Planning the perfect Hvar itinerary can seem daunting because it’s hard to determine whether you should plan a day trip to this Croatia island or spend 2, 3 or 4 days on Hvar.
As one of the most popular islands to visit off the coast of Croatia, Hvar is famous for its party atmosphere, but visitors can just as easily have a relaxed seaside getaway here depending on what they’re after.
If you’re looking to spend a few days exploring this gorgeous island but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place!
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How Many Days in Hvar?
Many potential visitors to the island wonder how many days to spend in Hvar in order to do it justice. Whether you’re on an island-hopping holiday or are trying to map out a longer trip through Croatia, figuring out how much time to allot for your trip to Hvar is essential.
Hvar Island is not big and the towns are similarly compact, however, it does have a surprising amount to offer and there are a lot of things to do on Hvar – especially if you want to have a good mix of exploration and relaxation.
Generally, planning to spend at least 2 days in Hvar will allow you to get a really good feel and even allow you to explore the island a bit beyond the hustle and bustle of Hvar Town.
However, with 3 days in Hvar, you will have the opportunity to dig even deeper, visit some further flung beaches and head to some smaller villages on the island
And if you’re fortunate enough to have 4 days, then you can have the opportunity to head to another island entirely for a day trip. The island of Brac is a popular option and is quite close by, as is the island of Vis and the beautiful Blue Cave.
Getting To & Around Hvar
Now that we’ve discussed how many days to spend when you visit the island, let’s briefly discuss how to get to Hvar. Because it is, in fact, an island, it is only accessible by boat. Fortunately, there are plenty of ferries available and lots of options depending on what you’re after and where you’re coming from.
Located about 50km from the city of Split, this is generally the most popular access point to the island. There are plenty of ferries from Split to Hvar that run daily and they are even more frequent in the high-season months.
Keep in mind that there are both passenger ferries and car ferries available and if you are bringing a car (more on that later), make sure to book a passage on a car ferry. Keep in mind that the journey time is longer if you are on a car ferry.
Passenger ferries from Split to Hvar arrive, generally, directly into Hvar Town. However, the car ferry will arrive into the port of Stari Grad which is located a bit outside the town centre and about 30 minutes away from Hvar Town.
Alternatively, you could take the ferry from the port of Drvenik on the mainland, which is south of Split and a good option if you happen to be driving north from Dubrovnik or have just spent time on Korcula island.
This ferry arrives in the town of Sucaraj on the eastern end of the island and the journey takes about 40 minutes. From Sucaraj, it’s about 1.5 hours to drive to Hvar Town.
Once in Hvar, it’s helpful to understand how you plan to get around. Generally, if you want to spend more than a day on Hvar and want to do more than simply visit the beaches surrounding Hvar Town, then you’re going to want to have your own car.
There isn’t much public transit on the island and it’s not practical to walk to cycle between places as the island is surprisingly mountainous.
Keep in mind that many rental car companies may incur a surcharge if you intend to visit any islands, so this is something to be aware of. If you want to hire a car for your time in Hvar, then we recommend browsing Rentalcars.com in order to find great deals across a number of major companies.
2, 3 or 4-Day Hvar Itinerary
Without further ado, here is how to spend 2, 3 or 4 days exploring Hvar Island! This lovely island has so much to offer and each day builds upon the next to ensure you have the most ideal time visiting Hvar. If you’re spending more than just a day trip to Hvar, this is the route to follow!
Day 1 – Hvar Town, Pokonji dol Beach, Pakleni Islands
The first day of this itinerary concentrates on Hvar Town and its surrounding area. Like every day, we also try to find the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation for your trip.
Hvar Town
Begin your first day by exploring Hvar Town. This is the most popular settlement to visit on the island and it is also home to the majority of this island’s notorious nightlife.
Begin your time at the Spanish Fortress taking in the views of Hvar from above. You can also tour the fortress for an entrance fee.
Back down in the town, take the time to wander around the narrow streets of the old town and take in St Stephen’s Cathedral, stroll along the seaside promenade, and even visit the Franciscan Monastery.
There are plenty of bars and cafes lining the sea where you can stop for a coffee or a drink and there are also a number of swimming spots available if you happen to want to take a dip in the Adriatic.
Pokonji Dol Beach
After spending some time exploring the old town, it’s time to head over to one of the top beaches in Hvar – Pokonji Dol.
Located about a 10-minute drive from the city centre (or a 25-minute walk), this pebble beach is perfect for those looking for a nice place to spread out a towel and a protected area to swim.
