7 Best Things to do in Hvar, Croatia

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Planning a trip to Hvar, Croatia? You’ve come to the right place!

Hvar is one of our favorite Croatian islands, and for good reason. With its crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and lively atmosphere, there’s something here for everyone. So after exploring Hvar for ourselves, we’ve put together this guide to help you experience the very best that the island has to offer.

Whether you want to kayak around the stunning Pakleni Islands, sip Dalmatian wines, or marvel at the breathtaking caves, this blog has you covered. We’ll share the top activities, insider tips, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable Hvar adventure. Ready to discover this Adriatic gem? Let’s dive in!

Things to do in Hvar, Croatia

1. Kayak around the Pakleni Islands

• Duration: 4 hours 
• Time: Multiple times from 10 am to 3 pm
• Highlights: Exploring the Pakleni Islands, scenic kayak route tailored to your group, snorkeling, cliff jumping, visiting beautiful beaches and bays, small group tour
• Inclusions: Use of kayaks, snorkeling equipment, professional guide, dry bags, insurance, all taxes and fees
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

The Pakleni Islands are home to some of Croatia’s very best scenery, so we just had to book this half-day kayak tour and see them for ourselves! And believe me, the clear waters, sandy bays, and lush green islands did not disappoint. Don’t just take our word for it, either, read the glowing reviews here!

What’s great about this tour is that you don’t need any kayaking experience since the water is super calm. Paddling around these islands was actually pretty relaxing!

We also appreciated that our guide took the time to ask about our interests and customized the route to match them. Our group was up for an adventure, and our guide delivered!

He led us to a thrilling cliff-jumping spot and made sure we had plenty of time to snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The route was a perfect loop, packing in nonstop scenery without retracing a single step.

Speaking of which, our first stop of the day was a hidden cove where we snorkeled among colorful fish and even spotted an octopus. Then, we paddled to Mlini Beach for a swim and a drink before heading to secluded bays for some epic cliff jumping. Every stop was an absolute blast!

This is one of the best kayak tours we’ve ever done. It felt super personal, and our guide was fantastic. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a complete beginner, this tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Hvar. Don’t miss it!

Book this kayak tour here before it sells out!

2. Explore the famous Blue Cave and Vis Island by speedboat

• Duration: 7 – 8 hours
• Time: 10:15 am 
• Highlights: Discover Blue Cave and Green Cave before taking time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the amazing beaches of Budikovac, Stiniva, and Palmizana
• Inclusions: Speedboat tour, skipper, fuel, one beer, snorkeling gear, landing and facility fees, bottled water
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you do one thing in Hvar, make it this full-day speedboat adventure to Vis and the Blue Cave! It’s hands down the best way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Adriatic. In just one day, we saw way more than we ever expected—hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most mesmerizing caves in the world.

Skipping across the waves in a speedboat on our way to the Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island made us feel like we were in a James Bond movie! As soon as we arrived, we grabbed our gear and jumped right into snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters.

Next up was Vis Island and the glowing Green Cave—easily one of the most surreal sights of the trip. Sunlight streamed through openings in the rock, turning the water an eerie, almost otherworldly shade of green. It was like stepping into a hidden, underwater world!

Next, we made our way to Bisevo Island to explore the legendary Blue Cave, and it completely blew us away. The electric blue glow inside was nothing short of magical, giving the entire cave an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

The adventure didn’t stop there, either. We also got to admire the cliffs of Stiniva Cove and enjoyed lunch at a seafront spot on the Pakleni Islands. Honestly, if we only had one day in Hvar, we would spend it on this tour. It’s the ultimate way to take in Croatia’s natural beauty. Don’t miss it!

Book our favorite Hvar tour here, with FREE cancellation!

3. Take a private cruise to the Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands, and Hvar’s Southern Beaches 

• Duration: 7.5 – 8 hours 
• Time: Range of times between 9 am and 6:30 pm
• Highlights: Relaxing on a modern private boat, avoiding the tourist crowds, visiting Hvar’s southern beaches, Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands, snorkeling, opportunity to personalize the route, spotting dolphins
• Inclusions: Private boat cruise, skipper, snorkel equipment, complimentary drinks
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 145+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

This full-day private cruise was the ultimate VIP experience in Hvar! It’s great for groups or families wanting to explore away from the crowds. From the moment we stepped on board, we were treated like VIPs, with our skipper customizing the route for an unforgettable experience. And we’re not the only ones who were blown away—read the rave reviews here!

As if cruising around on our own private boat for the day wasn’t enough of a thrill, we also saw a ton of amazing scenery. The Red Rocks were absolutely incredible, and getting to swim beneath them and explore hidden caves felt like a real-life adventure.

