Best Hotels in Hvar for Every Budget — 49 Real Picks From £61 (2026)

Our top Hvar pick for 2026 is Palace Elisabeth Hvar Hotel — a Leading Hotels of the World five-star set in a historic palace right on Hvar Town's Venetian square, from around £572 a night — but the honest story of Hvar is a glamorous island with a real affordable end if you know where to look. We've built this guide around every price band on the island: the 2 best-rated five-stars, 10 mid-range four-stars, and 37 cheaper guesthouses and apartments we verified as real, distinct, currently bookable places — 49 stays in all, each linking straight to its live prices. The genuine floor is around £61 a night, but be clear-eyed: that is the affordable end of a premium summer market. Hvar is a chic, sun-drenched island, not a budget destination — the cheapest beds are in the quieter towns of Stari Grad and Jelsa, and June or September beats the July–August peak on both price and crowds.

Jump to your budget: Best-rated stays · Mid-range hotels · Budget stays from £61

Scout's 3 best-value picks right now: 🛏 Apartment Marik — Jelsa, from ~£61, the cheapest real bed in this guide, a simple self-catering base in a laid-back harbour village. 🏛 Apartments Marković — Stari Grad, from ~£68, a well-reviewed apartment in one of Europe's oldest towns. 🏨 Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel — Hvar Town, from ~£215, a big, reliable four-star near the harbour and the square. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Hvar is a long, thin island off the Dalmatian coast, reached only by sea — there is no airport, so you fly into Split (SPU) on the mainland and cross by catamaran or car ferry from Split's port (the fast passenger catamaran to Hvar Town takes about an hour; the car ferry runs to Stari Grad). The island splits into three main bases: glamorous Hvar Town, with its Venetian St Stephen's Square, the hilltop Spanish Fortress, the taxi-boats out to the Pakleni islands, and a genuine yacht-and-party scene; and the quieter, cheaper towns of Stari Grad — an ancient Greek port and one of Europe's oldest towns, beside the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain — and Jelsa, a laid-back harbour village. Inland are lavender fields and hill villages; Hvar is billed as the sunniest island in Croatia. Croatia uses the euro (€) now, not the kuna, and the coast is priced to match — the sweet-spot months for value and weather are June and September. The beaches are pebble and rock, not sand, but the water is beautifully clear. Compare live Hvar hotel prices or search flights to Split (SPU).

At a glance — the island's best-rated and best-known stays, before the full reviews:

The Best-Rated Stays in Hvar

Hvar's very top tier is small but glamorous — two five-stars, both in Hvar Town, that anchor the island's luxury scene. These are dream rooms with peak-season prices to match; rates ease in the June and September shoulder months. Below the two five-stars, the four-star beach and spa hotels in the mid-range section (and the excellent-value Ancora Faros in Stari Grad) carry the best big-review-count reputations on the island.

1. Palace Elisabeth Hvar Hotel — The Leading Hotels of the World — Hvar Town · 5★ · 248 reviews · from ~£572/night. The grandest address on the island — a historic palace right on St Stephen's Square, and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Elegant rooms, a spa and a prime position steps from the harbour, the cathedral and the taxi-boats to the Pakleni islands put you in the beating heart of Hvar Town. A special-occasion five-star for travellers who want history, glamour and the best location in town.

2. Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis — Adults Only — Hvar Town · 5★ · 467 reviews · from ~£688/night. A chic adults-only five-star and the most-reviewed luxury property on the island, with a spa, pool and calm, grown-up atmosphere a short walk from the centre of Hvar Town. The priciest stay in this guide, and aimed squarely at couples wanting a peaceful, stylish retreat away from the family crowds. Book the June or September shoulder for the best rates.

Prices here are live from-rates pulled while writing, and Hvar's luxury tier swings hard between the shoulder season and the July–August peak. See all Hvar stays for live availability, or search flights to Split (SPU).

Mid-Range Hotels in Hvar — 10 Reliable Picks

This is where most visitors who want a proper hotel end up: well-run four-stars with big review counts, most of them in Hvar Town with beaches, pools and spas. Be honest about the numbers, though — this is a glamorous island, so "mid-range" here runs roughly £120–450 a night depending on the hotel and the season, with the standout value being Ancora Faros over in Stari Grad. For lower prices, jump to the budget tier below.

3. Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort — Hvar Town · 4★ · 2,817 reviews · from ~£345/night. The most-reviewed hotel on the island — a large four-star beach resort a short walk west of Hvar Town's centre, with a big multi-level pool complex, a private beach and cabana-style sun terraces overlooking the Pakleni islands. Reliable resort facilities and a huge review count make it a safe family and couples choice. Best for travellers who want a full beach-resort day and the town within walking reach.

4. Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel — Hvar Town · 4★ · 2,305 reviews · from ~£215/night. A big, dependable four-star on the bay a short walk from the harbour and St Stephen's Square, with a pool, modern rooms and one of the lower entry prices in the Hvar Town four-star pack. The strong review count marks it out as a reliable, good-value base. A smart pick for first-timers who want the town on their doorstep without a top-tier price.

5. Hotel Podstine — Hvar Town · 4★ · 964 reviews · from ~£309/night. A peaceful four-star in a quiet bay a 15-minute stroll along the waterfront from the centre of Hvar Town, with its own pebble beach, a wellness area and calm sea views. It trades the buzz of the harbour for tranquillity and swimming right outside. Ideal for couples and travellers who want a restful seaside base within walking distance of the action.

6. Hotel Fortuna — Hvar Town · 4★ · 791 reviews · from ~£259/night. A comfortable, well-reviewed four-star handy for Hvar Town, offering modern rooms and reliable service at one of the friendlier prices in this tier. A dependable, good-value choice for travellers who want a proper hotel near the scene without paying resort rates. Solid reviews back it up.

7. Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel — Hvar Town · 4★ · 734 reviews · from ~£434/night. One of Hvar Town's most stylish addresses — a design-led four-star right on the harbourfront, famous for its rooftop spa and infinity pool with sweeping views over the town, the square and the Pakleni islands. Chic rooms and a prime central position make it a favourite for couples and style-minded travellers. A premium price, but the rooftop is among the best in Croatia.

8. Riva Marina Hvar Hotel — Hvar Town · 4★ · 534 reviews · from ~£422/night. A boutique four-star set directly on the Hvar Town harbourfront, so close to the water you can watch the yachts come in from your room. Contemporary design, a lively waterfront location and a front-row seat on the town's scene define it. Best for travellers who want to be right in the middle of the harbour buzz, steps from the bars and the boats.

9. Beach Bay Hvar Hotel — Hvar Town · 4★ · 484 reviews · from ~£450/night. A modern four-star by the sea a short walk from central Hvar Town, with fresh contemporary rooms, a pool and easy access to swimming spots along the bay. Comfortable and well-placed for both the beach and the town. A good pick for travellers who want a newer, design-forward hotel close to the water.

10. Ancora Faros — Stari Grad · 4★ · 334 reviews · from ~£121/night. The best-value four-star in this tier by a wide margin — a comfortable hotel in the quieter, more affordable town of Stari Grad, the island's ancient port and car-ferry gateway. Modern rooms and reliable facilities at roughly half the price of Hvar Town's four-stars, with the calm, historic old town on your doorstep. A brilliant pick for travellers who want four-star comfort and value over the party scene.

11. Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar — Hvar Town · 4★ · 314 reviews · from ~£318/night. A characterful boutique four-star in the heart of Hvar Town, blending a historic stone building with contemporary rooms just off the square. Intimate and central, it suits couples who want charm and a walk-everywhere location over a big resort. A stylish heritage stay in the middle of the old town.

12. Hvar Riva Rooms — Hvar Town · 4★ · 262 reviews · from ~£181/night. A well-reviewed four-star rooms option right on the Hvar Town waterfront, offering smart, contemporary accommodation at one of the lower prices in this tier. Central, stylish and close to the harbour bars and the square. Good value for travellers who want a design-led room in the middle of town without a full-service resort price.

Mid-range from-rates shift most with the hotel and the season — Hvar Town's four-stars command a premium, while Stari Grad and the shoulder months are far kinder on the wallet. Compare live Hvar hotel prices for your exact dates.

Cheap Hotels in Hvar — 49 Real, Bookable Options From £61

Here is the honest picture of affordable Hvar. Real, bookable beds start around £61 a night, but this is a glamorous island, so the cheaper tier stretches a long way — roughly £61 to £250 depending on the town and the season. Two things drive the price down: where you stay and when you go. The lowest rates are almost all in Stari Grad and Jelsa, the island's quieter, calmer towns, rather than glamorous Hvar Town; and June or September beats the July–August peak comfortably. Most of the beds below are self-catering apartments and guesthouses, which is exactly how locals and savvy visitors keep an island holiday affordable — cook a few meals, take the bus, and Hvar's beauty stops being expensive. Below are 37 cheaper stays, ordered from the lowest nightly rate up, with each hotel's town labelled so you can pick your pace.

