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Hvar Island, Croatia, is known for its history, beaches, and lavender fields. Beyond its renowned nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in Hvar. You can visit Fortica Fortress for sea views, explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral, take a boat to the Pakleni Islands, or tour local vineyards. The island also hosts cultural festivals and outdoor markets worth visiting. From hiking coastal trails to enjoying fresh seafood, Hvar offers a mix of history, nature, and local traditions. This guide covers Hvar’s best spots and activities to help you plan your trip.
14 Alluring Things To Do In Hvar
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Hvar for your next visit to this Adriatic paradise’s top attractions and hidden gems.
1. Visit Stari Grad
Photo: Alex Proimos / Wikimedia Commons
Stari Grad, one of Croatia’s oldest towns, has over 2,400 years of history. Walking through its stone-paved streets reveals a blend of Greek, Roman, and Venetian influences. The highlight is Tvrdalj Castle, once home to poet Petar Hektorović, featuring a fishpond and garden. The waterfront promenade is lined with cafes and shops, offering a relaxed setting to enjoy local food and crafts. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain showcases ancient agricultural traditions that continue today.
Major Highlights: Croatia’s oldest town, charming alleys
2. Discover The Pakleni Islands
Photo: Dejan Sekuloski / Wikimedia Commons
The Pakleni Islands are a group of small islets known for their clear waters and quiet beaches in Hvor. Visitors can rent a boat or take a taxi to explore islands like Sveti Klement, home to Palmižana Bay, which has a sandy beach and botanical garden. The islands offer great spots for swimming, snorkelling, and seafood dining. Witnessing the different islets provides a mix of nature and relaxation, one of the things to see in Hvar.
Major Highlights: Scenic islands, hidden coves
3. Wander Through Vrboska
Photo: Carsten Steger / Wikimedia Commons
Vrboska, often called the “Venice of Hvar” because of its stone bridges, is a fishing village with a mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. The Fortress Church of St. Mary stands out as a unique historical site. A walk along the canal leads to the Fisherman’s Museum, where visitors can learn about the village’s maritime heritage. Nearby beaches like Maslinica offer quiet spots to unwind. With its scenic setting and cultural sites, Vrboska is worth a visit.
Major Highlights: Quaint canals, stone bridges
4. Tour The Fortica Fortress
Photo: Dejan Sekuloski / Wikimedia Commons
The Fortica Fortress is a must-vist mentioned in any Hvar Travel Guide . It stands above Hvar Town, offering a wide view of the town, the Pakleni Islands, and the surrounding sea, which makes touring the area one of the most famous things to do in Hvar. Built in the 16th century to protect against Ottoman attacks, the fortress houses ancient amphorae and artefacts. The walk to the fortress takes about 20 minutes along a marked path. Once at the top, visitors can explore the ramparts and enjoy refreshments at the café.
Major Highlights: Panoramic views of Hvar and surrounding islands
5. Hike To Beautiful Viewpoints
Photo: Falk2 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hvar’s hilly terrain offers rewarding hiking trails with impressive views. One of the best hikes leads to Sveti Nikola, the island’s highest peak at 626 metres. The route takes about three hours round-trip, passing vineyards and rocky paths before reaching a wide view of the Adriatic. Other recommended hikes include the trail from Hvar Town to the Fortica Fortress and the coastal path from Stari Grad to Dubovica Beach. Bringing water and wearing sturdy shoes is essential, especially in warmer months.
Major Highlights: Stunning hilltop vistas over Adriatic waters
6. Explore Lavender Fields
Photo: col_ford / Wikimedia Commons
Hvar is famous for its lavender production, with fields around Velo Grablje and Brusje in full bloom from late June to early July. Walking through these fields offers a sensory experience with the strong scent of lavender in the air. Many local farms sell lavender products, including oils, soaps, and sachets. Visitors can also learn about the traditional harvesting process. The fields are also great for photography, with rows of purple stretching across the landscape.
Major Highlights: Vibrant purple blooms, fragrant landscapes
7. Go For Wine Tasting
Photo: Danilo Tic / Wikimedia Commons
Hvar has a long history of winemaking, producing varieties like Bogdanuša, Plavac Mali, and Prč from native grapes. Wineries in Jelsa and Svirče offer tastings where visitors can sample wines paired with local cheeses and olive oil while learning about traditional production methods. Duboković Winery and Tomić Winery are among the most well-known, offering in-depth tasting sessions. Exploring Hvar’s wines gives a deeper appreciation for the island’s agricultural heritage and the dedication of local producers, promoting nightlife in Hvar.
