Hotels in Hvar

Hvar Town suits travelers who want restaurants, bars, and the 13th-century Fortica fortress within walking distance of the main square. Stari Grad, 18 km east, offers a quieter base near the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain. Jelsa, midway along the island, suits families seeking calmer beaches. Catamarans from Split reach Hvar Town in about one hour.

Where to Stay on the Island

Hvar Town centers on Trg Svetog Stjepana, Dalmatia's largest cathedral square, flanked by a 16th-century loggia and stone palaces. Hotels here range from boutique rooms above the harbor to larger properties along the Riva waterfront. The Pakleni Islands, reachable by water taxi in roughly 10 minutes, extend day-trip beach options. The old town is car-free, so bags must be carried from the ferry dock — factor this in when booking.

Stari Grad was founded by Greek settlers in 384 BC and retains a slower pace, with narrow lanes, the Tvrdalj castle-garden of poet Petar Hektorović, and fewer crowds than the western end of the island. Jelsa sits on a sheltered bay with pine-shaded pebble beaches, making it a practical choice for families arriving by car ferry.

Getting Around

The island has no rail service. Local buses connect Hvar Town, Jelsa, and Stari Grad roughly hourly in summer. The car ferry from Split docks at Stari Grad (about 2 hours); the fast catamaran docks at Hvar Town (about 1 hour). Water taxis serve the Pakleni Islands from Hvar Town harbor. Scooter rentals fill gaps between bus times.

Practical Tips

• Luggage: Hvar Town's old core is car-free; allow extra time to carry bags from the dock.
• Season: July and August bring peak crowds; late June and September offer comparable weather with shorter queues.
• Currency: Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023; cards are accepted widely.
• Lavender: The island's lavender harvest runs mid-June, concentrated around Velo Grablje village inland.