2-Day Local Family Experience: Sightseeing & Relaxation in Hvar

Hvar, Croatia

2 days

Aerial view of the island's main town and the port
Traditional stone houses on a small alley
Cliffs over the Adriatic sea
Aerial view of the Zlatni Rat beach
Mountain lavender field

About Hvar, Croatia

Discover the enchanting island of Hvar, Croatia, a Mediterranean paradise known for its sunny weather, stunning lavender fields, and crystal-clear waters. Explore the rich history of Hvar Town, with its 13th-century walls, hilltop fortress, and the oldest public theater in Europe. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and luxury hotels. Venture to the tranquil eastern end of the island for a taste of authentic Dalmatian life in the quaint fishing villages. Indulge in local delicacies like fresh seafood and fine Hvar wines. For the adventurous, there's sailing, diving, and hiking through the scenic landscapes. Hvar's unique blend of glamour and tradition makes it a must-visit destination.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Historical Hvar Town

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Hvar Fortress, a historical monument that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding islands. The walk up to the fortress is a bit steep, but the view from the top is worth the effort.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Hvar is known for its fresh seafood and local wines, so be sure to try some of the local specialties.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a stroll through St. Stephen's Square, the largest square in Dalmatia. Visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen, a beautiful blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Dinner

Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Try some traditional Croatian dishes like peka or pasticada.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing walk along the Hvar Riva, a beautiful promenade lined with palm trees and yachts. The Riva is a great place to enjoy the evening breeze and watch the sunset.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a museum with a collection of old coins, lace, and sacred art.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try some of Hvar's famous dishes like gregada, a fish stew, or hvarska gregada, a dish made with lamb and potatoes.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at one of Hvar's beautiful beaches. The crystal clear waters and pebble beaches are perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. Try some of the local seafood dishes and pair it with a glass of local wine.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Hvar Theatre, one of the oldest theatres in Europe. Enjoy a local play or concert to end your day on a cultural note.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Hvar Fortress

1
Hvar Fortress

Also known as Fortica, this fortress offers breathtaking views of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. It's a historical site that dates back to the 16th century.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
St. Stephen's Square

2
St. Stephen's Square

The largest square in Dalmatia, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It's surrounded by 16th-century buildings, including the St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Cathedral of St. Stephen

3
Cathedral of St. Stephen

The Cathedral of St. Stephen in Hvar is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the town of Hvar, on island of Hvar in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. It is the seat of the Diocese of Hvar-Brač-Vis. The cathedral was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and stands on the site of a cathedral destroyed by the Turks. The cathedral's treasury contains a number of items of cultural and historical value.

Attractions
Religious Sites
Architecture
Hvar Riva

4
Hvar Riva

A bustling promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and yachts, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Attractions
Landmarks
Food and Drink
Franciscan Monastery

5
Franciscan Monastery

A beautiful monastery that houses a museum, a 15th-century painting of The Last Supper, and a tranquil garden. It's a place of peace and serenity.

Monuments
Religious Sites
Cultural Experiences
Hvar Theatre

6
Hvar Theatre

The Hvar Theatre is one of the oldest public theatres in Europe, built in 1612. It offers a rich program of drama, music and dance performances.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Gregada

Gregada

A traditional fish stew of Hvar, made with onions, potatoes, garlic, parsley, and white wine.

Peka

Peka

A popular Croatian dish, typically made with veal, lamb or octopus, along with vegetables, cooked under a bell-like dome in an open fire.

Pršut

Pršut

Croatian dry-cured ham similar to Italian prosciutto, a must-try delicacy in Hvar.

Pašticada

Pašticada

A slow-cooked beef dish marinated in garlic, cloves, and red wine, served with gnocchi. It's a traditional Dalmatian dish, popular in Hvar.

Crni Rizot

A black risotto made with cuttlefish or squid, rice, garlic, red wine, and olive oil. It's a common dish in Hvar and other parts of Croatia.

Rožata

Rožata

A traditional Croatian dessert similar to flan or crème caramel, often flavored with rose liqueur, which is a specialty in Hvar.

