Stari Grad

Hvar, Croatia

A quieter, older town on the island's other side, with a more relaxed pace than Hvar Town.

Explore Hvar

Hvar — current status

Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)

Hvar — TL;DR

Hvar, the sunniest island in Croatia, pairs a genuine Dalmatian culinary tradition, aromatic and built around seafood and local meat, with a buzzing beach bar scene that has made Hvar Town one of the Adriatic's liveliest summer destinations.

Hvar at a glance

What are the best things to do in Hvar? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Hvar trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Hvar? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Hvar — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Hvar? June and September offer the island's famous sunshine without the peak-July-and-August crowds and prices.
Where should I stay in Hvar for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Hvar? Hvar rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.

Hvar overview

June and September offer the island's famous sunshine without the peak-July-and-August crowds and prices.
Hvar Town's old town and harbour are entirely walkable; a car, scooter, or water taxi is useful for reaching beaches and villages elsewhere on the island.
Euro (EUR)
Croatian. English and Italian are widely spoken.
CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Restaurants continue blending traditional Dalmatian cooking with international influences, with spots like Fig Cafe Bar building seasonal menus around ingredients sourced from across the island rather than relying purely on classic recipes.

Where to eat, drink & do in Hvar

Hvar neighborhoods

Hvar Town The island's main hub, home to the harbour, historic old town, and the bulk of restaurants and bars.
Hvar Town old town The historic core behind the harbour, with narrow stone streets and family-run restaurants.
Stari Grad A quieter, older town on the island's other side, with a more relaxed pace than Hvar Town.

Practical info for Hvar

Getting around in Hvar? Hvar Town's old town and harbour are entirely walkable; a car, scooter, or water taxi is useful for reaching beaches and villages elsewhere on the island.
When to go in Hvar? June and September offer the island's famous sunshine without the peak-July-and-August crowds and prices.
What's changing now in Hvar? Restaurants continue blending traditional Dalmatian cooking with international influences, with spots like Fig Cafe Bar building seasonal menus around ingredients sourced from across the island rather than relying purely on classic recipes.
Seek out Stari Grad's quieter old town in Hvar? An older, quieter town on the island's other side with ancient Greek heritage, offering a calmer alternative to Hvar Town.
Base yourself in Hvar Town in Hvar? The island's main hub, home to the harbour, historic old town, and the bulk of restaurants and bars. Known for harbour, nightlife.

Frequently asked questions about Hvar

What are the best things to do in Hvar? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Hvar trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Hvar tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Hvar? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Hvar — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Hvar? June and September offer the island's famous sunshine without the peak-July-and-August crowds and prices.
Where should I stay in Hvar for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Hvar? Hvar rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.

Practical notes for Hvar

Best time to visit: June and September offer the island's famous sunshine without the peak-July-and-August crowds and prices.
Getting around: Hvar Town's old town and harbour are entirely walkable; a car, scooter, or water taxi is useful for reaching beaches and villages elsewhere on the island.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Croatian. English and Italian are widely spoken.
Timezone: CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Current trends: Restaurants continue blending traditional Dalmatian cooking with international influences, with spots like Fig Cafe Bar building seasonal menus around ingredients sourced from across the island rather than relying purely on classic recipes.

Other neighborhoods in Hvar

Hvar Town — The island's main hub, home to the harbour, historic old town, and the bulk of restaurants and bars.
Hvar Town old town — The historic core behind the harbour, with narrow stone streets and family-run restaurants.

Read the full Hvar guide