A Guide to Vrboska, A Hidden Gem on Hvar Island
Also known as “little Venice”, charming Vrboska is a must-see for any visitors to Hvar Island. This curated guide to Vrboska includes everything you need to know to enjoy your own, wonderful visit.
Hvar Island is filled with a number of hidden treasures that are definitely worth a visit, and one such treasure is the charming little fishing village of Vrboska.
Nestled on the northern coast of Hvar, Vrboska is filled with a picturesque harbour, ubiquitous limestone houses, winding streets and alleys, an ancient fortress, and the prettiest little canal, which gave rise to the town’s nickname, 'little Venice', a slight misnomer given there's only one canal, but we’ll let it slide.
Our relaxing afternoon in Vrboska - strolling through the pretty laneways and discovering some of its major landmarks, eating traditional Dalmatian food, and enjoying the MUCH slower pace of life - was one of our favourite things to do on Hvar.
If you’re planning to spend more than three days on Hvar Island, we highly suggest making your way to Vrboska and soaking it all in. Or, better yet, plan to stay in this part of the island, and enjoy the town’s charm for longer.
However long you stay, our Vrboska guide includes everything you need to know to enjoy your own, wonderful visit.
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VRBOSKA
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Vrboska, Hvar Island
WHAT TO SEE | Little Venice canal, Vrboska Fortress, Wine Tasting, Vrboska beaches
WHERE TO STAY | Plage Cachée, or House Tia
WHEN TO VISIT | May - early June, September - October
WHERE TO STAY IN VRBOSKA, HVAR
PLAGE CACHÉE GLAMPING
Plage Cachée offers a luxurious glamping experience with unique safari tents. These tents are handcrafted and located on the edge of a clear bay, surrounded by towering pine forests, and are only 1.5km away from Vrboska town.
Guests will have private bathroom facilities and a private deck overlooking the ocean. In addition, there is a communal kitchen area and kitchen garden for guests to use.
If needed, your hosts can organize everything on your behalf. Plage Cachée is the perfect place to relax and unwind, where days are dictated by sunrise and sunset, and by slowing down to savour the small moments that make up your day.
Trust us, you won't find a better place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
THE DETAILS
Where | Plage Cachée, Vrboska
Cost | From £200 | $261 per night
BOOK | Plage Cachée
SENSES RESORT
Senses Resort is a contemporary hotel located in Hvar featuring a private beach, pool, fitness area, and an affordable day spa.
Additionally, the hotel offers half board basis meals which include breakfast and dinner, and diving lessons are available for booking. Please take note that a minimum of a 4-night stay is required.
THE DETAILS
Where | Senses Resort
Cost | From £685 | $894 for 4-night stay
BOOK | Senses Resort
HOUSE TIA, CENTRAL VRBOSKA
This 2-bedroom stone house in Vrboska town is a great option for families or groups of friends. It's a blend of traditional and modern styles, with a rustic exterior and comfortable interior.
The house has a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, coffee machine, and washing machine. It can accommodate up to 5 guests with a double bedroom, a single bedroom, and a living room sofa bed.
There is free parking on-site and a supermarket nearby. The house is also close to beautiful beaches. Don't forget to relax in the cosy courtyard and try the hosts' delicious wines and olive oil for an authentic local experience!
THE DETAILS
Where | Vrboska town
Sleeps | Up to 5
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | House Tia
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN VRBOSKA
GET LOST AMONG VRBOSKA’S QUIET LANEWAYS
The first thing you’ll notice about Vrboska is how quiet it is. The streets and alleyways are empty, save for the occasional grandmother slowly walking home with supplies for the family lunch, and a blissed cat taking up position in the shade. It’s all wonderfully peaceful.
Our favourite thing to do was wander through the town’s narrow laneways and hidden alleys, discovering secret corners and quaint, fig-covered courtyards along the way.
The quiet streets are also pretty as hell, lined with traditional limestone houses and intricate architecture, giving you a glimpse into the town's past as a thriving fishing village. On a stroll through town, you’ll encounter numerous historical landmarks and cultural treasures, including ancient churches and fortresses (more on that below), canals and traditional konobas. There are also a few artisanal shops that offer a range of unique and handmade items (mostly lavender!), from pottery and textiles to jewellery and art.
When compared to the hustle and bustle of Hvar Town, it’s all very authentic and delightful, and a must-do when visiting Vrboska.
DISCOVER VRBOSKA CANAL & HARBOUR
Perhaps Vrboska’s most iconic feature is its pretty canal, a narrow waterway that snakes its way through the heart of the town.
The canal is flanked by traditional stone houses and elegant bridges, creating an idyllic atmosphere that has earned Vrboska the nickname of "Little Venice" - maybe a little stretch, given there’s only one canal in the entire village, but appropriate nonetheless.
