Where to Stay in Hvar, Croatia: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

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Planning a trip to Hvar? You’re in the right place!

Between the historic charm of Hvar Town, the postcard-pretty beaches, and the island’s laid-back luxury vibe, it’s easy to see why people fall hard for this place. The tricky part? Choosing where to stay, because the “best” area really depends on what kind of trip you want (and how close you’d like to be to the action).

For us, Hvar is all about the little moments, coffee with a view, a quick dip in a hidden cove, and evenings that stretch out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top areas to stay, what each one is best for, and recommended hotels at luxury, mid-range, and budget price points.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Where to Stay in Hvar Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Hvar

Choosing the right base in Hvar really matters, because each town on the island comes with its own vibe, from lively waterfront evenings to quiet, slow mornings by the sea. Most visitors arrive in Hvar Town from Split by fast catamaran(perfect if you’re going car-free) or by car ferry to Stari Grad (ideal if you’re bringing a vehicle). 

Once you’re on the island, it’s easy to walk around within each town, and you can hop between the main spots by local bus (Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Jelsa), with taxis and private transfers filling the gaps, especially later in the evening.

If beaches and viewpoints are high on your list, having a scooter/ATV or small car can make things much easier, since many of the prettiest coves sit outside the centers. Just keep in mind that roads can be narrow and winding, parking in Hvar Town gets tricky in summer, and taxis can be limited (and expensive) in peak season. From Hvar Town, boat taxis and day trips are also a big part of the experience!

• Hvar Town – Best for first-time visitors – The liveliest place to stay, with the biggest choice of restaurants, bars, and boat trips right on your doorstep. Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel is a great mid-range pick here, with a gorgeous pool and an easy walk down to the harbor.

• Stari Grad – Best for a quiet stay – More low-key and historic, with a relaxed waterfront feel and a super convenient arrival point if you’re traveling by car. PLACES Hvar Hotel by Valamar goes all-in on the resort vibe, and it’s just a 5-minute boat ride from Stari Grad’s center.

• Jelsa – Best for families – A calm, local-feeling town that is perfect for families and couples who want a bit of a slower pace (with lovely beaches close by). We love Villa Vista for its incredible sea views and location just minutes from town.

Where to Stay in Hvar

Hvar Town

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Biggest choice of restaurants, bars, and nightlife
• Best access to boat taxis and excursions, plus major sights like Fortica.

Cons

• Peak season can feel crowded and noisy
• Parking and driving can be trickier in summer

If you want your Hvar trip to feel easy (and a little bit glamorous), Hvar Town is the best base. It’s especially great for first-timers, couples, and friends who want to be able to walk everywhere, from morning coffee to an afternoon swim to dinner by the harbor, without needing a car.

We also love how it has that perfect balance of old-world charm and lively energy. You can wander quiet stone lanes one minute, then step back out into a buzzing waterfront the next.

Most days naturally revolve around St. Stephen’s Square (Pjaca), where you can people-watch with a drink in hand and take in the beautiful architecture around the cathedral. When you’re craving the very best views, we always recommend heading up to Fortica (Španjola) Fortress. It’s a bit of a climb, but the panorama over the town and Pakleni Islands is absolutely worth it.

And speaking of the islands, Hvar Town’s harbor is the easiest place on the island to organize boat trips to the Pakleni Islands, which is basically a must if you’re here in summer. The trade-offs are pretty simple: it gets busy and expensive in peak season, and if you’re staying above the center, you’ll be doing some uphill walking (hello, stairs!).

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort – $$$

If you’re in the mood for a treat, Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort is a fantastic pick. It sits in a secluded bay just a 2-minute walk from the beach, but you’re still only about a 10-minute walk from Hvar Town, so you can dip into the buzz whenever you feel like it.

What we really like about Amfora is how easy it makes the whole beach-and-pool routine. The multi-level freshwater pool is the star of the show (it’s very “cancel your plans and stay right here”), and most rooms come with dreamy views of the Pakleni Islands or the hotel’s manicured gardens. 

