Hvar harbor
Hvar harbor

Island of Hvar has been nominated for years among the world’s 10 top attractive islands mainly for its mild climate and hospitable people.

Adding the fact of being the sunniest island with crystal clean sea, beautiful beaches, good food and wine, unspoiled environment with lavender scents everywhere, I am sure Hvar will satisfy the most demanding travelers.

Hvar island is one of the biggest islands along the Adriatic coast, called the “Croatian Madeira”.

This island receives more than 2724 hours of sunshine each year, more than anywhere in the country. It’s the longest island on Adriatic coast.

Sometimes travelers wrongly identify the island with the same name Hvar town, but island hides some urban settlements worth visiting, like Stari Grad (Old town), the oldest island’s village or Jelsa, Vrboska (called a Little Venice) or Sucuraj, the easternmost settlement.

Although tourism on the island has reached an enviable level, islanders have never neglected agriculture and traditional products like lavender and rosemary aromatic plants, high class honey, wine and olive oil.

There are many reasons why island of Hvar has been considered as one of the 10 most beautiful island in the world.

Cristal blue sea, marvelous bays, sandy and pebble beaches, mild climate, lush vegetation, vineyards, olive groves, endless fields of lavender, Mediterranean cuisine, historical and cultural sights, all this make the Island Hvar, undoubtedly, the most attractive destination.

It’s hard to find anything missing to an island but Hvar has all you need to make you return again and again.

Island of Hvar map

Although in Zadar county, there is a Dugi Otok (Long Island), Hvar is the longest island along the Adriatic coast. It’s 50,95 miles (80,46 km) long.

Hvar island map
Hvar island map

The main road from Sucuraj to Hvar town is about 77 km long, 60 km to Stari Grad or 50 km to Jelsa.

The road between Sucuraj and Hvar town is rather narrow and if you are coming from Makarska, don’t forget to fill up your car tank before you use the ferry connection, as the first fuel station on the island is in Jelsa, 50 km away.

Hvar island weather

With almost  2800 hours of sunshine during the year, this island is definitely the sunniest and warmest island.

It’s not a surprise that the island is called ‘Croatian Madeira’.

The island has mild winters, warm summers and high number of sunny days which allows bathing from May to October, and for the brave ones, even more.

The average annual temperature is about 16.5 C, with warmer autumns and springs, which extends the length of the vegetation.

In January the approximate temperature is about 8,5 C (47,3 F).

The highest summer temperature do not cross the critical temperature tolerance for agriculture (the absolute maximum of 37 ° C  (98,6 F) was in 1935).

Don’t be surprised to see offers like – from May to October, we offer 50% discount to accommodation prices on days when it rains over three hours! Some hotels during the winter offers 100 % discount if it snows!

Island of Hvar – towns and population

This island is a part of Split Community District. It has four municipalities with little more than 12.000 inhabitants. Click each image to enlarge it!

To know more about Hvar island history, free encyclopedia is the best resource!

Hvar Town

Hvar is situated in a picturesque natural setting, facing the south.  Today is the main tourist center of the island.

Hvar town port
Hvar town port
June is the month when the purple color covers the Island of Hvar! On the way from Stari Grad and through Selca, Velo Grablje, Brusje and up to the town of Hvar, a familiar smell of lavender and the most vibrant purple fields will surely leave you breathless.

Stari Grad

Stari Grad, Hvar island, Croatia
Stari Grad, Hvar

Stari Grad (Old Town), is the oldest town on the island. Was founded in 385 BC by Greek colony.

Jelsa

Jelsa town
Jelsa town

Jelsa is a small port on the north central part of Hvar island. On the both sides of the harbor there are wooded coves ideal for relaxation and swimming.

Sucuraj

Sucuraj village
Sucuraj village

Sucuraj is a small and peaceful town, a place on the east cape of the island. It’s important ferry port connecting Hvar island with Makarska Riviera.

Vrboska

Vrboska village
Vrboska village

Vrboska is a harbor in the central part of the northern coast of the island. It is located in a narrow and deeply indented bay with about 523 inhabitants.

I hope my post gave you a nice overview of Hvar island, and if you want to read more detailed articles be sure to read my other posts:

Share and help:

If you like this travel guide about Island Hvar and found it useful, consider supporting the author with a coffee or share it with your friends:


Compare deals:MY PARTNERED SITES

Compare deals from multiple websites to find your hotel, hostel, or private apartment for the best price! You can also check for flights and ferries to Croatia, book airport transfers in advance, or find most popular tours and cruises, all thanks to my partners!

This flight search form enables you to search and compare 1000+ airlines, travel agents and travel sites to get the cheapest flights and best dates. Try it out!


Search not displaying correctly? Search directly on any of the following sites:

Use the following search to book and purchase ferry tickets to and in Croatia. Find info about times, prices, tickets, routes, ports and availability for all companies operating ferries between Italy and Croatia.

If the form above is not loading you can search directly on DirectFerries.

Below are my recommended sailing trips in Croatia from trusted companies and tour operators. Feel free to check the offers and links to find additional information and more related cruises!

From Split:

Top rated: Southern Explorer

Split Cruises

Starting and ending in Split, this cruise will take you to Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Trstenik, Korcula, Hvar and Brac!

Dates & pricing »

From Dubrovnik:

Top rated: Dubrovnik Discovery

 Dubrovnik Cruises

Depart from Dubrovnik on a week long cruise and explore Mljet, Hvar, Korcula, Trstenik, and Sipan.

Dates & pricing »

More departure ports:

Organized tours are excellent ways to explore my beautiful country, and I highly recommend taking at least one trip during your visit. There are limitless fascinating places to see, and you can easily book a tour or day trip from my trusted partners below.

Below are five top rated tours from Split!

from 212h30m
Join a top-rated walking tour of Split's famous monuments and landmarks with a professional tour guide and learn more about our history and heritage.
from 11012h
Visit Komiza village, Blue cave on Bisevo island, Stiniva bay on island Vis, Green cave, Budikovac island, Pakleni islands, and Hvar island and town.
from 373h
Paddle around Split and Marjan Hill, discover and snorkel in secluded beaches and enjoy magnificent views.
from 5410h
Take a break from Split enjoy your coastline drive to Krka National Park and see what it's like to swim in pristine nature, with a visit to old town of Sibenik.
from 554h
Swim and snorkel in breathtaking blue lagoon, see small but beautiful Ciovo island, and grab a free lunch in memorable Trogir town.

Discover more trip ideas:

Find transfers and compare prices on:

From Dubrovnik:

From Any Location:

More options:


Consider cruise holidays!

Cruises are fantastic and inexpensive way to discover multiple destinations in Croatia.

Dubrovnik Discovery Cruise

8 days, 6 destinations

From Dubrovnik to Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Trstenik, and Sipan

€ 423 - 700

(€ 52 - 87 per day)

Learn more »

Split to Dubrovnik Luxury Cruise

8 days, 9 destinations

From Split to Bol (Brač island), Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Mljet, Slano and Ston, Dubrovnik

€ 1260 - 1360

(€ 157 - 170 per day)

Learn more »

Young & Fun Party Cruise

8 days, 8 destinations

From Split to Makarska, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Mljet, Hvar, Brac (Bol), Omis

€ 370 - 700

(€ 46 - 87 per day)

Learn more »
About me:

Pero

Pero is Splitgg's founder who was born and lived in Split most of his life. His passion for traveling and immense experience from working in tourism industry encouraged him to write many of our expert Split travel guides. More about our authors »

Cheapoair - See the world for less