The Best Things to Do in Hvar, One of Croatia’s Most Beautiful Islands

Hvar totally lived up to the hype. We spent our days sailing to rocky beaches and exploring the Pakleni Islands, and our evenings lingering over alfresco dinners in the town’s stone-walled alleyways, cocktail or ice cream cone in hand, watching the yachts drift in and out of the harbor. Whether you’re planning a trip with kids, your partner, or friends, Hvar has something for everyone. Here’s what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time on one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands.

⭐ If you just started planning, check out our full guide to 2 weeks in Croatia. And, if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss our guide to visiting Croatia with kids.

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Our Favorite Hvar Tours

A quick note before you start planning: two of the best things to do in Hvar are genuinely better — and more practical — as guided experiences. Sailing is possible on your own, but a boat tour gets you to spots you’d never find with a rental, and someone else handles the navigation. Wine tasting in the interior is the same story: the vineyards are spread across the hills above town, and since you’ll want to actually taste the wine, having a driver matters. Booking these as tours isn’t a compromise, it’s just the smarter way to do them.

Here are a few of our favorite highly rated tours:

• Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar
• Boat Tour at Delfina Hvar
• Half-day kayak tour from Hvar town
• Hvar sunset cruise
• Hvar wine tasting small group experience
• Adventurous Blue and Green Cave group tour
• Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner
• Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner

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Best Beaches in Hvar

Let’s be real—Hvar’s beaches are the kind of stuff you dream about when you’re stuck in carpool or watching travel shows at 10 p.m. The water? Crystal clear. The views? Unreal. Whether you want a laid-back day in the sun or a mini-adventure to find a hidden cove, Hvar delivers.

We spent our first full day visiting Pokonji dol Beach, a 20-minute walk from Hvar Town. Despite our best efforts to avoid the route that led to a steep final path down to the sea, we still ended up on it. We looked down at the rocky path down to the beach with concerns for our poor ankles, but we managed to navigate it unscathed. It’s not for the faint of heart, and I definitely recommend sturdy waterproof shoes and not just flip-flops. You’ll need those anyway because, like nearly all Croatian beaches, this one is rocky. 

We were able to rent two comfortable chairs and an umbrella for 190 kuna and settled in for people-watching. I will long remember the motley crew next to us who chowed down on corn on the cob throughout their beach day! No concrete slab or rocky stretch of coast is too inhospitable to the Croatian sun-worshippers. You will see people set up for the day on every available surface near water.

Map of Hvar’s Best Beaches

1. Dubovica Beach
This one feels straight out of a postcard. It’s a wide, pebbly bay with water so clear you’ll want to bottle it. There’s even an old stone house adding to the charm. You’ll need to hike down a short (but steep!) trail from the road, but trust me—it’s worth every step.

2. Pokonji Dol
Just a quick walk from Hvar Town, this beach is great if you want a full day of sun without needing a boat. There are loungers, spots to eat, and even some water sports if you’re feeling active. Plus, you get lighthouse views while you snack on seafood.

3. Mekićevica
Looking for peace and quiet? This tiny beach is a 20-minute walk from Hvar Town and feels totally off the radar. It’s all about pebbles, pine trees, and that unreal turquoise water.

4. Palmižana
Hop on a taxi boat to the Pakleni Islands and you’ll hit this lively spot. It’s got beach bars, restaurants, and a sandy stretch surrounded by lush greenery. It’s not exactly secret, but it’s super fun.

5. Jagodna
Tucked between cliffs and pine forests, Jagodna is peaceful, romantic, and perfect for a swim. You’ll probably want water shoes here, but the calm vibe more than makes up for it.

6. Lučišća
A total hidden gem. You’ll need a boat or hiking legs to reach it, but once you do, it’s all white pebbles, clear water, and hardly any people. If you’re into quiet coves, this is your spot.

7. Zaraće (Velo & Malo)
These two rocky beaches sit below a tiny clifftop village and are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The dramatic rock formations also look amazing in photos (yes, even unfiltered ones).

8. Žukova
This low-key beach near Rudina doesn’t get much buzz, but it’s perfect if you want a chill vibe without crowds. It’s great for a quiet afternoon with a good book and a cold drink.

9. Mlini (Pakleni Islands)
Another Pakleni Islands favorite, Mlini, is surrounded by pine trees. Its calm, shallow water is great for kids or for floating aimlessly for hours. You’ll also find loungers and a couple of snack spots. To reach the beautiful Pakleni Islands, take a sailing tour.

10. Maslinica
Close to Vrboska, this one’s a mix of pebbles, rocks, and serious Adriatic beauty. You’ll walk through a pine forest to get there, so it feels like you’ve earned that swim.

Tip: Don’t try to see them all in one day. Instead, pick a few and give yourself time to swim, eat, and just be. And if you need help figuring out the perfect island-hopping plan? See the rest of our one-week Croatia itinerary featuring Hvar and Dubrovnik.