There is ample parking in the spacious car park for those who have opted to drive. The water is crystal clear and inviting and you can even get views of the Pokonji Dol island in the distance.
There is also a restaurant/bar and facilities at the beach so you don’t have to go hungry or thirsty while enjoying the sunshine.
Pakleni Islands
If you want a unique experience and to really enjoy some lovely swimming spots just off the coast from Hvar Town, then consider heading to the Pakleni Islands. This is an archipelago that is located within a stone’s throw of the old town and there are plenty of ways to get there.
You will see water taxis that will ferry you to and from the islands for about €15 per person or you could even hire your own speed boat and explore at your leisure – though this option is going to be a bit more expensive. There are also organised tours available such as this half-day sailing cruise or this private tour.
Another popular option, especially for those looking to get a bit more active, would be to hire a kayak or to even go on a kayak tour to the Pakleni islands. Once at the archipelago, you can find some great swimming spots and simply kick back and relax while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Finish your day back in Hvar Town and, if you’re up for it, take advantage of the nightlife that the town is so famous for.
Day 2 – Dubovica Beach, Stari Grad & Vrboska
If you’re seeing Hvar in 2 days, the second day of this itinerary will have you heading to some beautiful beaches and quaint little towns to explore. Take this day to explore a bit beyond Hvar Town!
Dubovica Beach
The best way to begin your second day in Hvar is at the beach – and at one of Hvar’s most beautiful beaches at that!
Dubovica Beach is located about a fifteen-minute drive through the hills from Hvar Town and it is a truly beautiful white pebble beach in its own secluded cove. It’s recommended to get here early in the day as there is not a lot of parking (located just off the main road) and it can be a popular spot to visit.
At the car park, you will see a small, shale pathway that will lead you down to this beach. It’s a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes when walking down the pathway as it is relatively steep and there are lots of loose stones that can make it easy to slip. It is only about a 5 to 10-minute walk down to the beach and it also provides you with fantastic views.
There isn’t a lot of shaded space down on the beach, either, so make sure to come prepared with an umbrella or a good sun hat to protect yourself from the strong rays! Other than that, it’s the perfect place to splash around and work on your tan.
Stari Grad
After a morning spent at the beach, it’s time to head over to the lovely town of Stari Grad. If you arrive via car ferry from Split, you’ve already been to the port area of this town, however, it’s now time to explore the centre.
Stari Grad literally translates to “old town” in Croatian and it is one of the oldest cities on the island and in the whole of Europe, with evidence of tribes having inhabited the town as early as 3500 BCE.
The town itself doesn’t have a ton of tourist sites, however, it has a lovely seaside promenade area and some gorgeous winding streets to wander down.
Stari Grad also has a more laid-back feel than Hvar Town and it can be a great place to visit (or stay) if you’re looking for a bit of a slower pace of life. There are also plenty of places to grab a drink, a meal or an ice cream and simply kick back and relax!
Vrboska
Finally, make your final stop for the day be the lovely little town of Vrboska. Located a little bit east of Stari Grad, this is a charming town that doesn’t really attract a lot of tourism, but it is a wonderful place to visit if you want to head a bit off the beaten path.
Wine lovers will also like exploring Vrboska as it is home to Caric Winery, a local vineyard where you can do a tasting, learn about local grab varieties and sample some great Hvar products.
If you’re looking for a great place for a bit to eat in Vrboska, then we recommend heading to Restoran Ruzmarin which has excellent fresh seafood and friendly staff.
Day 3 – Humac, Zavala & Jelsa
Those seeing Hvar in 3 days will have the time to head to some further flung beaches and visit some interesting villages.
Humac
Though a big reason for wanting to visit Hvar would have to do with its beaches and access to the Adriatic Sea, the inland villages and mountains of Hvar are well worth exploring, as well. And one interesting place to visit is Humac.
Located in the centre of Hvar, this little uninhabited village is known to be one of the oldest settlements on the island of Hvar. In fact, many of the stone houses that you will see here have foundations that date all the way back to the Stone Age.
You can drive up here and wander around on your own if you’re interested – the houses are now being restored into a historic Ethno Village in an attempt to preserve the history of this place though no one lives here anymore. There is also a traditional tavern – Konoba Humac – located in the town.
Zavala
After exploring Humac, it’s time to make your way to the village of Zavala for a wonderful time along the untouched coastline.
