🇭🇷Croatia · Places to discover
What to see in Hvar?
13 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Landmarks & heritage
2 places
- 1
Landmark
Landmark
Loggia and Clock Tower of Hvar
A 16th-century Venetian loggia flanked by a clock tower on the main square. Once the administrative heart of the Venetian Republic in Dalmatia, it now operates as an exhibition gallery.
- 2
Landmark
Landmark
Arsenal of Hvar and Municipal Theatre
One of Europe's first public theatres (1612), housed within the Venetian arsenal at the harbour. A foundational site of Hvar's cultural heritage, often overshadowed by the fortress.
Religious sites
3 places
- 3
Religious site
Religious site
Franciscan Monastery of Hvar
A 15th-century convent on the seafront east of the harbour, home to a Last Supper by Matteo Ingoli and a cloister planted with a century-old cypress. Absolute tranquillity just steps from the summer crowds.
- 4
Religious site
Religious site
Fortified Church of Vrboska (Crkva sv. Marije)
A 16th-century church-fortress with walls two metres thick, engineered to withstand Ottoman raids. This rare blend of military and religious architecture is seldom found in the Mediterranean.
- 5
Religious site
Religious site
Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Hvar
A 16th-century Renaissance cathedral on Dalmatia's largest parade ground. Its unfinished bell tower and treasure chamber, containing Byzantine icons, merit close attention.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
- 6
Castle
Castle
Španjola Fortress (Fortica)
A 16th-century Venetian citadel commanding the town from an altitude of 240 metres. The climb on foot through the narrow streets is as rewarding as the panoramic view across the Pakleni archipelago.
Nature
2 places
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Nature
Sveti Klement Islet (Pakleni)
The largest of the Pakleni islets, with its 6km² pine forest, pebble coves and the settlement of Palmižana. Perfect for a full day away from the main island.
8Wikimedia CommonsNature
Pakleni Islands (Paklinski otoci)
An archipelago of 16 wild islets facing Hvar town, reachable by water taxi in 10 minutes. Secluded coves, turquoise waters and fragrant pine groves evoke the Adriatic before mass tourism.
Viewpoints
1 place
- 9
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Punta Rata Headland (Cape Sv. Nikola)
Wild promontory at the western tip of Hvar Town, reachable on foot in 30 minutes. Sweeping views over Hvar Channel and the Pakleni Islands at sunset.
Activities
3 places
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Activity
Grapčeva špilja Caves
Prehistoric cave high above Humac, containing Neolithic ceramics dating to 3000 BC. A rarely visited archaeological site, reached by trail from Humac.
- 11
Activity
Activity
Hiking Trail: Hvar–Brusje–Milna
Cross-island walk (4 hours, 15km) passing through lavender fields, stone villages and limestone ridges. The finest way to grasp Hvar's agricultural soul away from the beaches.
- 12
Activity
Activity
Sea Kayaking to the Pakleni Islands
Kayak rental at Hvar port for paddling to the Pakleni islets (30–45 minutes). Reaches secluded coves inaccessible to motorboats, in perfect silence at sunrise.
Beaches
1 place
- 13
Beach
Beach
Zaraće Cove
Twin sheltered coves near Gdinj on the island's east side, surrounded by pine woods and accessible via a dirt track. Exceptionally clear water, favoured by local sailors.
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