Making the most of Hvar
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels cannot berth here, so tenders land passengers in the heart of town.
The island is quickly becoming a favourite with a fashionable international crowd.
Hvar evokes heather, sunlight and crickets; lavender, sage and wine; and rosemary beside secluded coves. It is attractive in winter as well as summer, with a mild Mediterranean climate, abundant palms, aloes, pines, laurel, rosemary and lavender, and quiet coves and islets filled with varied scents.
Hvar Town has walls seven centuries old, with fortifications towering above. Its sights include City Loggia; St. Stephen's Cathedral and its Renaissance bell tower on the Piazza, considered the finest of its kind in Dalmatia; the Arsenal; Town's Theatre (1612); and the Franciscan Monastery. In Stari Grad, Tvrdalj is the fortified palace of local nobleman and writer Petar Hektorovic, with a fishpond beneath stone vaulting. Other heritage includes an early Christian baptistry beside the medieval church of St. John (12th century); remains of a villa rustica at "Pod Dolom"; the Renaissance church of St. Rok from 1569; and the Dominican monastery, founded in 1482. Vrboska also appears among the island's historic destinations...
Visitor information is provided by the tourist office.
Getting around
Walking is the best way to see Hvar because most of its streets admit pedestrians only.
A lengthy waterfront promenade, punctuated by small rocky beaches, extends from both ends of the harbour. A handful of tasteful harbour-side bars and cafés provide relaxed places to watch people pass.
Nearby places
For something more active, catch a ferry to the Pakleni Islands, noted for nude sunbathing.
Food and shopping
Hvar is known for its cakes, particularly the pepper cakes of Stari Grad. The poet Hektorović referred to this traditional Hvar speciality in his "Fishing". Saffron was an essential ingredient and, alongside honey, a major island product in the 16th century; coriander also featured in numerous love potions. Other cakes include "kroštule", "škanjate", "fritule" and "cvit" (flower), a dry cake flavoured with anise.
Money
The euro is used.
Opening Hours and
Banks and post offices generally open without a break from 7AM to 7PM, while public offices trade Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4PM. During the tourist season, post offices normally remain open until 9PM, Saturdays included. Shops and department stores operate continuously from 8AM to 8PM.
Shopping hours have not been regulated since 2009, so most shops in visitor destinations now open 7 days a week.