This might sound like a little time to experience anything, let alone the most famous island in Croatia. But worry not, because we bring you our idea on how to spend 1 day in Hvar and make the most out of this short stay. Many travelers choose to visit Hvar during their stay in Croatia, and some of them spend just one day on this island. And that’s perfectly fine. You might not see and do a lot, but it will be a nice excursion into the island vibe and a more relaxed way of living.
We spend a lot of time on Hvar each year since we’re in the elopement and wedding photography industry, and Hvar is one of the most popular Croatia wedding venues. Apart from that, Hvar is the sunniest island in Croatia too, and many choose to spend their whole vacation on it. There is a high chance that Hvar is only one stop for you, and you might be traveling from Dubrovnik or Split to it, before you continue your journey to other parts of Croatia.
In this article, we are going to present to you our idea about what to see and do in 1 day in Hvar. Let’s enjoy the true Mediterranean.
Morning: Discover Hvar Town For only one day on Hvar Island, we are going to stay close to Hvar Town, so we suggest you book accommodation in Hvar or nearby so you don’t lose much time traveling. We are going to spend the morning in exploration of Hvar Town and get to know more about the history of this place. Optionally, you can book a Hvar walking tour to learn even more from a professional guide.
Walk through the beautiful Hvar Old Town , explore its stone streets, secluded alleys, and vibrant harbor.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen and enjoy your coffee at the main square (Pjaca) , one of the largest squares in Dalmatia.
Hike or drive up to the Fortica (Spanish Fortress) for the best panoramic view of Hvar and its surroundings. You’ll even see the Pakleni Islands we’ll explore later in the day.
Activity Suggestion:
Midday: Relax and Swim After sightseeing, it’s time for a bit of relaxation and enjoying the clear Adriatic Sea. Trust us, it’ll be one of the clearest waters you’ll ever experience.
Head to Pokonji Dol Beach , located 20 minutes walk away from the town center.
Enjoy lunch by the sea and try local fresh seafood and wines. Hvar is famous for its wines, so make sure you try them.
Afternoon: Adventure or More Relaxation You have 2 options when it comes to the afternoon part of the day, you can either enjoy a relaxing boat tour from Hvar to Pakleni Islands, or you can explore this island archipelago in a kayak. Either way, we are going to visit this beautiful group of islands located just off the coast of Hvar. Pakleni Islands (Hell’s Islands translated in English) were famous because of Pakla, a tar made by the pine trees that was used in shipbuilding for centuries.
Option 1 : Rent a kayak or join a guided kayaking tour in Hvar and explore hidden bays around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.Option 2 : Book a half-day boat tour and explore some of the best places of this archipelago.
Activity Suggestion:
Pakleni Islands Half-Day Boat Tour or Hvar Kayaking Tour
Evening: Sunset and Fine Dining End your day with a relaxed evening and dinner by the sea or in the secluded alley of Hvar Town.
Grab a cocktail at one of the Hvar beach bars or enjoy a drink in the harbor.
Have a romantic dinner at one of the most famous restaurants in Hvar.
If you still have some energy left and if you’re into the nightlife, experience a bit of it at any of the nightclubs in Hvar.
Quick Tips for 1 Day in Hvar We’ll end this article with a few useful tips that can make your 1 day in Hvar even better:
Arrive early : If you’re coming by ferry, board the early morning one to maximize your time on Hvar.Stay light : Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.Rent a scooter if you prefer to explore a bit more or visit some other places, renting a scooter on Hvar is a great idea.Reserve tours ahead : Especially if visiting Hvar in high season (July-August).
Before You Venture for a 1 day in Hvar As you can see from this article, even though one day might sound like a little time, there is still a lot of things you can experience in Hvar in that period. Take it slowly, it’s fine even if you spend your whole day in relaxation at one of the Hvar beaches. Island life is meant to be slow and relaxed. Hvar is a beautiful destination, so don’t skip visiting it if you have a chance, even for just one day.
Have a great day on Hvar!