13. Apartment Marik — Jelsa · 9 reviews · from ~£61/night. The cheapest real bed in this guide — a simple self-catering apartment in the laid-back harbour village of Jelsa, on the island's quieter north coast. A newer listing with few reviews, but the lowest price band on Hvar and a kitchen to keep costs down. Good for budget travellers, couples and families happy to trade Hvar Town's scene for calm, value and local village life.

14. Apartments Marković — Stari Grad · 3★ · 226 reviews · from ~£68/night. One of the best-value picks on the island — a well-reviewed self-catering apartment in Stari Grad, the ancient Greek port and car-ferry gateway, with a strong 226-review track record behind it. Space, a kitchen and a solid reputation at a genuine budget price. A brilliant base for travellers who want history and calm over the party crowd, with Hvar Town a short drive away.

15. Apartments Srhoj — Stari Grad · 2★ · 11 reviews · from ~£72/night. A simple, low-cost apartment in quiet Stari Grad, offering self-catering space near the island's ferry port at one of the lowest rates here. A smaller listing with few reviews, but strong value for travellers who want their own kitchen and a calm town base. Good for couples and small groups watching the budget.

16. Apartmani Pavičić-Ivelja — Stari Grad · 3★ · 22 reviews · from ~£81/night. A tidy three-star apartment in Stari Grad, giving self-catering families and couples space and a kitchen in the island's most affordable town. Fewer reviews as a smaller listing, but good value and an easy walk to the old port. A quiet, practical budget base away from Hvar Town's crowds and prices.

17. Adrienn Apartments — Stari Grad · 3★ · 73 reviews · from ~£86/night. A comfortable, well-reviewed three-star apartment in Stari Grad, with self-catering space and a good reputation at a fair budget price. Handy for the car ferry and the ancient old town, with the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain nearby. A reliable, good-value pick for travellers who want calm, a kitchen and easy island access.

18. Guesthouse Wish — Stari Grad · 3★ · 198 reviews · from ~£86/night. A friendly, well-reviewed guesthouse in Stari Grad with a solid 198-review track record, offering simple, comfortable rooms at a genuine budget rate. Personal service and a calm town setting make it a dependable cheap base near the ferry port. Good for couples and travellers who prefer a small, welcoming place over a big hotel.

19. Goran's Place — Hvar Town · 2★ · 108 reviews · from ~£98/night. One of the more affordable beds actually in Hvar Town — a simple, well-reviewed two-star guesthouse offering straightforward rooms close to the centre. A rare sub-£100 option in the glamorous town itself, with a decent review count behind it. Good for budget travellers who want to be near the square and the harbour without paying resort prices.

20. Apartments Gabelic — Hvar Town · 3★ · 74 reviews · from ~£107/night. A three-star self-catering apartment in Hvar Town, giving you a kitchen and your own space near the centre at a fair price for the location. Well-reviewed and practical, it suits couples and families who want to be walkable to the square and harbour while keeping costs down. Good value for a Hvar Town base.

21. Apartments Petar II — Hvar Town · 15 reviews · from ~£107/night. A self-catering apartment option in Hvar Town, offering space and a kitchen close to the centre at a reasonable rate for the location. A newer listing with fewer reviews, but a handy, affordable Hvar Town base for travellers who want independence and their own space near the scene.

22. Apartments PHARIA — Jelsa · 3★ · 18 reviews · from ~£107/night. A three-star self-catering apartment in the laid-back village of Jelsa, ideal for families and couples wanting space, a kitchen and a calm harbour setting on the island's quieter north coast. A smaller listing with fewer reviews, but good value and a relaxed base away from Hvar Town's bustle. Handy for exploring the eastern half of the island.

23. Guest House Vuljan — Hvar Town · 3★ · 57 reviews · from ~£116/night. A comfortable three-star guesthouse in Hvar Town, offering simple rooms and personal service within reach of the centre at a fair price for the location. A good-value, welcoming base for travellers who want to be near the square and the harbour without a hotel price tag. Solid reviews for a small guesthouse.

24. Guest House Kovacevic — Hvar Town · 3★ · 73 reviews · from ~£129/night. A well-reviewed three-star guesthouse in Hvar Town, with comfortable rooms and a friendly, personal feel close to the centre. A dependable mid-budget choice for couples and travellers who want charm and a good location over big-hotel amenities. Good value for a guesthouse this near the action.

