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Located on the western side of Hvar Island, Hvar Town is one of Croatia's most famous coastal destinations.
Known for its historic stone architecture, elegant harbour, lively waterfront and spectacular views over the Pakleni Islands, Hvar Town combines centuries of history with a sophisticated Mediterranean atmosphere.
The town has a reputation for luxury yachts and summer nightlife, but there's much more to discover.
Behind the busy waterfront are quiet stone streets, historic squares, ancient churches, local restaurants and viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic.
Whether you're visiting Hvar for a few hours on a boat tour or staying for several days, Hvar Town is one of the highlights of the Dalmatian coast.
Hvar Town offers a little bit of everything.
History lovers can explore centuries-old buildings and fortifications.
Food lovers can enjoy fresh seafood and Croatian wine beside the harbour.
Beach lovers can take a short boat ride to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
And travellers simply looking for Mediterranean atmosphere can spend an afternoon walking through the old streets, sitting in a café or watching boats arrive in the harbour.
Historic Old Town
Fortica Fortress
St. Stephen's Square
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Historic waterfront promenade
Pakleni Islands just offshore
Excellent restaurants and cafés
Beautiful views over the Adriatic
Hvar has been an important settlement for more than two thousand years.
The island was influenced by ancient Greek settlers, Romans, Venetians and other Mediterranean powers, all of whom left their mark on the town.
During Venetian rule, Hvar developed into an important maritime and trading centre.
Many of the stone buildings, churches and fortifications visible today reflect this long history.
Walking through the Old Town, it's easy to see how Hvar developed around its harbour while gradually expanding up the hillside.
At the centre of Hvar Town is St. Stephen's Square, known locally as Pjaca.
It is one of the largest town squares in Dalmatia and forms the social heart of Hvar.
Historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and St. Stephen's Cathedral surround the square.
It is an excellent place to begin exploring the Old Town before wandering into the narrower streets beyond.
Standing at the eastern end of the main square, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of Hvar Town's most recognisable landmarks.
The cathedral reflects centuries of religious and architectural history and forms an important part of the town's historic centre.
Even if you're not planning to spend a long time sightseeing, the cathedral is easy to visit while exploring the square and surrounding streets.
High above the town stands Fortica Fortress, also known as the Spanish Fortress.
The climb takes you away from the busy waterfront and through quieter streets before reaching the fortress above the town.
The real reward is the view.
From the top, you can look across:
Hvar Town
The Adriatic Sea
The Pakleni Islands
The surrounding coastline
Early morning and late afternoon are particularly enjoyable times to make the climb, when temperatures are more comfortable and the light is beautiful.
One of the best things to do in Hvar Town is simply walk.
The historic centre is filled with narrow stone streets, small courtyards, old houses and hidden corners.
You don't need a strict sightseeing route.
Start around the main square and gradually explore the streets leading uphill and toward the quieter edges of the Old Town.
You'll find:
Historic stone houses
Small churches
Local shops
Art galleries
Traditional restaurants
Hidden courtyards
Quiet residential streets
Some of the most memorable moments in Hvar come from simply wandering without a destination.
The waterfront is where Hvar Town feels most lively.
Palm trees line the promenade while restaurants, cafés and bars overlook the harbour.
Luxury yachts and sailing boats fill the marina during summer, creating one of the most recognisable scenes on the island.
Morning is generally calmer.
By afternoon and evening, the waterfront becomes much livelier as restaurants fill and visitors gather for drinks and dinner.
Located close to the waterfront, the Franciscan Monastery is one of Hvar's most peaceful historic landmarks.
Its gardens, stone architecture and historic collection offer a quieter experience away from the busiest parts of the harbour.
The monastery is also a good example of how many of Hvar's most interesting sights can be discovered simply by walking beyond the main square.
One of Hvar Town's biggest advantages is its location directly opposite the Pakleni Islands.
The archipelago is only a short boat ride away and offers a completely different atmosphere from the town.
