Destination
Hvar
Start Hvar at Saint Stephen’s Square, continue through the Arsenal and historic theatre, then look towards Fortica. Island town life unfolds among substantial architectural landmarks.
Photos 7
More photos (2)
Aerial view of Hvar.
Aerial view of Hvar.
About the destination
Use St Stephen’s Square as the centre of your visit, with the cathedral at one end and the waterfront beyond the other. Choose the Arsenal and historic theatre for an indoor visit, checking opening times before you go. If you want to climb towards Fortica, make it a separate part of the day and allow time to return to the harbour before any boat departure.
Before you set out
Plan your visit
Choose the pace, check the journey and keep a second option for the day.
Time to allow
Keep half a day for Hvar town’s harbour, main square and one cultural visit. Allow a full day if you add Fortica and a long lunch. These are editorial estimates for the town, not for the whole island; a boat excursion deserves a separate plan.
Without a car
Choose the exact arrival port before buying a ticket. Hvar town and Stari Grad ferry port are different places; arrival via Stari Grad needs onward travel. Check the sailing date, return and whether your service takes vehicles. Do not assume a passenger catamaran can carry a car.
Arriving by car
If bringing a car to the island, confirm the ferry’s vehicle conditions and parking with your accommodation before travel. Plan to explore the town’s lanes on foot. A booked room does not automatically mean vehicle access to its door or an included parking space.
Rain, heat and a change of plan
Climb towards Fortica in a cooler part of the day only if the conditions and your group suit it. The theatre or Franciscan monastery can give the visit an indoor focus; check current opening arrangements. Do not assume the fortress climb is step-free.
Sources checked: 28.09.2026. Check current visiting arrangements before setting out. Arrival and visitor information
Worth a visit
Take a closer look and plan your visit.
9 results
Restaurant · Hvar
Dalmatino
A family restaurant in Hvar town since 1987, with fish, steaks, pasta and gnocchi on the menu at Sveti Marak 1.
1 Ulica sveti Marak
Restaurant · Hvar
Giaxa
A meal in Hvar town, inside the former Jakša family palace. Giaxa gives your pause between town walks a historic setting.
11 Ulica Petra Hektorovića
Restaurant · Hvar
Kod kapetana
A terrace overlooking Hvar harbour on the Fabrika promenade, with Mediterranean and Dalmatian cooking at Obala Fabrika 30.
30 Obala Fabrika
Restaurant · Hvar
Kogo
Pizza, pasta and grill dishes on Hvar’s main square: family-owned Kogo dates to 1983 and faces St Stephen’s Cathedral.
34 Trg svetog Stjepana
Restaurant · Hvar
Konoba Maestro
A side-street terrace beside St Stephen’s Cathedral in Hvar town, with octopus and fish at the heart of Konoba Maestro’s cooking.
12 Ulica Jurja Novaka
Café or bar · Hvar
Lola bar & Streetfood
Lola bar & Streetfood is a food and drink venue in Hvar.
1 Ulica sveti Marak
Food specialities · Hvar
Nonica caffe bar & slastičarnica
Nonica caffe bar & slastičarnica is a food and drink venue in Hvar.
23 Ulica kroz burak
Ideas for your stay
Browse guides to this area and pick a few places for your itinerary.
Travel guides
Hvar beyond the beach: theatre, monastery or Fortica
Build a cultural half-day around Hvar’s main square and Arsenal, then choose the Franciscan Monastery or Fortica instead of rushing through every sight.
Travel guides
Hvar beyond the first harbour photograph
Build a day around the square, the lanes and a view from above, with the rest of the island saved for another chapter.
Travel guides
Hvar without a boat trip: Pokonji dol or Vela beach
You can plan a swimming day from Hvar town without booking a boat. Compare Pokonji dol with Vela beach by Amfora and commit to the better fit.
