Bucket list experience:
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia
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.
The elegant Baroque cathedral on the main square is a must-see, as is the lovely 17th-century public theatre.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.1 miles]
History and elegance prevail at this palatial 45-room grand hotel, with a renowned restaurant and spa.
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Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.2 miles]
Trendy hotel in up-market Hvar Town, with a fabulous rooftop pool and bar, a vast spa and a waterside restaurant.
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Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[2.8 miles]
Secluded waterside hideaway with its own bistro, beach and spa, where chic design meets unspoilt nature on Hvar island.
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Sveti Klement, Dalmatia, Croatia[4.2 miles]
Boho-chic escape – lush gardens with bungalows, villas, two restaurants and a beach, on a car-free islet near Hvar.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Dalmatia, Croatia
A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings
Dalmatia, Croatia
With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Dalmatia, Croatia[10.2 miles]
With sheltered waters, a steady breeze, and too-many-to-count uninhabited islands with hidden coves, the Dalmatian islands are made for sailing.
Best for ages: 13+ | £600 | 3-7 days
Dalmatia, Croatia[10.7 miles]
A blend of Italian and Middle European cuisine, with plenty of fresh fish and seafood, eating out in Dalmatia is always a treat.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia[32.1 miles]
A magical sea cave, illuminated with an amazing shade of luminescent blue at midday when the sun’s rays enter via by a partial submarine hole in the cave entrance.
Best for ages: 8+ | £25
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[37.3 miles]
A vast 3rd-century AD palace was Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement home that forms the core of Split’s stunning, UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.3 miles]
A beautiful pebble beach with a super-trendy beach club, boasting a lounge bar, DJ and restaurant in a magical setting among the pines. The club opens daily from June to September.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[3.4 miles]
An archipelago of 21 blissful car-free pine-scented islets, famed for secluded coves and fine pebble beaches, with excellent reef and wreck diving.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[15.1 miles]
Perched on a remote mountain cleft on Brac island, the Hermitage dates back to the 15th century, when Ottoman Turks took shelter in a cave. They stayed, built outwards and by the 18th century it was a Hermitage serving three local villages.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[18.1 miles]
A photogenic 500m-long cape of fine golden shingle, that changes shape with the tide. Lined with sunbeds and good for watersports, it’s a great family beach.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
