12 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN STARI GRAD, HVAR IN 2026

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Stari Grad on Hvar island, you’ve come to the right place!

Stari Grad may be a small town, but it’s one of the most charming places on Hvar and definitely worth visiting. I’ve been there quite a few times, and every visit I discover something new to see, do, or eat.

Most visitors head straight to Hvar Town and spend all their time there, but I really think they’re missing out! Stari Grad has a much more relaxed atmosphere, beautiful historic streets, lovely waterfront restaurants, and plenty of interesting sights. It’s also a great base for exploring the rest of Hvar island, especially if you prefer a quieter place to stay than busy Hvar Town. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Stari Grad and why I think it deserves a spot on your Hvar itinerary!

HOW TO REACH STARI GRAD ON HVAR

Stari Grad is honestly one of the easiest places to reach on Hvar because it has a direct ferry connection with Split. There are several car ferries running daily that take you straight to Stari Grad Ferry Port, which is located around 2 km from the town centre. If you’re travelling without a car, there is also a catamaran connection that gets you there faster.

If you’re arriving without your own car, you can easily reach Stari Grad from the ferry port by bus, taxi, or private transfer. The ride is very short and only takes a few minutes. During the summer months, ferries can get extremely busy, especially with cars, so I definitely recommend booking your tickets in advance and arriving early at the port. If you arrive by catamaran to Hvar Town, don’t worry because Stari Grad is still easy to reach by bus or taxi.

IS STARI GRAD WORTH VISITING?

Yes, Stari Grad is definitely worth visiting! It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves charming towns, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere. We all know that Hvar Town is famous for its luxury hotels, nightlife, and lively crowds, while Stari Grad offers a completely different experience. Here, you’ll find a more local and traditional side of Hvar, with peaceful streets, historic buildings, and a slower pace of life overall.

Even if you only have one day for Stari Grad, it is still worth adding to your itinerary. You can spend the morning exploring the old town, enjoy a long lunch by the sea, and finish your day watching the sunset with a glass of local wine. Personally, I think Stari Grad is one of the best places to stay on Hvar if you want to experience more than just the famous Hvar Town and discover a calmer, more authentic side of the island.

THINGS TO DO IN STARI GRAD AND FROM STARI GRAD

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

The best way to start exploring Stari Grad is by getting lost in its Old Town. The historic centre of Stari Grad is filled with narrow stone streets, traditional Dalmatian houses, small squares, and charming little corners that are perfect for an easy but interesting walk. Unlike some Croatian coastal towns that can feel very touristy, Stari Grad still has that authentic, lived-in atmosphere and it never feels overly crowded, even during the summer.

It’s such a breath of fresh air compared to Hvar Town and its busy old town. I usually spend at least an hour just strolling through random streets, and every single time I visit I manage to find something new! That’s honestly one of my favourite things about this charming little town!

VISIT TVRDALJ PETAR HEKTOROVIC

One of the most important landmarks in Stari Grad is Tvrdalj, the former summer residence of Croatian Renaissance poet Petar Hektorovic. Honestly, this last time I visited Stari Grad was the first time I actually managed to visit this incredible landmark because I usually visit Hvar in early spring when it’s not open.

This beautiful stone building from the 16th century is located right in the heart of the Old Town and it’s one of the most unique places you can visit on Hvar. You can easily walk to it while exploring Stari Grad, and the entrance fee is €5 (cash only).

The best part of Tvrdalj is definitely its peaceful inner courtyard with a seawater fishpond, garden, and beautiful stone details inspired by Hektorovic’s love for nature. To be completely honest, you can see it in around 10 minutes, so it’s not some huge landmark that will take up a lot of your time. However, it’s really charming, and I still think it’s absolutely worth visiting while you’re in Stari Grad!

WALK THE WATERFRONT

The waterfront in Stari Grad is really charming and honestly one of my favourite places to walk around, especially in the evening. You’ll get beautiful views of the boats, traditional stone houses, the surrounding hills, and of course the stunning sea.

A lot of cafes and restaurants are located right by the waterfront, so it’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee, lunch, or dinner while enjoying the views. I really love walking here because it’s usually so peaceful and relaxing, and it’s the perfect activity to do after a full day of exploring Hvar.

BUY SOUVENIRS AT THE SHOPS

If you want to take a little piece of Hvar home with you, Stari Grad has several small shops selling local souvenirs and handmade products that are definitely worth checking out.

Instead of buying typical tourist souvenirs, I’d recommend looking for local products such as lavender products, Hvar olive oil, handmade jewellery, or other traditional crafts. Lavender is probably the most popular choice because of the famous lavender fields all over Hvar, but don’t forget that Hvar also has some excellent local wines that make a great souvenir or gift!

SWIM AT MASLINICA BEACH

If you’re looking for a beach close to Stari Grad, Maslinica Beach is the most popular option. It’s located around 30 minutes on foot from the town centre, and it’s a lovely pebble beach with beautiful crystal-clear water. Since it’s the closest beach to Stari Grad, it can get quite crowded during July and August, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting in peak season. There’s also Stari Grad Beach on the complete opposite side of the town which you can also check out.

Although Maslinica is convenient and nice for a quick swim, Hvar has so many incredible beaches that are worth exploring. If you have a car or don’t mind travelling a bit, I’d definitely recommend checking out places like Dubovica Beach and Malo Zarace, which are some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

GO TO HVAR TOWN

Obviously, if you’re already on Hvar island, your visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring Hvar Town. The most famous town on the island is located only around 20 minutes by car from Stari Grad, and it offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the relaxed and traditional feel of Stari Grad.

