Floating in the sparkling waters of the Adriatic, Hvar Island is one of Croatia’s most gorgeous holiday destinations, ripe with an irresistible blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and Mediterranean charm. Just under an hour from Split by ferry, Hvar is known for its picturesque harbour towns, lush green hillsides, and a sun-drenched coastline that provide the dream setting for long, easy days. A holiday to Hvar offers the perfect balance of vibrant island life and peaceful escape – where you can sip local wine on a terrace one evening, then swim in a hidden cove the next. With a villa home as your base, explore Hvar and enjoy the host of activities and sites that the island has to offer.
From the cobbled lanes and 13th Century walls of Hvar Town to the tranquil villages and untouched nature of the island’s countryside, every area has its own beauty and history. Explore medieval fortresses, hop on a boat to see the nearby Pakleni Islands, or hike through olive groves and vineyards. Whether you’re after sunny beaches, fine dining, or a slice of local life, Hvar has something for every kind of traveller.
We have a growing portfolio of villas to rent in Hvar, Croatia, so whatever your budget or requirements, we can help you find your dream villa in Hvar.
– Ginnie, Managing Director
Hvar is one of the dreamiest islands in the Adriatic, one that effortlessly blends natural beauty, history, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or pure relaxation, Hvar has something for everyone. Guests can opt for a number of activities to add to their travel itineraries, be that wandering the historic streets of Hvar Town, exploring the 16th-century Fortica Fortress, or take a boat trip to the nearby Pakleni Islands for tranquil swimming spots and secluded beaches. Food enthusiasts will love the island’s wineries, seafood restaurants, open air cafes and fresh local produce, while outdoor lovers can hike through lavender fields, olive groves, and scenic coastal trails. Amongst all of that, the beaches on Hvar are a selling point in and of themselves, with visitors able to explore both the popular Dubovica Beach or find a quieter cove to enjoy without others around you. Enjoy cocktails in the marina and feel the buzz of the island’s nightlife. There is something to see and do for everyone in Hvar.
Discover some of the best things to do in Hvar in our blog below.
Picture sparkling water, soft sand, hidden coves with rocky backdrops and the warm sun on your skin – this is what Hvar has to offer. Home to some of the most stunning beaches in Croatia, offering everything from hidden spots to lively stretches of golden pebbles lapped by the clear Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re in search of a quiet spot to relax or a sweeping seafront with a buzzing vibe and beach bars, Hvar has a beach to suit every mood. From the iconic Dubovica Beach, with its turquoise waters and stone cottage backdrop, to the well-loved Hvar Beach, each offers its own unique charm. For those looking to escape the crowds, a short boat ride to the Pakleni Islands will take you to quieter bays and peaceful hideaways perfect for swimming and sunbathing. No matter how you like to enjoy the seaside, the beaches of Hvar promise unforgettable days under the Mediterranean sun.
Discover the best beaches in Hvar in our blog below.
Hvar is not only known for its stunning coastline and lively atmosphere, but also for its incredible food scene. From sea-to-table seafood straight off the boat to traditional Croatian dishes with a modern twist, the island’s restaurants offer something for everyone. Whether you’re dining under the stars in a romantic courtyard or enjoying a relaxed lunch by the sea, Hvar serves up unforgettable culinary experiences in equally unforgettable settings. Explore the charming streets of Hvar Town to discover hidden gems, or patron some of the more popular spots to experience some of the more well-known dining experiences on the island, serving grilled fish, local wines, and olive oil pressed right on the island. From fine dining to rustic charm, Hvar’s food scene reflects the island’s blend of sophistication and tradition – making every meal a highlight of your trip.
Discover the best restaurants in Hvar in our blog below.
With its beautiful beaches, lively towns, and stunning Adriatic views, Hvar is a year-round destination – each season offering its own unique charm. But deciding when the best month is to visit Croatia is a challenge, and entirely down to what kind of holiday you want. From the bustling energy of peak summer to the quiet calm of winter, or the mild, blooming days of spring and the golden glow of autumn, Hvar transforms beautifully throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore historic towns without the crowds, or sample local wine during the harvest season, timing your trip right can make all the difference.
Discover the best time to visit Hvar in our blog below.
