Where to Stay on Hvar Island: A Curated Guide for Every Budget and Travel Style
Last updated May 2026
Choosing where to stay on Hvar is one of the more consequential decisions you'll make before arriving, and it shapes everything from your daily routine to how much you spend on taxis.
The good news: there's no wrong answer. The less good news: every town on Hvar offers a genuinely different experience, and picking the wrong one for your travel style will cost you.
Hvar Town is the obvious starting point - the most beautiful harbour in the Adriatic, the best concentration of restaurants and bars, the closest access to the Pakleni Islands, and the full range of accommodation from five-star heritage hotels to budget hostels.
It's also the most expensive, the noisiest in peak season and the most tourist-facing. If you want to be in the middle of everything, this is where you stay.
Stari Grad is our personal favourite, and the town we'd base ourselves in without hesitation on a return visit. Quieter, cheaper, more characterful and with a pace of life that Hvar Town lost somewhere around 2015.
The 20-minute bus or car ride to Hvar Town is a non-issue once you've experienced waking up to an unhurried Dalmatian morning without a superyacht in sight.
Vrboska and Jelsa offer something different again - smaller, more local and best suited to slow travellers or those with a rental car who want to use the rest of the island as their playground.
After six weeks living on the Island, here's what and where we'd recommend, and why.
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WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR | AT A GLANCE
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN HVAR
OUR TOP PICK | Palace Elisabeth Hvar Heritage Hotel: Michelin-recognised, five-star, right on the main square
BEST LUXURY | Adriana Spa Hvar Hotel: rooftop pool, harbour views, exceptional service
BEST MID-RANGE | Heritage Hotel Park Hvar: 16th-century baroque luxury at a fraction of the price
MOST UNIQUE | Villa Varda Latica: a 15th-century Gothic mini-palace in the old town
BEST FOR STARI GRAD | Valamar Amicor Green Resort: best base for exploring the island's quieter side
BEST VALUE | Apartmani AD Hvar: sunset views over the Pakleni Islands, peaceful setting, great hosts
BEST HOSTEL | White Rabbit Hostel: 15th-century palace, sociable vibe, right in the centre of town
BEST AREA FOR...
FIRST-TIME VISITORS | Hvar Town: the full island experience on your doorstep
COUPLES & HONEYMOONERS | Hvar Town or Stari Grad: depending on whether you want atmosphere or intimacy
SLOW TRAVELLERS | Stari Grad: our personal pick, quieter, cheaper and more characterful
NIGHTLIFE & PARTIES | Hvar Town: the only real option, and it delivers
BEACH LOVERS | Hvar Town: closest access to the Pakleni Islands and best nearby beaches
CULTURE & HISTORY | Stari Grad: the oldest town in Croatia, unhurried and genuinely beautiful
BUDGET TRAVELLERS | Jelsa or Stari Grad: noticeably cheaper than Hvar Town, still excellent
FAMILIES | Jelsa: calm, affordable, good beach access and away from the party scene
WHERE SHOULD I STAY ON HVAR? A TOWN-BY-TOWN GUIDE
HVAR TOWN
The most famous, the most beautiful and the most visited town on the island.
Hvar Town's harbour is genuinely one of the most striking in the Adriatic, featuring Venetian architecture, a fortress on the hill, the Pakleni Islands shimmering in the distance, and it has the best concentration of restaurants, bars and accommodation on the island by some margin.
Why stay here | You want to be in the middle of everything. The best access to the Pakleni Islands, the widest range of dining and nightlife, and every accommodation tier from five-star heritage hotels to budget hostels. If you're only here for a few days, Hvar Town puts everything within walking distance.
Accommodation style | The full range, from luxury heritage hotels on the main square, boutique apartments in 15th-century stone buildings, party hostels steps from the Riva. There’s more choice here than anywhere else on the island.
Potential downsides | The most expensive town on the island, particularly in July and August. Peak season brings significant crowds and noise that doesn't stop early. The restaurants on the main square and Riva charge location premiums that aren't always justified by the food. If you want quiet mornings and authentic Dalmatian life, you'll need to work harder to find it here.
BEST FOR | first-timers, couples, those who want nightlife and island access, shorter stays
PLAN | For everything worth seeing, eating and doing in town, our Hvar Town guide has it covered
STARI GRAD
Our personal favourite, and the town we'd base ourselves in without hesitation on a return visit.
