The Spanish Fortress Hvar (also known as Fortica or Tvrđava Španjola in Croatian) is one of the most famous landmarks of Hvar Town. It’s also a place where you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Hvar and nearby Paklinski Islands (Pakleni Islands). If you’re visiting Hvar Town, you can’t miss this monumental fortress that rises above it. Reaching the Spanish fortress in Hvar is not hard, and in this article, we’re going to write a bit more about everything related to this fort.
You’ll also notice that there are a few names for this building – Hvar Fortica and Spanish Fortress. All the names represent the same structure that watches over the Hvar Town. If you’re staying in this destination, we sugest to put a visit to the Fortica on your itinerary. It’s a unique blend of history, architecture, and beautiful views, all in one stronghold. Let’s explore Spanish Fortress in Hvar.
A Brief History of the Spanish Fortress We are starting with a very brief history, and you can find much more information from other sources if you’re interested in a more detailed history of this stronghold. The Spanish Fortress (Fortica) was built in the 16th century during Venetian rule. Its main goal was to protect Hvar Town from potential attacks.
The older, medieval fortress already existed in the same place, and the new fort was built on top of these remnants. The architectural style was influenced by Spanish military architects, and that’s how this fortress in Hvar got its name. The Spanish Fortress played an important role in guarding the town and its harbor from Ottoman and pirate attacks. It has been restored and maintained over the past centuries, and it’s still proudly standing today as a testament to the rich history of Hvar Island.
How to Reach the Spanish Fortress There are 3 main ways to reach Fortica, and all of them will take you there in no time. You can either enjoy the panoramic walk or reach it by vehicle. Here’s what to expect:
1. By Foot (Spanish Fortress Hvar Walk)
Trail : The most popular way to reach the Spanish Fortress is by walking to it from Hvar Town. The trail starts near the main square (Pjaca) and first climbs through Hvar’s narrow streets and stone stairs, before it continues through a pine tree forest.Duration : This short hike will take you around 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the views.Highlights : Enjoy stunning views of Hvar Town all along the way and explore the narrow streets that lead you to Fortica.
2. By Car or Taxi
For anyone who prefers not to walk to the Spanish Fortress in Hvar, it’s also possible to drive on your own or take a taxi to it. Parking is available near the entrance, and it will take you around 5 minutes to reach this fortress from Hvar.
3. By Bike or Scooter
Renting a bike or scooter is a very popular way of transportation on Hvar Island. There are many places in which you can rent a scooter in Hvar Town, and if you plan on doing so, make sure you visit the Spanish Fortress (Fortica Hvar) along with some other great locations on the island.
Tours Featuring Fortica in Hvar
Spanish Fortress Tickets Of course, the best view in Hvar Town comes with a price. Here’s how much you’ll pay to enjoy it:
Ticket Price :
Adults: 10 Euros.
Children and students: Discounts are available for these groups. The entrance is free for children under the age of 7.
Where to Buy :
Tickets for the Spanish Fortress in Hvar can be bought at the entrance or online through official Hvar tourism websites.
Opening Hours :
The fortress is typically open daily from early morning to late evening, with extended hours during the summer. We advise visiting as early as possible or late afternoon. Avoid the hottest hours at all costs.
What to See at the Spanish Fortress Spanish Fortress is a unique stronghold and the only one of its kind on Hvar Island. Apart from enjoying the perfect views, there are a few other things to see here.
1. Panoramic Views The highlight of the Spanish Fortress is definitely the panoramic view. From the top you’ll be able to see:
Hvar Town and its buildings.
The beautiful Adriatic Sea which surrounds Hvar Island .
The Pakleni Islands, an archipelago near Hvar Town. These small islands were place from which special pine tree tar (Pakla or Paklina) was extracted and used in shipbuilding over the past centuries.
2. Historical Exhibits
Inside the Spanish Fortress, there is a small museum with artifacts from Hvar’s history, including ancient amphorae recovered from shipwrecks.
Learn about the construction of this unique fortress, its strategic importance, and the history of the town below it.
3. Architecture
The thick stone walls, watchtowers, and bastions of this stronghold reflect its Venetian and Spanish influences.
You’ll see a lot of well-preserved cannons and other defensive structures.
4. Cafe and Souvenir Shop
After you’re done with the tour of the Spanish Fortress in Hvar, sit and enjoy a refreshing drink or snack in a cafe within the fort.
The souvenir shop is a great place to buy some local crafts and gifts.
Things to Do at the Spanish Fortress Apart from places to visit on the Spanish Fortress (Fortica Hvar), you can also do a few other things, some of which we’ll mention below. We are wedding and elopement photographers in Croatia and our first encounter with this guardian of Hvar Town was when we were shooting a proposal that was taking place at one of the terraces of this fortress.
We also documented quite a few elopements and weddings on the Spanish Fortress and it’s a very popular location for such events because there is no better panoramic view in Hvar than from Fortica.
1. Sunset Watching
This fortress is a great spot for watching the sunset, with the golden light creating a magical atmosphere over the town and Adriatic Sea.
2. Photography
If you’re a photographer like us, you’ll appreciate the photo opportunities that Fortica has. Bring your camera or smartphone and capture the stunning scenery from above.
3. Guided Tours
You can also join a guided tour to learn more about the fortress’s history and its role in the history of Hvar Town. We have put links to the highest rated guided tours to Fortica in this article.
Tips for Visiting the Spanish Fortress And before you leave for other Hvar-related topics, let us share a few additional tips regarding the visit to Fortica:
Wear Comfortable Shoes :
The walk to the fortress is not long, but there is a part with uneven terrain, so proper footwear is recommended.
Bring Water :
Especially if climbing to the Spanish Fortress during the summer months. Apart from the water, don’t forget the sun protection. Hvar is the sunniest place in Croatia, and the Mediterranean sun can be very strong.
Visit Early or Late :
We suggest visiting this Hvar fortress early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid both crowds and the heat.
Combine with Other Attractions :
After your visit, make sure you explore other attractions in Hvar such as Hvar Town’s main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Franciscan Monastery.
Why Visit the Spanish Fortress? Views. That’s the first answer and the main reason why most people choose to visit the Spanish Fortress. History also. This stronghold was a Hvar sentinel for a long time, so make sure you discover a few details from its history that will make your visit even more memorable. And when you combine the view and the history, you get a must-visit place in Hvar.
Before You Venture to Fortica in Hvar Ready to visit this fortress and enjoy one of the best views of Hvar Town? Of course you are. Don’t forget the sun protection if you’re visiting during the summer days, and make a lot of stops to admire the views if you’re hiking to Fortica from Hvar. Hvar is a beautiful island, one of our favorites in Croatia. We live just opposite it on the mainland and we travel to Hvar at least 10 times each year. There are many other great places and activities you can do in Hvar that we have written about, so make sure to explore our other articles and get some ideas on what to do in Hvar and what places to visit.
Enjoy your time on Hvar Island !