25. Resort Fontana — Jelsa · 2★ · 55 reviews · from ~£131/night. A relaxed seaside resort in the family-friendly village of Jelsa, offering simple rooms near the water on the island's calmer north coast. A good pick for families and couples who want an easygoing, low-key beach base away from Hvar Town's crowds. Straightforward and well-placed for Jelsa's gentle beaches and harbour.

26. Relaxing Beach holiday house — Hvar Town · 3★ · 116 reviews · from ~£133/night. A well-reviewed self-catering holiday house near the water on the Hvar Town side, giving families and groups space, a kitchen and easy beach access. The 116-review track record and the room to spread out make it a strong pick for a longer stay. Good value for travellers who want a whole place rather than a hotel room.

27. Apartment Božo — Hvar Town · 3★ · 62 reviews · from ~£134/night. A comfortable three-star self-catering apartment on the Hvar Town side of the island, with a kitchen and your own space at a fair price. Well-reviewed and practical for couples and families who want independence near the town. A dependable apartment base for a self-catering island holiday.

28. Casa di Giorgio — Jelsa · 63 reviews · from ~£134/night. A charming self-catering house in the laid-back village of Jelsa, offering character, space and a kitchen in one of the island's quieter, more affordable towns. Good for families and couples who want a home-from-home base with a village atmosphere. A relaxed, good-value choice away from the Hvar Town scene.

29. Apartman Knezovic — Stari Grad · 12 reviews · from ~£138/night. A self-catering apartment in the ancient port of Stari Grad, giving travellers space and a kitchen in the island's calmest, most historic town. A smaller listing with fewer reviews, but a practical, quiet base near the old town and the car ferry. Good for couples and families who value peace and independence.

30. Apartment Frina I, Island Hvar — Jelsa · 12 reviews · from ~£143/night. A self-catering apartment in the Jelsa area on the island's quieter side, offering families and couples their own space and kitchen away from the crowds. A newer listing with fewer reviews, but a calm, practical base for exploring the eastern half of Hvar. Good value for travellers who want independence and a relaxed pace.

31. Apartment and Studios Happy Place — Hvar Town · 3★ · 106 reviews · from ~£149/night. A well-reviewed set of self-catering studios and apartments on the Hvar Town side, offering flexible, good-value space with a kitchen close to the town. The 106-review track record makes it a reliable pick for couples and families who want independence near the scene. A practical, dependable apartment base.

32. Apartments Pera — Hvar Town · 206 reviews · from ~£149/night. A strongly reviewed self-catering apartment option in Hvar Town, with a big 206-review track record behind it and a kitchen to keep costs down near the centre. Space, independence and a trusted reputation make it one of the safer apartment bets in the town. Good for couples and families who want a proven place close to the harbour and square.

33. Dela — Hvar Town · 3★ · 262 reviews · from ~£153/night. One of the better-reviewed budget stays on the island — a three-star with a solid 262-review track record on the Hvar Town side, offering comfortable rooms at a fair price. The strong reviews mark it out as a dependable, good-value choice near the town. A reliable pick for travellers who want a proven place without a resort price.

34. Agata House Hvar — Hvar Town · 3★ · 113 reviews · from ~£161/night. A well-reviewed three-star guesthouse on the Hvar Town side, offering comfortable rooms and a personal feel at a mid-budget rate. The 113-review track record makes it a dependable choice for couples and travellers who want a welcoming, good-value base near the town. Solid and reliable for the price.

35. Pension Oaza — Hvar Town · 3★ · 371 reviews · from ~£161/night. The most-reviewed budget stay in this guide — a well-run three-star pension on the Hvar Town side with a strong 371-review track record, offering comfortable rooms and reliable service at a fair price. That review count makes it one of the safest cheap bets on the island. A dependable, trusted base for travellers who want to be near the town without paying up.

36. Apartments Butkovic — Hvar Town · 3★ · 315 reviews · from ~£161/night. A strongly reviewed three-star self-catering apartment on the Hvar Town side, with a big 315-review track record and a kitchen to help keep costs down. Space, independence and a trusted reputation make it a reliable apartment pick near the town. Good for couples and families who want a proven, good-value base.

37. Arkada Hotel — Stari Grad · 2★ · 92 reviews · from ~£177/night. A simple, well-placed two-star hotel in the ancient port of Stari Grad, offering straightforward rooms in the island's calmest and most historic town. A proper hotel (rather than an apartment) at a fair price, handy for the car ferry and the old town. Good for travellers who want hotel service and calm over the Hvar Town scene.

