15 Things to do in Hvar

Things to Do in Hvar Town & the Pakleni Islands

1. Explore Hvar Town

Location / Neighborhood: Hvar Town. Best For: Couples, families, history, restaurants. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; attractions extra.

Start your trip in Hvar Town, where polished stone lanes, Renaissance architecture and lively waterfront cafés surround one of the Adriatic’s most attractive natural harbors. Walk through St. Stephen’s Square, admire the cathedral and explore narrow streets leading away from the waterfront before stopping for lunch or coffee. Hvar Town becomes livelier towards evening, so staying in one of our Hvar villas lets you enjoy its restaurants and nightlife before returning to your own private space. Insider tip: explore the Old Town during the morning, then return later for the sunset atmosphere around the harbor.

2. Climb to Fortica Fortress

Location / Neighborhood: Above Hvar Town. Best For: Couples, families, history, panoramic views. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $; admission applies.

Climb above Hvar Town to Fortica Fortress, or Španjola, for one of the island’s most recognizable views. The historic fortress overlooks Hvar’s red-roofed Old Town, harbor and the scattered Pakleni Islands beyond, making the climb worthwhile even if you only spend a short time exploring the fortifications. The walk takes you uphill through atmospheric stone lanes before reaching the panoramic viewpoints. Insider tip: go early in the morning or towards late afternoon during summer, when temperatures are cooler and the softer light makes the Adriatic views particularly photogenic.

3. Sail around the Pakleni Islands

Location / Neighborhood: Offshore from Hvar Town. Best For: Couples, families, groups, swimming. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$ depending on boat.

Just offshore from Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands form a chain of pine-covered islets, sheltered bays and clear swimming spots. Join a group excursion, hire a private skipper or take a water taxi towards popular stops such as Palmižana, where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy lunch beside the water. Our villas in Hvar make these boat days especially convenient if you’re staying close to the Old Town. Insider tip: choose a private boat if your group wants the flexibility to seek out quieter coves and adapt the route to current sea conditions.

4. Experience Hvar’s nightlife

Location / Neighborhood: Hvar Town and nearby Pakleni Islands. Best For: Couples, groups, adult vacations. Estimated Time Needed: Evening. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.

Hvar has one of Croatia’s liveliest summer nightlife scenes, ranging from sunset cocktails and waterfront bars to late-night venues and island clubs. Start with drinks around Hvar Town’s harbor before moving on to live music, cocktails or a livelier club later in the evening. You don’t need to stay out until sunrise to experience this side of Hvar — an early-evening drink beside the waterfront captures plenty of the atmosphere. Insider tip: check return-boat or taxi arrangements before visiting nightlife venues away from Hvar Town.

Best Beaches & Water Activities in Hvar

5. Relax at Dubovica Beach

Location / Neighborhood: South coast, between Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Best For: Couples, families, swimming, snorkeling. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free.

Set inside a sheltered bay, Dubovica Beach is one of Hvar’s most picturesque swimming spots. Clear Adriatic water, a pebble shoreline and traditional stone buildings give the cove a distinctly Mediterranean feel, while the protected setting makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling when conditions are calm. Reaching the beach involves a downhill walk from the road, so pack lightly and wear suitable footwear. Insider tip: arrive earlier during summer before the small bay becomes busy, and remember that the uphill return walk can feel much harder in the midday heat.

6. Snorkel and kayak around Hvar’s coves

Location / Neighborhood: Around Hvar’s coastline. Best For: Families, couples, active travelers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free with your own equipment; rentals and tours $$.

Hvar’s rocky coastline and remarkably clear water make snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding easy additions to your vacation. Explore sheltered water from one of the island’s accessible bays or join a guided kayaking trip to discover small coves that are difficult to reach by road. Families can keep things relaxed close to shore, while experienced paddlers can take longer coastal routes depending on conditions. Insider tip: head out earlier in the day when the water is often calmer and always check wind and sea conditions before committing to a longer trip.

7. Take a day trip to the Blue Cave

Location / Neighborhood: Biševo, near Vis. Best For: Couples, families with older children, boat trips. Estimated Time Needed: Full day from Hvar. Cost / Entry: $$$; organized boat excursion recommended.

The spectacular Blue Cave is located on Biševo near the island of Vis, but it remains one of the most popular full-day excursions from Hvar. Sunlight entering through an underwater opening reflects through the cave and creates the intense blue glow that makes the attraction famous. Trips from Hvar often combine the cave with swimming stops and other scenic locations around Vis and nearby islands. Insider tip: keep your schedule flexible, as Blue Cave access depends on sea and weather conditions and can occasionally be restricted.

8. Take a private sailing trip

Location / Neighborhood: Departures from Hvar Town and other harbors. Best For: Couples, families, groups, celebrations. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.

For more freedom than a scheduled boat excursion, charter a private yacht, sailing boat, catamaran or speedboat with a skipper and shape the day around your group. Stop for swimming in quiet bays, explore the Pakleni Islands or cruise farther along Hvar’s dramatic coastline. Private charters work particularly well for families and groups staying together in one of our Hvar villas. Insider tip: let your skipper recommend the day’s route according to the weather and sea conditions rather than fixing every stop in advance.

9. Explore historic Stari Grad

Location / Neighborhood: Stari Grad, north coast. Best For: Families, couples, history, quieter evenings. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Founded by Greek settlers in 384 BC, Stari Grad is one of Croatia’s oldest towns and offers a quieter alternative to Hvar Town. Wander through narrow stone streets, follow the harborfront and visit landmarks such as Tvrdalj, the fortified Renaissance home of poet Petar Hektorović. Our collection includes villas around Stari Grad, making it a particularly appealing base if you prefer historic surroundings and calmer evenings. Insider tip: stay for dinner around the harbor after sightseeing, when the town takes on a relaxed evening atmosphere.

