20+ BEST THINGS TO DO ON HVAR ISLAND FOR THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY

If you’re planning your trip to Hvar, these 20 best things to do on Hvar will definitely help you decide what to include in your itinerary!

Hvar is Croatia’s most popular island, and every year it attracts a huge number of visitors. Most people focus on the popular spots and don’t realise how much more there is to see and do. That’s exactly why this list can make such a difference to your trip.

As a local Croatian, I’ve visited Hvar multiple times, and each visit I try something new. This guide is a collection of my favourite things to do on the island, from the top attractions to more unique experiences you won’t forget!

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

The first and most important thing you need to do is thoroughly explore the historic centre of Hvar Town. It’s one of the most charming old towns in Croatia, full of narrow stone streets, small squares, and centuries-old buildings. Make sure you take photos of the beautiful architecture, buy souvenirs in local shops, and sit for a coffee or a drink at the waterfront cafés. I love just getting lost in Hvar’s old town because you can always find something new!

CLIMB SPANJOLA FORTRESS

The second most important thing to do is see the incredible views from Spanjola Fortress! You can either walk up (a 20-minute uphill climb) or go by car or taxi. I highly recommend visiting at sunset, but it’s stunning at any time of day, and in peak season sunset can get quite crowded.

The entrance is €12 and you get some of the most incredible views over the old town, the sea, and the Pakleni Islands. If you’re on a tighter budget, there’s also a viewpoint right next to the fortress where you don’t have to pay and still get a great view!

EAT AT DALMATINO

Hvar has so many great restaurants, and I’ve made a whole list of them here. However, for a memorable meal I’d highly recommend booking a table at Dalmatino, one of the island’s most popular restaurants. The menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and creative takes on Dalmatian cuisine. It’s absolutely incredible, and you’ll remember this meal forever!

WALK THE PROMENADE

The seaside promenade in Hvar Town is perfect for a relaxed stroll. While many people think of the riva with restaurants, bars, and the ferry stop, I’m actually talking about Setaliste Tonija Petrica.

This beautiful walkway takes you past the harbour, several stunning hotels, beaches, and even some fancy beach clubs and bars. It’s the perfect evening walk, after which you can sit down for a delicious dinner at places like Dva Ribara or Val Marina.

GO PARTY

Hvar has been a very popular party destination for many years, but recently, due to noise restrictions, things have calmed down a bit. However, you can still have a very lively and fun night out!

There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you prefer bars in Hvar Town, beach bars, or full-on clubs. Some of the most popular spots include Central Park Club, Kiva Bar, Hula Hula Beach Bar, and Carpe Diem.

VISIT THE FRANCISCAN MONASTERY

For something extra to do near the old town, take a walk to the Franciscan Monastery. It’s not far from the Riva and offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Hvar Town. Inside, you’ll find a small museum, a beautiful courtyard, and even one of the oldest preserved tablecloths in Europe. I’m not sure the €7 entrance fee is fully worth it (especially if you’re on a budget), but the church and the courtyard are definitely beautiful and worth seeing.

TAKE A BOAT TOUR TO PAKLENI ISLANDS

If you love a good boat trip, you’ll love visiting the Pakleni Islands. They’re just a short ride from Hvar Town, and are known for their crystal-clear waters and hidden coves. You can easily spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or exploring quiet beaches surrounded by pine trees.

I’d recommend renting a boat so you can explore the islands at your own pace, and your skipper can take you to some really special spots. However, if you’re on a budget, there are also taxi boats that run from Hvar harbour to different stops around the islands for a much lower price.

TAKE A BOAT TOUR TO BLUE CAVE AND VIS

Being on Hvar also gives you easy access to one of the most popular attractions in the region, the Blue Cave. You can take a day trip from Hvar Town to the Blue Cave, Vis, and several other nearby islands, and spend an amazing day out on the water. You can either rent a private boat for a more flexible and personalised experience, or join a group tour, both options are great depending on your budget and preferences.

VISIT THE LAVENDER FIELDS

If you want something more unique and away from the popular spots, head inland on Hvar to explore the villages known for their fragrant lavender fields. During the blooming season, from late May to early July, the landscapes are incredibly colourful and definitely worth seeing. Places like Velo Grablje and Brusje are among the most popular villages where you can walk around, explore, and even visit local lavender farms.

DO A QUAD TOUR

There’s no better experience than a quad tour on an island, and Hvar is perfect for it. With a quad, you can enjoy scenic drives with incredible views, reach amazing viewpoints, and access beaches that are often harder to get to by car.

