Hvar Island is one of Croatia’s most beloved destinations, known for its 2,700+ hours of sunshine per year, stunning coastline, and a mix of buzzing towns and hidden gems. The island stretches over 270 km of coastline, offering everything from rocky coves and pebble beaches to quieter spots that reward those willing to venture a little further off the beaten path.
Most visitors head straight for the glamorous Hvar Town, with its magnificent main square, hilltop fortress, and vibrant waterfront — and it’s easy to see why. But the island has far more to offer than its most famous town. Stari Grad, one of the oldest cities in Europe, was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC and carries a sense of history that few places in Croatia can match. The charming harbour town of Jelsa offers a more relaxed and authentic Dalmatian atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the summer crowds.
Getting around the island is part of the adventure too — whether you arrive by fast ferry directly into Hvar Town or take the car ferry to Stari Grad, the journey itself offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the Adriatic. Once on the island, exploring by quad, scooter, or bicycle opens up the interior and the more secluded parts of the coastline that most visitors never see.
Below you’ll find my guides to getting to Hvar, getting around, the best towns to visit, and everything you need to know to make the most of your time on Croatia’s sunniest island.
The Island of Hvar has tons of beaches: rocky, pebble, and even sandy ones. A bunch are tougher to get to, but that keeps them way less crowded. So if you want a quiet beach, you’ll find it on the Island for sure. To give you an idea, Hvar has
Over the past 20+ years, I have been living in Croatia, and Hvar town is the place in Croatia where I have spent the most mini holidays (and lately, also longer holidays). Why do I enjoy visiting Hvar town? Well, living in Split, I of course have beaches and a
The name Stari Grad means Old Town, which is a fitting name for one of the oldest cities in Croatia and Europe. This ancient Greek town was originally called Faros when it was founded in the 4th century BC. Later, the town became the administrative capital of the island and
When on holiday in Hvar and wanting to explore the island, you can, of course, do so by car. However, there are other options, such as renting a bicycle, an e-bicycle, a scooter, or another type of vehicle. Alternatively, you can join a quad tour, as we did. I brought
When people talk about going to Hvar, they usually mean the city of Hvar, not the island itself. The city has become a super popular destination over the last two decades. I have some news for you: there are other awesome places on Hvar Island, like Jelsa. I have never
Join me on the ferry from Split to Hvar Island, one of the sunniest islands in Croatia. We’re traveling by the car ferry route from Split to Stari Grad. Note: There is also a fast ferry on this route. When the weather’s good, this is a really beautiful ferry trip,
Split to Hvar ferry route is among the most popular in Croatia. I visited the sunniest island in Croatia countless times, but this time, it was a bit different. The ferry crew allowed us to come with them and experience the journey from their point of view. Join me on