Why stay here | Quieter, cheaper and in many ways more characterful than Hvar Town. The ancient limestone streets, the relaxed harbour, the konobas that actually cater to locals - Stari Grad has a pace of life that Hvar Town lost somewhere around 2015. The 20-minute bus or car ride to Hvar Town is a non-issue once you've experienced waking up to an unhurried Dalmatian morning. It's also the ferry port for Split, which makes logistics easier.
Accommodation style | A mix of family-run guesthouses, boutique apartments and a handful of hotels, mostly housed in traditional Dalmatian stone buildings. More character and better value than Hvar Town, with fewer options at the luxury end.
Potential downsides | Fewer restaurants and bars than Hvar Town, though the quality-to-price ratio is considerably better. You'll want a car or be comfortable with the bus timetable. The nightlife is essentially nonexistent, which, for some, is the entire appeal.
BEST FOR | slow travellers, couples, culture lovers, those who want to feel like they're in Croatia rather than a resort
PLAN | For the full guide to what to see, eat and do, our Stari Grad guide covers everything.
VRBOSKA
The smallest and quietest town on the island, Vrboska, is best for those who genuinely want to disconnect.
Why stay here: A single canal, stone arch bridges, a fortress church, excellent local seafood and almost no tourist infrastructure. If your ideal Hvar day involves a morning swim, a long konoba lunch and an afternoon doing very little, Vrboska delivers this without distraction.
Accommodation style: Mostly private apartments and smaller guesthouses — limited options but some genuinely distinctive finds, particularly for self-catering.
Potential downsides: Limited restaurants and bars, very limited accommodation choices, and you'll absolutely need a car to get around the island. Not suited to shorter stays unless you're deliberately retreating.
BEST FOR | slow travellers, couples seeking seclusion, return visitors who've already done Hvar Town
PLAN | For everything worth doing in town, our Vrboska guide has it all.
JELSA
A charming, pine-flanked harbour town that's more affordable than both Hvar Town and Stari Grad, with good beach access and local wineries nearby.
Why stay here | The most affordable base on the island with genuine character, a local market, good seafood restaurants and a pace of life that feels authentically Dalmatian. Good for nature lovers and those who want easy beach access without the crowds.
Accommodation style | A mix of apartments, smaller hotels and guesthouses. Good value across the board, particularly for families.
Potential downsides | Limited nightlife, fewer accommodation options than Hvar Town or Stari Grad, and you'll need a car for anything beyond the town itself.
BEST FOR | families, nature lovers, budget-conscious travellers, those with a rental car
WERE TO STAY IN HVAR TOWN
Hvar town, the island’s best-known and most visited town, is far and away one of the most beautiful Mediterranean towns we've ever seen.
The largest selection of Hvar hotels, Airbnbs and apartments can be found in Hvar town, ranging from cheap and cheerful right through to ancient former palaces fit for modern royalty.
We’ve included more options here (from splurge to budget) than in the other towns on the island due to this huge selection, and the likelihood that most visitors to the island are likely to stay in Hvar town during their visit.
PALACE ELISABETH HVAR HERITAGE HOTEL | LUXURY
The finest hotel on the island and, since being awarded two Michelin keys in 2025, one of the most recognised hospitality properties in Croatia.
Palace Elisabeth occupies one of Hvar's most iconic buildings, right on the Riva, a time capsule of Venetian and Austrian architecture dating to the 13th century. Named in honour of Empress Sisi, who supported the palace's conversion into a hotel in the 19th century, it has since been meticulously restored into a genuinely world-class stay.
Grand white colonnades, a swimming pool and spa, a highly-rated restaurant and panoramic terraces overlooking the harbour and Pakleni Islands.
It is not cheap, but it doesn't need to be.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town
Cost | From £££ / $$$
ADRIANA SPA HVAR HOTEL | LUXURY
Straight out of a nostalgic retro polaroid, the recently renovated ‘70s Adriana Spa Hvar Hotel is a stylish and luxurious stay overlooking the sunny Hvar harbour.
Rooms are airy, minimalist, and design-forward, while the Sensori Spa with rooftop pool and gym, plus onsite cocktail bar and waterfront restaurant, Val Marina, serving up delicious Mediterranean fare with locally-sourced ingredients, are all treats not to be missed.
