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Hvar’s Old Town

  • Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia

Last updated: 18 April, 2024

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: 0
Age suitable: 18+
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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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Dubrovnik

This is a unique way to experience the magical ambient of Blue cave. We go only with small groups, so we can approach each guest individually. In this tour you will spend time on sandy Lopud beach Sunj where you will have time to swim before we go to explore caves. Afther that we will take you to visit Three caves on Koločep Island where you can spend time exploring the untouched nature of Elaphiti islands. The third and most important stop is the magnificent Blue Cave. Our skipper will briefly describe how to enter the caves and provide all safety advices and help if needed. Your boat is always moored close to you, and you will be supervised by our experienced skipper at every moment. Entering inside the caves by swimming is most amazing act of this tour. All shades of blue mixed with sun rays, will beat up all your expectations. This is something you will talk about. Don’t forget your swim suite!

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  • Split

See this Dream islands Mamma Mia tour by speedboat. Book it and enjoy in just one day in your perfect getaway from real life. Your journey begins with a 90 minutes speedboat ride to the east side of Biševo island, where you will see famous natural phenomenon Blue Cave. After that we start with our “Mamma mia” part of the tour. You will be driven to fishermen’s village Komiža on western side of island Vis. Our second Mamma mia location – even more stunning that the first one – Stiniva cove. Next is passing by Srebrena Beach – the last but not the least important Mamma mia location on the tour. This is the beach where you see Young Donna and Sam having a moonlit stroll in the film. Then we continue to the other part of the tour. Enjoy a wonderful swim for one hour at Blue lagoon on island Budikovac. After you have discovered the natural beauties of the sea you will be driven to beautiful town Hvar, where you will have free time to explore. Book this Dream day Mamma Mia tour!

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  • Split

Join this all day excursion beginning with a visit to the nature phenomenon, the Blue Cave. Swim at best beaches on Vis island and visit hidden caves on the way to Stiniva Bay. Relax and snorkel on Budikovac bay and at the end taste best Croatian dishes in Hvar's restaurants and after that enjoy impressive view from Fortica fortress above the city.

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  • Split

This tour efficiently combines eight locations in one day! There is enough time to explore, swim and have a blast while on our speedboats. You will definitely catch up on that tanning so make sure to bring your sunscreen. Other than the Blue Cave, we also visit less famous caves around Vis island, two beaches, enjoy a panoramic view of the Pakleni archipelago and have free time in Hvar town.

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  • Trogir

See this Dream islands Mamma Mia tour by speedboat. Book it and enjoy in just one day in your perfect getaway from real life. Your journey begins with a 90 minutes speedboat ride to the east side of Biševo island, where you will see famous natural phenomenon Blue Cave. After that we start with our “Mamma mia” part of the tour. You will be driven to fishermen’s village Komiža on western side of island Vis. Our second Mamma mia location – even more stunning that the first one – Stiniva cove. Next is passing by Srebrena Beach – the last but not the least important Mamma mia location on the tour. This is the beach where you see Young Donna and Sam having a moonlit stroll in the film. Then we continue to the other part of the tour. Enjoy a wonderful swim for one hour at Blue lagoon on island Budikovac. After you have discovered the natural beauties of the sea you will be driven to beautiful town Hvar, where you will have free time to explore. Book this Dream day Mamma Mia tour!

Price €95

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Rating 4.93 / 5 [1551 ratings]

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