Unlike Venice, the water in the canal is crystal clear and reflects the vibrant colours of the surrounding buildings, making for stunning reflections that are worth a photo or two. As is the historic and gorgeous Vrboska Most.
The canal opens into the picturesque harbour, where historic wooden fishing boats bob in the calm waters, flanked by the historic, limestone & pastel-coloured fisherman homes.
The harbour is where a number of Vrboska’s best restaurants and wine bars are located. The setting is absolutely beautiful, so we suggest you stop by on an afternoon stroll
.
STEP INSIDE VRBOSKA FORTRESS CHURCH
Perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque village, the imposing St. Mary's Fortress Church is a wonderful surprise in Vrboska.
Built in the 16th century as a place of worship and a fortification against invading forces, this beautiful church has stood the test of time and remains a popular attraction in town.
The church itself is built from imposing limestone walls, and its best feature, its elegant bell tower can be seen from miles away. The interior of the church is equally stunning, featuring intricate stonework, beautiful frescoes, and impressive marble sculptures.
In addition to its religious significance, the huge fortress played a crucial role in defending the local population against marauding pirates and other invaders, housing them in its huge buttresses during attempts to conquer the town, particularly from the Ottomans.
Today, it’s possible to explore the church and fortress and learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage, plus take in the epic views overlooking the town.
THE DETAILS
Where | St. Mary's Fortress Church
Opening Hours | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
FIND VRBOSKA’S BEST BEACHES
Given its position on the quieter side of Hvar Island, Vrboska has a number of delightful, relaxed beaches located within close proximity to the town.
Some of our favourites include:
MASLINICA BEACH
A beautifully secluded cove just north of pretty Vrboska, Maslinica has some of the clearest water in all of Hvar.
The 'beach' isn't sandy, rather there are flat, natural stone slabs that make the perfect spot to set up your beach towel and soak up some rays.
If you have snorkelling gear, the clear water allows for great underwater explorations, however, if you'd prefer to explore more of the spectacular surroundings, there are walking paths between the surrounding coves.
There are no bars or konoba's close by, so head to nearby Vrboska for lunch if you get hungry or thirsty, before returning to Maslinica for the afternoon.
BEACH SOLINE
The perfect beach for families with small children, Soline is a small, rocky beach set amongst pine trees just outside of Vrboska.
The picturesque beach is relaxed, and delightful in the morning when the sun illuminates the azure waters and it’s not yet too crowded.
Beyond the beach, there are a number of sunbed platforms to lay your towel, as well as a large Aqua Park with a huge, protected swimming area.
If you’re thirsty or hungry, there’s Kafić and Konoba Soline close by.
MINA BEACH, JELSA
A slice of paradise a short drive to nearby Jelsa, Mina beach is typical Hvar beach; a stunningly turquoise cove surrounded by pines and the ubiquitous drone of crickets.
Mina is a perfect beach for families, with the sandy, shallow cove making it easy for children to swim safely, while the rocky terrace is perfect for sunbathing. As you can imagine, the beach does get quite busy during the peak summer months, so arrive early, or later in the day.
Close by is the fantastic Mina restaurant, which serves delicious Dalmatian cuisine with epic views overlooking the bay.
We wouldn't go out of our way to visit Mina beach, but if you're staying in Jelsa or Vrboska, it's a great beach close to town.
RELATED | The best beaches on Hvar Island
GO WINE TASTING
Hvar has a proud wine-making history dating back to the Ancient Greeks who planted the island’s first vines in 384 BC.
Due to its abundance of natural fields and perfect climate (more than 2718 sunny hours per year), Hvar is known to have some of the finest red wine in Europe. So, if you're like Mim and love a good vino or two, Hvar is your place.
While Vrboska town doesn’t have any wineries per se, we suggest the excellent wine tasting at Vina Carić, a konoba cum wine cellar set in a picturesque courtyard just off the delightful Vrboska canal. Vina Carić serves excellent local wines accompanied by a selection of delicious cheese, which is best enjoyed in the late afternoon after a day at the beach.
The surrounding plains and hills of Vrboska are littered with excellent, artisanal winemakers. We suggest making your way towards Stari Grad, and the famed Hora Farm. The best place to sample Hvar’s finest wines.
In addition to its range of locally produced wines, the family-run establishment prepares delicious local Dalmatian fare, which is served on the terrace overlooking the most beautiful vineyard. They also offer a unique wine-tasting experience, where the owners run through the history of the farm, and the type of grapes they grow, before a wine-tasting session.
Alternatively, we suggest booking a wine-tasting tour to gain a true understanding of the wine culture on the island. This Hvar wine-tasting tour is ideal for travellers who want to gain some in-depth vinicultural knowledge and learn about olive oil production to boot. You'll visit ancient wine cellars, and taste a variety of wines paired with traditional specialities accompanied by a tasting of local olive oil.