Here you'll find:
Crystal-clear swimming spots
Hidden coves
Pine-covered islands
Waterfront restaurants
Beach bars
Quiet anchorages
If you have extra time in Hvar, spending part of the day exploring the Pakleni Islands is highly recommended.
Hvar Town itself is not primarily a beach destination, but there are several swimming areas within easy reach.
For a more spectacular swimming experience, take a short boat ride away from the town.
The nearby Pakleni Islands and southern coastline of Hvar offer clearer, quieter swimming locations and hidden coves that are best accessed from the sea.
This is one of the reasons Hvar works particularly well as part of a private boat itinerary.
Hvar has a strong culinary tradition based around fresh Adriatic ingredients.
Look for:
Fresh grilled fish
Octopus salad
Black risotto
Local olive oil
Dalmatian-style meat dishes
Homemade pasta
Croatian wines
The waterfront offers beautiful dining settings, but don't be afraid to explore the streets behind the harbour.
Some of the most enjoyable restaurants are found away from the busiest waterfront terraces.
Warm weather, blooming landscapes and fewer visitors make this an excellent time to explore the town.
The busiest months bring warm sea temperatures, lively restaurants, nightlife and a full summer atmosphere.
If you're visiting during peak season, start sightseeing early or explore later in the afternoon.
September is one of the best times to visit Hvar.
The sea remains warm, temperatures are comfortable and the town begins to feel more relaxed.
The pace slows considerably, but the historic centre remains beautiful and the quieter atmosphere can appeal to travellers looking for a more peaceful experience.
Start early
The Old Town is much more peaceful before the main day-trippers arrive.
Climb Fortica
The views from the fortress are among the best on the island.
Explore beyond the waterfront
The quieter streets behind the main square reveal a different side of Hvar.
Visit the Pakleni Islands
If you have enough time, don't spend the entire day in town.
Wear comfortable shoes
The Old Town contains many stone streets and steps, and the climb to Fortica can be steep.
Reserve restaurants during peak season
Popular restaurants can become busy during July and August, particularly around the waterfront.
Approaching Hvar Town from the sea is one of the most memorable ways to arrive.
As your boat enters the harbour, you'll see the historic town rising behind the waterfront, with Fortica above the rooftops and the Pakleni Islands stretching across the horizon.
A private boat also allows you to combine Hvar Town with swimming and sightseeing elsewhere around the island.
You might spend the morning exploring the Old Town, stop for lunch, then cruise toward the Pakleni Islands or one of Hvar's hidden swimming coves.
A relaxed private boat itinerary could look something like this:
Morning — Arrival in Hvar Town
Walk through the historic centre and explore St. Stephen's Square.
Late Morning — Fortica Fortress
Climb above the town for panoramic views over Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.
Lunch — Hvar Town
Enjoy fresh seafood, local wine or a traditional Dalmatian meal.
Afternoon — Pakleni Islands
Leave the harbour behind and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in one of the archipelago's sheltered bays.
Late Afternoon — Return to Hvar
Enjoy a final drink or walk along the waterfront before continuing your journey.
The itinerary can easily be adjusted depending on whether your group prefers sightseeing, swimming, food or simply relaxing on the boat.
Hvar Town is particularly well suited to:
First-time visitors who want to experience one of Croatia's most famous destinations.
Couples looking for historic streets, waterfront dining and beautiful sunsets.
Families who want to combine sightseeing with nearby swimming locations.
Groups of friends interested in restaurants, nightlife, beaches and island-hopping.
Boat travellers looking for a convenient base for exploring Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.
Hvar Town is one of those Croatian destinations that manages to combine history and modern Mediterranean life in a remarkably small area.
You can spend the morning walking through centuries-old stone streets, climb to a historic fortress before lunch, swim in crystal-clear water in the afternoon and finish the day with dinner beside the Adriatic.
For visitors arriving by boat, Hvar Town is also the perfect gateway to the wider island and the nearby Pakleni Islands.
Whether you're visiting for a few hours or staying several days, make time to explore beyond the postcard views.
That's where you'll discover the quieter side of Hvar.
Discover more of Hvar and the surrounding islands:
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