Hvar
Hvar is a sunny Adriatic island where Venetian squares, ancient field walls and boat trips to beaches sit within a short ride of each other.
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Hvar is a long island in the Adriatic Sea, off the Dalmatian coast of southern Croatia. Its main town, Hvar Town, sits on the north shore around a stone main square and a harbor lined with cafes, with a fortress on the hill above. Stari Grad, on the northeast coast, is one of Croatia's oldest towns, founded by Greek settlers from Paros. The Stari Grad Plain behind it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with dry stone field walls laid out by those early settlers.
Hvar suits travelers who want a sunny island base with towns to walk and water to swim in. Lavender is grown here, and local wine and seafood appear on many menus. The Pakleni Islands, a short boat ride from Hvar Town, have small beaches and clear water. Summer is the busiest season, while late spring and early autumn are warm enough for swimming and quieter for walking. Plan two or three nights to see Hvar Town, Stari Grad and the Pakleni Islands without rushing.
Hvar in five
- Book the Split ferry or catamaran ahead in summerFerries and fast catamarans sail from Split to Stari Grad and Hvar Town. In July and August, buy tickets for your travel day before you leave, since sailings can sell out.Getting around
- Book a bed early for July and AugustHvar fills up in peak summer, and many hotels and rentals close in winter. Reserve early for summer weekends.Hvar Town
- Carry euro cash for boats and small cafesCroatia uses the euro. Some boat taxis and small cafes take cash only, so keep small notes on hand.
- Walk Hvar Town instead of driving inThe old town streets are narrow stone lanes with little parking. Leave the car at the edge of town and walk to the harbor and the fortress.
- Take a boat to the Pakleni Islands from the harborWater taxis and boat tours leave Hvar Town harbor for the nearby Pakleni Islands, where the coves are reached mainly by sea. Ask about the return time before you board.Pakleni Islands
Neighborhoods
Hvar Town
- Best for: First trips, nightlife, walking
- Price band: $$$
- Harbor cafes and restaurants on foot
- Boat trips leave from the harbor
- Narrow lanes with limited parking
Skip if you want quiet nights and a lower bill.
Stari Grad
- Best for: Slow stays, budget, the plain
- Price band: $$
- Ferry arrival point from Split
- Walks on the Stari Grad Plain
- Fewer bars than Hvar Town
Skip if you want bars and nightlife on foot.
Pakleni Islands
- Best for: Swimming, boat days
- Price band: $$$
- Reached by water taxi from Hvar Town
- Coves and beaches
- Few shops, so bring supplies
Skip if you need shops and restaurants close by.
Things to do in Hvar
See all attractions in Hvar
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; Schengen short-stay rules apply Read more
- Emergency
- 112 for all emergencies; 192 police, 193 fire, 194 ambulance
- Tipping
- Rounding up is customary for taxis and cafes; tipping restaurants is optional
- Time
- UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryQuiet, many closed
- FebruaryQuiet, cool
- MarchMild, quiet
- AprilMild, season opens
- MayWarm, quieter
- JuneWarm, busy
- JulyHot, peak crowds
- AugustHottest, busiest
- SeptemberWarm sea, calmer
- OctoberMild, quieter
- NovemberShowers, closing
- DecemberQuiet, cool
Right now in Hvar
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
12
- Feels like
- 7°
- Humidity
- 68%
- Wind
- 27 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 98%
Hvar Town
09:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today20°11°98%Monday: Rain. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Tue17°15°8%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Wed18°14°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu18°13°0%Thursday: Clear. High 18°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri17°12°4%Friday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sat16°10°12%Saturday: Rain. High 16°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sun16°13°22%Sunday: Rain. High 16°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 22%.
Updated 09:11 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- MaySudamjaSplit, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Stari Gradabout 30 min by carThe island's oldest town on the north coast, with the Stari Grad Plain behind it.Read the guide
- Pakleni Islandsabout 10 to 20 min by boatCoves and beaches a short boat ride from the harbor; swim, then return by water taxi.Read the guide
- Splitabout 1 hour by fast catamaranThe mainland port where most ferries and catamarans leave for Hvar.
Before you go to Hvar
Rules for Hvar, checked
- Many passports need no visa for short stays. Croatia applies Schengen short-stay rules, so check current entry rules on the foreign ministry site before you book.Source
- Declare large amounts of cash when you enter or leave the EU.
- Dial 112 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Croatia.
Plan around Hvar
Regions, entry rules and money for a Croatia trip
Read the guideHvar TownThe harbor, the old town and the fortress above it
Read the guideStari GradThe island's oldest town and the Stari Grad Plain
Read the guidePakleni IslandsCoves and beaches reached by boat from Hvar Town
Read the guideGetting around CroatiaFerries, buses and car rental for the island and coast
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how Schengen rules apply
Read the guideHvar FAQ
Is Hvar worth visiting?
Yes, for the harbor, the old town, sailing and the nearby coves. July and August are the busiest and costliest months, so May, June, September or October suit most trips better.
How many days do you need on Hvar?
Two or three nights covers Hvar Town, a day trip to Stari Grad and a boat day to the Pakleni Islands. A week lets you move at a slower pace and add a day trip to Split.
How do you get from Split to Hvar?
By ferry or fast catamaran from Split to Stari Grad or Hvar Town. The fast catamaran takes about an hour, and the car ferry takes longer. Check current timetables before you travel.
Should I stay in Hvar Town or Stari Grad?
Choose Hvar Town for restaurants, bars and the harbor. Choose Stari Grad for quieter evenings and lower prices. Both are on the north coast.
When is the best time to visit Hvar?
May, June, September and October have warm weather and fewer crowds than July and August. Many hotels and restaurants close in winter, roughly November to March.
Do I need a car on Hvar?
Not in Hvar Town, where the lanes are narrow and parking is limited. A car helps if you plan to reach the more remote beaches and villages across the island.