There are 5 charming towns around Hvar island to visit while sailing in Croatia. All of them are easy to reach by boat and offer something irresistible. We have fantastic itineraries that include Hvar island, or we can make a customized itinerary for you and your close ones. It’s not an easy choice, but you will enjoy every part of the island, no matter where you sail.
Hvar island is one of the most popular islands in Europe. So popular that Conde Nast travel magazine has listed this Croatian gem among the top 10 in Europe for years. The list of celebrities that visited Hvar is astonishing. Suppose you’re curious about who those celebrities are. In that case, I will mention a few Beyonce, U2, Bon Jovi, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Goldie Hawn, Prince of Monaco, Tommy Hilfiger, Charlize Theron, and Rod Stewart.
This island has everything, from delicious food and great wines to beautiful nature. Hvar has unique architecture with fascinating examples of Croatian heritage that will delight you. Many people who made unstoppable changes in the world, like Ivan Vučetić, the inventor of using fingertips to identify someone (dactylography), are from here. It is the island with the most UNESCO listings in the world.
For those who like active vacations, numerous options around the island will make your holiday a dream one. There are safe bays big enough to water-ski, foil, paddleboard, or snorkel. Also, designated diving spots for seasoned divers and even beginners. I recommend cycling and hiking paths with spectacular views for those who want off-water activities.
1. HVAR TOWN
I recommend choosing the South coast of the Hvar island if you’re looking for a busier atmosphere with world-class restaurants and fun nightlife. There is the dreamy city of Hvar with its gorgeous archipelago, Paklinski islands.
Hvar town is the most popular of the 5 charming towns on Hvar island. It’s the island’s capital and one of the most attractive medieval towns in the Mediterranean. It is overlooked by its castle – Fortica, dating from the 7th century. You can hike there, but we can arrange a taxi to drive you to the top if you need more time. I find the view from there spectacular, and no one has proved me wrong (yet). Sweet Republic Hvar is ideal for much-needed refreshments if you opt for hiking. They offer breakfast bowls, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, coffee, and delicious snacks. The atmosphere here is delightful, and the staff is helpful and friendly.
For those of you who crave an excellent cup of coffee, I recommend kava37. It’s a specialty coffee shop with a fantastic location, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and seriously excellent coffee.
Beautiful architecture and cultural heritage dominate the city. I recommend wandering the old town’s narrow streets before strolling along the harbor promenade. Enjoy a refreshing drink on the largest town square on the Croatian coast.
Fun fact
The first public theatre in Europe is not in France or England. It’s here, in the small town of Hvar. This small, unique theatre was built in 1612 and refurbished in 2019. It’s a historical treat for everyone. Climb a few steps above the theatre to reach my favorite bar. Order a glass of local wine, and watch people go by. The view is charming. After that, you can visit the Renaissance Katedrala Sv. Stjepana (Cathedral of St Stephen) or the Franjevački Samostan (Franciscan monastery), gaze at the architecture and learn about the history.
Spots for party lovers
If you’re up for a party, go to Hula Hula. You can swim there as well. The best is to come around six and dance the evening away. In other words, you will have so much fun. For possibly the best clubbing in Croatia, go to Carpe Diem beach on Stipanska island. It’s out of this world.
2. STARI GRAD
Stari Grad is the oldest of 5 charming towns on the Hvar island and one of the oldest towns in Europe. The Greeks founded Stari Grad two thousand and four hundred years ago and named it Pharos. It was the most important settlement on Hvar island for many centuries. Now it plays a secondary role to Hvar Town (capital status was transferred under Venetian rule). The Stari Grad bay provides excellent natural protection, so it’s a perfect choice for docking in all types of weather.
The tradition of winemaking here goes back more than 2,400 years. In the 4th century B.C., the Ancient Greeks brought the grapevine here and planted it on the fertile fields of the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain. Now, more than ever, local winemakers grow wine with the utmost respect toward their heritage, soil, island, and traditions. If you’re a wine lover, you will enjoy visiting Hvar island.
You can get to Stari Grad Plain quickly with a car from the town. However, you can also hike to the chapel in the city and see this original greek land division system for growing wine and olives from there. The view from the chapel, or the cross, is really exceptional. There are even masses throughout the year here, on special occasions.
Today, the town is most famed for the Renaissance palace of the 16th-century writer Petar Hektorović. The palace is also known as Kaštel Tvrdalj, which he used as a summer house. You can visit the palace, sit by the pond, read a book, or take poetic pictures. Despite the high temperatures outside, the inside is always pretty cool.
I recommend trying a fantastic gelato place, aROMA while strolling through the ancient streets of Starigrad. Let yourself go and roam the narrow streets of beautiful Starigrad town full of charm and captivating history.