The exceptional service is what makes this hotel what it is though; from the ferry greeting to the time you wave the island goodbye, they go above and beyond to make sure your stay is a special one.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar harbour
Cost | £££ / $$$
BOOK |Adriana Spa Hvar Hotel
HERITAGE HOTEL PARK HVAR | MID-RANGE
A 16th-century Baroque former noble home converted into one of the most charming mid-range hotels on the island, and considerably better value than anything at the luxury end of the Hvar Town market.
Up a stone stairway in the old town, just a few minutes from the ferry, the hotel sits right in the middle of everything worth seeing.
The rooms are elegant with private balconies or terraces, the views over the Adriatic and Pakleni Islands are genuinely lovely, and the vine-covered garden is one of the nicer spots in Hvar Town for a morning coffee or a long evening meal. The hospitality is warm and personal in a way the larger hotels rarely manage.
For those who want the Hvar Town experience without the Palace Elisabeth price tag, this is the pick.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar old town
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK |Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
AMFORA HVAR GRAND BEACH RESORT | MID-RANGE
This one’s for those who’d prefer to stay a little further out of town, on a secluded bay with its own beach.
Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Hvar town, the uber-contemporary Amfora Grand Beach Resort is a dream holiday resort, complete with a palatial pool, multi-level terrace (perfect for sunset cocktails), rooftop restaurant serving incredible local and international fare, and epic views out over the Paklinski archipelago.
Guests also get exclusive access to the Bonj les Bains Beach, where you can rent a seaside cabin or pavilion and also book a relaxing massage too.
THE DETAILS
Where | Amfora Beach, Hvar town
Cost | ££ / $$
Note | The resort has undergone a full room renovation for 2026
HERITAGE HOTEL DEA HVAR | MID-RANGE
A stay at Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar in Hvar’s old town plonks you right in the heart of Hvar’s old town, mere steps from some of its biggest drawcards: the Port of Hvar, the Hvar theatre and arsenal, and St. Stephen's Square in Hvar.
This family-run 4-star hotel may be small in size (there are only eight rooms - so book quickly!), but what it lacks in footprint is more than makes up for in authentic Dalmatian hospitality, culture, and history.
Rooms are modern, bright, spacious and comfortable, and you’re in great hands with the warm, welcoming owners and staff - they cook breakfast every morning, and are always on hand to provide recommendations, help book day tours, or share tidbits of information about the house and island!
After a long day exploring, settle in on the balcony and drink in the views of the old town, Fort, and sparkling Adriatic, before driving right into the super comfy bed.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK |Heritage Dea Hvar Hotel
HOTEL PODSTINE | MID-RANGE
Situated in a tranquil bay flanked by pine trees just a lazy 15-minute stroll from Hvar's old town, Hotel Podstine offers the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.
Small enough to feel intimate and personal but large enough to offer everything you need for an enjoyable stay, you can indulge in the spa and wellness area (complete with indoor and outdoor pools), soak up the Croatian sun on the hotel’s private beach, and savour the best of Mediterranean cuisine and wine at the restaurant and bar overlooking the Paklenski islands.
The rooms are spacious and bright, full of modern amenities, and have private balconies with sea views. Don’t feel like making that stroll into town? The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the old town, so you can save your feet for all the exploring you’re going to do!
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK |Hotel Podstine
THE BEST AIRBNBS & APARTMENTS IN HVAR TOWN
Read our comprehensive guide to the best Hvar Airbnbs here, or see our top picks below:
VILLA VARDA LATICA | LUXURY
If there was one place we would splurge on during our travels to Hvar town without a second’s hesitation, it would undoubtedly be Villa Varda - Latica. After all, how many times can you say you lived like royalty in a 15th-century Gothic mini palace?! Exactly.
You’ll find this three-story heritage-listed former palace (also known through its 500-year history as Bevilaqua House) down one of our favourite cobblestoned laneways in Hvar’s old town, next to the 14th-century Church of St Annunziata. Lovingly restored by host Severo, the villa is a stunning, luxurious stay full of thoughtful touches that are fit for a modern travelling king or queen (and 5 of their friends).
Everything in Hvar town is within a (cobble)stone’s throw away from the villa’s heavy wooden front door; the Riva, St Stephen’s square, and the best cafes, restaurants, and nightlife options can be reached on foot easily.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town (old town)
Cost | £££ / $$$
BOOK | Villa Varda - Latica
APARTMANI AD HVAR | MID-RANGE
Fringed by towering pines and olive and lemon trees, family-run Apartmani AD Hvar is a peaceful hideaway for those seeking solace and relaxation, while still being close enough to the action.
