Things to do in Hvar Island
Discover the best attractions and experiences Hvar Island has to offer
Historic Monuments
Hvar’s history is written in stone – from medieval forts to Venetian-era fortifications and ancient towns perched by the Adriatic.
Fortica Španjola (Fortress)
A medieval fortress above Hvar Town with panoramic views and a glimpse into the island’s defenses.
Tvrdalj Castle
Petar Hektorović’s 16th-century fortress in Stari Grad, set beside a tranquil pond and historic harbor.
Cathedral of St Stephen (Katedrala Sv. Stjepana)
A Gothic-Renaissance church at the heart of Hvar Town with striking architecture.
Museums
Delve into local history and art at small island museums and heritage houses.
Hvar Heritage Museum
Located in the historic Arsenal, it showcases local archaeology, maritime heritage and crafts.
Stari Grad Museum
Docs the long history of Stari Grad, including artifacts from Pharos and the Stari Grad Plain.
Franciscan Monastery Museum
A monastery museum with a venerable library, religious art and serene spaces.
Religious Monuments
Quiet interiors and storied cloisters mark the island’s spiritual sites across towns.
Cathedral of St Stephen (Katedrala Sv. Stjepana)
The main church in Hvar Town with a commanding façade and interior beauty.
Franciscan Monastery (Samostan)
A historic complex with a cloister, chapel and rich religious heritage.
Church of St Nicholas (Crkva sv. Nikole) – Stari Grad
A traditional church in Stari Grad reflecting centuries of coastal faith.
National & Theme Parks
Hvar doesn’t host a national park, but nearby protected landscapes and cultural landscapes are accessible for day trips.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Hvar Island. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Explore the island’s main towns and coastal villages each with its own character.
Hvar Town (Grad)
Vibrant harbor town with limestone streets, palazzi and a scenic waterfront.
Stari Grad
One of Europe’s oldest towns, home to the UNESCO-listed plain and ancient stone charm.
Jelsa
Coastal town with cafes, beaches and calm seaside ambiance.
Vrboska
“Little Venice” with canals, cafés and a seaside fortress.
Free Things to Do
Many of Hvar’s best experiences come without a price tag but with plenty of scenery and atmosphere.
Walk along the Riva promenade (Hvar Town)
Stroll the seaside promenade, watch boats and enjoy sunset vibes.
Wander the medieval lanes of Hvar Town
Explore narrow alleys, charming courtyards and sea views.
Cycle or walk through the Stari Grad Plain
Follow ancient field walls across this UNESCO-listed agricultural landscape.
Gastronomy
Dalmatian coastal classics and fresh seafood define Hvar’s dining scene.
Gregada
Traditional Dalmatian fish stew with potatoes and herbs, a coastal comfort dish.
Fresh seafood platter
Grilled fish, calamari and shellfish sourced from local boats.
Malvasia (Malvazija) wine tasting
Sample the island’s white wines produced from local vineyards.
Nightlife
Hvar is famed for its lively harbor nightlife and stylish beach clubs.
Carpe Diem Bar
A legendary waterfront hotspot known for late-night gatherings and stylish crowds.
Laganini Beach Club (Palmizana)
Sunset-to-dawn beach club with music, drinks and sea views.
Riva harbor bars
Casual bars along Hvar Town’s waterfront for easygoing evenings.
Entertainment
Open-air cinema and seasonal performances add a cultural spark to summer nights.
Napoleon Summer Cinema (Ljetno kino Napoleon)
Open-air screenings of films during the summer season.
Open-air concerts in Hvar Town venues
Seasonal music and performances in public spaces around the town.
Sports
Water, wind and hills invite active travelers to explore the coast and landscapes.
Sea kayaking around the Pakleni Islands
Paddle to hidden coves and coastal viewpoints along these sunny isles.
Scuba diving in Hvar’s waters
Explore underwater caves, reefs and marine life with local dive centers.
Sailing trips along the coast
Charter a boat to discover coves and nearby Pakleni Islands.
Off the Track
Discover lesser-known experiences that reveal local life and landscapes.
Bike ride through the Stari Grad Plain
Pedal along ancient stone walls and rural fields.
Olive oil tasting at a local farm near Stari Grad
Learn about traditional production and sample fresh oils.
Tasting at Tomić Winery
Visit a historic Hvar winery and sample estate wines.