Travel bucket list idea:

Hvar’s Old Town

Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia

Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 26 June, 2023

Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

One of the most picturesque towns in the whole of the Croatian archipelago, Hvar Town is an elegant patchwork of historic Venetian townhouses and palaces, many carefully restored, opening out onto the marble-flagged St Stephen’s square.

Behind the square, terracotta-roofed houses rise up to overlook the horseshoe-shaped harbour, lined with bars and restaurants, with wide promenades leading off in both directions to quiet coves and pine-fringed beaches.

Sightseeing is best puncuated with coffees, or a cold Posip (Croatian white wine) from one of the café terraces above the main square (Teraca is particularly good), which are perfectly-placed to watch the yachts and wooden fishing boats glide in and out of harbour.

At the days’ end, go for dinner at Maconoda, on the narrow stone alley between the main square and hilltop castle – home to the best seafood in Hvar.

Don’t miss

The elegant Baroque cathedral on the main square is a must-see, as is the lovely 17th-century public theatre.

While you’re there

Stroll along the coast to Hvar’s Franciscan monastery, which overlooks a cove just south of the town. It’s home to a number of Renaissance treasures, including an 8m-long Last Supper, painted by Venetian Matteo Ingoli, and an edition of Ptolemy’s Atlas, printed in 1524.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are regular daily ferries from both Split and Dubrovnik to Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Buses meet the ferries in high season to transfer passengers to Hvar town (25 minutes). Otherwise take a taxi. Buses arrive at the main bus station, just outside St Stephen’s Square, so you’re well placed to dive into the heart of the town.

Begin your visit by dipping into the cathedral and the theatre, before strolling through the tangle of streets behind the main square. It’s worth making the steep climb to Hvar’s large 16th-century fortress, built by the Venetians: from its ramparts you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the rooftops of Hvar old town and the harbour below.

When to do it

The town is accessible all year round. Note that the cathedral and monastery are closed between midday and 5pm, so visit in the morning or early evening.

Hvar Town does get overwhelmingly busy in July and August – if you’re staying on Hvar during these months, visit in the morning (ideally before, say, 11amm) or go in for dinner in the evening.

In winter, most of the restaurants and bars are closed and the town feels almost empty.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Rating 4.30 / 5 [298 ratings]

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