10. Discover the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain

Location / Neighborhood: Stari Grad and central Hvar. Best For: Families, cyclists, walkers, history lovers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Beyond Stari Grad lies an extraordinary agricultural landscape that has been farmed for more than 2,000 years. The UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain still preserves the basic field layout established by ancient Greek settlers, with vineyards and olive groves divided by traditional dry-stone walls. Explore parts of the plain on foot or by bicycle for a quieter introduction to Hvar’s history and rural landscape. Insider tip: visit early or later in the day, as there is relatively little shade across some of the open agricultural areas.

11. See Hvar’s lavender fields and villages

Location / Neighborhood: Velo Grablje, Brusje and central Hvar. Best For: Families, couples, photographers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore public areas; tours and products extra.

Lavender has long been associated with Hvar, and during early summer the countryside around villages such as Velo Grablje and Brusje can take on shades of purple. Drive through the island’s interior, explore traditional settlements and browse locally produced lavender oils, soaps and other products. The experience is as much about discovering Hvar’s rural side as seeing the flowers themselves. Insider tip: flowering varies with the season and weather, so don’t expect identical displays every year.

12. Hike to Sveti Nikola

Location / Neighborhood: Central Hvar. Best For: Hikers, active couples, older families. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free.

For some of the island’s widest views, hike towards Sveti Nikola, Hvar’s highest point at around 628 metres above sea level. Trails through the island’s interior lead towards the summit, where you can look across vineyards, villages, neighboring islands and the Adriatic. This is a more demanding experience than Hvar’s relaxed beach days, so prepare accordingly. Insider tip: start early, carry plenty of water and avoid the hottest part of a summer afternoon when the exposed sections of the route can become uncomfortable.

Unique & Romantic Things to Do in Hvar

13. Go wine tasting

Location / Neighborhood: Vineyards across Hvar. Best For: Couples, groups, food and wine lovers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.

Wine has been produced on Hvar for centuries, and visiting a local winery gives you a deeper introduction to the island’s landscape and traditions. Sample wines made from varieties such as Plavac Mali and the indigenous white Bogdanuša, while learning how Hvar’s sun, soils and steep vineyard slopes influence production. Some experiences also include cheese, olive oil and other local specialties. Insider tip: arrange a driver or book an organized wine tour if everyone in your group wants to enjoy the tastings.

14. Taste Hvar’s local food and olive oil

Location / Neighborhood: Across Hvar. Best For: Couples, families, food lovers. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.

Discover Hvar through its food, from local olive oil and island-grown wine to fresh fish, cheeses and traditional Dalmatian dishes. Visit a tasting room, book a food experience or settle into a traditional konoba where simple seasonal ingredients take center stage. Look out for gregada, a traditional Hvar fish dish made with fish, potatoes, olive oil and simple seasoning. Insider tip: ask our Concierge team or your villa host for local recommendations if you want to find smaller restaurants away from the busiest waterfront areas.

15. Have dinner beside the Adriatic

Location / Neighborhood: Hvar Town, Stari Grad and coastal villages. Best For: Couples, celebrations, food lovers. Estimated Time Needed: Around 2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.

End one of your days in Hvar with dinner overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Choose a waterfront restaurant around Hvar Town or Stari Grad, or seek out a smaller coastal konoba for fresh seafood, Croatian wine and a quieter setting beside the water. For couples, dinner can easily become a full evening with a harbor walk or cocktails afterwards, while families can enjoy a slower meal after a day on the beach. Insider tip: reserve waterfront tables ahead during peak summer, particularly if you want to dine around sunset.

Seasonal Events in Hvar

Hvar Summer Festival

Running for more than six decades, the Hvar Summer Festival brings concerts, theatre, dance, exhibitions and other cultural performances to historic venues around the town. The 65th festival opened on June 21, 2026 and continued across roughly three months, with St. Stephen’s Square, Hvar Theatre, Veneranda and other heritage spaces used as stages.

Lavender Festival

The Lavender Festival celebrates one of Hvar’s most recognisable traditions in Velo Grablje. The 18th edition took place in July 2026, with lavender products, oil distillation demonstrations, food, workshops, exhibitions and evening entertainment. It is one of the best times to combine the island’s lavender landscape with local culture.

Spartan World Championship Hvar

Hvar hosts an altogether more energetic autumn event when the Spartan World Championship arrives on the island. The 2026 edition runs from October 8 to 11, bringing obstacle racing and related events to Hvar after the busiest summer period has passed.

Tour de Hvar

Cycling takes centre stage during Tour de Hvar, with the next event currently scheduled for May 14 to 16, 2027. It gives spring visitors another reason to explore the island outside peak summer and showcases Hvar’s hills, villages and quieter inland landscapes.

Plan your Hvar trip

Choose your base depending on how much time you want to spend around the harbour, beaches and wider island. Our Hvar villas include homes close to Hvar Town as well as quieter properties around the island, with private pools, sea views and outdoor spaces suited to families and groups.

For a quieter historic setting on the northern side of the island, you can also explore Stari Grad villas. If your travel dates are still flexible, the best time to visit Croatia guide compares peak summer with the quieter spring and early autumn months.

Extra Information

• The Best Time to Visit Croatia
• Family Holidays Hvar
• Hvar Luxury Villas