You can rent a quad on your own or join a guided tour. Most tours take you off the main roads and into the island’s inland areas, so you get a completely different perspective and an experience you wouldn’t get any other way.

VISIT DUBOVICA BEACH

If you’re going to visit only one beach outside Hvar Town, I’d say make it this one. Dubovica Beach is one of the island’s most picturesque spots, with crystal-clear water and a charming stone house right by the shore.

It’s absolutely incredible, and swimming here is unforgettable. The walk down is a bit steep, but the clear sea and relaxed atmosphere make it completely worth the effort. If you’d rather skip the walk, you can always rent a boat and arrive from the sea instead!

GO FOR A WINE TASTING

Hvar has a long tradition of winemaking, and tasting local wines is a must, especially if you’re not visiting other Croatian wine regions. Many wineries offer guided tastings where you can try regional wines and learn more about the island’s vineyards. Some great options to check out are Winery Tomic, Winery Dubokovic, and Winery Bojanic, or book the tour below!

EXPLORE STARI GRAD

The second most popular town on Hvar is Stari Grad, so make sure you don’t skip it. It’s one of the oldest towns in Europe, and with its quiet streets, shaded squares, and waterfront cafés, it feels much more relaxed than Hvar Town. It’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon, or even as a base if you want a calmer stay compared to the busier main town.

VISIT TVRDALJ OF PETAR HEKTOROVIC

The historic residence Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorovic is the most popular landmark in Stari Grad. It’s a unique blend of fortress and summer home, so it’s something really special and worth the visit.

It was built by the Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic, and it features a stunning fishpond and beautiful stonework. It’s open from May, and since we usually visit in April I don’t have any photos of it, but trust me it’s worth the visit. It’s fairly small so it won’t take long, and the entrance is €5 (cash only!).

DO A SUNSET CRUISE

Watching the sunset from the water is one of the most memorable experiences on Hvar, and I’d highly recommend taking a boat tour to make it happen. It’s a really romantic experience, and many tours even include drinks, making the whole evening feel even more special and relaxed.

TAKE A WALK IN VRBOSKA

Vrboska is a really charming little place, and we loved exploring it. It’s often called “Little Venice,” because it has a few canals and small bridges. It’s very local and authentic, and it’s never overcrowded. You won’t need much time to explore it, but it’s definitely worth stopping by!

EXPLORE JELSA

Jelsa is another fun little town on Hvar. It’s quite lively during the summer, and it’s home to some of the best wineries on the island. It also has some really nice beaches nearby, including a few sandy ones, so it’s definitely worth coming here for an afternoon lunch, a swim, and maybe even a wine tasting!

SWIM AT MALO ZARACE BEACH

Malo Zarace Beach used to be a hidden gem, but due to its beauty it has become quite popular, with crystal-clear water and dramatic rocky surroundings. It’s still a bit quieter than beaches like Dubovica Beach, which is very popular, but don’t expect to have it all to yourself. It’s a bit of a challenge to reach, but once you’re there, you won’t want to leave. Nearby, there’s also Velo Zarace Beach, which is just as stunning and definitely worth visiting as well.

RELAX AT CARPE DIEM BEACH CLUB

If you love a good beach club, Carpe Diem Beach Club is the place for you. It’s located on the Pakleni Islands and you can easily reach it by water taxi from Hvar Town.

It’s known for its comfortable loungers, great music, and crystal-clear water, so it’s a perfect place to relax during the day. They also have an evening program that runs until midnight, so it can easily turn into a full day-to-night experience. It’s quite pricey, but it’s definitely an unforgettable one!

ENJOY THE VIEWPOINT AT NAPOLEON FORTRESS

This is an incredible viewpoint, much higher than the popular Spanjola Fortress. From here, you can enjoy wide views over Hvar Town and the coastline, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset. It’s completely free, but you do need a car or a taxi to get there easily! If you’re up for a challenge, you can hike up.

DO A RED ROCKS BOAT TOUR

If you want a boat trip focused purely on swimming and natural beauty, a Red Rocks boat tour is a great choice. This tour takes you to dramatic red cliffs rising straight from the sea, giving you a truly unique backdrop for swimming and exploring nearby caves!

CONCLUSION: BEST THINGS TO DO ON HVAR

Hvar really has something for every type of traveler, from wandering historic towns and viewpoints, to island hopping, beach days, wine tasting, and more adventurous experiences like quad tours and boat trips. You can keep it as relaxed or as active as you like, and every part of the island offers something a bit different!