38. B&B Aurora — Jelsa · 4★ · 205 reviews · from ~£183/night. A well-reviewed four-star bed-and-breakfast in the laid-back village of Jelsa, offering comfortable rooms and a personal touch on the island's quieter north coast. The 205-review track record and the higher star rating make it a standout for value and quality away from Hvar Town. A lovely, calm base for couples and families.

39. Mimi — Hvar Town · 4★ · 164 reviews · from ~£185/night. A well-reviewed four-star guesthouse on the Hvar Town side, offering smart, comfortable rooms at a fair price for the standard and location. The higher star rating and solid reviews make it a good pick for travellers who want a step up in quality near the town without a full-resort rate. Dependable and stylish for the price.

40. Oleander Apartment & Room Centar — Hvar Town · 2★ · 263 reviews · from ~£188/night. A well-reviewed central option right in Hvar Town, offering rooms and self-catering apartments a short walk from the square and harbour — a genuinely central budget-to-mid base with a strong 263-review track record. Being able to walk to everything is the draw here. Good for travellers who want to be in the middle of the action without a resort price.

41. Apartments Marija Bibić — Hvar Town · 3★ · 49 reviews · from ~£193/night. A three-star self-catering apartment on the Hvar Town side, giving couples and families their own space and a kitchen near the town. A smaller listing with fewer reviews, but a practical, independent base close to the scene. Good for travellers who want to self-cater within reach of the harbour and square.

42. Villa Vera — Hvar Town · 3★ · 54 reviews · from ~£197/night. A comfortable three-star villa-style stay on the Hvar Town side, offering rooms with a personal feel and a fair price for the location. A smaller listing, but a pleasant, good-value base for couples and travellers who want character near the town. Reliable for a relaxed Hvar Town-side stay.

43. Violeta Hvar — Hvar Town · 3★ · 107 reviews · from ~£200/night. A well-reviewed three-star on the Hvar Town side, offering comfortable rooms and dependable value at a fair rate for the island. The 107-review track record makes it a reliable pick for travellers who want a proven place near the town. Good, steady value in a pricey market.

44. Heritage Villa Apolon — Stari Grad · 4★ · 62 reviews · from ~£219/night. A characterful four-star heritage villa in the ancient port of Stari Grad, blending a historic stone building with comfortable modern rooms in the island's calmest town. A stylish, atmospheric base for couples who want charm and history over the Hvar Town scene. Higher-end for the budget tier, but full of character and calm.

45. Hvar by Valamar — Stari Grad · 3★ · 128 reviews · from ~£222/night. A three-star from the reliable Valamar group in the Stari Grad area, offering comfortable, well-run rooms and dependable resort-group standards in the island's quieter town. The trusted brand and solid reviews make it a safe pick for travellers who want a proper managed hotel away from Hvar Town. Good for families wanting reliability and calm.

46. Mar e Sol Apartments — Hvar Town · 3★ · 46 reviews · from ~£224/night. A three-star self-catering apartment on the Hvar Town side, giving couples and families their own space and a kitchen near the town and the sea. A smaller listing with fewer reviews, but a practical, independent base close to the scene. Good for a self-catering stay within reach of the harbour.

47. B&B Buzolic — Hvar Town · 3★ · 240 reviews · from ~£228/night. A well-reviewed three-star bed-and-breakfast on the Hvar Town side, with a strong 240-review track record and comfortable rooms with a personal touch. The solid reputation makes it a dependable pick for couples and travellers who want a welcoming, proven base near the town. Reliable value for a B&B this well-reviewed.

48. Villa ToTa Glamur — Jelsa · 3★ · 54 reviews · from ~£239/night. A stylish three-star villa in the laid-back village of Jelsa, offering comfortable, characterful rooms in one of the island's quieter, more relaxed towns. A smaller listing, but a lovely, calm base for couples who want charm away from Hvar Town's crowds. A relaxed, higher-end budget option on the north coast.

49. Apartments Prosperina Hvar — Hvar Town · 3★ · 109 reviews · from ~£242/night. A well-reviewed three-star self-catering apartment on the Hvar Town side, offering space, a kitchen and a good reputation near the town. The 109-review track record makes it a dependable apartment pick for couples and families who want independence close to the scene. Rounds out the tier with a proven, good-value self-catering base.