Add in a fabulous breakfast, plenty of dining options (including a rooftop restaurant with big panoramas), and the option to rent a private cabana and book a massage nearby, and it’s a winning combo. Expect around €400 to €600 per night, which can be higher in peak season. 

Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com!

If Amfora is fully booked, Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel is a sleek harbor-front alternative with an upscale feel and a spa-focused vibe that’s perfect for couples. For another stylish pick right on the promenade, Riva Marina Hvar Hotel nails that classic waterfront stay with chic design and an unbeatable central location.

Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel – $$

Want a stylish Hvar Town stay without full-on luxury pricing? Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel is a really solid mid-range pick! It’s set back in a secluded pine grove (so it feels a little calmer), but you’re still close enough to walk into the center when you’re ready for dinner or drinks.

The pool setup here is amazing! It’s surrounded by Mediterranean greenery, with a terrace of sunbeds and a pool bar that makes lazy afternoons dangerously easy to commit to. Rooms are bright and modern, with air conditioning, TV, and sleek bathrooms with walk-in showers. There’s also an outdoor gym, a vibrant lobby bar, and a restaurant serving a mix of local and international dishes!

It’s around €150 to €350 per night on average to stay here (higher in peak season), and parking is available (at an extra charge).

Check rates and book your stay at Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel today!

If Pharos is all booked (or you’d rather be right by the water), Hotel Podstine is a lovely alternative with a more relaxed seaside feel and easy access to swim spots. For a modern, no-fuss stay close to the center, Hotel Teranea City Hvar is another great option that keeps you within an easy walk of Hvar Town’s restaurants and harbor.

B&B Buzolic – $

A relaxed, great-value base in Hvar Town with a little more breathing room, B&B Buzolic is a really solid pick. It’s about a 10-minute walk to both the beach and the historic center, so you’re close enough to enjoy the harbor buzz and restaurants, without feeling like you’re right in the middle of it all.

The big draw here is the apartment-style feel. You get air-conditioning, a bright living space with a TV, and a kitchen with a fridge and basic cooking utensils, ideal if you like having the option to eat in sometimes. Some rooms also come with balconies facing the sea and the Pakleni Islands, which is a lovely little upgrade if you can snag one. There’s an outdoor pool, a terrace, and breakfast gets consistently strong reviews. 

And in Hvar, free public parking right across the road is a serious bonus! Prices usually average around €120 to €250 per night. 

Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com!

For two more budget-friendly bases in Hvar Town, Rooms Vinka Tudor is hard to beat for location, and the panoramic sea-view terrace is a lovely bonus for morning coffee or sunset downtime! Apartments Ante, on the other hand, is a great Old Town option if you want to be steps from the big sights like St. Stephen’s Square and the Arsenal.

Stari Grad

BEST FOR A QUIET STAY

Pros

• Quieter and more laid-back than Hvar Town, with a pretty waterfront that’s perfect for slow evenings.
• A great base for exploring the island without the summer crowds.

Cons

• Fewer nightlife options and “big choice” restaurants compared to Hvar Town
• You’ll usually need a bus, taxi, or your own wheels to reach Hvar Town

If Hvar Town is the island’s glittery front porch, Stari Grad is the calm, charming back garden, and it’s perfect if you’re craving a slower pace. This is one of the best places to stay for couples, families, and anyone who wants a more local-feeling base with pretty waterfront walks, low-key dinners, and easy mornings. It’s also super practical if you’re arriving by car ferry, since Stari Grad is the main arrival point for vehicles.

History-wise, Stari Grad has some real depth (it’s one of the oldest towns in Croatia), and you can feel that in the narrow lanes and stone buildings as you wander. A must-see is Tvrdalj, the fortified Renaissance house of poet Petar Hektorović. For a wider slice of heritage, the Stari Grad Plain (Starogradsko Polje) just outside town is a UNESCO-listed agricultural landscape, laid out in ancient times and still used today.

We like Stari Grad for how effortlessly livable it feels; it’s calm, scenic, and easy to settle into. The trade-off is that nightlife is minimal, and you’ll usually need a bus, taxi, or your own wheels to hop over to Hvar Town or reach more far-flung beaches.

