Hvar has long been Croatia’s most glamorous island destination on the Dalmatian Coast, drawing everyone from yacht-owning celebrities to romance-seeking couples and youthful partiers. With over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually (making it Croatia’s sunniest spot and Europe’s sunniest island), this lavender-dotted paradise on the Adriatic blends historic charm with modern luxury. And while its reputation for nightlife might precede it, Hvar offers so much more – from ancient towns and tasty wines to hidden beaches and spectacular sailing.
While Hvar Town is undeniably one of Croatia’s pricier destinations (see my breakdown of a Croatia trip cost), you can find better value by visiting in shoulder season or staying in charming towns like Stari Grad or Jelsa. The magic of the island makes it worth a visit, especially if you balance fine dining experiences with casual konobas and beach bars.
Before diving into our detailed 3-day Hvar itinerary, here are some essential things to know about visiting Hvar:
- The best time to visit Hvar is during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) when the weather is pleasant but the crowds are thinner. July and August bring intense heat and peak crowds, though the nightlife is at its most vibrant. Just keep in mind that restaurants and hotels start to shut down by mid-October.
- Hvar Town, the island’s glamorous hub, is where most visitors base themselves. However, if you’re seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, consider staying in Stari Grad or Jelsa, two charming historic towns that offer a more authentic island experience.
- While Hvar is famous for its party scene, it’s equally enjoyable for couples seeking romance, wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and beach lovers. The key is knowing where to go and when to avoid the crowds.
- Getting around the island can be done by car, scooter, boat taxi, or organized tours. If you’re staying in Hvar Town and plan to explore other parts of the island, consider renting a vehicle for at least one day.
3-Day Hvar Itinerary
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DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AND HVAR TOWN
Getting to Hvar is part of the adventure, with several ferry options depending on your starting point. From Split, you can catch either a 1-hour high-speed catamaran directly to Hvar Town (passenger only) or a 2-hour car ferry to Stari Grad. If you’re coming from Korčula, the passenger ferry takes about 1.5 hours to Hvar Town. During peak season (July-August), it’s wise to book your ferry tickets in advance as popular routes often sell out. I like to use Ferry Hopper when booking ferries in Croatia and Greece.
For a chic, boutique experience in the perfect location, the Beach Bay Hvar Hotel offers an ideal base. Situated just steps from a public beach and a two-minute walk from the ferry, it provides the perfect balance of accessibility and tranquility. The hotel features a waterfront patio with sunbeds and offers beautiful sunset views over the harbor. There are also many luxury hotels where I can get you some additional perks.)
After checking in and freshening up, spend your first afternoon exploring the charming streets of Hvar Town. The main square, St. Stephen’s Square (locally known as Hvarska pjaca), is one of the most beautiful piazzas in Dalmatia. Take time to admire the Renaissance cathedral and the centuries-old well at the square’s northern end.
The waterfront is prime for people (and yacht) watching and there are many cafes to grab a coffee or glass of wine to just relax and observe.
As evening approaches, consider hiking up to the Spanish Fortress (Španjola) for spectacular sunset views over the Pakleni Islands. The climb takes about 45 minutes, and while it can be steep, the panoramic vistas are worth the effort. If you’re visiting in summer and the afternoon heat is intense, save this activity for early morning on another day.
For your first dinner in Hvar, make a reservation at Giaxa, a romantic restaurant serving elevated Croatian cuisine in a historic 15th-century palace. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, perfect for your first evening on the island. I know you may be tempted to skip making reservations, but unless you want to eat very early or very late…or get sucked into one of the tourist traps on the main square, you will be better off making reservations before you arrive.
After dinner, take a stroll along the harbor promenade, watching the yachts and perhaps stopping for gelato at L’Amor Per Il Gelato. If you’re interested in experiencing Hvar’s famous nightlife, start at Central Park Club and follow the music to find your scene.
DAY 2 – ISLAND EXPLORATION
Today is your day to discover more of Hvar Island. While there are numerous organized tours available, having your own transportation gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can rent a car near the bus station or the main parking lot (expect around 70 euros for a day’s rental). Note that most rentals are manual transmission, and the cars might be older models.
Start your day by driving toward Brusje to see the famous lavender fields (best viewed in June/July when in bloom). Even outside the lavender season, the area offers stunning vistas and opportunities to purchase local lavender products.
Continue to Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. This UNESCO-protected town offers a more authentic, laid-back atmosphere compared to Hvar Town. Spend time wandering the narrow stone streets, admiring the beautiful harbor, and perhaps stopping for a coffee at one of the local cafes.
Next, head to the charming town of Jelsa. Make a lunch reservation at Me & Mrs. Jones where you can enjoy fresh seafood by the water. You will be amazed by the differences between Hvar Town and Stari Grad or Jelsa. The latter are much more authentic and local feeling.
After lunch, it’s time for a highlight of any Hvar visit – wine tasting. Make a reservation at Vina Tomić, one of the island’s most renowned wineries. Their guided tour and tasting experience in a beautiful stone cellar includes five wines paired with local cheeses and bread. There are many wineries in the region around Jelsa, but it is smart to make reservations in advance if you want to do a tasting (or, book a wine tour!)
On your way back to Hvar Town, keep an eye out for hidden beaches and coves along the coast. Near Vrboska, you’ll find one of the island’s rare sandy beaches – perfect for a refreshing swim. Just be sure to bring along your water shoes, towels, and sunscreen.
End your day with dinner at Dalmatino Hvar, known for its excellent seafood and steaks, as well as outstanding service. The restaurant’s romantic atmosphere and high-quality cuisine make it a perfect choice for your second evening.
DAY 3 – BEACH AND BOAT DAY
For your final day, it’s time to experience what makes Hvar truly special – its crystal-clear waters and hidden coves. You have several options:
Book a boat tour to the Pakleni Islands, a chain of wooded isles featuring secluded beaches and beach bars. Many tours include stops for swimming and snorkeling in hidden bays, followed by lunch at a konoba (traditional restaurant) on one of the islands. For a splurge, you can also take a private sailing charter so that you can snorkel and swim at your leisure. There is certainly no shortage of boating options in Hvar, just watch out for those that are jam-packed with people and are more about getting from point A to point B than enjoying the actual experience on the water.
Alternatively, spend the day at one of Hvar’s beach clubs. Falko Beach Bar and Carpe Diem Beach Bar offer comfortable sunbeds, good music, and service right to your lounger. Since we were staying at the Beach Bay Hvar Hotel, we were able to take advantage of the hotel’s sun loungers and just walk a few steps down to the local beach to cool off when needed.
For your final dinner, head to Black Pepper for an upscale dining experience in a hip setting, or choose Macondo for traditional seafood in a romantic old-town setting.
Hvar offers dining options for every taste and budget. Here are some other top picks:
- Gariful: Upscale harbor-front dining perfect for people-watching
- La Bocca: Excellent pizza
- Konobo Menego: Traditional Croatian cuisine
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a beach holiday, or a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle, three days in Hvar offers the perfect introduction to this enchanting island. While you could easily spend a week or more exploring all its hidden corners, this itinerary helps you experience the best of what makes Hvar special – its history, cuisine, wines, and natural beauty. If you do want to explore more of this fabulous country, check out my 10-day Croatia itinerary or my Dubrovnik itinerary if you just want to see the highlights.
Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.