Next, we made our way to Lucisca Beach, a quiet, postcard-perfect spot with crystal-clear waters that were ideal for snorkeling. Honestly, we could have stayed here all afternoon—it felt like our own little paradise!

Visiting Dubovica Beach was one of our favorite parts! We refueled with lunch before setting off for the Pakleni Islands. Gliding through the shimmering blue waters felt like a dream, and we even had time to kick back at one of the island’s chic waterfront bars.

Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this private cruise is the best way to see Hvar from the water. It’s a dreamy, stress-free day and we highly recommend it for families, big groups, or anyone wanting a VIP escape.

Secure your private cruise here, and pay nothing until 24 hours before you go!

4. See Hvar’s top sights on a tuk tuk tour

• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours 
• Time: 9 am, 11 am, or 5:30 pm 
• Highlights: Enjoying the views from Hvar’s Spanish Fortress, exploring the abandoned village of Malo Grablje, visiting Velo Gralje 
• Inclusions: Private tuk tuk, local guide  
• Rating: 5 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Tuk tuk tours are always a ton of fun, and this private experience was certainly an unforgettable way to explore the island! This tour was a perfect mix of history, breathtaking views, and local culture, with the added fun of zipping around in a tuk tuk.

Meanwhile, our guide, Peter, made the experience even better with engaging stories and insights.

The first stop at Tvrdjava Fortica was stunning. We loved the panoramic view of Hvar town and the Pakleni Islands from here, and Peter gave us a fascinating look into the fortress’s history.

From there, we ventured off the beaten path to Malo Grablje, an abandoned village that felt like stepping back in time. Wandering through its quiet stone streets and hearing about its past was both eerie and fascinating.

Next, we visited Velo Grablje, also known as the “Lavender Village.” The scent of lavender filled the air, and we learned how this tiny village was once one of the wealthiest on the island due to its lavender production. We couldn’t believe it was once such a powerhouse since it’s so peaceful now!

Throughout the tour, riding in the tuk tuk was such a fun and comfortable way to travel. It was a stress-free, laid-back experience, and our guide made sure we saw the best of Hvar while keeping things relaxed and entertaining. If you want to see a different side of the island, we highly recommend this tour.

Reserve this unique sightseeing tour here!

5. Go wine tasting to taste the famous Dalmatian wines

• Duration: 2.5 hours 
• Time: 11 am or 4 pm 
• Highlights: Visiting a local winemaker in Jelsa, learning about Hvar’s rich winemaking heritage, trying locally produced wine, sampling Croatian olive oil
• Inclusions: Hotel, bus station, or port pickup, wine and olive oil tastings, local driver and guide, local taxes and fees
• Rating: 4.6 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

We love wine, so it’s no surprise that this wine-tasting tour ended up being a major highlight of our trip! Exploring Hvar’s rich winemaking heritage and breathtaking countryside was an absolute treat. Honestly, Croatian wine deserves way more recognition!

Our adventure kicked off with a scenic drive from Hvar Town, winding past charming villages, rolling vineyards, and fields bursting with the scent of lavender. By the time we reached Jelsa, we were more than ready for some wine!

At a cozy, family-run winery, we were welcomed like old friends and got an insider’s look at the world of Dalmatian wines—complete with plenty of tastings, of course! We learned all about the local grape varietals, including Plavac Mali, and how traditional winemaking techniques have been passed down for generations. 

The tasting itself was next-level! We sampled seven different wines, each with a unique story behind it, but the standout for me was the Prošek—a rich, velvety dessert wine that felt like a sip of Hvar in a glass.

As if the incredible wine wasn’t enough, we also got to taste locally made olive oils while soaking in the dreamy vineyard views, each one bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to fully enjoy every moment of this unforgettable experience!

There’s something special about visiting a family-owned winery, meeting the people behind the vines, and experiencing their passion firsthand. If you want to explore Hvar beyond the coastline, this wine tour is an absolute must!

Book this intimate wine tour here before it sells out!

6. Book a private boat tour to see the Blue and Green Caves 

• Duration: 3 – 8 hours 
• Time: Flexible departure times from 9 to 6:30 pm
• Highlights: Private boat tour, visiting the Blue and Green Caves, Stiniva Beach, Budikovac lagoon, Pritiscina Bay, cliff jumping, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling
• Inclusions: Private boat ride, use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, skipper, fuel surcharge
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

The Blue and Green caves are two of Hvar’s must-see attractions, and what better to enjoy their incredible beauty than on this private boat tour? We loved being able to explore these otherworldly caves in a way that was totally tailored to our preferences. And we’re clearly not the only ones—read over 100 5-star reviews here!

