Hvar is a beautiful and magical place. The island is not about the number of museums or churches you can see or the number of swanky restaurants and bars you can dine at; it’s about living in the moment, taking in the crystal blue waters and cobblestone streets, and marveling that a place like this exists.
THINGS TO DO IN HVAR:
1) Explore Hvar Town (1/2 Day): It’s a given, but walk around the town and walk around some more. Walking along the waterfront from one side of the island to the other is relaxing and gorgeous and so is exploring the side streets.
2) Hike to the Spanish Fortress (3h): This quick hike is a must-do in Hvar. Not only do you learn the history of the fortress, but you have an incredible view of the Hvar port and city. There is a restaurant on the top as well if you develop an appetite on your hike!
3) Beach Day (1 Day): Can’t go to Hvar without having a typical beach day drinking cocktails, rose, and whatever suits your fancy! There are many beautiful beaches in Hvar and the surrounding islands. On the island, we visited Pokonji Dol Beach which featured lounge chairs for rent and a restaurant / bar with pina coladas that hit the spot. We enjoyed this one because it was walkable from the city center and we explored the local neighborhoods along the way! I will say this wasn’t the clearest beach that we saw, but we loved it’s convenience! Other options on Hvar island are Bonj Beach (UNREAL water!), Beach Club Hvar , and beach beds that scatter the coastline.
4) Day Trip to see the nearby sites (1 day or more): We took a tour through Hvar Adventure that included the Blue Lagoon, Green Cave, Blue Cave, Stiniva Beach, and Palmizana. This was one of our favorite days in Croatia! The Blue Lagoon was incredible and…SO BLUE! We could have stayed at the lagoon for a 1/2 day. Palmizana was also a beautiful bay where we enjoyed a delicious meal at Laganini and could’ve spent an entire day there rather than a few hours.
5) Hula Hula Beach Bar: (1/2 day): Hula Hula Beach Bar is a beach bar of your dreams; lounge chairs observing a beautiful seascape and sunsets with access to rose, aperol spritzes, or whatever your heart desires. On the left of Hula Hula are the lounge chairs featuring couples and bachelorette parties which make for prime people watching. On the right features a rowdy dance floor. Bring ample cash, as you’ll find yourself at this establishment longer and more often than expected.
6) Sunset Sailing Cruise (3h): If you want a romantic evening on the water with an incredible sunset, then an evening sailing trip is the activity for you! I had never been sailing before and it was something that I’ll never forget. Before watching the sunset, we sailed around a few of the islands and stopped off for a quick swim! We recommend using Hvar Adventure for your activities!
WHERE TO EAT IN HVAR:
1) Fig Hvar: What a hidden (or not so hidden) gem. I can’t say enough good things about Fig from the delicious and healthy food to the excellent service. Fig was a staple restaurant in Hvar for us – we went 2-3x and also went to their location in Split! It’s location is just off the main plaza in an adorable alleyway with string lights.
2) Black Pepper: We stopped by Black Pepper for some pasta and cocktails and would go back!
3) Laganini Palmizana: Dine inside wooden bungalows with a view of the ocean for a relaxed bohemian vibe. Palmizana is only a 10 minute water taxi from Hvar and would be an awesome spot for a beach day (see above). The waitress informed us that Bono is a “friend of the house.”
4) Adriana Hotel Hvar: Their second floor bar / restaurant has the best view in Hvar; it’s what postcards are made of. If you’re wanting a cheeseburger and fries, this is your spot!
WHERE TO DRINK IN HVAR:
1) The Top Bar at Adriana Hvar: As noted above, the Top Bar has the best view in Hvar of the main port area. It overlooks the boats, yachts, and ferries coming in and out of Hvar and has a modern, beachy vibe. See photos above of the cocktail and burger!
2) Hula Hula Bar: It’s a given based on the description above, but Hula Hula might end up being your go-to spot for drinks.
3) Kiva Bar: An indoor / outdoor alleyway bar that plays top 100 and is a mix of tourists and study abroad folks, Kiva bar is the place to dance, get rowdy, and down mai tai punch bowls. We had a blast!
4) Caffe Bar Sidro: We referred to this as the “pregame” and “people watching” bar. Bar Sidro is right in the main port area and had ginger-rich moscow mules. It’s right next to Kiva bar!
5) Carpe Diem Beach Club / Night Club: Although we didn’t go here (on my list for when we go back), Carpe Diem is a famous daytime and nighttime beach club. At night, you can take small water taxis from the main port in Hvar to party until the sun comes up!
WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR:
Adriana Hvar is a modern and luxurious hotel with a prime location in the Hvar city Center. It offers a breakfast fanfare with a view, a spa and indoor pool, and bar with ocean views. When we arrived, rose champagne waited for us in our room which was an unexpectedly decadent touch!
I hope that you have the best time exploring Hvar and Croatia!
Check out my Dubrovnik blog HERE!
Disclaimer: Within my blogs such as this one, I selectively share the experiences that I loved and/or would recommend. The experiences, food, etc. I choose not to share are because others may enjoy them, but they wouldn’t personally be my recommendations. As such, know that these posts are selectively curated for you, my friends and family, and myself 🙂