Price note: every from-price above is a live rate captured while writing, in pounds sterling (on the ground you will spend euros — Croatia joined the eurozone in 2023). Be honest about Hvar: this is a glamorous, premium island, and the cheaper tier genuinely spans roughly £61 to £250 a night. The real bargains are the apartments and guesthouses in Stari Grad and Jelsa from around £61–90, while comparable places in and around Hvar Town run higher. Rates climb steeply in the July–August peak and ease in June and September, so your dates matter enormously. Tap any hotel for today's total on your dates, taxes included. See all Hvar stays or search flights to Split (SPU) — the mainland gateway for the catamaran across.

Explore more of Croatia

Planning a bigger Croatian trip? These guides use the same real-price, every-budget approach:

• Best Hotels in Split
• Best Hotels in Dubrovnik
• Best Hotels in Zadar
• Best Hotels in Zagreb
• Best Hotels in Rovinj

Hvar Hotels FAQs

What is the cheapest hotel in Hvar? On recent searches the lowest real, bookable rate is Apartment Marik in Jelsa from around £61 a night, followed by Apartments Marković in Stari Grad from ~£68 and Apartments Srhoj, also in Stari Grad, from ~£72. All three sit in the island's quieter towns rather than glamorous Hvar Town, which is where the cheapest beds always are. For a famously chic Adriatic island, £61 is the genuine affordable end — but be clear that this is the floor of a premium summer market, not a budget destination.

How much does a budget hotel in Hvar cost per night in 2026? Realistically £61–250 a night for the cheaper tier, and that wide spread is the honest truth about Hvar. The floor sits around £61–90 for apartments and guesthouses in Stari Grad and Jelsa (Apartment Marik ~£61, Apartments Marković ~£68, Adrienn Apartments and Guesthouse Wish ~£86), while comparable places in and around Hvar Town run £130–250 in peak season. Hvar is a glamorous, sun-drenched island, so even the affordable end is not cheap by Croatian standards — the money-saving move is to stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa and to travel in June or September rather than July–August.

Is Hvar expensive? Hvar is one of the more expensive places in Croatia, especially Hvar Town, which has a genuine yacht-and-party scene with prices to match. In peak July and August, hotels, restaurants and the taxi-boats to the Pakleni islands all cost more than the mainland. That said, the island has a real budget layer if you look for it: apartments and guesthouses in Stari Grad and Jelsa from around £61–90 a night, and much better value in June and September. Croatia uses the euro now, and the coast is priced accordingly — go in with realistic expectations.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Hvar? Stari Grad and Jelsa — the island's quieter, calmer towns — are noticeably cheaper than glamorous Hvar Town. The lowest real rates in this guide are all there: Apartment Marik in Jelsa from ~£61, Apartments Marković and Apartments Srhoj in Stari Grad from ~£68–72, and Adrienn Apartments, Guesthouse Wish and Apartmani Pavičić-Ivelja from ~£81–86. Stari Grad is a beautiful ancient port (one of Europe's oldest towns) with regular ferries from Split; Jelsa is a laid-back harbour village. Both are a 20–30 minute drive or bus from Hvar Town's nightlife.

Should I stay in Hvar Town, Stari Grad or Jelsa? It depends on the holiday you want. Hvar Town is the glamorous hub — the Venetian square, the Spanish fortress, the taxi-boats to the Pakleni islands, and the island's famous bar and yacht scene, but it is the busiest and priciest base. Stari Grad, an ancient port on the north coast, is calmer, cheaper and steeped in history, with the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain nearby. Jelsa is the most low-key — a pretty, family-friendly harbour village. First-timers who want the scene pick Hvar Town; couples and families after calm and value pick Stari Grad or Jelsa.

How do I get to Hvar? Hvar is an island with no airport, so everyone arrives by sea. The usual route is to fly into Split (SPU) on the mainland, then take a Jadrolinija or Krilo catamaran from Split's ferry port — the fast passenger catamaran to Hvar Town takes about an hour, while the car ferry runs to Stari Grad (about two hours) with a bus connection onward. In summer there are frequent daily sailings; book ahead in July and August as popular departures sell out. If you are bringing a car, you must use the Stari Grad car ferry, not the Hvar Town catamaran.

Which airport do I fly into for Hvar? Split Airport (SPU) is the gateway — Hvar has no airport of its own. Direct UK flights to Split run in summer on Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, British Airways and Wizz Air from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and more. From the airport you transfer to Split's ferry port (about 30–40 minutes by bus or taxi) and catch the catamaran or car ferry across to Hvar. Allow enough time between your flight and the last sailing, especially if you land in the evening.