3. VRBOSKA
Vrboska is the smallest of the 5 charming towns on the Hvar island. It’s actually a beautiful old fishing village. Due to its many stone bridges, people often call it “the Venice of Hvar.” I don’t necessarily agree with this statement, but it’s a cute nickname to note. This picturesque port retains the unique spirit of the Dalmatian coast because of its narrow cobblestone lanes, tiny harbors, and cozy atmosphere at any time of the year. It’s always a pleasure to dock here. Not to mention it’s safe in any kind of weather.
At the head of a narrow coastal inlet, Vrboska was exposed to Ottoman attacks. In response, the townsfolk built St Mary’s Church during the 15th century. It’s been precisely the same since that time. This church is a rare example of a Renaissance-fortified place of worship.
The later (16th-century) St Lawrence’s Church contains paintings by renowned Venetian artists. It was burnt down twice in the 16th century, during the Hvar Uprising in 1512 by the Venetian navy and in 1571 by the Turks. After almost a hundred years, it was renovated in the Baroque style in the 17th century. The church has five richly decorated altars and holds the wealthiest fundus of artworks on the island. This beautiful church is well-maintained and serviced by locals.
Fun fact
Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of Vrboska, and his festival day is celebrated annually on August 10th, with music, dancing, wine, and traditional dining. But be aware, if you’re not careful, you can end up with a hangover. 😉 It’s certainly a memorable experience at the peak of the summer. As you already know, every celebration calls for a glass of wine, and here you can find many delicious options. However, there are tasty non-alcoholic beverages as well. Just think of lemon trees and homemade lemonades. Mouthwatering!
For wine lovers
For wine lovers, I recommend konoba (the traditional Dalmatian wine cellar) Vina Carić. Because the Carić family grows indigenous Croatian wine varieties like Plavac Mali, Bogdanjusa, Kuc, Marastina, Darnekusa, and Posip. I promise it will be easier to pronounce these names after the tasting.
4. JELSA
The small harbor of Jelsa is a safe choice to dock in any weather. It’s a beautiful port, where you can walk straight to the old city from the yacht. The town is remarkable for its laid-back charm, some of the best wineries in Croatia, and excellent restaurants.
In every direction you walk, you will see a beautiful church tower of the Church of the Assumption. Jelsa’s early gothic 14th-century church was expanded and fortified in 1535. With an elegant baroque facade and a Renaissance bell tower, it’s the town’s treasure.
The village’s central square is baroque, which contrasts other main squares on the island and boasts a beautiful church facade- that of St. Johns. If you want to return to the 16th century, you will enjoy visiting this small church surrounded by stone houses and scenic balconies.
You can enjoy watching traditional fishing boats that sail from Vrboska to Jelsa every Thursday during the summer. They put on quite a show there. These boats perform to the rhythm of music, and it’s a precious spectacle to witness. Because the light effects are beautiful, and the music is delightful, I enjoy this event every time I see it. So, I had to share it with you.
One of the best chocolates you can try in Croatia is from Jelsa. The owner Fedra Gamulin says that the taste of every single one will remind you of the rich flavors of Hvar island. Gamulin chocolates are handmade with the finest chocolate and locally grown ingredients. Don’t ask me how often I ‘tasted’ the Almond brittle dark chocolate last summer.
For wine lovers
There are two fantastic wineries to visit here, Tomić and Duboković. Both are excellent, and the best part is you can walk there and back to the town. How to choose between them depends on your prefrences, but there’s no reason not to visit both. 🙂
Fun fact
Another exciting thing about Jelsa is that it was the first party town in former Yugoslavia. To explain my enthusiasm, I want to remind you that Yugoslavia was a federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, and Slovenia. However, the first nightclub opened in the small town of Jelsa back in 1964. In the 1980s, there were 4 nightclubs in Jelsa, which made it a party destination like Hvar Town is today.
5. SUĆURAJ
Finally, I must mention the most relaxing of the 5 charming towns on Hvar island. On the easternmost tip of Hvar, Sućuraj seems a world away from the relatively bustling Hvar town because of its intimate atmosphere. Of course, the best thing to do here is to take it slow and disconnect from anxiety, stress, and everyday noise.
Sućuraj has been destroyed and rebuilt several times during its history. The first known settlers were Illyrians and Croatians settled in during the 7th and 8th centuries. Many different invaders imprinted their authority on Sucuraj throughout history: Illyrians, Romans, Croatians, Hungarians, Venetians, French, Austrians, and Italians… Can you believe that during the 20th century alone, Sućuraj was a part of 6 different countries?
Sućuraj is one of the warmest places on the island, with over 2700 sunny hours a year. The delightful climate makes swimming possible from May to October and for the brave ones all year round. For those who love cycling, running, and hiking, there are more than 40 km of paths to explore.
I hope this article inspired you to visit one of 5 charming towns on the Hvar island on your next sailing holiday.
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Author: Vedrana Radanović