Fritule

Fritule

Small doughnut-like fried pastries, often flavored with rum and citrus zest, a popular sweet treat in Hvar.

Brudet

Brudet

A fish stew made with several types of fish, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It's a traditional dish in Hvar and other coastal areas of Croatia.

Soparnik

Soparnik

A savory pie filled with Swiss chard, onions, and parsley. It's a traditional Dalmatian dish, commonly found in Hvar.

Prošek

Prošek

A sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes, similar to Italian Vin Santo. It's a traditional wine of Hvar and Dalmatia.

Rakija

Rakija

A strong fruit brandy popular in Hvar and throughout Croatia. It comes in various flavors, including plum (šljivovica), grape (loza), and honey (medica).

Plavac Mali

Plavac Mali

A red wine made from the Plavac Mali grape, which is grown in the vineyards of Hvar. It's one of the most famous Croatian wines.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Hvar, Croatia is between June and September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and exploring the island's natural beauty. The sea temperatures are also ideal for swimming. Additionally, this period offers numerous festivals and events for tourists to enjoy. However, it's worth noting that July and August are the peak tourist months, so if you prefer a less crowded time, consider visiting in June or September.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 30

Thu

Statehood Day

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi

June 22

Sat

Day of Antifascist Struggle

August 5

Mon

Victory Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

November 18

Mon

Remembrance Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St Stephen's Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Hvar is a small island and its towns are quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot. This is especially true for Hvar Town, where many of the attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance.

Renting a car is a convenient option if you plan to explore the island extensively. It offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace and visit remote areas. However, keep in mind that parking can be challenging in Hvar Town during peak season.

Renting a scooter is a popular way to get around Hvar. It's ideal for short trips and allows you to easily navigate the island's winding roads. However, you should be comfortable with riding a scooter and aware of local traffic rules.

Cycling is another great way to explore Hvar, especially for active travelers. The island offers several cycling routes that pass through beautiful landscapes. However, be prepared for some hilly terrain.

Taxis are readily available in Hvar, particularly in Hvar Town. They can be a convenient option for getting to and from your accommodation, especially if you have heavy luggage.

Boats are a common mode of transport in Hvar, especially for visiting the Pakleni Islands. There are regular taxi boats from Hvar Town, or you can rent a private boat for more flexibility.

There is a local bus service that connects Hvar Town with other parts of the island, such as Stari Grad and Jelsa. It's a cost-effective way to travel, but the schedule can be limited, especially outside of peak season.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Hvar. This can be a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. However, availability can vary, especially in less populated areas of the island.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Hvar, Croatia as a first time visitor

1

Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast.

2

The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average summer temperatures are around 81°F (27°C), while winter temperatures average around 50°F (10°C).

3

The local currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.

4

Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

5

Hvar is known for its lavender fields, so consider buying some lavender products as souvenirs.

6

The island is also famous for its wine. Be sure to try the local varieties, especially the reds.

7

Hvar has a vibrant nightlife, particularly in Hvar Town. Be prepared for late nights if you enjoy partying.

8

The island is very safe, but as with any tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

9

The tap water in Hvar is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available if you prefer.

10

Hvar is a popular destination for yachting and sailing. Consider renting a boat for a day to explore the surrounding islands.

11

The island is quite hilly, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

12

Public transportation is limited, so consider renting a car or scooter to explore the island.

13

Hvar has a relaxed dress code, but it's respectful to cover up when visiting churches or other religious sites.

14

Croatia is part of the European Union, but not the Schengen Area. Check visa requirements before you travel.

15

The peak tourist season is July and August. If you prefer a quieter visit, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October.

16

Hvar has a rich history, with influences from the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Austrians. Take some time to learn about the island's past.

17

The local cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Be sure to try dishes like 'peka' (meat or seafood cooked under a bell-shaped lid) or 'gregada' (a fish stew).

18

Hvar is home to several music festivals throughout the summer. Check the local event calendar before your visit.

19

The island has a slower pace of life. Embrace the 'pomalo' (take it easy) lifestyle and don't rush your visit.

