Hvar: Known as the sunniest island in all of the Mediterranean and the isle of lavender (due to its ideal harvest weather). Though this definitely not a sleepy island! Hvar town is the party place in Croatia! But it is also so much more. This your guide to a day trip to Hvar. To its best rooftop bars and beach clubs and how to get to this quaint beautiful piece of heaven in the Adriatic Ocean.
Home to the oldest public theatre in Europe, the birth place of poet Petar Hektorović and where fingerprinting was invented. This picturesque island is straight from a postcard with something for everyone. But with one day there I focused on my priorities – rooftop bars, restaurants , beach clubs and jumping in that crystal clear water! If they suit you too then this guide is for you.
How to get to Hvar town from Split
Coming from Split you can hire a boat but unless you are flush then it will be a ferry! There’s 3 companies and all run slightly differently and seasonally. Our hotel told us there was only one company and the latest back was 19.40pm but this wasn’t the case. We checked out the port but the night before when it was all closed! So don’t do that! Go in the day or just use Ferry Hopper!
We booked online and chose the company Jadrolinija as they had the best times for us. €20 euros one way. (Fun fact: if you give birth on this ferry then your child will travel for free for life!) We headed to Split port 20 minutes before departure and looked for the ferry with that name on it! Was actually super easy. Everyone was already boarding so I recommend early arrival. The journey was about an hour and brings you straight into Hvar town also known as Hvar port.
Beach clubs near Hvar Town
If you turn left off the ferry and follow the coast round you will have great views back on the town. It really is post card perfect. Keep following the path for about 15 minutes and you’ll find two beautiful beach clubs:
Beach Club Hvar
Beach Club Hvar is old style glamour. Stay for a drink or all day. Flowing white drapes and an ethereal set up over the sea this was almost also counted as a rooftop, maybe it will! For more click here.
Hula Hula Hvar
Hula Hula Hvar has mesmerizing sea views for miles, good tunes and cocktails. I have read this place really comes alive late afternoon / evening and a party must for sun down. Shame it was just a day trip for us!
Carpe Diem Beach Club
You can’t come to Hvar and not head to this beach club, embodying the name, Carpe Diem seize the chance go. Though it’s not actually on Hvar but a little local island Pakleni. You can get there from the ferry port on a Water taxi boat which run every 20 minutes for €10 return. You just approach the boat and pay on board.
You will then be transported to this heavenly beach club, ‘no stress’ or ‘I need sea habilitation’ signs greet you and get ready to strip off and head to have your photo taken on the the famous Carpe Diem swing in the sea as you arrive. (If you want!)
Note the toilets are located just before the club entrance so if you haven’t worn your swimmers then you can change into them here. I didn’t book and luckily there was space but I probably would advise to. There no fee for this unless you are hiring a bed. If you come later then then it’s like a club entrance fee. And even later then everyone is kicked off the island while they reset and reopen at 10pm till sunrise! This is for the party people!
I read it was really over priced and pretentious but it wasn’t anymore expensive than anywhere else and everyone was lovely although the service could be improved. But it’s definitely worth going for a fun afternoon. Bonus was the sunset started while on the taxi boat back to Hvar town.
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Hvar town
There are some great rooftop restaurants and bars in Hvar town. For all click here. Though naturally in peak season it is hot at lunch. However I found a gem that has shade and all the views. A red carpet entrance, Don Quijote is a must for a fancy lunch.
Terca cafe and bar above the main square for a drink. (Though they are very elusive online!)
My heart was stolen by Konoba Luviji – which reminded me of a more formal fancy rooftop ‘Above 5‘ in Dubrovnik. Only a few covers and all the views. The wine served is grown at their vineyard which you can see from the view! Oh and my red dress matched so I was extra happy!
Cafe Park Central was also a popular spot for a drink – couldn’t quite class it as a rooftop as it had a roof but was gorgeous for a drink!
Lastly, Kalavanda – not a rooftop but a very chill bar – good for a little pit stop / sofa snooze while you wait for your ferry back!
Final Thoughts on Hvar
Hvar town is a must Croatian destination. Its idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters beckon you to unwind and rejuvenate.. From sunrise to sunset, there’s something for everyone and leaves an indelible mark on every traveler’s heart. It definitely cast a spell on my soul and if I was doing it again I would definitely stay longer and explore the whole island with a few nights on this perfect purple island.