Hvar is a small bay town that attracts a lot of tourists and celebrities. It can be a pretty expensive place to visit but in this travel guide I’ll show you all the cheap and free things you can do in Hvar.
It’s easily accessible for a day trip but there’s plenty to do for a longer stay. On the trip you can explore the winding stone streets, old Venetian architecture, crystal clear waters and crazy nightlife.
How to get to Hvar
The only way to get to Hvar is by ferry, I got a ferry from Split with Jadrolinija. Its not too expensive either it was around £5-10. This island is perfect for a fancy getaway but is also suitable for backpackers with a number of hostels available. Here is a list of of things to do in Hvar on a budget.
How to get around Hvar
Most people stay in accommodation around St Stephens Square from here you can walk to most of the main attractions. If you want to visit an island or do a boat tour then there’s plenty of tour companies and boat rentals around the main square. If you want to visit some different beaches then you can hire a scooter or car. You could also get a taxi, or use the PickApp app which is similar to Uber.
When to visit Hvar
Hvar enjoys pleasant weather all year long, the warmest months are from June to September. Most people visit in July or August as this is when it’s warmest, it will also have the best nightlife then but will be quite crowded. The best time to visit is in September as it’s still warm but there are less crowds.
Things to do in Hvar on a budget
St Stephens Square
This is the main square filled with restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries and St Stephens cathedral. This is a great place to have a coffee and watch the world go by.
St Stephens Cathedral
This is free to enter unless you want to go into the catacombs or tower. This Cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, a pope and the protector of the Diocese and the city of Hvar. The cathedral preserves many valuable items and paintings of famous painters so you can admire plenty of renaissance artwork.
Spanjola Fortress
The fortress is perched on a hill above the old town, the view from the top is incredible! To get here walk up the steps off the main square and continue until you get to the top. It’s a steep walk to the top but well worth it with stunning views over Hvar town and the sea.
The hike shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes and the trail isn’t difficult. Just bring some comfortable shoes and some water with you.
Once at the top it costs 30kn (£3.60) to get in and there’s a small museum and shop. It would also be a amazing to visit during sunset.
Beaches
Near the town centre most of the beaches are rocky but if you keep walking to the right of the centre you’ll get to a nice beach near some hotels. There is also a closer beach by the Franciscan Monastery.
If you’re into hiking there’s lots of trails near Robinson’s beach. This beautiful secluded beach is close to some cheap restaurants such as restaurant Robinson.
Milna beach is also beautiful, its a great place to chill out and relax. Restaurants and cafes in the area serve local Croatian dishes and wine.
Many people say Dubovica beach is the best on the island as the water here is so clear. The beach is located on the south coast, you can get there by car or scooter. Food options are fairly limited here so you might want to bring snacks with you. There also aren’t any chairs or umbrellas so bring something to lay on.
Tip: bring some water shoes with you as most of the beaches are rocky
Boat trip to the Palenki Islands
There are many companies offering boat trips so have a look around for a good deal. You should be able to get a taxi boat for around 50kuna return. The water here is crystal clear and it’s a great place to sunbathe.
Tip: bring cash with you as not everywhere on the island takes card
Brac Island
If you want to get away from the crowds and relax on the beach, you can get a ferry to Brac with Jadrolinija, this will take around 50 minutes.
Brač is famous for two things: its radiant white stone, used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the beautiful pebbly beach at Bol.
Wine Tour
Hvar has been a city of wine since the ancient Greeks sailed into the bay at Stari Grad. Have a look in the tourism shops for a different range of wine tours.
Enjoy the nightlife
Hvar has a great nightlife and was super busy when I was there in August. Carpe Diem is a big nightclub in Hvar and you have to get a water taxi to there. Entrance to the club is £20. If you like partying this is definitely worth going to at least once. The water taxi’s are free but stop running around 2.30am.
Stari Grad
Visit one of the oldest towns in Europe, Stari Grad located on the northern side of the island. Spend the day admiring the pretty old buildings, enjoying the coastline, eating traditional Croatian dishes or wine tasting at Hora Winery.
Where to eat in Hvar on a budget
Bistro Alviz
This restaurant offers plenty of tasty Croatian dishes, meats and fish or pizza starting at 40 kunas.
Villa Dinka
This restaurant has a great view overlooking Hotel Amfora’s pool. Prices here are really reasonable with pizzas starting at 40 kuna.
Mizarola
Located in the main square this restaurant this place is a great spot to relax and watch the world go by. You can get decent pasta and pizza here, if you visit make sure you try the lasagna.
Marinero
If you love seafood then this is the place for you. Fish in Hvar tends to be quite expensive but fish here is reasonably priced. The tuna steaks here are the best value in Hvar.
Milnar
Great little bakery for breakfast or snacks, serving pastries and coffees to go. Make sure you try the spinach & cheese burek or chocolate burek.
Slasticarna Hvar
This place serves great pancakes and ice cream. Hvar is often referred to as the island of lavender, so make sure you try out the lavender ice cream here.
FALKO
A relaxed restaurant and bar with reasonably priced drinks, where you can chill out overlooking the sea.
Budget Accommodation
Try to book in advance especially in peak seasons as when I went I had to move hostels as the first one I was staying at was sold out on the second night. Both of the hostels I stayed at were very sociable and it was easy to meet new people as a solo traveller.
Hostel Villa Skansi
- Good for solo travellers as has a bar
- Has a free pub crawl, this only consists of one bar then your’e left to do your own thing but its still a good way to meet new people and you get a free shot
- Free pizza
The White Rabbit Hostel
- Centrally located near shops and restaurants
- Clean and spacious rooms
- WIFI
- Also a good place to meet people as has a small cheap bar upstairs
- Air con
- When I stayed it was sociable, loads of people had a few drinks at the bar then went on a night out together
- Lockable storage
