Where to Stay in Hvar, Croatia: Best Areas & Hotels

Wondering where to stay in Hvar island? From glamorous harbor hotels to hidden coastal villas, here’s your ultimate guide to the island’s best bases.

If there’s one place in Croatia that truly lives up to the hype, it’s Hvar Island. With its crystalline coves, lavender-scented hillsides, and a glittering harbor packed with yachts, it’s long been the crown jewel of the Dalmatian coast. I’ve just returned from my most recent stay—my second trip to the island—and each time I go, I refine my list of favorite, standout stays.

While the island itself isn’t huge, deciding where to stay on Hvar can really shape your experience. Want to party until sunrise? There’s a spot for that. Craving quiet swims and hidden beaches? There’s a spot for that too. Hvar’s towns and coastal corners each offer their own vibe, so finding the right base makes all the difference—whether you’re looking for luxury, charm, or just somewhere with a perfect sea view and a strong espresso in the morning.

In this guide, I’ll help you choose the best area to stay in Hvar based on what kind of trip you’re planning. From buzzy Hvar Town to the sleepy stone villages of the north coast, I’m covering where to stay—and sharing my curated list of favorite hotels, from stylish boutique stays to beachside hideaways and relaxed guesthouses.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. I personally love being within walking distance of the harbor in Hvar Town outside the season (hello, sunset aperitivo hour), but I’ve also fallen for the under-the-radar charm of Stari Grad and the slow, barefoot luxury in places like Vrboska and Jelsa.

So whether you’re island-hopping your way along the coast or staying put for a full sun-soaked week, this post will help you choose the best spot—and hotel—for your stay on the island of Hvar.

Read on for my detailed breakdown of Hvar’s best areas, handpicked hotel recommendations, and insider tips to make your time on the island as memorable (and beautiful) as possible.

*This where to stay in Hvar guide may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

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Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip to Hvar

To help you make the most of your time on the island, I’ve also put together a few more Hvar travel guides you won’t want to miss. Start with my Best Things to Do in Hvar—an essential list of what not to skip, whether it’s diving into turquoise waters or sipping wine in a centuries-old cellar.

If food is your love language (same), check out my Best Restaurants in Hvar for the top spots to eat, from chic seaside dining to rustic konobas serving up fresh-caught seafood. 

Planning to spend your days in a swimsuit? My Best Beaches in Hvar guide has you covered with the most beautiful stretches of coast, secret coves, and where to go for that golden hour glow. And if you’re curious about exploring beyond Hvar Town, don’t miss my in-depth Guide to Stari Grad—one of the oldest towns in Europe.

Where to Stay in Hvar, Croatia

Hvar Town

Hvar Town is the undisputed star of the island. With its glossy marble streets, honey-hued architecture, and an impossibly scenic harbor lined with superyachts and sailboats, this is where most people picture when they think of Hvar and where most travelers land.

It’s glamorous and blends centuries-old history with a vibrant nightlife scene and a sun-soaked café culture that lasts from breakfast until well past midnight.

By day, the town hums with life: think stylish travelers lingering over espresso, boats heading out to the Pakleni Islands, and a mild buzz of activity along the waterfront promenade.

At golden hour, the vibe shifts as the fortress above the town lights up and the scene slides into something a little more sultry—cocktails at rooftop bars, DJ sets spilling out of old stone buildings, and dancing under the stars at beach clubs like Hula Hula and Carpe Diem.

That said, Hvar Town isn’t just for party people or the mega yacht crowd, but I recommend visiting outside of June, July, and August for a quieter version of town. I’ve personally visited in May and October, and being here at the height of summer wouldn’t be my thing.

It’s also home to some of the island’s best restaurants, boutiques, historic sights (hello, 13th-century fortress), and plenty of the best Hvar hotels that range from design-forward luxury to simple stone guesthouses tucked into quiet alleys.

The Pros of Staying in Hvar Town

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Hvar Town is sheer convenience. It’s the island’s central hub, which means you’re within easy walking distance of everything: restaurants, cafés, boat tours, nightlife, shops, beaches—you name it. If it’s your first time visiting Hvar, staying here takes the guesswork out of getting around – it’s here you’ll be able to rent a car or scooter.

The town is lively from morning till night, offering that ideal blend of sun-drenched afternoons and electric evenings. You can spend the day island-hopping or wandering through cobblestone lanes, and then transition seamlessly into dinner, cocktails, and dancing under the stars.

For solo travelers or anyone looking to meet people, Hvar Town has a social energy that makes it easy to strike up conversations or just enjoy the buzz.

Accommodation-wise, Hvar Town also delivers in variety. You’ll find everything from chic boutique hotels overlooking the harbor to charming, family-run guesthouses tucked down quiet lanes.

The Cons of Staying in Hvar Town

In peak summer (especially July and August), Hvar Town can feel overwhelmed by crowds. Prices go up, reservations are essential, and there’s a noticeable shift toward the jet-set party scene, but also the drunk-trashy party scene, too.

If you’re dreaming of a quiet, romantic escape or slow-paced island life, this might not be your ideal setting.

Another thing to keep in mind is the nightlife noise. Some areas near the main square and harbor can get rowdy well into the night. If you’re a light sleeper or an early riser, you’ll need to be strategic about where you stay—some hotels are better insulated from the party soundtrack than others.

Finally, while Hvar Town is stunning, it’s also the most polished and touristy part of the island. You won’t get much of that off-the-beaten-path, local village feel here. And if you’re planning to rent a car to see more of the island, parking is limited and often expensive—just another small headache in an otherwise dreamy destination.

Best Hotels in Hvar Town

Stari Grad

Stari Grad is the quieter, more introspective heart of Hvar Island—and best of all, it’s also one of the easiest places to reach. The main ferry from Split arrives directly into Stari Grad, meaning if you’re after a serene escape, you can quite literally land straight into slow island life. 

One of the oldest towns in Europe, Stari Grad trades the superyacht sparkle of Hvar Town for stone alleyways draped in bougainvillea, harborside local bars, and a deep-rooted authenticity that seeps into every sun-drenched corner.

Instead of nightlife and noise, you’ll find olive groves, ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site plains, and a rhythm of life that hasn’t changed in centuries. It’s the ideal base for couples, creatives, or anyone craving peace, charm, and a little space to breathe.

I personally loved Stari Grad when we spent time here, and it was a tranquil and relaxing base. 

The Pros of Staying in Stari Grad

Stari Grad is quieter and more relaxed than Hvar Town, offering a genuinely local feel with far fewer crowds, even in high season. It’s also more affordable, both in terms of accommodation and dining.

You’ll be surrounded by rich history—every turn feels like stepping into a lived-in museum—and have easy access to hidden beaches and scenic walking trails. Plus, the ferry port is right here, so arriving and departing is easy. 

The Cons of Staying in Stari Grad

If you’re looking for nightlife, luxury shops, or buzzy beach clubs, you won’t find them here. Stari Grad trades glamour for charm, which can feel too quiet for some. While buses and taxis connect you to other parts of the island, you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to explore frequently, especially after dark.

Best Hotels in Stari Grad

Vrboska & Jelsa

If you’re searching for the best places to truly unwind on Hvar, look no further than Vrboska and Jelsa—two charming fishing villages tucked into the island’s pine-forested northern coast. Far from the DJ beats of Hvar Town, these peaceful little pockets offer a more authentic, down-to-earth experience.

Jelsa is the slightly larger of the two, a breezy seaside town with a palm-lined promenade, relaxed cafés, and small pebbled beaches you can reach on foot. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Croatian village life without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Just ten minutes away, Vrboska feels even more tranquil. Often called “Little Venice” for its narrow canal and stone bridges, it’s located between pine forests and vineyards, with quiet coves perfect for a morning swim or an afternoon nap under the trees.

These two towns may fly under the radar, but they’re among the best places on the island if you’re after natural beauty, local character, and a pace of life that’s blissfully slow.

The Pros of Staying in Vrboska & Jelsa

Both towns offer an authentic Croatian atmosphere, with fewer tourists, friendlier prices, and a stronger sense of community than their more polished counterparts. They’re perfect for couples, families, or anyone who prefers walks on the beach over rooftop cocktails.

You’ll also find beautiful scenery in every direction—hills, vineyards, coves—and excellent biking and walking trails that connect the two towns and surrounding villages. There are plenty of local restaurants here too for long, sun-soaked lunches or slow dinners that last all evening. 

​The Cons of Staying in Vrboska & Jelsa

While peaceful and beautiful, they’re not the places to stay if you want nightlife or high-end shopping. Dining options are more traditional and low-key, and public transportation can be limited at night, so having a car really is essential to get around to other parts of the island.

If you’re hoping to pop into Hvar Town regularly, it can start to feel like a bit of a trek. Luxury Hvar accommodations aren’t common here, with just a handful of B&Bs and rentals. 

Best Hotels in Vrboska and Jelsa

Milna & the Southern Coast

For those chasing sun-drenched solitude, the southern coast of Hvar—especially around Milna—is where the island truly slows to a whisper. This stretch is all about beautiful beaches, pine-shaded bays, and quiet days spent barefoot by the Adriatic Sea.

Milna is the most accessible of the southern villages, with a few family-run restaurants and a laid-back, lived-in charm. It’s also fairly close to Hvar Town- ideal for venturing in the evenings. The rest of the coast is dotted with hidden coves and pebbled beaches like Dubovica and Lučišća, some of the most stunning on the island.

Accommodation here is limited to a handful of quality options, primarily villa rentals and a few boutique stays, making it ideal for those seeking privacy, space, and a deeper connection with Hvar’s wild side.

The Pros of Staying in Milna & the Southern Coast

The biggest draw here is, without question, the access to some of Hvar’s most beautiful beaches—think crystal-clear coves, pine-scented air, and far fewer crowds than elsewhere on the island. It’s the perfect base for travelers seeking peace, nature, and the kind of mornings that start with a swim and end with grilled fish by the sea. 

With mostly private villas and a few charming guesthouses, you get privacy, space, and a more independent, relaxed kind of stay. It’s also a fantastic choice for families or groups looking to slow down and soak up the natural rhythm of the island.

The Cons of Staying in Milna & the Southern Coast

There’s not much in the way of nightlife, shopping, or dining variety, so you’ll likely need a car to explore beyond your local beach. Public transport is limited, and even taxis can be expensive or hard to come by at night.

Accommodations are more spread out and limited in number, especially if you’re looking for a full-service hotel experience—this coast is more about laid-back living than concierge service.

Best Hotels/Rentals in Milna & the Southern Coast

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So, where will you stay in Hvar, Croatia? Let me know below, I’d love to hear from you.

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