Hvar is one of our favorite islands in Croatia and a place we spend a lot of time at. Since we live just opposite Hvar on the mainland, and are into the wedding and elopement photography business, we travel to Hvar at least 15 times each year. This article will be our idea on how to spend 3 days in Hvar. We believe it’s just the sweet spot for exploring the best things this island offers.
Spending 3 days in Hvar gives you just enough time to explore its historic places, beautiful beaches, and clear sea, as well as picturesque traditional villages. For each day spent on Hvar, we’re going to include 1 activity that we believe would add to the overall experience of this beautiful place.
Let’s experience the best of Hvar Island!
Day 1: Discover Hvar Town and Its History We are starting our 3 days on Hvar in Hvar Town, the most famous and most visited place on the whole island. This town is easy to reach since the catamaran routes have a stop here, and a car ferry port is close by. Split is the most usual starting point to traveling to Hvar, but you can reach it from other places, such as using the Drvenik to Sućuraj ferry and then driving from Sućuraj to Hvar Town. Here’s how your first day on Hvar might look.
Morning:
Walk and explore the Hvar Old Town . It’s not so large, so it won’t take much of your time.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen and drink coffee at the main square (Pjaca ).
Walk on the Hvar sea promenade.
Midday:
Hike or drive up to the Fortica (Spanish Fortress) and enjoy the best panoramic views of Hvar Town and nearby Pakleni Islands.
Enjoy lunch at a konoba (name for a traditional tavern). We suggest trying some of the fresh seafood specialties.
Afternoon:
Relax at Pokonji Dol Beach , located just a short walk from the Hvar Town center.
Or you can take a water taxi to one of the Pakleni Islands and spend a beach afternoon there.
Evening:
Enjoy a sunset dinner somewhere in the harbor with views of the sea.
Enjoy one last evening walk for today before going back to your accommodation.
If you are looking for a nightlife, then we suggest visiting one of the clubs and bars in Hvar Town or Pakleni Islands.
Activity Suggestion For Day 1:
Walking Tour of Hvar Old Town and Fortica
Day 2: Island Adventure – Pakleni Islands Exploration The second day of our 3 days in Hvar will be all about the sea, relaxation, and the nearby islands. When staying in Hvar, the Pakleni Islands (also known as Paklinski Islands) are a must-visit place. Nowhere in Croatia will you find such a clear sea as on the islands so it would be a shame not to enjoy it as much as possible. Today is the day for that.
Morning:
Rent a small boat in Hvar, join a kayaking tour, or take a water taxi ride to explore the nearby islands.
First stop: Palmižana Bay , a sandy bay surrounded by dense pine forests.
Midday:
Visit beaches like Mlini or Ždrilca Bay , a bit quieter locations perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. Palmižana has some great and famous restaurants.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon snorkeling, sunbathing, or walking the short trails between the bays and beaches of the Pakleni Islands.
Evening:
Return to Hvar Town.
Have dinner at a fine-dining restaurant in Hvar or a konoba secluded in one of the alleys.
Activity Suggestions For Day 2:
Pakleni Islands Full-Day Boat Tour Hvar Kayaking Tour
Day 3: Explore Hvar’s Villages and Lavender Fields Finally, we have reached our final day on Hvar Island, and now it’s time to explore a bit more of the island, especially its inland parts and other towns like Stari Grad or Jelsa. Among many other things, Hvar is also famous for its lavender fields, and if you’re visiting this island in June or early July, you can enjoy the blooming of the lavender.
Morning:
Drive or join a guided tour to Stari Grad , one of the oldest towns in Europe.
Walk and explore the old town, sea promenade, and art galleries of this town.
Midday:
Visit the Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO World Heritage Site) , an ancient agricultural land that is still used today.
Continue to the village of Velo Grablje , famous for its traditional stone houses and nearby lavender fields (best in late June and July).
Afternoon:
Stop by Jelsa or Vrboska , two coastal towns on Hvar Island that are perfect for a lunch break and relaxed exploration.
Optional: Consider wine tasting at a local vineyard.
Evening:
Return to Hvar Town.
Drink a cocktail at any of the cocktail bars in Hvar and reflect on the perfect 3 days in Hvar.
Think about how you want to return to Hvar again and explore even more.
Activity Suggestion:
Where to Stay in Hvar As one of the most famous vacation destinations in Croatia, Hvar is full of all kinds of different accommodations, and you won’t have any trouble finding the best one for you. We’ll name and put links to just a few of them in the section below. The only thing we would suggest is booking your place to stay in Hvar as soon as possible, since the best accommodation can book pretty fast.
Luxury : Palace Elisabeth, Hvar heritage hotelBoutique : Hotel Moeesy or Amfora Grand Beach ResortBudget-Friendly : Villa Nora Hvar or private apartments
Travel Tips for Visiting Hvar Finally, we want to share just a few final tips that could make all the difference when planning your visit to Hvar:
Book ferries early : Especially if travelling in summer months. You can buy tickets online, and we suggest doing so.Rent a scooter or car when on Hvar if you want ease of exploration at your own pace.Pack light layers : Days on Hvar are usually hot, but evenings can be breezy. Pack light, but bring light layers.Reserve restaurants in high season (July-August) to avoid disappointment.Bring sunscreen : The Sun in Croatia can get very strong. Avoid getting sunburnt and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Before You Venture for 3 days in Hvar If you ask us, 3 days in Hvar are enough to taste the best of this island and enough if you’re traveling to it for the first time. Of course, there is much more to see and experience than the things we have mentioned in this article, but we’ll leave these additional things for itineraries with more days. Feel free to explore them and get even more ideas on what to do in Hvar. You can even end up making your itinerary based on your preferences.
Enjoy your stay on Hvar Island!
