An island haven in the midst of the glittering Adriatic Sea, there are lots of things to do in Hvar, Croatia’s coastal crown jewel. The 17th-century cathedral reigns over a smooth, sandstone plaza, while charming restaurants serve local staples such as black truffle, octopus, and prosciutto. By day, island hop on a private yacht or catamaran, stopping to swim and snorkel at some of the 17 islands that make up the Pakleni archipelago; by night, Hvar’s clifftop Spanish Fortress affords panoramic views of the Dalmatian Coast, while beachfront bars offer a slice of Croatia's renowned nightlife.
Head to Hvar in May for moderate temperatures and the Festival of St. Prosper, the island’s patron saint—expect processions, dancing, and bounteous feasts. Lapped by the warm waters of the Adriatic, Hvar enjoys hot, breezy summers and cold winters. The best weather on the glamorous island is in June or August, but taking your vacation then can mean higher prices and bigger crowds—visit in June or September for the best of both worlds.
Hvar lends itself well to walking—aimless rambles tend to reveal secret beaches lacking the usual crowds. Regular buses run regularly from Hvar Town, which is a short walk away from the island’s major ferry port. If you’re staying further afield in the traditional villages of Stari Grad, Vrboska and Jelsa, there’s a ferry that runs between Stari Grad and Hvar Town, but it’s recommended to hire a car or a scooter.
You don’t have to stray too far from Hvar Town to find secluded beaches that’ll give you plenty of room to stretch out and swim. Top picks include the horseshoe-shaped Robinson’s Beach—its glimmering water is overlooked by a quaint Croatian seafood restaurant and bar—and Velo Borce. You can reach either of these beaches in about an hour on foot from the Old Town.
