Hvar is Croatia’s most popular destination, so if you’re thinking about doing a Split to Hvar day trip, this blog post is for you!
Sunny Hvar isn’t just one of the most famous spots in Croatia, it’s loved all across Europe. Every summer, thousands of visitors make their way to Hvar and leave absolutely speechless. It’s truly a stunning destination you have to see for yourself. Even if you don’t have time to stay for a few days, it’s definitely worth visiting on a day trip.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to do and see in just one day on Hvar Island, so keep reading if Hvar is on your itinerary!
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WHERE IS HVAR ISLAND?
Hvar is an incredible island in Croatia, on the Adriatic Coast. It’s located right between the islands of Brac, Vis, and Korcula, and the mainland city of Split is only an hour away by ferry. Hvar is part of the Split-Dalmatia County and it’s one of the longest islands in the Adriatic.
Thanks to its location, Hvar enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. It’s super sunny most of the time, so much so that Hvar Town is often called one of the sunniest spots in Europe.
Because it’s so close to Split, Hvar is one of the most popular choices for island-hopping trips, along with Brac, Solta, and Vis.
IS HVAR ISLAND WORTH VISITING?
Hvar Island is absolutely worth visiting. I know that sometimes places that get a lot of attention can feel a bit overhyped, but trust me, Hvar is breathtaking. Here, you’ll find a perfect mix of natural beauty (the sea, beaches, and insane landscapes) and historic charm (beautiful old towns). On top of that, the island has an incredible energy, especially if you’re young and love a good night out. From beach clubs and bars to nightclubs and even yacht parties, there’s plenty of ways to have the experience of a lifetime.
If partying isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are still so many incredible experiences waiting for you on Hvar. You can enjoy delicious local seafood, sip on excellent Dalmatian wines, or go on adventures like hiking, biking, boating, and exploring nearby gems like the Pakleni Islands and the famous Blue Cave.
That said, if you’re not a fan of crowds, you might not love Hvar during the peak summer season. In July and August, it gets very busy and very expensive. If you want to experience a quieter, more relaxed side of Hvar, consider visiting in late spring or early fall.
The photos in this blog post were taken at the end of April — and honestly, that time of year is absolutely stunning on Hvar. The weather is beautiful and the crowds are minimal. I honestly couldn’t recommend visiting Hvar in April or May more!
IS ONE DAY ENOUGH TO SEE HVAR ISLAND?
Listen… obviously, you won’t be able to explore the whole island in just one day. Hvar isn’t a small island! But honestly, it’s better to spend one day on Hvar than none at all. Even with just a day, you’ll have enough time to experience the most loved part of the island — Hvar Town. From there, you can relax on a beautiful beach, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your way to Stari Grad or the famous lavender fields. You won’t be able to do an in-depth tour of the island, but if you fall in love with it (which you probably will!), you can always come back for a longer stay.
HOW TO REACH HVAR FROM SPLIT
It’s really easy to reach Hvar from Split, since it’s so close. There are multiple catamaran and ferry routes running every day. Here are the two best and easiest options for a day trip!
CATAMARAN SPLIT – HVAR TOWN
If you don’t have a car and want to use a passenger-only ferry, there are several great options that go directly from Split to Hvar Town. Operators like Jadrolinija, Krilo (Kapetan Luka), and TP Line offer multiple departures daily, especially during the summer season. Just check their websites to find the departure time that works best for you. The ride takes about an hour, and all these catamarans are quick, comfortable, and a really easy way to get to Hvar. Ticket prices usually range from 20–25 euros one way during summer, and they’re often cheaper in the off-season.
Tip: Book your tickets online in advance during high season because they can sell out.
CAR FERRY SPLIT – STARI GRAD
If you want to bring a car and explore more of the island, you’ll need to book a car ferry operated by Jadrolinija. Keep in mind that car ferries don’t go directly to Hvar Town. The ferries run from Split to Stari Grad instead. There are multiple departures throughout the day, but the ferries can get really busy, so it’s a good idea to arrive at the port at least an hour early to secure your spot. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours.
SPLIT TO HVAR DAY TRIP: AN ITINERARY (WITHOUT A CAR)
MORNING
Book an early ferry from Split. I’d recommend taking Krilo’s 8:00 a.m. ferry or TP Line’s 8:15 a.m. one. That way, you’ll be in Hvar Town by around 9:00–9:15 a.m. and you’ll have a full day to enjoy the island.
Start your morning with a coffee and some breakfast at the Square of St. Stephen. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes around the square offering excellent breakfast, brunch, and coffee options. If you’re into specialty coffee, there’s Oasis Coffee Bar.
After breakfast, take some time to explore Hvar Town. Even though it’s small, there’s so much charm packed into it. You must see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the historic Hvar Theatre (don’t miss its beautiful terrace, perfect for photos!), and Setaliste Tonija Petrica — a gorgeous waterfront promenade that’s ideal for a stroll.
AFTERNOON
Use the afternoon according to your preferences. If you want to relax, check out one of the many beaches in or near Hvar Town. For those who like a fancy beach day, you can visit the incredible Beach Club Hvar. If you’d like a regular beach, check out Pokonji Dol, which is the biggest beach near Hvar Town.
If you want to stay active, grab a taxi or bus to Stari Grad. It’s the second most charming town on the island, and definitely worth a visit if you’ve got the time. It won’t take long to explore, so setting aside 2-3 hours should be plenty. Once you’re there, take a stroll through the Old Town and visit the charming Fortress of Petar Hektorovic. You can also stop for a bite at one of the many lovely restaurants in the area.
EVENING
After your beach day or visit to Stari Grad, make your way to the iconic Fortica Fortress, located just above Hvar Town. You can easily reach it on foot in about 15 minutes, though be prepared for a bit of climbing! If you’d rather not walk, you can take a taxi that’ll get you to the fortress in around 5 minutes.
Fortica offers one of the most stunning views you can get in Croatia and it’s an absolute must-do while in Hvar. The entrance ticket is 10 euros, which is totally worth it for the panoramic views, but if you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy amazing views outside the fortress for free, so definitely make the trek up. If you’re there around sunset, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sight.
Finally, head back to Hvar Town and catch the 8:05 p.m. TP Line ferry back to Split to wrap up your perfect day trip!
Hvar is a beautiful place. Well worth a visit.