The main drawcard is, of course, the breathtaking sunset views of the Pakleni islands channel and the open sea from the balcony - but the apartment itself is cheerful and has everything you’d need, the hosts are wonderful, and the peace and quiet invaluable on such a busy island.
This Hvar Airbnb is located in a quiet part of town, past Hula Hula beach (it’s up the hill from Falko Beach Bar - one of our fave spots on the island!). The centre of town is about a 15-minute walk away along the pretty coastal road scented with wild jasmine.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town (past Hula Hula Beach)
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK | Apartmani AD Hvar
APARTMENTS LEA HVAR | BUDGET
Perfectly located right in the middle of Hvar with a lovely sunny terrace and view over the town, Apartments Lea is super clean, comfy, and well-equipped with a kitchen (including utensils), air conditioning, and plenty of cupboard essentials to make you feel at home.
There’s a supermarket just a couple of minutes away, lots of restaurants offering up tasty local fare within 5 minutes too, and plenty of beautiful beaches about 10-15 minutes away.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town centre
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | Apartments Lea
THE BEST HOSTELS IN HVAR TOWN
Given Hvar's popularity on the European backpacker trail, the town has a number of very well-appointed backpacker hostels. Most hostels in Hvar town have great access to the local party scene too, should you wish to partake!
We have a guide to the best Hvar hostels coming soon, but in the meantime, we've shared our pick of the bunch below:
WHITE RABBIT HOSTEL
We’d walk past The White Rabbit hostel every day on our way into town, and there were always cool people milling about, reading or chatting with friends.
Set in a renovated 15th-century palace smack in the middle of town, this is definitely more your ‘glam packing’ style accommodation, with private rooms and small dorm rooms — including bunks with proper storage underneath, and the holy grail of backpacking: showers that are both hot and powerful! — that are cheery, clean and welcoming.
White Rabbit has a super sociable vibe, can help you organise boat tours or other sightseeing on the island, and is absolutely where we'd stay if we booked a hostel in Hvar town.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | White Rabbit Hostel
DINK’S PLACE HOSTEL
Just a lazy 7-minute stroll from the centre of town, Dink’s Place Hostel is a social hostel overlooking the sparkling Adriatic sea.
Both private ensuite rooms and comfy dorms with bunks are available. There’s also a kitchen onsite, plenty of spaces to hangout and meet new people (especially on the sunny terrace with a beautiful sea breeze!), and a huge mandarin tree in the front yard which you can pick anytime.
The delicious family-run Lungo Mare restaurant, one of our favourite places to eat in Hvar town, is just a few minutes away,
If you’re in the mood for a fun night out, Dink’s is a partner of the Hvar Pub Crawl (please have your fun in a way that’s still respectful to locals!), plus they organise discounts at various bars, bike and scooter rental, and day trips to the Blue and Green Caves for their guests.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hvar town
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | Dink’s Place Hostel
The best of Hvar Town | 12 amazing things to see and do
WHERE TO STAY IN STARI GRAD
Often overlooked by tourists to Hvar, the historic town of Stari Grad is actually our favourite on the island. Laidback, friendly, and charmingly rustic, it’s pretty much the antithesis of the glitz and glam found in Hvar town, and as such, it draws a totally different, more relaxed crowd.
Stari Grad is all about enjoying the beautiful white-stone streets, picturesque squares, brilliant boutiques, galleries and restaurants, and crystal clear blue bays slowly and peacefully.
Unlike Hvar town, Stari Grad isn’t spoilt with a million different hotel/hostel options (it’s kind of why we like it); the most common accommodation here tends to be airbnbs and apartments.
We’ve listed our pick of the bunch below:
MASLINA RESORT | LUXURY
Olive (’maslina’) by name, and surrounded by olive trees in nature, this luxurious 5-star resort on Stari Grad’s west coast is an absolute delight. Set in its own sheltered pine-flanked cove, Maslina offers stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, and a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.
This Stari Grad hotel has been designed with nature at its core, using locally-sourced stone, terracotta tiles, timber and brass throughout its interiors, with custom-made furniture and fabrics designed to represent Hvar island’s own rocky coastlines, pine forests and sparkling mediterranean sea.
Their commitment to the environment also extends to their onsite restaurant too, which sources from its own kitchen garden and celebrates local, seasonal ingredients (it’s also earned them a spot in the Michelin Guide!).