20

Sunscreen is a must, as the sun can be quite strong, especially in the summer months.

Basic Croatian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Bok

bohk

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Doviđenja

doh-vee-jen-ya

Saying goodbye

Please

Molim

moh-leem

Making a request

Thank you

Hvala

hva-la

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Da

dah

Agreeing or confirming

No

Ne

neh

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Oprostite

oh-pro-stee-teh

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Ne razumijem

neh rah-zoo-me-yem

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

Govorite li engleski?

go-voh-ree-teh lee eng-les-kee

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm sorry

Žao mi je

zhao mee yeh

Apologizing

Where is...?

Gdje je...?

gdye yeh

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Kupaonica

koo-pah-oh-nee-tsa

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Pomoć

poh-mohch

In case of emergency

Food

Hrana

hra-na

Looking for a place to eat

Water

Voda

vo-da

Asking for water

Beer

Pivo

pee-vo

Ordering a beer

Wine

Vino

vee-no

Ordering wine

How much does it cost?

Koliko to košta?

ko-lee-ko toh kosh-tah

Asking for the price

I would like...

Želio bih...

zhe-lee-oh bee

Making a request

Good night

Laku noć

lah-koo notch

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Swimwear

  • Beach cover-up

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Flip flops for the beach

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor

  • Sunscreen

  • After-sun lotion

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Portable power bank

  • Camera

  • Memory card for camera

  • Adapter plug for European outlets

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel guidebook for Hvar

  • Map of Hvar

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Beach bag

  • Beach towel

  • Travel pillow for the journey

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • First-aid kit

Weather Conditions

Hvar, Croatia, is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot summers and mild winters. The island is one of the sunniest places in Europe, boasting over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year. If you're planning a summer trip, expect temperatures to range from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C). It's the perfect weather for beach activities, sailing, and exploring the island's vineyards. However, it's also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen, hats, and light clothing to protect yourself from the sun. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit Hvar. The temperatures during these seasons are usually between 60°F and 70°F (16°C to 21°C), which is comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. These seasons are less crowded, and you can enjoy the island's beauty in relative peace. Winter in Hvar is mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F (10°C). However, keep in mind that many tourist facilities and restaurants may be closed during this off-peak season. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip. This will help you pack appropriately and plan your activities. Remember, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so it's always wise to be prepared for a change in conditions.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

15° / 6°

January is the coldest month in Hvar, but it's still relatively mild compared to other European destinations. It's a quiet time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower prices.

February

15° / 6°

February is still off-peak season in Hvar, with similar temperatures to January. It's a good time to visit if you prefer a quieter vacation.

March

18° / 9°

March sees a slight increase in temperature, marking the beginning of spring. The island starts to get busier towards the end of the month.

April

21° / 12°

April is a pleasant time to visit Hvar, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The Easter holidays can be a busy period.

May

25° / 16°

May is a great time to visit Hvar, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The island is lively but not as crowded as the summer months.

June

29° / 20°

June is the start of the peak season in Hvar, with hot temperatures and lots of sunshine. The island is bustling with tourists and there's a vibrant nightlife.

July

32° / 23°

July is the hottest month in Hvar, perfect for beach activities and water sports. The island is very busy, with numerous events and festivals taking place.

August

32° / 23°

August is equally hot as July, with high temperatures and lots of sunshine. It's the busiest month, so book accommodation and activities in advance.

September

28° / 19°

September is a fantastic time to visit Hvar, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. The sea is still warm enough for swimming and water sports.

October

24° / 15°

October sees a drop in temperatures but it's still warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities. The island is quieter, making it a good time for a peaceful getaway.

November

20° / 11°

November is off-peak season in Hvar, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's a good time to explore the island's cultural and historical sites.

December

17° / 8°

December is a quiet month in Hvar, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. It's a good time to enjoy the island's Christmas festivities.

Did you know?

Did you know that Hvar, Croatia is known as the 'sunniest spot in Europe' with an average of 2,724 hours of sunshine per year?

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