What currency is used in Hvar — euros or kuna? Croatia uses the euro (€). It joined the eurozone on 1 January 2023, so the old kuna is gone — do not bring or expect kuna. Cards are widely accepted across the island, in hotels, restaurants and most shops, though it is worth carrying some cash for taxi-boats, small konobas (taverns) and market stalls. Because Hvar is a premium Adriatic island, euro prices for food, drink and boats run higher here than on the mainland, particularly in Hvar Town in peak season.

When is the best time to visit Hvar? June and September are the sweet spot — warm, sunny days, a sea that is still lovely and warm, thinner crowds and noticeably lower hotel rates than the July–August peak. Hvar is billed as the sunniest island in Croatia, so the season is long. High summer (July and August) is hot, busy and the priciest time, when Hvar Town's nightlife is in full swing and hotels book out. May and early October are quieter and cheaper still, with pleasant weather but a cooler sea. For the best mix of value, weather and atmosphere, aim for June or September.

Is Hvar good for a party holiday? Hvar Town has one of the liveliest scenes in Croatia — a genuine yacht-and-party crowd in summer, with waterfront bars, beach clubs on the Pakleni islands (Carpe Diem Beach is the famous one) and a buzz that runs late. If nightlife is the point of your trip, base yourself in Hvar Town within walking distance of the square and harbour. If you want the island's beauty without the party, stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa, which are calm and quiet, and visit Hvar Town for a night out by taxi or bus.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Hvar? First-timers usually want Hvar Town — the postcard heart of the island, with the Venetian St Stephen's Square, the hilltop Spanish Fortress, the harbour lined with cafés and the taxi-boats to the Pakleni islands all on your doorstep. Mid-range four-stars like the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort and the Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel put you in the thick of it. If you would rather trade the scene for calm and better value, Stari Grad and Jelsa are easy, beautiful alternatives a short drive away.

What is the best luxury hotel in Hvar? The two standout five-stars are both in Hvar Town. Palace Elisabeth Hvar Hotel, a Leading Hotels of the World member, is the island's grandest address — a historic palace right on St Stephen's Square from around £572 a night. Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis is a chic adults-only five-star with a spa and pool from around £688 a night. Both are peak-season prices for a glamorous island; rates ease in June and September. For four-star luxury with a beach, the Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel and the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort are excellent.

Are Hvar's beaches sandy? Mostly no — like most of the Croatian coast, Hvar's beaches are pebble, shingle and rock rather than sand, with beautifully clear water. Bring or buy water shoes; they make swimming off the rocks far more comfortable. Some of the best swimming is off the Pakleni islands, a short taxi-boat ride from Hvar Town, where you will find quiet coves and beach bars. The clarity of the Adriatic here is the real draw, so pack a snorkel — just do not expect the soft sand of a Mediterranean resort.

What are the Pakleni Islands and how do I get there? The Pakleni (or Paklinski) islands are a chain of small, wooded islets just off Hvar Town, famous for clear water, hidden coves and a mix of quiet beaches and lively beach bars. You reach them by taxi-boat from Hvar Town's harbour — boats run frequently through the day in summer, take 10–20 minutes, and you pay per person for a return. Popular stops include Palmižana (with a marina, restaurants and a botanical garden) and Jerolim. They are the highlight of a Hvar Town stay and an easy half-day trip.

Do I need a car in Hvar? Not for a Hvar Town-only trip — the town is walkable and the taxi-boats cover the Pakleni islands. A car becomes useful if you want to explore the whole island: the lavender fields and hill villages inland, the wine roads, and the quieter beaches and towns like Jelsa, Vrboska and Sućuraj. If you are bringing a car from the mainland you must use the Stari Grad car ferry. Note that Hvar Town's old centre is pedestrianised, so a car is a liability there — park on the edge and walk in.

Is Hvar good for families? Yes, particularly if you base yourself in the calmer towns. Jelsa and Stari Grad are relaxed, safe harbour towns with gentle beaches, shallow swimming spots and a slower pace that suits younger children, and self-catering apartments there (like Apartment Marik, Apartments PHARIA and Casa di Giorgio) give families space and a kitchen at a fair price. Hvar Town works for families too but is busier and more nightlife-focused in peak season. The boat trips, clear water and lavender fields are a hit with older kids.

