Where to Stay in Hvar (2026)

Top tips for Hvar

The Quick Answer

• The best neighbourhoods for buzzing nightlife in Hvar: Hvar Town
• The most historic neighbourhoods in Hvar: Stari Grad
• The best neighbourhoods in Hvar for wine tasting: Sveta Nedjelja, Stari Grad, Ivan Dolac, Pitve
• The best Hvar neighbourhoods for peaceful beaches: Ivan Dolac, Jelsa, Zastražišće
• The best off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods in Hvar: Malo Grablje
• The most family-friendly neighbourhoods in Hvar: Vrboska, Jelsa

Table of Contents

Hvar is one of Croatia’s prettiest islands, with a lively little harbour town, clear turquoise water and plenty of beaches and coves to explore. Hvar Town is the main draw, with its historic centre, waterfront restaurants and lively bars, while beyond are quiet beaches, hidden coves and little islands to discover by boat. It’s a popular spot, but it’s still easy enough to escape the crowds.

A Visitor’s Guide to the Neighbourhoods of Hvar

Credit Google Maps

Hvar is an island of glamorous harbour towns, tiny stone villages, hills covered with vineyards and some seriously beautiful swimming spots. Hvar Town is the liveliest base, with the biggest choice of luxury, boutique, and design hotels, plus restaurants, bars, and boat trips to the Pakleni Islands. Stari Grad is quieter and more historic, with charming small hotels and a more relaxed feel, while Jelsa is a good choice for families and those looking for something a little less expensive. For a peaceful rural escape, head to Pitve, a tiny hilltop village surrounded by vineyards, or Malo Grablje, an abandoned village with beautifully restored stone buildings. Ivan Dolac is all about sea views and swimming, with a small selection of apartments and guesthouses close to the beach. Sveta Nedjelja suits wine lovers and hikers, with dramatic cliffs, vineyards and intimate stays, while Zastražišće, on the quieter eastern side, is the place to go to get away from it all. Vrboska is another peaceful option, a pretty little fishing village with a sheltered harbour and a handful of small hotels and apartments. A car is useful outside Hvar Town, particularly for exploring the island’s more remote beaches and villages.

Hvar Town

Hvar Town is the obvious choice for first-time visitors and anyone who likes their island holiday with a bit of a buzz. The historic centre is small and easy to explore on foot, with a pretty harbour, Venetian-era architecture and the Fortica fortress overlooking the town. Spend the day swimming amongst rocky coves, browsing the lanes and taking boat trips to the Pakleni Islands, then head back for seafood by the waterfront and lively bars. It’s the island’s main hub for nightlife, dining and boat excursions, with the widest choice of hotels too, from smart boutique stays to high-end waterfront properties. Families can enjoy the easy access to beaches and boat trips, but couples and younger travellers will get the most from Hvar Town’s lively evenings.

Jelsa 

Jelsa is a relaxed harbour town on Hvar, best suited to families, couples and anyone who wants island life without Hvar Town’s party scene. The waterfront is lined with cafes and restaurants, while the old stone streets lead to pretty squares and the Renaissance-era St John’s Church. There are swimming spots close by, and it’s a handy base for exploring nearby beaches and villages. Jelsa is also surrounded by vineyards, so wine lovers can visit local wineries or head inland for a taste of the island’s traditional Plavac Mali. Hotels here tend to be smaller and more laid-back, with plenty of apartments and family-friendly options rather than big luxury resorts. 

Ivan Dolac

Ivan Dolac is a tiny seaside village on Hvar’s southern coast, ideal for a peaceful beach escape. The main draw is the clear Adriatic water and its pebble beaches and coves, with plenty of spots for swimming straight from the shore. It’s surrounded by vineyards too, so wine lovers can sample local Plavac Mali while enjoying stunning sea views. Accommodation is mostly low-key apartments and small guesthouses rather than full-service hotels. There’s little in the way of nightlife, shops or sightseeing, but that’s rather the point: come here to swim, sunbathe, eat and switch off. A car is useful for reaching nearby villages, wineries and beaches; Hvar Town is a 40-minute drive away.