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Hvar Wine Tasting

Exploring the local wines was one of my favorite things to do in Hvar. We enjoyed a wine-tasting tour that brought us to Caric Winery and Plancic Winery. The tour, of course, came with a variety of delicious local wines and local meats and cheeses, but it was also a great opportunity to meet some other travelers, and we enjoyed our evening getting to know our Dutch companions. Pharos Opol, a light and bright rose from Plancic, was a particular favorite of the day. We had enough to nibble on throughout that we skipped a formal dinner afterward and instead headed back into Hvar Town for mojitos at one of the many bustling bars.

Hvar Wine Tasting Tours

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Island Hopping

On our sailing tour of the nearby Pakleni Islands, we anchored in quiet coves and swam in the salty Adriatic, which was perfect for floating with very little actual swimming required to stay afloat. Our skipper offered snorkel gear, but we found there wasn’t much to see in the waters of Croatia. It was enough to just enjoy cooling off and jumping from the boat.

A brief pitstop on Palmižana allowed for a relaxing lunch at Bacchus overlooking another pebbly beach. A perfectly prepared red snapper, a salad, and two drinks ran us around $100 USD. 

Hvar Sailing Options

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Glamorous People-Watching

The pretty young things in Hvar really are glorious to behold. After dinner, those not heading off to clubs like Hula Hula have cocktails at waterside bars or simply stroll around. Ending each evening with ice cream and people-watching was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Hvar.

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Where to Eat in Hvar

Alfresco dining at a swanky restaurant is one of the most popular things to do in Hvar. Restaurant reservations were essential throughout our trip. In each city we visited, we watched restaurants turn away disappointed tourists. On our first night, we dined at Bunar, which had especially pleasant and helpful service. In Hvar, the menu prices are similar to those in big American cities, so don’t expect cheap deals like in Central Europe.

After dinner, we headed to the popular L’amor per il gelato for ice cream. A huge line stretched down the street. While we enjoyed the ice cream, we found other places in town that were just as good but cheaper and with shorter waits.

On our last evening, we dined at Dalmatino, where we splurged on Gnocchi Istria, black gnocchi with truffles and shrimp, and well-prepared steaks, again with Croatian truffles. We spent more at this restaurant than at most of our other meals. However, I thought it was worth the high price tag in terms of both food quality and service.

1. Dalmatino
A long-time favorite in Hvar Town, Dalmatino dishes out Croatian classics with flair, like black gnocchi with shrimp and truffle. The friendly vibe and charming alleyway setting make it a must.
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2. Fig Cafe Bar
This hidden gem near the main square serves up colorful, globally inspired meals like pulled pork flatbreads and peach salads. Great for breakfast or lunch, and always a hit with families.
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3. Zori
For a dreamy meal by the water, hop over to the Pakleni Islands and grab a table at Zori. Think sesame-crusted tuna and sea bass with a sea breeze view.
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4. Konoba Menego
Tucked into the old town, this family-run spot serves authentic Dalmatian food in a rustic stone-walled setting. Homemade pastas and prosciutto plates are highlights.
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5. Stajun Hvar
A sleek but cozy restaurant in the old town offering seasonal Mediterranean fare. The seafood is super fresh, and the plating’s always Insta-worthy.
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6. Don Quijote
Perfect for date night or a celebratory meal, Don Quijote mixes refined Dalmatian dishes with gorgeous harbor views. Great cocktails, too!
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7. Pizzeria Alviz
This laid-back favorite near the bus station has a shaded back patio and reliably great wood-fired pizzas. Perfect after a day at the beach.
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8. Giaxa
Set in a 15th-century palace, Giaxa blends tradition with a modern twist. Try the octopus carpaccio or duck breast with cherry sauce.
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9. Bunar
Tucked away in a quiet alley of Hvar Town, Bunar offers a cozy escape from the bustling main square. This family-run konoba serves up traditional Dalmatian dishes crafted from local ingredients. Options include fresh seafood and produce from nearby gardens.
👉 Reserve here

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Best Ice Cream in Hvar

An evening stroll for people-watching is one of the things to do in Hvar. It’s even better with a cone of gelato in your hand! Whether you’re cooling off after the beach or strolling through the old town at sunset, these gelato stops will hit the spot.

L’amore Per Il Gelato
Hvar’s most popular gelato shop, and for good reason! L’amore scoops rich, creamy flavors (plus dairy-free options) that are anything but basic. Expect inventive combos and a bit of a wait.

Aroma Gelato Boutique
Tucked just off the main drag, Aroma crafts all-natural gelato with super fresh ingredients. Each flavor tastes like the real deal—no weird aftertaste, just smooth and satisfying. Perfect for a midday treat.

Icy Bar
This no-frills kiosk near the waterfront might be small, but it serves up big flavor. Icy Bar is known for fun, fruity scoops and toppings like fresh berries and whipped cream. A great grab-and-go spot while you explore.

🍦Pro tip: Grab your gelato and head to the main square or the marina—prime spots for soaking up the island vibe while you snack.

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Don’t Miss the Rest of Our Croatia Tips

Continue planning your dream Croatia vacation. Don’t miss our one-week itinerary or our complete two-week Croatia itinerary. Keep island hopping with a visit to the calmer Korcula. And don’t miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Croatian peka dinner at a local’s house in Dubrovnik.

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