First things first, we visited the mesmerizing Blue Cave, where the sunlight created a magical blue glow inside the cavern. We felt like we were in a movie! The Green Cave was equally impressive, this time with emerald hues reflecting off of the water as we swam inside. It was insane! 

After that, we made our way to Stiniva Cove, which is a true gem. Its towering cliffs encircle a secluded beach, and it’s truly postcard-perfect.

Finally, we visited Budikovac Island’s Blue Lagoon for some epic snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters. We were pleasantly surprised by how vibrant it was and had plenty of time to just float around and take it all in.

As you can see, the itinerary was pretty epic, and our fantastic skipper only made things better. He was knowledgeable and friendly and went above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable.

Whether you want to cliff jump, snorkel, or just relax on the boat with a drink in hand, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Hvar. 

Reserve your private boat cruise here, with the option to pay later!

7. Explore Hvar Island by e-bike

• Duration: 3 – 6 hours 
• Time: Use of e-bike between 9 am and 6 pm 
• Highlights: Swimming and checking out restaurants at Milna, relaxing on Dubovica Beach, exploring Malo Grablje and Velo Grablje, taking in the views at Tvrdava Fortress, enjoying the serenity of Pokonji Dol Beach
• Inclusions: Use of electric bicycle, helmet, locker, map
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We’re all about exploring on our own, so it’s no surprise that this self-guided e-bike tour was a huge hit for us! Cruising through the island’s rolling landscape was such a thrill, and we loved being able to soak in the stunning scenery without exhausting ourselves.

And if you check out the reviews, you’ll see that we’re not alone in this opinion. 

The freedom and flexibility of this experience were fantastic! We didn’t have to worry about tight schedules or rushing to keep up with a group. It was just us, our bikes, and the open road!

First up, we pedaled to the charming seaside village of Milna for a refreshing swim and a coffee right by the water—a perfect way to kick off the day.

From there, we cycled to Dubovica Beach, one of Hvar’s most stunning spots, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. The best part? We had the freedom to stop whenever we wanted, whether it was for a spontaneous dip, a quick snack, or just to soak in the jaw-dropping views along the way.

Later in the day, we made our way up to the Spanjola Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views over Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands. After soaking in the scenery, we wrapped up the adventure with some well-deserved sunbathing at Pokonji Dol Beach.

For travelers who love exploring at their own pace, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Hvar!

Check availability and book this self-guided e-bike tour here!

Related Read: Planning more than just a day trip? This 3-day Hvar itinerary maps out exactly how to spend your time—beaches, bars, boats, and beyond.

Where to Stay in Hvar, Croatia

Hvar is an incredible destination with plenty of great places to stay, no matter your budget or travel style. Whether you’re after luxury, comfort, or something more budget-friendly, you’ll find the perfect spot to soak up the island’s beauty.

To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Hvar, so you can focus on exploring, relaxing, and enjoying everything this stunning island has to offer!

Luxury – $$$

Set in a historic 14th-century noble house, Villa Nora Hvar is a charming boutique hotel that offers a luxurious stay in the heart of Hvar’s Old Town. This elegant hotel blends traditional Dalmatian architecture with modern comforts, offering spacious suites, a serene courtyard, and personalized service. Steps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the waterfront, it’s a perfect base for exploring Hvar.

Room rates vary depending on the season and suite category, but typically range from €250–€500 per night. Check all the options and book this charming stay on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

Apartments Trogrlić is an excellent mid-range option in Hvar, offering a comfortable and modern stay. Located in a peaceful setting, it provides easy access to the region’s stunning coastline and attractions. The apartments are spacious and well-equipped, featuring air conditioning, a kitchenette, and a private balcony or terrace—ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. Guests can also enjoy the on-site garden and barbecue facilities, adding to the home-away-from-home feel.

Prices range from around €140–€230 per night. You can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Podstine is a stylish beachfront hotel in Hvar offering direct access to a private beach and serene sea views. Guests can enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool, daily spa access, and a fitness center, all included in the stay. Rooms are air-conditioned with balconies, minibars, and modern amenities. The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes in a romantic setting with sea views.

Located near Beach Podstine and Hvar Town, rates range from €115–€400 per night. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.

For more options, see all of Hvar’s hotels listed here!

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’s impossible not to love! Between the crystal-clear waters, charming old town, and lively atmosphere, there’s so much to see and do that we hope this guide helps you figure out where to start. We had an unforgettable time exploring this Croatian gem, and we know you will, too!

Whether you’re planning more adventures or just looking for travel inspiration, check out all our Croatia blogs here! We’ve got plenty of tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.

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