Malo Grablje

Malo Grablje is a great spot for travellers who like their holidays a little off the beaten track. This tiny stone village in a secluded valley was abandoned in the 1960's, leaving charming old houses, lanes and ruins surrounded by wild countryside. There’s little here beyond a traditional konoba, so it’s not a practical base for nightlife or lots of hotel choice, but it’s a lovely spot for history lovers, walkers and anyone after something genuinely different. Come for a wander through the deserted village, hike the surrounding trails and stop for a long lunch of traditional Hvar dishes. For accommodation, nearby Velo Grablje or Hvar Town offer far more choice, while Malo Grablje works best as a peaceful countryside escape or day trip rather than a conventional holiday base.

Pitve

Pitve is a little stone village tucked into the hills above Hvar’s south coast, best suited to couples, walkers and travellers looking for a quieter, more authentic side of the island. Its narrow lanes, old stone houses and hillside setting make it a lovely place to slow down, while the surrounding countryside is filled with walking and cycling routes passing through vineyards and olive groves. Wine lovers can also sample local Plavac Mali, with some of Hvar’s best vineyards nearby. Accommodation is mostly small guesthouses, villas and private apartments rather than big hotels, so it suits independent travellers. There’s little nightlife and not much in the way of shops, but that’s part of the appeal. Stay here for peace, views and village atmosphere, with the beaches of Ivan Dolac and the coast within easy reach. 

Sveta Nedjelja

Sveta Nedjelja is a small seaside village backed by steep hills covered in vineyards, and a good choice for couples, keen walkers and wine lovers who want to escape Hvar’s busier spots. The coast here is rugged and beautiful, with clear water, rocky swimming spots and dramatic views across the Adriatic. Walk the trails above the village, visit the local vineyards or spend the day swimming and doing very little else. There’s a wonderfully low-key feel, with just a small selection of restaurants, apartments and guesthouses, rather than a big choice of hotels or nightlife. 

Zastrazisce 

If your idea of Hvar is a quiet stone village, empty coves and long lunches, Zastražišće could be the perfect spot. Tucked into the island’s rural east, it’s surrounded by olive groves and wild countryside, with a rugged coastline dotted with secluded swimming spots. There’s not much to do in the village itself, beyond enjoying the peace and exploring its old stone lanes, but that’s exactly the appeal. It’s a good choice for couples, walkers and independent travellers who want to see a much quieter side of Hvar. The area is particularly known for its olive oil, while the nearby coves are ideal for a dip away from the crowds. Hotels are virtually non-existent, with private apartments and holiday homes making up most of the accommodation, and having a car is pretty much essential.

Vrboska 

Pretty, peaceful and surrounding a narrow inlet, Vrboska feels more like a traditional fishing village than a holiday resort. It’s often called Hvar’s “Little Venice”, thanks to its stone bridges and waterways, and there’s plenty of character packed into its winding streets, from old Renaissance houses to the impressive Church of St Mary. Families will appreciate the relaxed pace and nearby swimming spots, while couples can make the most of the waterfront restaurants and quiet evenings. The village is also a handy base for cycling through the Stari Grad Plain, and its marina attracts plenty of sailing visitors. Accommodation is a mix of small hotels, guesthouses, apartments and campsites, so it’s a good option if you want somewhere low-key with heaps of local character.

Stari Grad 

One of Europe’s oldest towns, Stari Grad centres on a pretty waterfront and maze of stone lanes, with the Renaissance-era Tvrdalj Palace, small galleries, traditional tavernas and plenty of places to eat and drink. Just outside town, the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain is a highlight, with ancient Greek field divisions, vineyards and olive groves that are best explored on foot or by bike. There are also plenty of nearby coves for swimming, while the town’s laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to settle in for a long lunch or a stroll at sunset. It's a great choice for culture lovers, couples and families looking for a quieter, more characterful base than Hvar Town.