Is Hvar worth visiting? We can immediately say Yes, absolutely, and this article will let you know why. Hvar is one of the most famous islands in Croatia, and many travelers choose to include it in their itinerary. Hvar is truly a beautiful island and we live just opposite it on the mainland. We also travel to it many times through the year. The first time we have visited it, we were simply astonished by the sea clarity we experienced on Hvar.
In this article, we are going to present you with a few main reasons that will make you consider putting Hvar on your itinerary. Who knows, maybe you’ll even want to spend your whole vacation there. Many people choose to do that, and once you get on the island, you’ll see why that is so. Hvar, just like any other island in Croatia, has a bit different vibe, and it somehow feels more authentic.
Let’s embark on a journey to the most famous island in Croatia!
1. Hvar Town: A Beautiful Blend of History and Style We are starting this journey with a visit to Hvar Town , a place often considered the heart of the island, and famous for its stunning Venetian architecture, rich history, and beautiful natural locations near it. The main square (Pjaca) is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Croatia, with the Cathedral of St. Stephen and many cafes located on it.
If you want to enjoy some great views of Hvar and the nearby area, you can hike up to the Španjola Fortress (Spanish Fortress) for panoramic views of Hvar and the nearby Pakleni Islands .
2. Gorgeous Beaches and Crystal-Clear Sea Nowhere in Croatia will you find such a clear Adriatic Sea as on the islands. Period. This is one of the main reasons why we love Hvar (and all the other islands). And it’s not only about sea clarity, Hvar is also full of beautiful beaches in Croatia, and here are just a few of them:
Dubovica Beach : A stunning bay surrounded by rocky cliffs and with an old stone house located on it.Mlini and Ždrilca Bays : Secluded bays on the nearby Pakleni Islands.Pokonji Dol : A pebbly beach close to Hvar Town.
Most beaches on Hvar Island are pebbly and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun.
3. Perfect Croatia Island-Hopping Base We always mention how Split is the perfect island-hopping location in Croatia. But Hvar is also. Its central location lets you easily visit nearby islands, and there are many tours you can book that will take you to some of the most stunning places, such as Blue Cave on Biševo Island, one of the most famous natural places on Croatian islands. Here are a few other locations that you can easily reach from Hvar:
Pakleni Islands : A group of small, green islands with beautiful bays and many secluded beaches.Brač Island : Home to Zlatni Rat beach, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia.Vis Island : A less crowded and more remote island in Croatia, full of great diving spots and the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. Vis is also known as the Mamma Mia island because the famous movie was filmed there.Korčula: Korčula town is famous for its medieval architecture and it’s often called ‘little Dubrovnik’. It’s also considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, the world’s famous explorer.
4. Excellent Food and Wine Gastronomy is a very important aspect of every vacation. Great news, Hvar has a fantastic culinary scene , and blends traditional Dalmatian cuisine with creative modern dishes. Some of the most famous restaurants on the Croatian coast are located in Hvar. When in Hvar, try:
Fresh seafood in local konobas – traditional taverns that serve mostly local foodLocal specialties like gregada (fish stew)
Wines made from Plavac Mali grapes in one of the many wineries on Hvar Island
There are many tours that include wine tastings at family-run wineries in places such as Jelsa or Vrboska .
5. Lavender Fields and Inland Villages Hvar’s coast is beautiful, but it’s not the only thing to see. Inland parts of this island are equally beautiful and worth exploring. If you venture inland, you’ll find:
The Stari Grad Plain , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Greek-era agricultural divisions.
Villages like Velo Grablje and Dol are surrounded by lavender fields in early summer (late June to early July). Hvar is very famous for its lavender products.
Hiking and biking trails that pass through olive groves and vineyards.
Many remnants of the old stone huts.
6. Nightlife and Festivals For a long time, Hvar was known as the best place for partying in Croatia. That changed a bit in the previous year because many locals want lower noise levels and other forms of tourism, but there are still great places for parties on Hvar Island.
Hula Hula Beach Bar and Carpe Diem are some of the most popular places for sunset drinks and DJ parties.During the summer, there are many music festivals, cultural events , and even outdoor film projections in Hvar.
7. Easy to Reach Hvar is very easy to reach and it’s accessible by ferry or catamaran from Split , and also has connections to Dubrovnik , Korčula , and Brač . Travel times vary from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on your route and whether you travel by fast catamaran or use the car ferry.
Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from Drvenik to Sućuraj and then take a scenic drive across the island. This is the route we usually take when traveling to Hvar. It’s a great scenic route, but there are some narrow parts, so you need to drive carefully.
8. The Sunniest Place in Croatia Last, but not least. Hvar is the sunniest place in Croatia , with more than 2700 hours of sunshine annually. If you are looking for great weather and want to spend as much time as possible on the beach and in the sea, Hvar is the place for you. However, beware of the strong sun and always apply sun protection.
Final Thoughts: Is Hvar Worth Visiting? With all this being said, what do you think, is Hvar worth visiting? Do you plan to put this island on your Croatia travel list? If you do so, we hope that you’ll enjoy it as much as we do. There is a good reason why Hvar is so popular destination. But make sure you explore not only Hvar Town, but the rest of the island too. You’ll be amazed at how many beautiful places you can find on the island.
Enjoy your stay in Hvar!