THE DETAILS
Where | Stari Grad
Cost | £££ / $$$
BOOK | Maslina Resort
VALAMAR AMICOR GREEN RESORT | LUXURY
We love a hotel that actually cares for the environment it operates in, and Valamar Amicor Green Resort takes eco-credentials to a whole new level without compromising on luxury and quality.
With all the grand modern amenities you’d expect from a 5-star resort, what sets Valamar Amicor apart from the rest is its commitment to sustainability. The resort has been awarded the prestigious Green Key certification for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
From utilising solar panels for electricity generation to collecting rainwater for irrigation, the resort has implemented a range of eco-friendly practices that make it a true leader in sustainable tourism.
Its location in the heart of Stari Grad makes it an ideal base for exploring our favourite town on the island, and if you’re keen to get into the island’s natural landscapes, there are plenty of hiking and cycling scenic trails to explore nearby.
THE DETAILS
Where | Stari Grad
Cost | £££ / $$$
BOOK | Valamar Amicor Green Resort
HOTEL ANTICA STARI GRAD | MID-RANGE
Not to be confused with our favourite restaurant in town, Antika, the Hotel Antica Stari Grad is ideally situated right next to the ferry and with gorgeous views over the clear blue bay.
This 4-star hotel is a super comfortable option for your time in Stari Grad with all the creature comforts you could want; the staff are wonderfully pleasant, and a buffet breakfast (with plenty of vegetarian options) is included in the price.
THE DETAILS
Where | Stari Grad
Cost | ££| $$
BOOK | Hotel Antica Stari Grad
THE BEST AIRBNBS + APARTMENTS IN STARI GRAD
Read our guide to Hvar island’s best airbnbs and apartments here — or see our top picks below:
DOLCE TERRA | LUXURY
An ancient stone animal stall transformed into a boutique oasis; Dolce Terra is a bohemian, design-forward luxury villa perfect for a slow holiday. Every corner of this special Stari Grad Airbnb is like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a travel magazine, with reclaimed wood and local stone furnishings, chic decor, and intentional detail.
The villa sleeps 8 in 3 bedrooms, while the private pool, garden and barbecue make for the perfect lazy summer evening spent with loved ones. Enjoy the scent of wildflowers and the breeze through the olive and almond trees surrounding the property as you relax in this perfect slow retreat!
THE DETAILS
Where | Stari Grad
Cost | £££ / $$$$
BOOK | Dolce Terra
HOUSE HERITAGE, SQUARE Å KOR | MID-RANGE
Of all the pretty town squares found in Stari Grad (and there are plenty), none compare to the quaint, flower-covered Square Škor - which is where you’ll find House Heritage. Staying at House Heritage is a chance to go back in time and immerse yourself in the town’s ancient history while also enjoying all the comfort of a renovated modern stay.
The house is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom with a fully equipped kitchen, rustic details, plenty of greenery, and the most gorgeous enclosed courtyard imaginable (with a pizza oven!).
You'll be hard-pressed to find the desire to leave and explore the island, but when you do, House Heritage’s location in the centre of town, surrounded by the best restaurants, galleries, cafe and boutiques, and seconds from the beachfront makes it the absolute best option for anyone wanting to explore Croatia’s oldest city.
THE DETAILS
Where | Stari Grad, Square Å kor
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK | House Heritage
CASA DELLE ROSE | BUDGET
Another traditional stone house given new life, Casa delle Rose is an unforgettable Stari Grad apartment for those seeking a taste of authentic Croatian life.
Newly renovated using local and natural materials, the rustic stone house pays respect to its traditional history by keeping its romantic stone archways and atrium while creating a modern, eco-friendly retreat. It’s made even more special by the host’s support of local artists, whose paintings decorate the walls of the house.
You’ll find everything you need for a perfect stay in this 2-bedroom house, along with two bicycles, two sun beds (that you can take with you to the nearby beach), and four yoga mats — perfect for a slow morning stretch in the vine-covered courtyard.
THE DETAILS
Where | Stari Grad, town centre
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | Casa Delle Rose
THE BEST HOSTELS IN STARI GRAD
HOSTEL SUNCE
Just a few minutes walk from the centre of the old town, Hostel Sunce is a clean, comfortable, and friendly option for travellers. Accommodation is provided in single, double, or triple-bed rooms, and the hostel also has its own restaurant, dining room, and communal chill-out area.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hostel Sunce, Stari Grad
Cost | From £16 | $20 per night
BOOK | Hostel Sunce
WHERE TO STAY IN VRBOSKA
Its nickname 'little Venice' might be somewhat of a stretch given there's only really one canal through the entire village, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the charming medieval town of Vrboska really is worth a visit.