The journey to Zavala can be a bit disconcerting as it involves driving through quite a dark, one-way tunnel through the mountains. However, don’t let this deter you – the tunnel is policed by traffic lights and if the lights on your car work, it’s nothing to worry about.
It’s a bit of a switchback road winding down to Zavala once you’re through the tunnel, however, you will be rewarded with one of Hvar’s most tranquil beaches.
The beach itself is a lovely stretch of white pebbles that is perfect for swimming and there is a nice pathway with plenty of other secluded swimming spots on offer, as well.
By the beach, there is also a beach bar and cafe where you can grab a drink and a bite to eat and simply escape the strong Croatian sun.
Lavanda Hvar
After spending most of your day in lovely Zavala, make your way toward the town of Jelsa – but it’s worth making a stop-off right before you reach the town.
Hvar is famous for its lavender fields and if you want to find a great place for some photos of the iconic purple fields or simply want to take in the calming fragrance of the flowers, then head to Lavanda Hvar.
This is a lavender field just off the main road before you turn into the village of Jelsa. Here you can wander through the bushes and there are plenty of photo spots where you can get something perfect for Instagram!
Jelsa
End your third day by exploring the charming little village of Jelsa. This is another of the lovely seaside towns and it’s a bit more lively than Stari Grad but a bit more lived-in and laid-back than Hvar Town.
Like many of the other seaside towns, there is a wonderful waterfront promenade to walk along, plenty of restaurants and cafes offering great views for a drink or an ice cream and there are altogether good vibes happening in Jelsa.
Jelsa is also home to Tomic Winery, another local winery offering tastings should you choose to visit. Alternatively, you can also go on a wine tour of the area around Jelsa.
It’s also a great place to stop for dinner. The restaurant Step Up has great pizza and burgers and a wonderful location overlooking the sea.
Day 4 – Brac or Vis Island
If you happen to be fortunate enough to be seeing Hvar in 4 days, then you will have the time to head off on a day trip to one of the nearby islands. Alternatively, you could also spend the day simply lounging on the beach and relaxing – there’s nothing wrong with that!
Vis Island
Another popular day trip from Hvar is to Vis Island, which actually happens to be the furthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland. While you can easily visit Vis via ferry from Hvar, it’s not really possible to do so as a day trip independently as the ferries do not leave frequently enough.
Instead, if you are interested in visiting the island of Vis as a day trip from Hvar, it’s recommended to book a guided tour to the island so you don’t have to deal with inconsistent ferry timetables.
There are a number of options such as this full-day tour or this full-day tour that includes Vis and the famous Blue Cave.
Brac Island
One of the most popular island day trips from Hvar is to the island of Brac, which is visible from Hvar. Brac is famous for the Zlatni Rat Beach – one of the most iconic beaches in all of Croatia.
You can reach Brac via ferry from Hvar in just under an hour. Conveniently, the ferries leave from Hvar Town and arrive in the town of Bol. From the Bol ferry terminal, it’s only about a 20-minute walk to Zlatni Rat Beach. The town of Bol itself is worth exploring, as well.
The ferries from Hvar to Brac are only passenger ferries, so you cannot take your own car and explore more of the island, unfortunately. However, there are plenty of guided tours available for those who want to explore Brac beyond the Bol.
Where to Stay on Hvar
Pharos Hvar Hotel – This 3-star hotel in Hvar Town is a great place to stay if you want a clean and comfortable base on the island with easy access to the nightlife and activities the town has to offer. They have a range of rooms available and plenty of amenities to ensure you have a great stay.
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel – Those after a plush stay in Hvar on the island will love this 4-star luxury hotel located in Hvar Town. They have a wonderful seaside location, an on-site swimming pool and spa, beautiful rooms to choose from and plenty more to make sure your holiday is fantastic.
Anchor Apartments – If you’re after a quieter stay in self-catering accommodation, then these apartments are an excellent option. Located in the town of Stari Grad, they have a range of different flats available along with an exceptional breakfast on offer each morning.
Hostel Villa Skansi – Travellers who are looking for a great social atmosphere or who are travelling on a tight budget will love this highly-rated hostel in Hvar Town. Offering both dorms and privates, they also have free pizza available each evening and a pub crawl organized every night.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Hvar hotels!
Planning out the perfect Hvar itinerary can seem a bit overwhelming because this beautiful island has so much to offer. However much time you can devote to exploring this Croatian oasis, you’re sure to quickly fall in love with this gorgeous place.
Are you planning to visit Hvar? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
