Hvar tours and tickets
Hvar is a boat island. The catamaran from Split, a boat day to the Pakleni islands and a table at a good restaurant are the things to arrange in July and August. The fortress, the monastery and the Stari Grad plain cost little and need no notice. A scooter or car tour of the island is easiest booked a few days ahead.
Book these first
- Catamaran or car ferry from Split
- A week or more ahead in July and August. Fast boats to Hvar town fill, and the car ferry to Stari Grad fills for cars on summer weekends.
- Dinner at the better restaurants
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in peak season. Hvar town has few tables for the number of visitors, and the well-known places fill early.
- Peka, if you want it
- A day ahead. Meat or octopus cooked under an iron bell takes hours, and most places need notice.
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Monuments and landmarks
Spanjola fortress
A Venetian fortress on the hill above Hvar Town, with a path from the square and a view over the harbor and the Pakleni islands. Entry is by ticket at the gate.
Which to pick. Walk up early or near sunset, when the path is shaded and the harbor glows. Take water and sun protection.
Not needed, buy at the gateVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorFranciscan monastery and the Arsenal
A small monastery with a cloister and a painting of the Last Supper, and the Arsenal near the harbor with a theater above it. Visits are short.
Which to pick. See them on your way through town, and give each half an hour. Check opening hours.
On the water
Pakleni islands boat trip
Water taxis and day boats run from Hvar harbor to coves and beach restaurants on the Pakleni islands, a short crossing away.
Which to pick. Take a water taxi from the harbor and ask for a beach on the far side for quiet. Book a table on the islands in July and August.
Tables a few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorPrivate speedboat or sailing day
A skippered boat for a group, with swim stops at caves and bays. Routes can reach Vis and the Blue Cave, depending on conditions.
Which to pick. Choose a skipper with a known route and check the stops. Ask what is included and how weather changes the plan.
A week ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorCatamaran or ferry from Split
Fast catamarans and car ferries link Split with Hvar Town, Stari Grad and Jelsa. Schedules differ between summer and winter.
Which to pick. Book the catamaran to Hvar Town ahead in summer. Take the car ferry to Stari Grad if you bring a car.
A week or more ahead in July and AugustTours and tickets on Viator
Outdoors
Stari Grad plain
A farmed plain with ancient stone walls laid out by Greek settlers, now a World Heritage site. It is flat, and good for cycling.
Which to pick. Rent a bike in Stari Grad and ride a loop. A guided cycling tour explains the history.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorLavender villages
Small stone villages in the hills with lavender fields in early summer, reached by car or on a tour. Stops include oil, wine and honey.
Which to pick. Go in June for the bloom. A jeep or minibus tour is easiest if you don't have a car.
A few days ahead in seasonTours and tickets on Viator
Food tours and classes
Island wine tasting
Tours visit family wineries around Stari Grad and Jelsa, with tastings of Plavac Mali and local whites, often with cheese and prosciutto.
Which to pick. Choose a small group and a morning or late afternoon. Ask whether a driver is included.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorPeka dinner
A slow-cooked meal of meat or octopus with potatoes, baked under an iron bell. It needs a day's notice at the restaurant.
Which to pick. Order it a day ahead and share it with a group. It suits a long evening.
A day aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Hvar
Do I need to book the catamaran from Split?
In July and August, yes. Seats sell out on the busy mornings and evenings. In spring and autumn you can often buy on the day.
Is a day trip from Split to Hvar enough?
It gives you the town and a swim. For the islands and the plain you need a night or two. Check the last boat back.
Are the Pakleni islands worth the trip?
Yes. They are a short hop, with coves and beach restaurants. Take a water taxi in the morning and book a table for lunch.
Can I rent a car or scooter on Hvar?
Yes, in Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Book ahead in summer, and be careful on narrow coast roads. A taxi boat works for the islands.
Is Hvar good for non-partying visitors?
Yes. Outside the party spots, the plain, the villages and Jelsa are calm. Choose a stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa for quiet.
What can I leave until I arrive?
The fortress, water taxis, bike hire and a wine tasting can be arranged on the spot outside peak weeks. Book the catamaran and dinners first.