Hvar Town, Croatia is an exceptional place to discover on foot. The medieval Old Town is nestled between the aqua waters of the marina and the looming fortress above.
Intriguing attractions are found in open squares, down quiet alleys and along the coastline. While the picturesque lanes beckon you to wander, there are a few impressive sights that you won’t want to miss.
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Our Free Self-Guided Hvar Town Walking Tour showcases the absolute best of this idyllic location on an easy-to-follow route. We believe our sightseeing walk is the perfect way to get acquainted with Hvar!
What You Need for a Hvar Town Walking Tour
Taking a curious stroll is one of the Top Things To Do in Hvar Town. However, you will want to make sure you are prepared with the essentials.
Still planning your trip to Hvar? We share more logistical advice in our article: Travel Tips for Hvar Island!
Comfortable Shoes
Between the slick stones and numerous stairs, you will definitely want durable travel shoes for your walk in Hvar Town. Versatile and lightweight trainers – like these – work great for me.
Sun Protection
Hvar is considered to be the sunniest place in all of Croatia – so be sure to apply ample sunscreen before your walk.
A wide-brimmed hat and your favorite pair of sunglasses are a good idea, too. And, don’t forget a refillable water bottle!
Connectivity
For walking directions, we provide a map link for each attraction as well as an overview at the end. In order to follow in our footsteps on your walking tour, you will need a wireless connection.
Travelers from abroad should adjust their cellular data to an international plan, use an eSim (for unlocked phones) or buy a Pocket WiFi device – like GlocalMe.
Free Self-Guided Hvar Town Walking Tour
Okay, are you ready to discover the best of Hvar? Super! Lace up your shoes and let’s get started walking around Hvar Town.
#1 Hvar Fortress and Town Walls
MAP. Begin your walking tour of Hvar Town at the hilltop Spanjola Fortress. A stronghold has stood on this site for thousands of years – but the one that we see today was built in the 16th century.
Along with the fortified city walls, the fort was designed to protect inhabitants from invaders. It housed military barracks, a dungeon, a chapel and battlements.
Throughout the centuries, the fortress has been expanded, improved and then left abandoned during the 19th century, when it no longer served a strategic purpose.
The Fortica – as it’s called by locals – is open to visitors for a fee. While little remains of the extensive bastion it once was, the views that stretch over the Adriatic Sea are impressive.
That said, nearly the same vista can be had for free from the viewpoints at the base of the fortress.
#2 Benedictine Convent
MAP. This historic corner of Hvar Town is easy to miss! In 1664, a convent opened in the former home of Hvar’s renowned poet, Hanibal Lucic.
Nuns soon arrived from the island of Pag and began a tradition that is literally woven into the town to this day.
Using threads from agave leaves, they stitched striking lace patterns. These unique textiles are still created by nuns and have been added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Adjacent to the convent is the Church of St. