Hvar Town: A Favourite Stop for Sailors Exploring the Adriatic
Hvar Town is one of those places that instantly feels inviting the moment you approach it from the sea. The harbour is framed by soft hills, old stone houses, and the fortress above — a simple but striking scene that stays with you long after the trip ends.
What sets Hvar apart from other island towns is how easily it blends history, small-town charm, and a lively waterfront. And for anyone sailing Croatia, it’s a convenient and rewarding stop: you can explore the town in the evening, and spend the next morning swimming in quiet bays just a short sail away.
Hvar's History
For a small island town, Hvar carries a long story — Greeks, Romans, Venetians and many others left their mark here. Its theatre from the early 1600s is one of the oldest public theatres in Europe, and the main square still feels like the centre of a busy Mediterranean port from centuries ago. Today, the town is a relaxed mix of history and island life, shaped by the sea more than anything else.
What to See in Hvar
Hvar Town is compact, so exploring it never feels rushed. Most guests enjoy a slow walk through the stone alleys leading up to Fortica (the Spanish Fortress), where the view of the harbour and Pakleni Islands is worth the short climb.
Back in town, St. Stephen’s Square and the cathedral offer a natural meeting point — good for coffee in the morning or a stroll before dinner. If you enjoy a bit of history, the Arsenal and the old theatre upstairs are a quiet reminder of Hvar’s cultural past.
Beyond that, the charm of Hvar is simply wandering without a plan: small streets, old houses, and the gentle buzz of the waterfront.
Where to Berth With the Boat
Hvar Town’s harbour is attractive but also busy, especially in summer. A spot on the main quay is certainly convenient — you step right into town — but it fills early and most usually with super yachts.
Most sailors, though, end up choosing one of these alternatives:
Palmižana ACI Marina (Pakleni Islands)
Calm, protected, with showers, restaurants, and a 10–15 minute taxi-boat connection to Hvar Town. A very comfortable overnight option.Anchoring around the Pakleni Islands
Several bays offer buoys or space for anchoring. You sleep surrounded by nature and visit Hvar whenever you want.Short daytime stop
Some guests prefer anchoring nearby and visiting town only for a walk and dinner, returning to a quieter bay afterwards.- Restaurant buoys – Several bays around Hvar have restaurants that offer complimentary mooring buoys for guests dining with them. It’s a handy way to secure the boat for the evening, enjoy a good meal, and then continue to Hvar Town by water taxi or a quick land transfer if you feel like exploring more.
Skippers know the local conditions well and will usually suggest the safest and most comfortable option for that day.
Nightlife, Eating & Drinking
Hvar does have a real nightlife scene, especially in July and August, and it’s good to know what that actually looks like.
If you’re in the mood for something lively, there are a few classic spots sailors often hear about:
Hula Hula Beach Bar – a 15-minute walk along the coast from town, known for its sunset “after-beach” vibe: music, drinks, and people dancing as the sun goes down.
Carpe Diem Bar (in town) – a lounge bar on the waterfront with cocktails and DJ sessions into the night.
Carpe Diem Beach (on the Pakleni Islands) – a beach club on the islet of Marinkovac, with daytime lounging, after-beach program and, depending on the year and local regulations, occasional parties in the evening.
You don’t have to join the party side of Hvar to enjoy the town, though. You can simply:
have an early or mid-evening dinner in a quieter side street
try a local wine bar
take a stroll along the promenade
The nightlife is concentrated in specific bars and clubs, so if you’re staying on the boat in a nearby bay, you can easily choose between “lively night out” and “quiet night on board” depending on how you feel that day.
Practical Tips for Sailors
Here are a few small things that often make the stop smoother:
Plan the berth in advance. Book your berth early. Hvar and the Pakleni Islands get very busy in the summer months, and spots fill up quickly—especially when the forecast looks unsettled. It’s wise to reserve a day or two in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Taxi boats are reliable. If you’re staying in Palmižana the connection to Hvar runs late and frequently.
Climb the fortress at the right moment. Early morning or just before sunset gives you shade, breeze, and a quieter path.
Why Hvar Ends Up on Everyone’s Route
Hvar Town is one of those stops that adds something special to a sailing holiday — a mix of culture, food, views, and easy island living. It’s lively enough to enjoy an evening out, but close to quiet bays when you need calm. Whether you stay for a few hours or a full night, Hvar tends to leave a warm impression and often becomes a favourite part of the route.