While some know Hvar for its buzzing beach clubs and nightlife, it is also a brilliant holiday destination for family groups seeking sun and adventure. Hvar is somewhere where you can find calm, clear waters perfect for smaller children, scenic landscapes, and welcoming local atmosphere, offering plenty of activities that kids and grown-ups with both enjoy. Whether you’re exploring medieval fortresses, splashing around at family-friendly beaches, or hopping on a boat to discover the Pakleni Islands, there’s no shortage of things to do. Families can enjoy easy group walks, try out water sports, or simply relax with a seaside picnic. Many restaurants cater to children, and the island’s slower pace makes it ideal for a stress-free getaway.
Discover the best family activities in Hvar in our blog below.
Hvar Island is a stunning Croatian island in the middle of the Adriatic Sea. There are a number of ways to get there, depending on your starting point and budget.
While Hvar doesn’t have its own airport, getting there by plane is still easy and straightforward. The nearest local and international airports are Split, Dubrovnik and Brac airport, though Split Airport on the Croatian mainland is the best connected, with flights across Europe and beyond regularly, especially during the summer.
From Split Airport, visitors need to take a short transfer to the Split Ferry Port (about 30–40 minutes by shuttle or taxi). From there, you can hop aboard a ferry to Hvar Island, with routes running to Hvar Town often, though varying based on time of year.
There are also seasonal ferry options from Dubrovnik, though Split is by far the most convenient and popular gateway.
Travelling to Hvar Island by car is a great option if you want the freedom to explore in your own vehicle and would rather avoid flying. However, since Hvar is an island you can’t drive directly there.
Visitors should drive to Split, and from there take the Split to Stari Grad car ferry. This is the most convenient route (depending on your starting point) and the crossing takes around 2 hours. We recommend booking tickets in advance, especially in the summer months. From Stari Grad, it’s an easy drive to Hvar Town.
Another option is the Drvenik to Sucuraj ferry, a shorter crossing (about 35 minutes) that’s ideal if you’re coming from southern Croatia or Dubrovnik.
Getting to Hvar by bus is a great budget-friendly option, however, since it is an island, there is no way to get there solely by bus. However, you can easily reach it by combining bus and ferry travel.
First, take a bus to Split. There are plenty of long-distance buses which run from cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and even international destinations. The Split Bus Station is conveniently located right next to the Split Ferry Port.
From there, hop on a catamaran or ferry to Hvar. Boats run directly to Hvar town.
Again, since Hvar is an island there is no way to directly travel by train. However, you can use a combination of train and ferry to get there. The best route is to take a train to Split, which run cross country from cities like Zagreb through the very scenic countryside. Once at Split Train Station, which is right next to the ferry port, hopping on a catamaran or ferry is a convenient and easy next step.
In order to get to Hvar, a boat trip is necessary! This is an enjoyable and easy way to travel with regular ferry and catamaran services to Hvar from several ports though Split is the one we recommend as this is the most popular with many services running, even in the winter.
The journey takes anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on where you are hopping off.
Visitors can also hire a water taxi or private boat, depending on budget.
Yes, during the summer months, some parts of Hvar have a busy, bustling atmosphere and lots of bars and nightlife to enjoy. However, this quietens down significantly during the off-season.
While Hvar is considered more expensive than other parts of Croatia, particularly during the peak tourist season, it still offers a range of price points for accommodation and activities and can be significantly cheaper than other summer destinations.
Hvar is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, historic town, and rich culture.
Hvar, like many destinations, is busiest during the summer months of June, July and August.
While it is always a good idea to keep valuables out of eyesight and take the normal precautions when travelling, Hvar is considered a very safe destination, including for solo travellers. The island has a low crime rate in general.
As well as our villas in Brac, Croatia, we also have a portfolio of hand-picked properties in Greece, Portugal, Gran Canaria, Mallorca and Ibiza. If you are considering other destinations and you need any advice, just contact us and let us know your wish list, concerns, deal breakers and budget and we will suggest the most suitable properties to help find your personal paradise.
We LOVE talking about villas and holiday destinations. Remember, you can contact us anytime to discuss your holiday plans. With our first-hand knowledge and experience of each area and the properties within, we can guide you along the way to finding your dream holiday and can answer any queries you may have. We are holiday enthusiasts here at The Villa Agency and we are here to help!