Things to do in  Hvar

Hvar rose to fame as a yachtie party destination, thanks to its sprawling quays, famous beach bars, and plentiful sunshine hours. But there’s much more to this island, including a rugged inland made up of forests, lavender fields, and vineyards, plus ancient landmarks such as the Spanish Fortress (Tvrdava Fortica).

Boasting around 115 days of sunshine per year, Hvar is among the sunniest spots in the Adriatic. Add in the island’s vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, inland hiking routes, off-shore excursions, ancient history, and diverse cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why the island is among Croatia’s most popular destinations.

For the complete island experience, you’ll need at least three days, although it’s possible to get an overview of Hvar’s main town on a full-day trip. Dedicate one day to city exploration and a night to the famous party scene. Then take off on a two-day offshore or inland adventure.

Yes, Hvar is a party island—at least during the high season. Between June and September, Hvar Town is packed with yachties, backpackers, and partiers making the most of the long days and beachside clubs. But there’s lots to do besides partying, and even during summer Hvar’s other towns remain calm.

Laid-back Korčula is a convenient next stop for island hoppers during the summer season. If you’d rather return to the mainland, Split is the closest major city with its own buzzing nightlife. In summer, a direct ferry also cruises to Dubrovnik—a must-see ancient city close to the Montenegro border.

Both destinations boast great food, weather, and nightlife. Split is better for city lovers and history buffs, while Hvar offers more outdoor adventure and rugged nature. But, with year-round ferry crossings directly linking the two ports, the real question is, why not both?