Holidays to Hvar
Holidays in Hvar, the sunniest of Croatia’s islands, are all about days spent lazing on stunning beaches and swimming in bright blue waters, and nights spent wining, dining and partying.
All the fun in the coastal sun
So, about that sunshine? Hvar has it on tap. In fact, the sun shines down on this magical island for an average of 2,724 hours every year! And that makes it an ideal destination for a sun-drenched beach break. Catch some rays on beaches like the spectacular Dubovica, explore the Adriatic on a boat and tuck into gregada (a fishy, potatoey stew) in a seaside restaurant.
Make a splash
If you’re convinced that you were a fish, octopus or mermaid in a past life, Hvar’s clear, turquoise waters will make you feel right at home. Swimming aside, there are multiple dive sites where you can spot all sorts of colourful creatures, as well as the 150-year-old Paulina shipwreck. There are plenty of snorkelling opportunities too, with the best spots accessible on boat trips around the Pakleni Islands.
Love is in the air
The Venetians ruled this island between 1420–1797 and, being Venetians and all, they knew how to make things pretty. This legacy makes Hvar a top destination for a romantic getaway – think strolling hand-in-hand along the harbour, enjoying the view from the hilltop castle and spending a night out in a quality restaurant.
For more alone time, visit Stari Grad, which was settled by ancient Greeks in 384 BC and is one of the oldest towns in Europe! These days, it’s just as stunning as Hvar Town, but with fewer crowds and a more chilled nightlife.
A spot of culture
While Hvar holidays are likely to be spent relaxing, swimming and recovering from the night before, there are enough attractions here to get you stretching your legs. The Arsenal Gallery is worth a wander. It’s got nothing to do with the Gunners, mind. It’s more about boats and contemporary art.
There are also plenty of charming old buildings to seek out, such Tvrdalj Castle (once home to 16th-century poet Petar Hektorović) and the Benedictine and Franciscan monasteries.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Fashionable beach lovers who like to party in style 🏝️
Go... In early summer for sunshine and fewer crowds ☀️
You have to... Take a dip in the sea by the Pakleni Islands 💦
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Croatian
Time difference
GMT +1
Cost of a beer
€2.65
3-course meal
€40.00
Flight time
2 hrs
Best beaches: Kayak to paradise
Feel like splashing your cash? Spend a day at Beach Club Hvar, where you can doze on a cabana with a bottle of Prosecco and a fruit platter for company (not to mention a front-row seat to paradise). For a more low-key day on the sand, Križna Luka, Strand Mekićevica and Banj Beach in Stari Grad are all top options. Or for a truly beach-tastic experience, hire a kayak and paddle to the Pakleni Islands (don’t worry, water taxis are also available).
Food and drink: O-live a wine, please
Get ready to fill your tummy with fresh calamari, lobster and mussels, because Hvar holidays go BIG on seafood. To get your fill, choose between restaurants like the open-air Konoba Luviji Rooftop and fine dining establishment Giaxa. Love a grape-based beverage? Make a beeline to a vineyard. There are more than ten on the island, with tipples of all colours and flavours to try. Island-grown olive oil is also essential for any meal here, and look out for lavender cake to finish.
Nightlife: Hvar-ing it large
Hvar Town’s sparkling, glamorous waterfront is where you want to be for a top night out. If sleep is not on the cards, hop on a boat to Marinkovac Island, where revellers at Carpe Diem beach club stay up ‘til midnight. Stari Grad is the better pick for a relaxed evening with a few quiet cocktails by the sea. And you’re still only a 20-minute boat ride away from Marinkovac Island, if your mood changes.
When to go to Hvar
Visit Hvar between June and September, when the weather is glorious and Hvar Town is at its entertaining best. Peak season is July and August, when you can expect temperatures to soar to around 29C. It’s busy, but that’s par for the course in any popular destination during the school holidays.
For cheap Hvar holidays, head to the island just outside of the peak summer months. May, June, September and October are good bets for bagging a good deal and still getting to experience the charming island at its best.