Major Highlights: Local varietals at scenic family vineyards
8. Enjoy Boating
Photo: Jeroen Komen / Wikimedia Commons
Renting a boat is a great way to explore Hvar’s coastline at your own pace. Options range from small motorboats to larger vessels, with many rentals not requiring a licence. Boating allows access to quiet coves, hidden beaches, and small islets. Some popular spots to visit include Dubovica Beach, Red Rocks, and the Pakleni Islands. Bringing along snorkelling gear and a picnic can make for an enjoyable day on the water. Rental agencies in Hvar Town and Stari Grad provide daily and hourly rental options.
Major Highlights: Cruise along coastline and crystal-clear waters
9. Go Snorkelling Or Diving
Photo: Subtle Cinematics / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you wonder about what to do in Hvar, Hvar’s clear waters provide excellent conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. Diving centres in Hvar Town offer guided trips suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, making it one of the best things to do in Hvar. Popular dive sites include Vodnjak Reef, known for its caves and marine life, and Stambedar, where coral formations and schools of fish are common. Snorkelers can explore shallow areas around the Pakleni Islands or coves like Zaraće. The water visibility is usually high, making it easier to spot marine life and underwater rock formations.
Major Highlights: Rich marine life, underwater caves
10. Cycle Around The Island
Photo: JLFineArt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Cycling is an active way to explore Hvar’s landscapes, from coastal roads to inland routes through vineyards and olive groves. Bike rentals are available in Hvar Town and Stari Grad, and there are options for mountain and electric bikes. One popular route runs from Stari Grad to Jelsa, passing agricultural fields and small villages. More experienced cyclists may enjoy the climb to Brusje, which offers rewarding views at the top. Roads are well-maintained, making biking a convenient option for sightseeing beyond the main towns.
Major Highlights: Ride through villages, vineyards, and coastal roads
11. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Anchoring Hvar Town’s main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a graceful blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture that whispers centuries of history. Built on the site of a 6th-century church, its elegant facade and 17th-century bell tower frame a tranquil interior. It is decorated with Venetian paintings and Gothic altars. Step inside to admire the stone figurines and the pulpit carved in the 15th century. You can simply soak in the quiet reverence of this spiritual landmark, one of the best things to do in Hvar island Croatia.
Major Highlights: Baroque architecture in Hvar’s main square
12. Explore The Franciscan Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Just a short stroll from Hvar’s harbour, the Franciscan Monastery offers a peaceful retreat steeped in art and history. Its museum houses rare coins and a breathtaking 8-meter-long Last Supper painting believed to be by Matteo Ingoli or Palma Junior. Wander through the serene cloisters, admire the 300-year-old cypress tree in the garden, and take in the sea views from its quiet spot. Whether you’re drawn by faith, curiosity or aesthetics, this 15th-century gem invites reflection and discovery in equal measure.
Major Highlights: Ancient library, peaceful cloisters
13. Explore Abandoned Villages
Photo: Juloml / Wikimedia Commons
Hvar’s inland hills hide hauntingly beautiful abandoned villages like Malo Grablje. Here, stone houses and olive mills stand frozen in time. Once thriving agricultural communities, these settlements were deserted in the 1960s when residents moved to coastal towns. Today, they offer a surreal walking experience, crumbling walls, wild herbs, and legends of Tudor ancestry echo through the silence. A hike here reveals not just ruins, but stories of resilience, migration, and forgotten traditions.
Major Highlights: Rustic ruins, stories of past settlers
14. Shop At Hvar’s Artisan Boutiques
Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Skip the generic souvenirs and dive into Hvar’s artisan scene, where creativity meets tradition. Boutiques like Isola and Forko offer handpicked Croatian designs. Think lavender-infused soaps, ceramic magnets, and locally made jewellery. Each piece carries the spirit of the island, crafted by artists who blend heritage with modern flair. Whether you’re browsing minimalist homeware or embroidered textiles, these shops turn shopping into storytelling. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of Hvar home, authentic, thoughtful, and beautifully made.
Major Highlights: Handmade crafts, jewellery, souvenirs
Hvar Island offers a mix of history, outdoor activities, and coastal exploration. Whether visiting historic sites, exploring the sea by boat, or cycling through the countryside, there are many things to do in Hvar, and the island has many ways in which you can experience its culture and landscape. Plan a trip with TripXL to access the top activities in this beautiful coastal city, ensuring a well-planned and enjoyable stay.
Cover Photo: Carsten Steger / Wikimedia Commons
