THESE ARE 5 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN VRBOSKA, HVAR IN 2026 (+ MY FAVOURITE ONE!)

If you’re looking to explore Hvar island in more detail and Vrboska is on your itinerary, here are my favourite 5 things to do in Vrboska!

Vrboska is one of the smaller villages on Hvar island, and it’s a great short stop if you’re exploring the nearby area, or an amazing base if you’re mainly looking for an easy, relaxed, and slow holiday. Since I’ve visited Vrboska a few times, I’ll share the 5 best things to do in Vrboska, including what’s my favourite and what I think is actually worth your time!

IS VRBOSKA WORTH VISITING?

That really depends on your expectations of Vrboska. I definitely think it’s worth visiting, especially if you’re already exploring this part of Hvar, but don’t expect anything too exciting. It’s much smaller and quieter than Hvar Town, and the village has a very different feel from almost anywhere else on Hvar.

If you enjoy picturesque old towns and places where you can simply walk around without having too much to do, you’ll probably really enjoy Vrboska. However, I wouldn’t plan an entire day here unless you also want to spend some time at the beach or explore the surrounding area. I do have to say that if you’re looking for a base on Hvar that’s extremely peaceful and away from the crowds, Vrboska and its surroundings could be a great choice!

HOW TO REACH VRBOSKA?

Vrboska is located on the northern side of Hvar Island, between Stari Grad and Jelsa, so it’s really easy to include in your Hvar itinerary. If you’re driving, you can reach Vrboska from Stari Grad in around 15 minutes, or from Jelsa in just a few minutes.

There are also local buses connecting Vrboska with other towns on Hvar, so you can use public transport to get there. However, keep in mind that buses don’t run that often, so it’s not the most flexible option. If you’re staying in Stari Grad or Jelsa, you can also bike to Vrboska, which is a really fun way to explore this part of the island!

5 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN VRBOSKA

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

The best way to start your visit is, like in many other destinations in Croatia, simply by walking around Vrboska’s Old Town. The village is very small and built around a narrow natural harbour, with traditional stone houses, small streets, and beautiful views in almost every direction.

It really won’t take long to walk through the Old Town, but make sure to leave the main waterfront and explore some of the little alleys and narrow streets before continuing along the harbour. You really won’t need more than an hour to see the whole of Vrboska, but it’s a lovely little walk and the best way to experience the village.

WALK OVER THE FAMOUS BRIDGES

The most popular landmarks in Vrboska are the small stone bridges crossing the harbour. This is also where the village gets its nickname, “Little Venice.” However, I’m not really into that nickname because the two really aren’t that similar, but I guess bridges immediately scream Venice!

As you walk around Vrboska, you can cross several of these bridges and get different views of the boats, traditional stone buildings, and narrow canal. I think this is one of the prettiest parts of Vrboska, but again, you can see it all in just a few minutes, so it doesn’t take up much of your time.

CYCLE AROUND VRBOSKA (MY FAVOURITE!)

If you want to see more than just the Old Town, which I really recommend because there isn’t that much to see, renting a bike and exploring the surrounding area is an amazing option. The landscape around Vrboska is completely different from the waterfront, with vineyards, olive groves, olive trees, and quiet country roads.

With a bike, you can easily get away from the crowds and see a much more rural side of Hvar. If you’re interested in exploring rural Hvar, I’d recommend cycling towards Stari Grad, as you’ll pass through the Stari Grad Plain, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’d rather cycle by the sea, you can ride towards Jelsa and stop at some of the beautiful beaches along the way, such as Mina and Grebisce.

GO FOR A SWIM AT SOLINE BEACH

If you’re visiting Vrboska during the summer, you can easily combine sightseeing with some beach time. Soline Beach is located just outside the village, around 30 minutes on foot from Vrboska Old Town, and it’s surrounded by pine trees, so it’s a lovely place to relax and go for a swim after exploring the village.

We stayed at a hotel right by the beach and really loved being so close to both Vrboska and the sea. The beach is pebbly with clear water, and there’s even an inflatable aquapark if you’re visiting with kids. There are also bars and restaurants nearby, so you can easily spend a few hours here if you want to stay longer!

VISIT THE FISHERMEN’S MUSEUM

Finally, Vrboska has a long history connected to fishing, and you can learn more about it at the Fishermen’s Museum. The museum is quite small, so you won’t need a lot of time here, but if you want to learn more about the history of the village and what life was traditionally like for local fishermen, give it a go!

WHERE TO STAY IN VRBOSKA

If you like the idea of staying somewhere peaceful and away from the busiest tourist areas, Vrboska can be a great base on Hvar. We actually stayed at Aminess Senses Resort this year and really liked it. You’re surrounded by nature, with nothing but pine trees and the sea around you, but you can still reach Vrboska in about 30 minutes on foot or just 10 minutes by bike.

We really enjoyed our room and the food, and even though we only stayed for 2 nights, we’d definitely come back. If you’re looking for a relaxing stay away from the crowds, I’d definitely give this hotel a look. However, if you’re looking for nightlife, lots of restaurants, and plenty of things to do, Hvar Town would definitely be the better option for you.

CONCLUSION: WHICH ONE IS MY FAVOURITE OUT OF THE 5 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN VRBOSKA?

If I had to choose just one of these five things to do in Vrboska, cycling would definitely be my favourite. Vrboska and its Old Town and bridges are really charming, but you quickly run out of things to do. That’s why exploring the surrounding area by bike can easily turn a short visit into a full-day adventure.

I’d also add Soline Beach if you’re visiting in summer, or some of the excellent beaches around Jelsa if you’re willing to cycle a bit further. Overall, I think Vrboska is a great place to spend a few hours while exploring this part of Hvar, especially if you want to see a quieter and more authentic side of the island. However, don’t have too high of expectations because, after all, this is a small village!