Is Hvar good for couples? Very — Hvar is one of the most romantic islands in the Adriatic. Couples wanting glamour and buzz will love Hvar Town, with sunset drinks over the harbour, the fortress views and dinner on the Venetian square; the adults-only Hotel Moeesy and the palace-set Palace Elisabeth are made for a special trip. Couples after quiet romance should look at Stari Grad and Jelsa, with intimate guesthouses, calm evenings and beautiful old-town lanes. Either way, a taxi-boat to a Pakleni island cove for a swim is the classic Hvar date.

Can you visit Hvar on a budget? Yes, but with realistic expectations — Hvar is a premium island, so budget here means roughly £61–90 a night for a room, not the £30–40 you might find inland. The way to do it: stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa rather than Hvar Town (Apartment Marik ~£61, Apartments Marković ~£68, Adrienn Apartments and Guesthouse Wish ~£86), travel in June or September, choose a self-catering apartment so you can cook, and take the bus rather than taxi-boats. Do that and Hvar's beauty is genuinely affordable; expect Hvar Town in August to be a different, pricier story.

How many days do you need in Hvar? Three to four nights is ideal. That gives you a day for Hvar Town — the square, the Spanish Fortress and the harbour — a day on the Pakleni islands by taxi-boat, and a day or two to explore the rest of the island: Stari Grad's ancient port and UNESCO plain, the lavender-scented hill villages, the wine roads and the beaches around Jelsa. Many people fold Hvar into a wider Dalmatian trip with Split and Brač, since the ferries make island-hopping easy. Two nights is enough for just a taste of Hvar Town.

What is there to do in Hvar Town? Plenty for such a small town. Walk up to the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) above the harbour for the best views over the town and the Pakleni islands, wander St Stephen's Square — the largest old square in Dalmatia — and see the cathedral and the historic Arsenal and theatre. Take a taxi-boat to the Pakleni islands for swimming and beach bars, browse the harbourfront, and stay out for the famous evening scene. The lavender products in the shops are a classic Hvar souvenir.

Is Stari Grad worth staying in? Yes, especially for history lovers and anyone wanting calm and value. Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, founded by the Greeks as Pharos in 384 BC, with an atmospheric stone old town, a sheltered bay and the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain — ancient agricultural fields still farmed today — just outside. It is the arrival point for the car ferry from Split, has the island's cheapest rooms, and is a 20-minute drive from Hvar Town. A lovely, quieter base with a strong sense of place.

Is Jelsa worth staying in? Jelsa is the island's most laid-back base — a pretty harbour village on the north coast with a leafy square, a sheltered bay, gentle beaches and a relaxed, family-friendly feel far from Hvar Town's crowds. It has the island's genuine bargains (Apartment Marik from ~£61, Casa di Giorgio and Apartments PHARIA from ~£107–134) and easy access to the eastern half of Hvar and the wine country. Buses and a seasonal boat connect it to the rest of the island. Ideal for travellers who want quiet, value and local life over glamour.

Which Hvar hotels have the best guest reviews? By review volume, the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort leads with over 2,800 reviews, followed by the Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel with more than 2,300 — both large, reliable four-stars in Hvar Town. Among the smaller and budget places, Pension Oaza (371 reviews), Apartments Butkovic (315) and Dela (262) score well, and in Stari Grad Apartments Marković has a solid 226 reviews. High review counts on well-run places are the safest bet for a predictable stay; the tiny apartment listings have fewer reviews but often shine on location and value.

Are there hotels in Hvar with a pool or spa? Yes. The Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel in Hvar Town has a rooftop spa and pool with harbour views, the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort has a large pool complex and beach, and the adults-only Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis has a spa and pool. Hotel Podstine and the Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel also offer pools and wellness facilities. These are mostly four and five-star Hvar Town properties at the higher end of the price range, so expect peak-season rates in July and August and better value in June and September.

How do I get from Split airport to Hvar? Fly into Split (SPU), then make your way to Split's ferry port in the city centre — about 30–40 minutes by airport bus, shuttle or taxi. From the port, take a Jadrolinija or Krilo fast catamaran directly to Hvar Town (roughly an hour) or the car ferry to Stari Grad (about two hours) if you have a vehicle. Sailings are frequent in summer but do sell out on peak departures, so book your ferry ticket in advance and leave a comfortable buffer between your flight landing and the last boat of the day.

How do I book these exact Hvar hotels at the prices shown? Every hotel name in this guide links to that property's live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates, all taxes shown, and a date picker to match your trip. The from-prices quoted here were pulled on live searches while writing, so your dates will differ, and Hvar's prices swing hard between the June/September shoulder and the July/August peak; tap through for today's number. No booking fees either way.