The Palace Hotel, Hvar town
© Vanda Vucicevic/Time Out

Hvar travel guide

Everyone wants a piece of the action in the sunniest and most happening of the Adriatic islands. Read our Hvar travel guide for the best things to do, restaurants, nightclubs, beaches and more...

Written by
Justin McDonnell
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Outside of Dubrovnik, Hvar is the epicentre of the Dalmatian travel industry. Holidaymakers come to be around the yachts lining the harbour of the island’s namesake capital and among the revellers forking out more than top dollar (in Croatian terms) to party into the night. A massive overhaul of key hotels here, in the Sunčani Hvar chain, has been followed by a slower stage of development as the town comes to terms with its stardom.

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Things to do on Hvar

Things to do on Hvar

The Venetians rebuilt the town of Hvar in the early 1600s. It is centrepieced by Pjaca, or Trg sv Stjepana, the rectangular main square lined with...

Hvar restaurants

Hvar restaurant guide

Hvar restaurant guide

The alleys running north of Hvar town’s main square (known collectively as Groda) are filled with restaurants Luna and Giaxa being the standout choices. In...

Giaxa

Giaxa

  • price 3 of 4

For traditional Dalmatian food with a mercurial twist, there are few better places than Giaxa, a relatively new venture from the team responsible for the...

Luna

Luna

  • price 2 of 4

A lovely dining experience, partly thanks to the starlit roof terrace (accessed via the ‘stairway to heaven’) and the brightly painted dining room with walls...

Antika

Antika

  • price 2 of 4

The heart of a growing funky scene in Stari Grad, Antika is part traditional, part laid-back modern. A hodgepodge of dining-room furniture crowds pine floors...

Bars and clubs on Hvar

Hula Hula Beach Bar

Hula Hula Beach Bar

  • price 3 of 4

This is the place for in-the-know locals up for daytime partying and après-beach relaxing. The spot is a short walk round the coast from the Hotel Amfora on a...

Tri Pršuta Wine Bar

Tri Pršuta Wine Bar

  • price 2 of 4

Pršuta is your sanctuary when Groda is groaning elbow-to-elbow in high season. Affable owner Vidan won’t hesitate to discuss the history and/or the culinary...

Where to stay on Hvar

Adriana

Adriana

  • price 3 of 4

This four-star Sunčani makeover overlooking the yacht harbour is small enough to retain an intimate boutiquey feel but boasts serious amenities: a big spa...

Pansion Meneghello

Pansion Meneghello

  • price 2 of 4

Unique island retreat a taxi-boat journey from Hvar town, dunked amid the exotic botanical garden of cacti, palms and Central American succulents planted by...