A cute fishing village at heart, Vrboska has ancient roots and a wealth of history for those seeking a more unique taste of local island life. Some of our favourite beaches in Hvar are within striking distance of the town, Hvar town is about 20-30 minutes drive away, and there’s also a well-known nudist beach nearby for those interested!
Vrboska is very quiet, so if you do stay here, we recommend opting for a few nights rather than the entirety of your trip.
PLAGE CACHÉE GLAMPING | LUXURY
Hidden amongst the towering pine forests and built right on the edge of a gorgeous clear bay about 1.5km from Vrboska town, the four handcrafted safari tents of Plage Cachée are the epitome of a unique, luxurious glamping experience.
Each tent is fully equipped with private bathroom facilities and beautifully furnished with super bohemian wood and metal details. You have a private deck overlooking the ocean (hello morning swims!), and there’s also a communal kitchen area (and kitchen garden!) with everything you could need whilst there. Alternatively, your hosts can organise everything on your behalf too!
This is the kind of place you stay when you want to feel the static in your brain ease and the tension knots in your back from work finally unwind; the kind of place where days are dictated by sunrise and sunset, and by slowing down to savour the small moments that make up your day.
THE DETAILS
Where | Plage Cachée, Vrboska
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK | Plage Cachée
SENSES RESORT | MID-RANGE
Senses Resort is a great hotel on Hvar for those looking to take their sightseeing at a slower pace but still enjoy the best that the island has to offer.
The hotel has its own private beach (great for escaping the crowds in other areas on the island!), and after a total renovation of the property in 2016, it’s got a super modern, comfortable vibe to it. There’s a pool and fitness area, an affordable day spa, the opportunity to book diving lessons, and breakfast and dinner included on a half-board basis too.
Note: they do have a minimum 4-night stay.
THE DETAILS
Where | Senses Resort
Cost | ££ / $$
BOOK | Senses Resort
READ MORE | Our short guide to Vrboska
AIRBNBS & APARTMENTS IN VRBOSKA
HOUSE TIA, CENTRAL VRBOSKA
This 2-bedroom stone house in the heart of Vrboska town is an absolute gem. Blending old and new worlds together perfectly for a true taste of traditional Dalmatian life; rustic and traditional from the outside, it’s a modern, comfortable stay on the inside.
House Tia is a great Vrboska apartment option for families or groups of friends travelling together, with 2-bedrooms (one double, one single) and a living room sofa bed (accommodating up to five all up). There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, coffee machine, and a washing machine too, plus free parking on site, a supermarket just a couple of minutes walk away, and plenty of beautiful beaches are just a stone’s throw away.
Soak up the atmosphere in the little courtyard in front of the house — and if you’re ready to really indulge in local life, your hosts also make delicious wines and olive oil too!
THE DETAILS
Where | Vrboska town
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | House Tia
WHERE TO STAY IN JELSA
Not far from Vrboska lies the town of Jelsa, peaceful and pretty, flanked by pine forests and a crystal clear bay. A lovely place to relax for a few days; the harbour area is perfect for lazy strolls, while some of the island’s best beaches are very close by.
There are also a number of great wineries nearby, so the wine sampling here is obviously wonderful — and we had some of the best Lavender gelatos ever right here in Jelsa!
As with Vrboska, while Jelsa is a lovely town, we’d recommend just spending a few nights here and the rest in either Hvar town or Stari Grad in order to make the most of your time on the island.
It is a lovely town, but with limited transport options and on the opposite side of the island from the buzz and history of Hvar town.
HOTEL HVAR | BUDGET
Nestled in the pine-covered hills around Jelsa, surrounded by olive groves and lavender and rosemary fields, is Hotel Hvar.
Picturesque, with a view over the Adriatic, Brac island, and the mainland’s Makarska Riviera, it’s comfortable, with everything you need for a great vacation. Hotel Hvar is all-inclusive and also great for families, with an indoor and outdoor pool onsite, fitness centre, tennis courts and bike rental on site!
