid itinerary.
At the end of the day, Hvar strikes a good balance: you can party if you want, you can relax if you want, and you can always count on clear water, great seafood, and plenty of sunshine.
