Things to do in 

Hvar

Experience the mesmerizing blend of lavender fields, cobblestone streets, and crystal-clear waters that define Hvar. Uncover the treasures nested in this Adriatic gem as you uncover an array of things to do in Hvar. Explore its historic charm, venture through local neighbourhoods rich in culture, or partake in seasonal festivities. Don't forget to tread off the beaten path, where both captivating beauty and local life are around every corner. Navigating through Hvar, you'll become part of the city's lively rhythm, vivid tales, and heartfelt hospitality.

Explore Hvar off the beaten path

If you’ve ticked off the main sights, here are a few things to do that lean local—quiet concerts, tiny museums, peaceful viewpoints, and shops where makers still work by hand.

Cultural experiences: On warm nights, grab a seat in the Franciscan Monastery cloister for the Hvar Summer Festival, where chamber music starts after sunset and the crowd skews local. For a different taste of island life, head to Jelsa for a late-afternoon tasting at Duboković Winery or to Zlatan Otok’s sea-level cellar in Sveta Nedjelja and chat with the winemakers about Bogdanuša and Plavac Mali.

Small museums and galleries: Slip into the Benedictine Convent in Hvar Town late morning to see agave lace being made and the small exhibit that explains this UNESCO-listed craft. Step upstairs at the Arsenal to peek inside the 1612 Hvar Public Theater; it’s a quick, atmospheric visit when the doors are open. If you’ve got a couple of hours, ferry or drive to Stari Grad and wander Petar Hektorović’s Tvrdalj Castle, a poet’s stone home with a fish pond that feels frozen in time.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Walk up to Napoleon Fortress for golden hour; it’s higher and quieter than the Fortica, with wide views over the Pakleni Islands. For a calm look at the sea, climb Glavica Hill by the Franciscan Monastery in the morning or follow the coastal path to the rocks by Pokonji Dol lighthouse in late afternoon.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Start at Hvar’s green market by the bus stop in the morning for ripe figs, rosemary honey, and small-batch olive oil from family stalls. Pop into the Benedictine Convent shop for a piece of agave lace if your budget allows, or a card that shares its story. For bottles to bring home, pick up Bogdanuša at Tomić Winery’s cellar shop in Jelsa or a Plavac Mali from Zlatan Otok in Sveta Nedjelja before closing time.

Popular neighbourhoods

Discovering Hvar's neighbourhoods is akin to unmasking the layers of a matryoshka doll. Each one reveals a new picture of the island, unique and packed with its own character, culture and charm.

Hvar Old Town: Wander amidst ancient stone buildings and winding narrow streets in Hvar Old Town, brimming with history and allure. Its entrancing blend of Gothic palaces, marble streets and the formidable Spanjol Fortress is truly mesmerizing.

Palmizana: Absorb the allure of Palmizana, a part of the Paklinski Islands. Known for its botanical gardens, sandy coves, teal seas, and abundant in Mediterranean shrubs and herbs, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Pokonji Dol: Relax on Pokonji Dol’s pebble beach, the largest and one of the most beautiful on the island. Shady pines, crystal clear turquoise waters, and a peaceful hideaway atmosphere make it a perfect relaxation spot.

Podstine: Lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of Podstine neighbourhood known for a refined mix of private beaches, landscaped gardens and high-end resorts. A private beachside adventure or lazing under pine trees, Podstine promises serenity at its best.

Milna: Savour the rustic charm of Milna, a quiet village with stunning bays, small homes dotting the hillside, and some of Hvar's most exquisite sandy beaches. The tranquil aura and admirable simplicity here set it apart.

Things to do in Hvar by season

Spring: Hike stone paths between olive groves and vineyards while ferries arrive on lighter schedules and harbours stay calm for sailing lessons. Shoulder-season sun makes harbour cafés inviting for couples and seniors, with early wildflowers on the hills.

Summer: Days stretch into swims off the Pakleni Islands, late lunches in shaded courtyards, and music drifting from harbourside squares. The Hvar Summer Festival opens monasteries and fortresses to night-time concerts and theatre, while luxury travellers arrive by yacht for sunset moorings.

Fall: Grape harvests bring bustle to Stari Grad and Jelsa, with mellow seas for paddleboarding and quieter lanes for families with younger kids. Olive picking starts as the air turns crisp, and trails feel fresher for longer island walks.

Winter: Life slows to a village rhythm with mild days, church feasts, and cosy konoba meals, ideal for travellers who prefer a quieter island. Advent lights spark up small squares, and clear skies favour panoramic hikes to the fortress.

Plan around the UNESCO-listed Za Križen Holy Week procession each spring, the Velo Grablje Lavender Festival in early summer, and the Hvar Summer Festival through July and August. Open water fans can also watch the Faros Marathon between Stari Grad and the open channel each August.