THE DETAILS
Where | Vrboska
BOOK | Discover Hvar’s wine scene on this wine tasting tour - or opt for this tour that includes dinner
DEVOUR AUTHENTIC DALMATIAN CUISINE
Dalmatian cuisine might be the most underrated in all of the Mediterranean. Fresh as hell, and featuring a mix of a delightful mix of seasonal vegetables, meat and fish, the simple, subtle flavours just work, especially on a warm summer’s day.
We found a lot of the best restaurants in Hvar were located away from Hvar town, where family-run konobas serve simple, local food.
One of the best restaurants in Vrboska is Konoba Lem, a family-run restaurant that offers a wide selection of traditional Dalmatian dishes, including fresh seafood and homemade pasta. The restaurant's outdoor terrace offers stunning views of the canal, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family meal.
For a super authentic experience, head up to Ranc Gabelic, a tiny, family-run restaurant just outside of town serving local, seasonal dishes and the Dalmatian classic ‘peka mixed meat grill’ (which needs to be arranged in advance, so call ahead). Surrounded by olive groves and pine trees, it’s super quaint.
Kapar’s is a more casual dining experience offering delicious grilled seafood and homemade burgers, along with craft beers.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING VRBOSKA
WHERE IS VRBOSKA?
Vrboska is situated in a quiet bay on the northern coast of the island of Hvar, Croatia, approximately 25 km east of Hvar Town, and 8km directly east of Stari Grad.
Hvar itself is surrounded by a number of islands including Brac, Korcula and Vis, and is around an hour’s boat ride from Split. The island is the longest and sunniest in Croatia and has around 11,000 inhabitants.
On the opposite side of the Adriatic lies Italy, and important ports such as Ancona.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VRBOSKA, CROATIA?
If you’re just heading to Vrboska on a day trip, we’d suggest arriving in the early afternoon, and strolling around the town and its major attractions, before settling in for some wine tasting and dinner later in the evening.
In terms of which season to visit, we believe exploring Vrboska during the shoulder seasons (April - early June, Sept-Oct) is the best time to visit.
Not only are the days long and the sea warm, but the crowds are far more manageable, making the town extremely pleasant. What's more, the prices of food and drinks are considerably cheaper during the shoulder period.
HOW TO GET TO VRBOKSA?
From Hvar Town, you can take a local bus or taxi to Vrboska, which is located approximately 25 kms away.
Buses run regularly between the two towns during summer (up to 10 times per day following the Hvar to Jelsa route), with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also rent a bike or a scooter in Hvar town and cycle or drive to Vrboska, which is a scenic journey through the hinterland.
From Stari Grad, you can also take a local bus or taxi to Vrboska, which is located approximately 8 kms away. As per above, buses run regularly between the two towns, with a journey time of around 15 minutes.
Check the Hvar bus timetable here
HOW TO GET AROUND HVAR ISLAND
Despite being an island, the majority of Hvar's main attractions are easily accessible thanks to a decent public transport service. Car and scooter hire is also possible, for fairly reasonable prices.
CAR HIRE
Car hire is a great way to explore the island's main things to do. We used Suncity car hire, where a small car costs 330 kuna per day (€35), which included but no driving on the Dubovica-Sveta Nedilja dirt road. The car must be returned with fuel.
Alternatively, hire a VW beetle for the day for around 500 kuna (€50), which also includes insurance and must be returned with fuel.
THE DETAILS
Cost | between 300 - 800 Kuna depending on vehicle size
SCOOTER HIRE
A far cheaper (dare we say it, backpacker-friendly) way to get around Hvar island is via a scooter.
Scooters are great for shorter trips, to some of the small beaches just outside of Hvar town, or through to Stari Grad, however, we wouldn't recommend riding one to explore the whole island.
At 50cc, you won't need a driver’s licence to drive one, however, we recommend previous experience riding a scooter/motorbike. And please, always wear your helmet!
THE DETAILS
Rent | Suncity
Cost | HRK 200 for 24 hours
YOUR HVAR ISLAND PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Hvar Island comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK | For those annoyingly early European sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN CROATIA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF HVAR ISLAND
We have a heap of essential reading before you travel to the paradise island of Hvar:
HVAR GUIDES | The best things to see and do in Hvar Town, Read this before you travel to Hvar island, 11 amazing things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar, How to visit pretty Vrboska, Our guide to the stunning Pakleni Islands, Our complete guide to Hvar’s best beaches
HVAR ACCOMMODATION | The best places to stay on Hvar Island, and the best Airbnbs on the island too, The best hotels in Stari Grad
HVAR DAY TRIPS | The best day trips to, from, and on Hvar
HOW TO GET AROUND | How to get from Hvar to Stari Grad, how to get from Split to Hvar
DUBROVNIK | 10 Essential things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
HEADING TO CROATIA? YOU’LL LOVE THESE GUIDES
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