HVAR TOWN OR STARI GRAD: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR STAY?

If you’re visiting Hvar Island and wondering where to base yourself, the two most popular options are Hvar Town or Stari Grad.

Both are beautiful and have their own charm, but they offer pretty different experiences. While it’s worth exploring the whole island, choosing where to stay really depends on what kind of trip you’re after. I’m a Croatian local, and since I’ve visited both towns, I will help you decide whether Hvar Town or Stari Grad is the better choice for your trip!

WHERE IS HVAR?

Hvar is a stunning island located in the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. You’ll find it just south of the Croatian mainland, near the city of Split. Because it’s so close to Split, you can easily reach it, which adds to its appeal. Hvar is known for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, and (somewhat) lively nightlife. It is one of the most popular islands in the Mediterranean, and definitely the most popular island in Croatia.

HVAR TOWN OR STARI GRAD: COMPARISON

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STAY IN HVAR TOWN IF YOU…

… LIKE GOOD NIGHTLIFE

If you like a good party, Hvar Town is the place to be! Hvar is incredibly popular for its nightlife because it combines the laid-back beach vibes with some really crazy parties. Travelers usually start their partying at one of the beach clubs in Hvar Town, such as Hula Hula Beach Club or Beach Club Hvar. They also really enjoy the daily activities of Carpe Diem Beach Club on Pakleni Islands.

Later in the evening, you can either head back to Carpe Diem, which turns into a full-on nightclub, or stay in Hvar Town and check out one of the many bars or clubs for a fun night out! Hvar Town is really lively and a lot of tourists come there specifically for parties, so if that’s not your thing, maybe don’t stay in Hvar Town, but visit it occasionally.

… WANT TO ISLAND-HOP

Island hopping is really popular in Croatia since the country has over 70 islands. While most people start from Split or Dubrovnik, you can absolutely do a bit of island hopping from Hvar Town too. Just a short boat ride from Hvar Town, you’ll find the Pakleni Islands. Those are small, pine-covered islets with hidden coves, beach bars, and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

If you’re staying in Hvar for more than just a day, make sure you don’t skip the Pakleni Islands. You’ve got a few options to visit: rent a small boat and explore on your own, hop on a local tour that stops at popular spots like Palmizana, Jerolim, and Mlini, or simply take a water taxi to the one island you like best. Each island is different, some are peaceful and secluded, others have beach clubs and restaurants.

You can also take a ferry to Vis or Brac if you want to explore bigger islands with more content and plenty of stunning beaches!

… LOVE BEACH BARS AND CLUBS

Hvar is famous for its beach bars and clubs, so if you like to relax by the sea, you must visit at least one of them. During the day, Hula Hula Beach Bar is the go-to spot for many tourists. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Hvar Town, and it’s known for its amazing sunset views, DJ sets, and great cocktails. Quite close to Hula Hula there’s Beach Club Hvar, which is a bit pricier but has stunning amenities and even an excellent restaurant.

If you want something really fancy, visit Carpe Diem Beach on Pakleni Islands. While this location is more popular during the night when it turns into a club, it’s still incredible even during the day. It’s accessible by taxi boat for around 10 euros for a return trip. There are no beach bars in Stari Grad, so if you want to experience them, you must stay in Hvar Town.

… WANT TO EXPLORE HISTORICAL SITES

Although that’s mostly why it’s famous for. Hvar isn’t just about nightlife and beaches. Hvar is rich in history and has quite a few interesting historical sites to explore. The best one is definitely the Fortica (Spanjola) Fortress. It’s located above Hvar Town, offering panoramic views of the harbor, the town, and Pakleni Islands. You can reach it on foot or by car/taxi, and the entrance is 10 euros.

In Hvar Town, you’ll find the Cathedral of St. Stephen, alongside the historic Arsenal building with one of the oldest public theaters in Europe. Of course, you can also wander through Hvar’s narrow stone streets which are extremely charming. Hvar Town has both modern activities and a beautiful old town all in one spot!

… ENJOY NICE BEACHES

Finally, if you’re looking for beautiful beaches that are easy to get to, Hvar Town is a great place to stay. There are plenty of great beaches within walking distance or just a short drive away from Hvar Town. Make sure you check out this guide to best beaches around Hvar Town, you’ll fall in love!

STAY IN STARI GRAD IF YOU…

… WANT A CALMER & RELAXING HOLIDAY

If you’re visiting Hvar but partying and late nights aren’t really your thing, Stari Grad might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a quiet, laid-back place that’s perfect for a relaxing holiday. As one of the oldest towns in Europe, it has a peaceful charm that’s the complete opposite of the busy and lively Hvar Town.

The most you’ll do here is wander through the peaceful old town, take a relaxing walk along the waterfront, and enjoy calm, laid-back dinners and drinks. Stari Grad is perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone who loves simplicity, nature, and that classic Mediterranean vibe.

… ENJOY AUTHENTIC TOWNS

Stari Grad is definitely one of the most authentic and charming towns on Hvar Island, and you’ll get a true taste of traditional Dalmatian life if you stay here. It moves much slower, and it’s the perfect place where you can explore authentic family-run konobas (taverns), talk to the locals, and learn about the history of this charming town. Stari Grad offers a completely different experience from the touristy Hvar Town, so pick what suits you best!

… WANT SOMETHING MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Stari Grad is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay on Hvar Island, so if you’re on a budget, it’s a great choice. Accommodations here are generally more affordable than in Hvar Town, with plenty of guesthouses, small hotels, and Airbnbs to pick from. You’ll also find reasonably priced restaurants and konobas serving fresh, local food for much less than in the busier tourist areas. You can still easily get to Hvar Town from Stari Grad by car, bus, or taxi. Either way, it’s much easier to stick to your budget if you spend just a day or two in Hvar Town and the rest of your time relaxing in Stari Grad!

… WANT TO REACH AND EXPLORE HVAR EASILY

If you’re coming from Split with a car, the only way to get to Hvar is by taking a car ferry to Stari Grad. If you’re staying in Hvar Town, you can either take the car ferry to Stari Grad and then drive to Hvar Town, or take a catamaran directly to Hvar Town. However, if you go by catamaran, you won’t have your car to explore the island. Because of this, booking accommodation in Stari Grad is a smart choice. It’s easy to reach from the ferry port, and from there you can simply drive over to Hvar Town.

CONCLUSION: HVAR TOWN OR STARI GRAD

Hvar Town and Stari Grad offer quite different experiences, so your choice really depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for. If you’re younger and want a lively atmosphere with popular hotspots, nightlife, and plenty of action, Hvar Town is definitely the better fit. On the other hand, if you’re a couple, a family, or simply someone who prefers a calmer and more authentic experience, I’d recommend Stari Grad. From Stari Grad, it’s easy to reach Hvar Town whenever you feel like it, while still being able to enjoy peace and quiet when you return!