Should You Visit Hvar?

Are you thinking about visiting Hvar, Croatia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Hvar worth visiting?

Hvar is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. Hvar is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2023 - Moments on the Water. Hvar is an island in the Adriatic Sea that has a long standing reputation as a party destination with young travelers and backpackers. Hvar Town is where you'll find the most bars and clubs. Outside of town there are nice hikes, gorgeous beaches, and other interesting things to explore.

Hvar, Croatia Hvar, Croatia

Reasons to Visit Hvar

Nightlife
The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Food
It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Beaches
The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Museums
Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Hiking
There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Shopping
In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hvar might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Hvar here or see if Hvar is expensive here.




Is Hvar worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (80°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Hvar, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, go hiking, and wander through the museums. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.


Summer Weather in Hvar
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
August 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
September 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)

Is Hvar worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Hvar. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and discover the nearby hiking trails.


Autumn Weather in Hvar
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
November 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
December 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)

Is Hvar worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Hvar. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather in Hvar can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene.


Winter Weather in Hvar
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
February 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
March 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)

Is Hvar worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Hvar, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the nightlife.


Spring Weather in Hvar
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
June 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Hvar

Lots of Tourists
Hvar sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Hvar most famous for?

Hvar is most famous for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. The island is very popular for its nightlife. It's also known for food and beaches. And many travelers come for the museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, as well. It is often described as vibrant, energetic, party-oriented, historic, and beautiful.

What is the most famous sight in Hvar?

The most popular sight in Hvar is Hvar Fort. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hvar on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Hvar Fort and other attractions here.

How touristy is Hvar? Is it a popular island to visit?

Hvar is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Self-Guided Quad Tour | HVAR ISLAND: $174
  • Hvar Self Guided E-bike Tour: $70
  • Experience Romantic Sunset Sailing on a modern 36ft (11m) sail yacht | Hvar: $71
  • Guided E-Bike Adventure Hvar-Stari Grad: $156
  • Paklinski islands Hvar Half day morning sailing- Group tour: $87
  • Hvar Lavender Tour: $87
  • Paklinski islands Hvar half day afternoon sailing- Group tour: $87
  • Sunset Kayak Tour in Hvar Town, Croatia: $71

How long should I spend in Hvar?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Hvar is two to four days. Since Hvar has a variety of activities such as nightlife, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hvar?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hvar?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hvar?.