Holidays to Hvar

Croatia's sunniest spot, Hvar, is a picture-postcard island of luxurious beaches and laidback appeal. From pretty historic port towns to secluded vineyards and coastal coves, there's ample opportunity to let your hair down in Hvar. The beach bars are the stuff of legend and the waterfront dining is unbeatable. Hvar holidays are as relaxing as they get with plenty of fun and frolicking to be had in the evening.

The top 5 things to do in Hvar

1. Overlook Hvar Town from Fortica

Hvar's sun-kissed visitors hub has a delightful mix of historic attractions to visit. Chief among these is the looming Fortica, a Byzantine-originating fortress with impressive coastal views. Inside, you'll find an engaging collection of antiques. Sunsets from the terrace cafe are unmissable.

2. Hit the beaches

Hvar has plenty of delightful beaches to visit. In Hvar Town, Dubovica is a bustling centre of coastal bars and cafes which comes to life in the evening. The azure waters are a true delight to swim and paddle. There's also the pebbly Pokonji Dol or the more secluded Meki?evica, both of which are world class.

3. Set sail on an island-hopping trip

The picturesque Pakleni Islands just off the southwest coast of Hvar are ripe for exploration. Sveti Klement is the largest by size and home to some fantastic seaside restaurants and a sandy beach. Jerolim and Marinkovac are also well worth a visit, with a fine balance of raucous bars and quieter corners.

4. Relax in Stari Grad

Quiet and contemplative, Stari Grad is a hotspot for history seekers looking for a more laidback vibe than Hvar Town. Explore the impressive 15th-century Dominican Monastery and 17th-century church, St Stephen's, before taking to the town's ancient streets. The waterfront promenade is a pretty place to unwind, complete with excellent eateries and bars.

5. Visit a vineyard

Sample Hvar's elegant wines with a wine tour or tasting. Vineyards have been producing wine on this island for well over two centuries. Zlatan Otok is considered one of the best Croatian winemakers, but there are plenty more to choose from as well. Take a trip to Andro Tomi?, Ivo Dubokovi?, Ivo Cari?, Plan?i? or PZ Svir?e to learn more about the island's wine heritage.

Our best hotels in Hvar

1.

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort 4*

This spectacular seafront resort offers unrivalled access to Croatia's coastal waters. The hotel grounds house a number of fine eateries and plush bedrooms, along with a fantastic pool complex. What's more, it's just moments from Hvar's old town area. 2.

Hotel Cornaro 4*

Located in sun-kissed Split, this hotel offers excellent transport links out across the Dalmatian Coast with ferries to Hvar, Vis and Bra?. The hotel itself is well designed with classic, modern rooms. This is an excellent choice for romantic getaways, just moments from secluded islands and first-rate restaurants. 3.

Hotel Korkyra 4*

Located just across from Hvar on the neighbouring island of Kor?ula, this hotel is situated close to the marina of Vela Luka. Explore Croatia's striking islands and coastlines with sailing excursions to pretty Vis and Hvar. Back at base, you can discover Vela Luka's historic sites, including the breathtaking Vela Spila Stone Age cave.

When is the best time to go on holiday to Hvar?

Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island, with the peak season in summer (July and August) bringing the most sunshine and heat. Prices tend to be highest within these months and coastal attractions are at their busiest. Other seasons are still fantastic periods to visit Hvar, with reduced crowds and reasonable prices. These seasons of spring and early summer, from May to June, are typically also the best months to sail in Hvar. The low season lasts from October to April and offers some excellent deals but reduced sunshine and fewer ferries. You may be less inclined to take a dip in the chilly sea waters, but resorts are still picturesque and welcoming.

Getting around Hvar

The closest international airports to Hvar are in Split and Dubrovnik. From here, you must take a ferry to arrive on the island, on a journey that typically takes 90 minutes from Split and four hours from Dubrovnik. Once you've arrived on the island, you'll find a range of transport options to explore Hvar. One of the most popular means of travelling is via rental scooter or car, but bicycles are also an excellent choice to discover Hvar's coastal trails. You'll find summer taxi boats throughout Hvar's harbour offering opportunities to visit the Pakleni Islands, among other isolated beaches.

How long should you stay in Hvar?

Hvar makes an excellent long weekend stay, although many like to visit for the day from one of the neighbouring islands. Two full days and three nights would offer the perfect introduction to the island and its sites. If you want a more relaxing holiday, consider spending a week on this bedazzling island with plenty of sailing excursions.

Is Hvar family-friendly?

Although Hvar has a reputation as a party-going destination, it is also a fantastic option for young families. There are plenty of safe coastal waters to paddle in and a number of alluring ancient attractions to entice the little ones. You can avoid the late-night madness of Hvar Town by sticking to the resorts and in-land restaurants in the evening.

The Voyage Privé travel expert's opinion on Hvar

Hvar offers a glorious mix of sun-kissed beaches, relaxing seafront bars and deeply engaging historical sites. With a heritage dating back over the centuries, you can explore Gothic palaces one minute and traverse secluded pebble beaches the next. The winding cobblestone streets of Hvar Town and Stari Grad are a true delight to explore, but the real pleasure comes from the ancient interior. Here, you'll find historic vineyards, pretty lavender fields and engaging peaks like Sveti Nikola.