THE DETAILS
Where | Jelsa
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | Hotel Hvar Jelsa
THE BEST AIRBNBS & APARTMENTS IN JELSA
VILLA VISTA, JELSA | BUDGET
As its name might suggest, this villa is all about the views. Located on the Burkovo hill above the town, the terrace offers a stunning vista over Jelsa and the sparkling bay beyond.
This family-run collection of apartments is spacious, modern, and fully equipped, with brilliant hosts who go out of their way to make you feel at home. A huge bonus staying here is that breakfast is included each day too! It’s just five minutes walk into town and the bay.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jelsa, Burkovo hill
Cost | £ / $
BOOK | Villa Vista Jelsa
HVAR HOTELS GUIDE | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION IS IMPORTANT
The towns on Hvar may not look that far apart on a map, but you’ll need to factor in some decent hills, some not-so-decent roads, and transport that doesn't necessarily run frequently when choosing where to stay on Hvar.
BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE
During the peak of summer, Hvar town sees up to 20,000 tourists per day traipse through its streets… bonkers, right?!
As you might have guessed, such a huge increase in footfall means a shortage of accommodation, so if you’re planning to visit during the months of late June-August, be sure to book as early as possible to avoid missing out a) the best spots, and b) decent pricing!
IT’S EXPENSIVE DURING PEAK SEASON
Gone are the days of Hvar being an affordable getaway; the boom has happened, and this is now one of the most popular Mediterranean holiday destinations for travellers from all over the globe.
As a result, most of the hotels and guesthouses have raised their standards and prices to reflect the changing demand… so if you’re looking at Hvar town, particularly, as a peak summer destination, we’re sorry to tell you that you’re going to be paying handsomely for it.
To avoid paying through the nose, look at accommodation in other towns, or opt for a visit in shoulder season instead (we visited in April + May, and paid about 2/3rds of the summer pricing for our accommodation, and much less for food/activities).
APARTMENTS ARE MORE COMMON
Prior to Hvar’s tourism boom (and the advent of a number of high-end boutique hotels popping up all over the island), guesthouse accommodation was the most common way to stay on the island. For years, guesthouse and B&B owners would wait at the harbour for arriving ferries, and spruik their rooms to passengers as they disembarked.
The family-owned guesthouses are still available these days, and they tend to be the best option for travellers looking for affordable accommodation in an otherwise fairly expensive town (especially during peak).
YOUR HVAR TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
WHAT TO DO ON HVAR
For all the details you need to plan your trip to Croatia’s beautiful island paradise, check out our comprehensive Hvar travel guide for the lowdown on what to do, where to eat, what to know before you go, and how to get there/around.
READ OUR GUIDES:
WHEN TO VISIT HVAR, CROATIA
We strongly believe visiting the island during the shoulder seasons (April - early June, Sept - Oct) is the best time to visit. The weather is still delightful, the vibe lively, but the crushing summer crowds and heat haven’t descended yet.
Visiting during the peak summer months of mid-June to August means you'll have to contend with upwards of 20,000 daily visitors to the island, which in our opinion is both unsustainable, a detriment to the island, and also just generally unpleasant to deal with as a traveller!
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND ON HVAR?
We could easily spend our entire summer on Hvar Island and still be left wanting more (heck, we even lived on the island for six weeks and it still felt too short!). But we believe that spending between three to five nights on Hvar is the perfect amount of time.
To some, three to five nights may seem like a lot, especially for those who plan to island hop throughout the summer or backpack their way through Europe. However, Hvar is unquestionably one of the most stunning islands in the Mediterranean, and there are countless activities to enjoy that make it impossible to fully experience in just a few days.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CROATIA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As COVID-19 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 - 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 - Comprehensive travel & medical policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
PLANNING TO VISIT CROATIA SOON?
Make the most of your time on Hvar with our essential Croatia travel guides.
EXPLORE HVAR
Start with these guides to help plan your time on the island:
Hvar Island Guide — 21 things to know before you visit
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR
Where to Stay on Hvar Island — hotels, guesthouses and hostels
MORE CROATIA
DUBROVNIK | 10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Have you been to Croatia’s most famous island yourself? Have any tips on where to stay on Hvar? Share your recommendations for the best Hvar hotels, hostels, and airbnbs on Hvar Island in the comments below!
PLAN YOUR HVAR TRIP WITH THESE USEFUL GUIDES
Some of the links on this guide to where to stay on Hvar Island and the best Hvar hotels are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