Valamar Amicor Resort – $$$

Valamar Amicor Resort is a standout pick in Stari Grad for anyone who loves a resort vibe without the chaos. You’ll find it right on the beachfront, with a lush garden setting and a sun terrace that’s basically begging you to slow down, and with three pools on-site, you’ve always got a great spot to swim or lounge.

The rooms and suites feel modern and comfy, with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or garden views, plus family-friendly options like sofa beds, and some upgraded picks with a spa bath or even a private pool. 

Add in breakfast, two restaurants, and free parking, and it’s a really stress-free stay. You can expect a night here to cost around €300 to €600, depending on room type. 

Check availability and book your stay here!

PLACES Hvar Hotel by Valamar – $$

If “We want a nice hotel, but we don’t want to overthink it” were a hotel, it would be PLACES Hvar Hotel by Valamar! Renovated in 2020 and lined with palm trees, it’s set right along the beach promenade with the sea only meters away.

One thing we really appreciate is how much is built into the experience. Breakfast is included, there’s an outdoor pool with free loungers and sun shades, and a terrace bar for that easy late-afternoon drink. When you feel like exploring, the hotel can sort rentals for bikes, scooters, and boats, and even arrange excursions (including wooden boat trips). 

Plus, it’s only a quick 5-minute boat ride to Stari Grad’s center! Prices here average around €160 to €300 per night. 

Lock in your dates at Places Hvar Hotel on Booking.com!

If you’re after something a little smaller and more old-world than the bigger hotels, B&B Heritage Villa Apolon is a lovely extra option in Stari Grad. It has that cozy, heritage-style feel, with simple comforts like air-conditioned rooms, TV, a minibar, and free WiFi.

Ancora Faros – $

Ancora Faros is a great, budget-friendly base in Stari Grad when you want something simple, comfortable, and independent. It’s an apartment-style stay, so you get air-conditioning, free WiFi, a private bathroom, and a balcony with sea views, the kind of setup that makes it really easy to settle in and feel at home.

The apartments also come with a kitchenette, so you can do easy breakfasts or keep snacks and drinks on hand (always handy on an island). Plus, it’s in a really convenient spot, less than 1 km (0.62 mi) from Beach Banj, and there are practical extras like private check-in/check-out too.

Prices typically start at around €100 per night, which is excellent value for the location and views! 

Check availability and see all the different apartment options on Booking.com!

When you want something that feels more personal, Town House Rosario is a really sweet extra option in Stari Grad. It’s cozy and full of character (the kind of place that instantly feels cared for), with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a peaceful little courtyard where you can unwind after a day out.

Jelsa

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Pros

• Calm, local feel with an easy pace that suits families and couples.
• Great access to nearby beaches and coastal walks.

Cons

• Smaller choice of restaurants and very limited nightlife.
• You’ll need a bus, taxi, or car for day trips to Hvar Town.

Jelsa is calmer, greener, and a little more “everyday island life” than the bigger hubs. We think it’s a great base for families, couples, and anyone who wants a laid-back stay with easy swims, gentle evening strolls, and a good choice of cafés without the late-night party energy. It’s also a nice middle-ground location on the island, which can make day trips in either direction feel pretty manageable.

The town center is small but charming, with St. John’s Square and St. John’s Church as the focal point. From there, it’s an easy wander down to the seaside promenade and harbor, which is perfect at golden hour when the light hits the water, and everyone’s out for a stroll. For a simple beach day, Mina Bay is our go-to pick!

If you’re into wine (even casually), we always recommend carving out time for a visit or tasting at Tomić Winery—it’s fantastic! The only real downside? Jelsa is quieter at night, and you’ll likely rely on buses, taxis, or a car for trips to Hvar Town.

Fontana Bayside Park – $$$

Fontana Bayside Park is a great pick in Jelsa when you want to be close to the sea and have everything you need on-site. It’s set right near the waterfront, and the setup is ideal for relaxed days, especially with two pools (including a kids’ pool) and a sun terrace that’s basically made for slow afternoons.

