This post may contain affiliate links which may mean I receive a small commission from any purchase you make on my recommendations at no extra cost to you.
Hvar had been on my summer bucket list for a while. Very specifically, it felt like a “do this while you’re still ‘young’ and unattached” kind of trip. And honestly, it delivered.
I went with my best friends as part of a broader Croatia itinerary (including Split and Dubrovnik), and Hvar ended up being the highlight. It’s the kind of place where you’re out all day, somehow rally for dinner, and then accidentally stay out until 4 am… multiple nights in a row.
That mix is what makes it. Great DJs, sunset energy, insanely clear water, and a social scene that feels fun without being overly complicated. We met so many people, and it ended up being one of those trips you still talk about years later.
Hvar is also just really beautiful. The water is that deep, clear blue, almost unreal, and yes, very salty. It’s cleaner and more dramatic than other islands I’ve been to.
People compare it to Mallorca or the Greek islands, and while there are similarities, Hvar really does its own thing. It has the beach clubs and party energy of Mykonos, but it’s a little more laid-back and easier to navigate.
When to Go to Hvar + How Long to Stay
Best time to visit Hvar:
June through early September is peak season.
- July and August = peak party energy
- June and September = still great, slightly less intense
How long to stay in Hvar:
3 to 4 nights is ideal. It’s enough time to get the full experience without burning out.
How to get to Hvar:
Fly into Split, then take a ferry or private transfer boat to Hvar Town. It’s easy and part of the experience.
What Makes Hvar Unique
Hvar isn’t just a beach destination, and it’s not just a party destination. It’s both.
You can spend the day on a boat or at a beach club, clean up for dinner, and then go out without needing a strict plan. Everything is close, walkable, and social.
It’s also a great girls trip destination. It’s easy to meet people, the energy is fun, and there’s enough structure without feeling overplanned. Feel the Hvar vibes here.
A fun fact: organized tourism in Europe started in Hvar and dates back to 1868!
Best Things to Do in Hvar
Boat Day + Visit the Blue Caves
I’ll never not say this: a boat day is a MUST. Book a boat and explore nearby islands and the Blue Caves. You can either do a private boat or a guided tour. The water is unreal, and it’s one of the best ways to see the area, swim, and drink a lot of Croatian wine while you’re at it. Just know you’ll have a layer of salt on your skin after, because this sea is SALTY.
Go Wine Tasting (Zlatan Otok Winery)
Croatia has an underrated wine scene. We drank local Pošip the entire trip. Zlatan Otok Winery in Sveta Nedjelja is a great stop, especially if you combine it with a boat day. You can dock and tour the winery, which is partially built below sea level.
Walk Up to the Hvar Fortress
The views over Hvar Town and the harbor are definitely worth the walk. Not all of us made it after a late night, but if you can time it for sunrise or sunset, even better
Explore Stari Grad
A quieter, more historic town on the island. It’s a nice break from the energy of Hvar Town.
Check out all the different tours and excursions you can book.
Best Beach Clubs in Hvar
Beach Club Hvar
Classic, easy, and good energy. Beach Club Hvar is less of a party, more of a relaxed day with a great lunch and cocktails.
Hula Hula
Probably the most well-known. You can go to Hula Hula during the day and rent a sunbed or just go for sunset. It turns into a full party as the day goes on, with sunset being peak energy and party vibes.
Carpe Diem Beach
More of an experience than just a beach club. You take a boat to Carpe Diem Beach, and it transitions into full nightlife.
Falko Beach Bar
More relaxed and a bit tucked away. Falko is good if you want something less intense.
Where to Stay in Hvar
Palace Elisabeth (Hvar Town)
A historic hotel in a prime location overlooking the main square. Perfect if you want to be in the center of everything.
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel (Hvar Town)
Modern with a great rooftop pool and excellent location. The views from the rooftop are incredible.
Amfora Grand Beach Resort
A larger resort with a big pool and more amenities. Good for groups or if you want everything in one place.
Maslina Resort (Stari Grad)
More design-forward and peaceful. Ideal if you want a quieter, more elevated stay away from Hvar Town.
Just drop me a note, and I’ll take care of booking you at these hotels with exclusive extras.
Best Restaurants in Hvar
Laganini
You’ll need a boat to get here and a reservation in advance. Beautiful setting, great seafood, and a more elevated feel.
Black Pepper
Creative menu and a fun atmosphere. Good for a lively dinner sitting on the side streets.
Passarola
Classic Mediterranean, reliable, and well-located.
Gariful
More upscale, known for seafood and a bit of a scene overlooking the yachts. There’s a seafood restaurant below and a sushi terrace above. The sushi was great and we were surprised by an acrobatics show during dinner!
Dalmatino
One of the most popular and classic Croatian spots in Hvar Town. Great classic food.
Coffee Snob
Your go-to coffee spot. You’ll likely end up here more than once.
Where to Party in Hvar
You don’t need a strict plan. Half the fun is seeing where the night takes you.
Walk Around Hvar Town
Start with drinks and move around. Everything is close, which makes it easy to bar hop.
Carpe Diem Beach (Island Club)
One of the most famous clubs in the world. You take a boat to get there, and it’s a full experience. We somehow ended up on a private boat at a table behind the DJ, which tells you everything you need to know about how these nights go.
Carpe Diem Bar (Hvar Town)
A great starting point (or all night spot) overlooking the yachts before heading out. We loved it here, sparklers and all!
Kiva Bar
If you want to feel 18 again, this is it. Crowded, chaotic, and fun.
Ka’lavanda Bar
Best cocktail of the trip! A bit more low-key, but still with a strong vibe.
Final Thoughts
Hvar is one of those places that lives up to the hype, especially if you go in knowing what it is. It’s social, fun, and a little chaotic in the best way.
It’s perfect for a girls trip, great with friends, and ideal if you want a mix of beach, nightlife, and just enough structure to keep things easy.
The key is not overplanning. Book your hotel, lock in a boat day, make a couple of dinner reservations, and let the rest happen naturally.
I’ve been following your blog for a while but you just helped me convince my girlies on the Greece (Mykonos) vs. Croatia (Hvar) debate for next summers girls trip- Hvar wins haha!