In Hvar Town, make sure to explore the Old Town, visit the impressive Fortica Fortress, take a walk along the waterfront, and enjoy some of the island’s best restaurants and bars. It’s also the place to go if you’re looking for more nightlife or want to join one of the many amazing boat trips around Hvar.

I personally recommend visiting Hvar Town as a day trip from Stari Grad. This way, you can experience the island’s most famous sights while still enjoying the quieter and more relaxed atmosphere of Stari Grad as your base.

SEE THE LAVENDER FIELDS

Hvar is known as the island of lavender, so if you’re visiting in June or July, exploring the lavender fields is definitely one of the most unique experiences you can have on the island. The fields usually bloom in June, covering parts of Hvar with beautiful purple colours and filling the air with an incredible lavender scent. It’s such a special experience and something you won’t find in many other places in Croatia.

The best areas to see lavender are around villages like Brusje and Velo Grablje, where we recently visited and the views were absolutely stunning. However, the lavender there is quite scattered, so if you’re looking for a proper lavender field where you can walk among the rows of flowers, check out this location near Jelsa!

VISIT VRBOSKA

Vrboska is a small fishing village located only about 10 minutes from Stari Grad, and it’s such a cute place to visit if you have a few hours free. The village is famous for its small bridges, which is why some people call it “Little Venice”, although I personally don’t really see the resemblance, but that’s the nickname it has!

Apart from the bridges, Vrboska is full of traditional stone houses, a beautiful harbour, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by pine trees. It’s much smaller than Stari Grad, so you can easily explore it in a couple of hours, and I’d recommend combining it with a visit to nearby Jelsa as well. We stayed at Aminess Senses Resort this year, so we could simply walk to Vrboska, but you can also make a fun day out of it by biking from Stari Grad to Vrboska and even continuing to Jelsa. It’s a beautiful way to explore this part of Hvar!

EAT LOCALLY

One of the best things to do in Stari Grad, or anywhere on Hvar island, is to enjoy the local food. Hvar is known for its fresh seafood, excellent olive oil, local wines, and traditional Dalmatian dishes that you simply have to try.

When visiting restaurants, make sure to try dishes like grilled fish, octopus salad, black risotto, and traditional peka. I have to say, peka with lamb, veal, or octopus is probably my absolute favourite Croatian dish, but I also always enjoy ordering mussels whenever I’m on the coast.

For restaurants in Stari Grad, I highly recommend Antika and Blue Doors. If you decide to visit Hvar Town for dinner, I also have a whole blog post about my favourite restaurants in Hvar, so make sure to check it out!

EXPLORE STARI GRAD PLAIN

Just outside the town, you’ll find the famous Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural landscapes in Croatia. This area is protected because it has been continuously cultivated since ancient Greek times and still follows the original land division created more than 2,000 years ago, which is honestly incredible.

The plain is a beautiful place to explore by bike, car, or even on foot. As you explore, you’ll see vineyards, olive groves, traditional stone walls, and small farmhouses surrounded by peaceful landscapes. A great way to spend the day is to combine a bike ride through the Stari Grad Plain with visits to nearby Vrboska and Jelsa. It’s the perfect way to experience this quieter and more authentic side of Hvar!

VISIT JELSA

I’ve already mentioned Jelsa a few times, but it’s truly a charming little village that is definitely worth visiting. It’s smaller than Stari Grad but bigger than Vrboska, and many people actually choose to stay here because it has a lively atmosphere, great restaurants, excellent wineries, and, honestly, much better beaches than Stari Grad.

You don’t need a full day to explore Jelsa, but we usually like to come for a relaxed walk around the village and along the waterfront, have lunch at Pizzeria Jelsa, and then head to one of the nearby beaches. Our favourites are usually Mina Beach and Grebisce Beach. It’s a really nice addition to any Hvar itinerary, especially if you’re staying in Stari Grad or nearby. Here’s my 5 best things to do in Jelsa!

GO WINE TASTING

Hvar has a long winemaking tradition, and Stari Grad is one of the best places on the island to try some excellent local wines. The island is especially famous for indigenous grape varieties like Plavac Mali and Posip, which you should definitely try while visiting.

There are several wineries around Stari Grad where you can taste local wines paired with olive oil, cheese, and other traditional island products. A great option close to Stari Grad is Lacman Family Winery, which also has beautiful views, but Tomic Winery in nearby Jelsa is another excellent choice and definitely worth visiting!

WHERE TO STAY IN STARI GRAD

Stari Grad is one of the best places to stay on Hvar if you’re looking for a quieter base while still having easy access to the rest of the island. I recommend staying near the Old Town or the waterfront if you want to enjoy the charming atmosphere and be able to walk around without needing a car every day. If you’re renting a car, you can also consider staying in nearby Vrboska or Jelsa for an even more local and relaxed experience.

In Stari Grad, we stayed at Madrugada Old City Hotel, which is brand new and we absolutely loved. We also stayed at Aminess Senses Resort in Vrboska, which was incredibly peaceful and relaxing, especially because it’s away from the biggest crowds. I’d definitely recommend both options depending on what kind of stay you’re looking for!

CONCLUSION: THINGS TO DO IN STARI GRAD, HVAR

Stari Grad is a destination that’s perfect for slow travel, but if you’re someone who likes having endless things to do right outside your door, it might not be the right choice for you. This town is ideal for anyone looking for authenticity, history, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed island atmosphere.

I really enjoy visiting Stari Grad, but personally, it’s a little too calm for me. I usually prefer staying in Hvar Town because there are more restaurants, activities, nightlife, and things happening.

However, one big advantage of Stari Grad is that it’s more affordable than Hvar Town. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, especially if you have a car, staying in Stari Grad can be a great idea. You can enjoy lower accommodation prices and simply drive around the island to experience everything Hvar has to offer!