Feast of St. Stephen
Celebration of the patron saint of Hvar town, featuring a solemn mass and procession on the main square.
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Try this traditional dish at a local konoba tucked away in the quieter backstreets.
Best enjoyed in family-run taverns in the island's interior; often requires ordering a day in advance.
Grab a scoop of this local specialty from a gelateria around the main square.
Look for essential oils and soaps at the small stalls set up around the harbor.
Crafted from agave threads by Benedictine nuns, this unique lace is a UNESCO-protected souvenir.
Visit the peaceful garden of this monastery, just a short walk south of the bustling center.
A quiet pebble beach reachable by a 30-minute coastal walk starting from Pokonji Dol.
Water temperature…
Celebration of the patron saint of Hvar town, featuring a solemn mass and procession on the main square.
A unique gastronomic festival in the village of Dol, focusing on traditional dishes and local wines.
A challenging sports event on a scenic route between Stari Grad and Hvar town.
A cultural festival established in 1961, featuring classical music concerts in historical venues like the Franciscan Monastery.
Celebration of lavender cultivation in Velo Grablje with workshops, exhibitions, and traditional Dalmatian products.
A UNESCO-protected tradition on Hvar island involving an overnight procession connecting six parishes.
Hvar stands as the most prestigious destination on the Croatian Adriatic coast. The town is overlooked by the mighty Spanish Fortress (Fortica), constructed in the 16th century under Venetian rule, offering unparalleled views of the harbor and the Pakleni Islands archipelago. At the town's heart lies the expansive Saint Stephen's Square (Pjaca), the largest square in Dalmatia, flanked by historic palaces and the Arsenal building. Hvar is renowned not just for its animated nightlife and luxury yachts, but also for its rich cultural heritage found in the Franciscan monastery and Renaissance gardens. In early summer, the island is filled with the scent of lavender and rosemary. While seekers of tranquility can find crystal-clear waters in nearby coves, the town transforms into the social epicenter of the Adriatic coast by evening. Since 2024, Hvar Town enforces stricter rules: public drinking is banned, and late-night noise or improper attire in the old centre can trigger fines up to 700 euros. The measures aim to calm the once-rowdy nightlife.
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 85 | 81 | 74 | 58 | 48 | 42 | 25 | 33 | 80 | 80 | 114 | 109 |
See what it looks like near Hvar right now.
Vira › South: Hvar · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Morning begins at the vibrant Pjaca, the largest square in Dalmatia. Midday is spent exploring the historic Arsenal and the delicate agave lace of the Benedictines. In the afternoon, we walk up the pine-scented path to the Spanish Fortress for breathtaking views. Evening concludes with a peaceful stroll by the Franciscan monastery as the sun sets over the Pakleni islands.
The morning starts at St. Stephen's Square, where the wet stones glisten beautifully. At noon, the Arsenal provides the perfect dry refuge for exploring local history. In the afternoon, we visit the Benedictine monastery, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as the rain falls. The evening concludes at the Fortica fortress, offering a dramatic view of the Adriatic under the moody rainy sky.
A peaceful winter morning at St. Stephen's Square, free from the summer crowds. At noon, the mild Adriatic sun warms the ancient walls of the Arsenal. In the afternoon, enjoy the quiet dignity of the Franciscan monastery and the fresh sea air. The day ends early with a spectacular golden sunset from Fortica fortress before the cool evening breeze sets in.
Explore Hvar on two wheels. Starting from Pjaca, we ride along the coast to the Franciscan monastery. Then we cycle to the idyllic Pokonji Dol bay for a refreshing swim. Back in town, we visit the Arsenal before the strenuous but rewarding ride up to the Fortica fortress to crown the day with a view over the islands.
Despite the rain, cycling along the coast offers a refreshing perspective of Hvar. Spend the morning riding to the Franciscan monastery as rain hits the sea. At noon, visit Pokonji Dol beach to witness the wild beauty of a stormy Adriatic. In the afternoon, retreat to the Arsenal before a damp but scenic climb to the Spanish Fortress.
A crisp winter morning is perfect for a bike ride along the Riva. The cool air is invigorating as we cycle toward the Franciscan monastery. At noon, enjoy the solitary expanse of Pokonji Dol beach under the winter sun. The afternoon is dedicated to history at the Arsenal, followed by a climb to the fortress for sunset.
A road trip across Hvar island. After visiting the old town, we drive up to Fortica fortress. The journey continues through the lavender fields of Brusje to Stari Grad, Croatia's oldest town. We spend the afternoon at the picturesque Dubovica bay before returning to Hvar via the scenic old road with fantastic island views.
Rain on Hvar creates dramatic scenery best enjoyed from a car. Spend the morning in the old town and Fortica, using the vehicle to stay dry between stops. At noon, drive through the misty lavender fields of Brusje to Stari Grad. End the afternoon at Dubovica bay, watching the rain hit the sea from your dry car seat.
Winter on Hvar means empty roads and endless vistas. Spend the morning exploring the old town and Fortica under the mild sun. At noon, take the scenic drive through Brusje to Stari Grad past sleeping lavender fields. End the afternoon at Dubovica beach, which is perfectly deserted and peaceful in winter.
Late May to June and September are perfect (lavender bloom in June, quieter beaches). July and August get pricey and packed with yachts.
Hvar Town is safe, but the nightlife strip around Pjaca/Carpe Diem attracts pickpockets. Watch for slippery polished stone when it rains.
Three useful Croatian words: Bok (bohk, hello), Hvala (hva-la, thank you), Racun molim (RA-choon MO-lim, the bill please).
