12 Best Day Trips From Hvar, Croatia - Updated 2024

day trips from hvar
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

A picture-perfect island in Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is an excellent summer destination in Europe, with its sweeping beaches, historical sites, colorful culture, and vibrant night scene. Havar offers 5-star hotels and boutique hotels for your accommodation needs. For a stylish home away from home, luxury villas are also available in Hvar for rent. You’ll surely have the best time here. The island is famous as a wine-making spot in Croatia, where the south side vineyards produce excellent red wine, while the central plain is well-known for its white wines. A few of the famous attractions here include the island’s main square that features the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral, 13th-century walls, and the hilltop fortress. In case you’re done exploring the island and want to know more about the country, then check out our list of the best day trips from Hvar, Croatia.

1. Vrboska

Town of Vrboska (5970190705)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex Proimos used under CC BY 2.0

Located on the north coast of Hvar island, Vrboska is a charming town known for its picturesque narrow streets, stone bridges, and colorful houses. One of the best features of this town is its rich cultural heritage, including its historic churches and museums. You can also enjoy a stroll along the marina and the stunning views of the surrounding area.

For nature lovers, Vrboska is an ideal destination to explore the island’s natural beauty, including the nearby lavender fields and vineyards. The town also offers easy access to some of the island’s best beaches, where you can relax and soak up the sun.

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2. Zavala

Zavala, island of Hvar 20220726 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Argo Navis used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located on the south coast of Hvar Island, Zavala is a serene and picturesque village perfect for a relaxing day trip. With narrow streets to explore and local wineries to visit, there’s plenty to see and do. However, the main attraction of Zavala is its stunning beaches, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try kayaking along the coast or hiking up the nearby hilltops for breathtaking views. After a day of exploring, indulge in the local wine and fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.

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3. Velo Grablje

Velo Grablje, viska ve vnitrozemi Hvaru
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Brož used under CC BY 3.0

A beautiful village founded 14 centuries ago, Velo Grablje has a population of seven people at last count. It is famous for its Lavender Festival that is held every year in June. The festival showcases the heritage of Hvar. Plus, there are also several exhibits, live music, and food and crafts vendors. Apart from lavender, the village is also known as a supplier of honey, wine, and olive oil. Another thing to look forward to is its fascinating architecture, which you can see in its may stone houses and courtyards. Walking down its narrow streets will make you feel like you’re traveling back in time.

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4. Pakleni Islands, Blue Cave (from USD 108.0)

A trip to Hvar wouldn’t be complete without going on a day trip to Pakleni Island. The island is known for its crystal clear waters and postcard-perfect views. One of the must-visit attractions here is the Blue Cave, which is a natural phenomenon where the blue color of the water is reflected on the cave’s wall and ceiling. Apart from just marveling at these natural wonders, you can also sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in Stiniva Bay. You can even join a full-day tour of the island from Hvar as well. Additionally, if you want to experience authentic traditional island life, then you better visit the villages of Komiža and Palmižana nearby.

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Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar

Duration: 8 hours

105 reviews

5. Malo Grablje (from USD 182.0)

A deserted village, just a few minutes walk from Velo Grablje, Malo Grablje, which means “Little Grablje,” is an old settlement in Hvar. It features stone houses and stone lanes that harmoniously co-exist. In 1960, the entire population evacuated to the coastal village of Milna. Another unique thing about this village is its appearance. It resembles a nest as it is located within a stone rock, above the Milna Bay. You’ll surely have a lot of incredible landscape pictures after the trip.

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Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner

Duration: 3 hours

3 reviews

6. Split

Split, Croatia (miniature)
Source: Photo by user Yoko used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Recognized as the second-largest city in Croatia, Split boasts of rocky coves and pristine beaches, making it a perfect summer getaway for the whole family or friends. One of the must-visit attractions here is the Bacvice, which is the city’s main beach. It is a family-friendly beach during the day, where you can swim, sunbathe, and indulge in numerous water activities, and when nighttime comes, it transforms into a lively party scene. And from the beach, you’ll have a view of the Diocletian’s Palace, which is another must-visit when you travel to Split. It is a ruin of a Roman Palace, where you’ll find the historic center of Split. It is not very well-preserved, but worth a visit nonetheless. The area surrounding the palace is filled with premier commercial outlets, restaurants, cafes, and nightspots.

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7. Lučišće


Located just minutes away from Sveta Nedjelja, Lučišće is one of the most beautiful bay in Hvar Island in Croatia. It features a pebbled beach that is rich with thick pine trees and crystal-clear waters. It is the perfect day trip for people who wish to have some downtime, relax by the beach, sunbathe, and swim with your loved ones and friends. With its postcard-ready sceneries, you’ll surely have some astonishing photos afterwards.

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8. Šibenik

Šibenik
Source: Pixabay

A historic city on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, located in central Dalmatia, Šibenik is famous for being the gateway to the Islands of Kornati. One of its iconic attractions is the stone Cathedral of St. James that dates back to the 15th century and features 71 sculpted faces. Another must-visit here is the museum located in the 14th century Prince’s Palace. The Šibenik City Museum has exhibits and collections that span from pre-history to modern-day. Don’t forget to explore other places here, especially the medieval city center and St. Michael’s Fortress.

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9. Zaraće

Zarace beach Havr
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Topalaska used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another deserted village in Hvar Island, Zaraće has a population of 14. One of its attractions is the pebble beach below the road, where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax. Also, there are a few restaurants here that serve delicious local cuisine. Additionally, this village is occasionally used as a movie set.

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10. Stari Grad

Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia (5970155550)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex Proimos used under CC BY 2.0

The oldest town in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe, Stari Grad, which means old town in English, is the historic center of the Island of Hvar. The highlight of the town is its stunning landscape, replete with lush fields, beaches, olive groves and vineyards. A stroll in its narrow streets will make you travel back in time, with its old structures. Another thing to do here is to visit its beaches, where you can relax, swim, and sunbathe. Other attractions include Tito’s Caves that are on the Kabal Peninsula and the White Cross on top of Glavica Hill. Wine enthusiasts must definitely go on a wine tasting trip to the Hora Winery.

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11. Palmižana

Palmizana
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Niels Elgaard Lar... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the uninhabited villages in Croatia, Palmižana, is also known as a tourist resort that features a nautical marina. It is located at the Sveti Klement in the Adriatic Sea, just off the Dalmatian coast. On its southern part, you’ll find the Bay of Vinogradišće, which is surrounded by a thick pine tree forest and has an abundance of rosemary, heather, and other exotic plants. Also, you’ll find numerous restaurants, bars, and shops in the village.

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12. Vis Island (from USD 290.0)

Located in the Adriatic Sea, Vis is a picturesque Croatian Island that has so many things in store for tourists. There’s a Vis town, where you’ll find the remains of the ancient city wall as well as a public bath, or a thermae. If you’re a history buff, visit the Levaman Fortress, which is home to the Archaeological Museum that contains many historic artifacts like the bronze head of Artemis, who is a goddess of hunting in Greek mythology and dates back to 4th-century B.C. St. Jerome’s Church and Monastery is also worth checking out.

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Blue Cave and Vis Island Day Trip from Hvar with Lunch and Wine Tasting

Duration: 8 hours

5 reviews

Have a wonderful summer at Hvar Island

Hvar has a lot in store for everyone. You can swim and lay out under the sun on one of its many pristine beaches, learn about the local art and culture at the art galleries and museums, or explore the historic sites to trace the history of this beautiful town. If you want to see more, then you need to read our list of the best day trips from Hvar, Croatia.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Hvar, Croatia


  • What are some family-friendly things to do near Hvar?

    For fun experiences with your family, visit Bacvice in Split. This family-friendly beach offers amazing water activities as well as a lively party scene. Lučišće is another nearby destination where you can enjoy a relaxing downtime with loved ones.

  • What are the best places to visit near Hvar?

    Outside Hvar, some of the best places to visit are the Blue Cave in Pakleni Islands, the stone Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, and the Hora Winery in Stari Grad.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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