Hvar Travelers Recommend

With three days in Hvar, you have time to see the top sights, relax on a beach or two, go kayaking or wine-tasting, and hit the nightclubs. Here are our top tips for optimizing your time on the island, including options for offshore day tours.

Day 1: Culture Overview

Spend your first day getting your bearings and learning about Hvar’s cultural heritage. Wander around the island’s main hub, Hvar Town, on foot for an intimate glimpse of its medieval landmarks and religious sites, then widen your perspective and explore another island settlement, such as Stari Grad or Jelsa. Day tours let you forego the hassle of planning in advance, and some have themes such as wine, food, or history. Finish the day with laid-back drinks in one of the town’s boho bars, or immerse yourself in party vibes at one of the famous nightclubs.

Day 2: Beaches

After a night of dancing, hop in a speedboat or kayak and head for some scenic beaches. Within easy reach of Hvar, the Pakleni Islands are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and natural sightseeing. (Alternatively, save the more active excursions for evening, when it’s cooler out.) Tours typically include round-trip transport from Hvar Town. For dinner, seek out a rural restaurant for a rich culinary experience away from the hustle and bustle of the main square, and take in the views of the sunset and night sky.

Day 3: Enriching Experiences

Get a glimpse of the wider Adriatic on a day tour by speedboat to more distant highlights, such as Vis island and Biševo’s Blue Cave. Or, charter a private sailing vessel for some exclusive sightseeing. Alternatively, keep families or large groups entertained on a visit to one of the island’s activity centers, where team games and sports provide memorable experiences. To avoid the restrictions of the public ferry schedule, arrange for private transport back to the mainland at a time that suits you, and enjoy a relaxing Hvarian dinner.

Two days give you plenty of time to do more in Hvar than just party. Delve into the island’s maritime history, go wine-tasting or kayaking, or stargaze on a hillside. Here are our top tips for making the most of 48 hours in Hvar.

Day 1: Discover Hvar

**Morning:**Spend a morning exploring Hvar’s largest settlement on foot for insight into the island’s often-overlooked maritime history. Immerse yourself in the traditional Old Town atmosphere as you stroll the cobblestone streets, meandering your way up to the hilltop fortress for memorable coastal vistas.

**Afternoon:**Get a different perspective of the island by venturing out of town. Visit rural settlements, or sample local wine. Tours typically include a meal, as well as round-trip transport from Hvar Town.

**Night:**Watch the sunset over a traditional Dalmatian dinner; take advantage of the evening’s cooler temperatures and embark on an active excursion; or stargaze after dark on a secluded hillside away from the town’s light pollution. Afterward, experience Hvar’s famous nightlife with a digestif or two in one of the seafront bars.

Day 2: Explore the Adriatic

**Morning:**Head out early on a kayak tour of the Pakleni Islands, or take a sailboat or speedboat to more distant highlights such as Vis or Biševo’s Blue Cave. For the full Hvarian holiday experience, charter a private yacht for some exclusive sightseeing.

**Afternoon:**Most off-island tours continue into the afternoon and include free time to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in secluded spots. If you find yourself back in town with time to spare, browse the Franciscan monastery’s museum exhibits, or people-watch in the main square over a cup of Croatian coffee.

**Night:**Arrange for private transport back to the mainland to avoid the restrictions of the public ferry schedule, then enjoy a leisurely Hvarian dinner.

Hvar’s party reputation precedes it, but the island offers more than just revelry: go fishing, visit an adventure park, or take in the sunset. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to gain a solid overview of Hvar’s rich culture, history, and nightlife in just one day. Here’s how.

Morning: Hello to Hvar Town

Start your day by exploring Hvar’s main town, the hub of the island. Set off early to stroll the cobblestone streets before the crowds descend, winding your way up the hill to the Fortica viewpoint for panoramic views across the island. Join a guided tour to learn more about Hvar’s often-overlooked history as a Venetian fortress and Adriatic trade center.

Afternoon: Wider Island Insight

For deeper insight into Hvar’s rural culture, spend the afternoon sampling Dalmatian wines, relaxing in rolling fields of lavender, fishing, or discovering lesser-known historical landmarks. Alternatively, head over to one of Hvar’s modern adventure parks, ideal for families or groups. Most day tours include hassle-free round-trip transport.

Night: Dusk, Dinner, and Dancing

While Hvar is famed for its vibrant nightlife, clubbing isn’t the only option. Unwind after a busy day with an authentic Dalmatian dinner on a rural terrace, ideal for absorbing views of the Adriatic sunset. Or, explore the coastline on an active evening sea adventure. If you’re a day-tripper, arrange for private transport back to the mainland at a time that suits you, or spend a night on the town for firsthand experience of Hvar’s international party scene.