Accommodation here is a mix of hotel-style rooms and apartments, so you can keep it simple or go more self-catered depending on your travel style. Each unit is air-conditioned and comes with a balcony (usually with garden views), plus a dining area and either a kitchenette or kitchen in some options. 

One night here typically averages around €250, depending on room type.

See current rates and lock in your dates on Booking.com!

Villa Vista – $$

Villa Vista is a lovely mid-range pick in Jelsa if you want an apartment-style stay with great views and easy access to both the harbor and nearby beaches. Set above the waterfront, the views from the balconies are jaw-dropping, but just note there are quite a few steps involved in getting back up to the hotel!

Inside, everything is geared for a comfortable and low-key stay, with air-conditioning, free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchenette, and even a cozy fireplace (a nice touch outside peak summer). You’re also close to Bočić Beach, and the harbor is close by for restaurants, little lanes to wander, and relaxed seaside strolls. On most dates, you’re looking at roughly €110 to €200 per night, depending on season and availability. 

Check dates and see what’s available on Booking.com!

If Villa Vista is all booked up, then Hotel Hvar is another fantastic option! This hotel is set on a wooded hillside above the shoreline, with gorgeous sea views from the rooms, restaurant, and lounge bar. There’s also free parking, an all-inclusive restaurant option, and more… What’s not to love?

B&B Aurora – $

Set right in the heart of Jelsa, B&B Aurora is an easy, no-fuss base that puts you within a 3-minute walk of the center and the waterfront. Rooms are modern and comfy, with air-conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a safe, and a balcony facing the garden or street.

It also works nicely for couples or small families, since each room comes with a double bed plus a sofa bed. We love that every room type includes breakfast, and there are handy little extras like on-site parking, coffee/tea makers, and hairdryers in the bathrooms.

Rates at B&B Aurora usually start at around €85 per night for their double room. 

Take a look at availability and book your stay on Booking.com!

Related Read: Planning your daily schedule, too? Check out our 3-Day Hvar itinerary for a perfectly paced plan covering beaches, boat trips, food stops, and island highlights.

Top Activities to do in Hvar

Now that you know the best areas and hotels to stay in Hvar, it’s time to plan the fun part—the experiences! From island-hopping adventures to wine-filled countryside escapes, Hvar delivers nonstop scenery, culture, and unforgettable moments. These are the top tours in Hvar you won’t want to miss!

• Kayak the Pakleni Islands – Calm waters, hidden coves, snorkeling spots, and even cliff jumping make this half-day kayak tour a total win. No experience needed, just a sense of adventure and a love for crystal-clear water.

• Speedboat to Vis & the Blue Cave – This full-day speedboat tour is pure Adriatic magic. You’ll zip across the sea to the Blue Cave, Green Cave, secluded beaches, and dramatic cliffs, all wrapped up with swimming stops and lunch by the water.

• Cruise around Hvar on a private boat – Want a VIP day on the water? This private cruise lets you explore Red Rocks, hidden beaches, and the Pakleni Islands at your own pace. Perfect for families, groups, or anyone wanting a crowd-free escape.

• Explore Hvar Island by tuk-tuk – Exploring Hvar by tuk-tuk is way more fun than it sounds. This private tour blends history, epic viewpoints, and charming villages like Malo and Velo Grablje, all with an entertaining local guide.

• Sip your way through wine country – Trade beaches for vineyards on this wine tour through Hvar’s countryside. Visit family-run wineries, sample local varietals like Plavac Mali, sip Prošek, and enjoy olive oil tastings with dreamy rural views.

Related Read: Looking for more ways to fill your itinerary? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Hvar here for even more top picks.

Renting a Car in Europe

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

• Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
• Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
• Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
• Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Hvar is one of those places that really sticks with you. Between the historic towns, hidden swim spots, and that easy island rhythm, it’s hard not to fall into vacation mode fast. Where you stay makes a huge difference here, so choosing the right base (and booking early) is key, especially in summer.

Before you go, don’t miss our other Croatia guides here. From top things to do to detailed itineraries and local tips, we’ve got you covered to help you plan an unforgettable island escape.

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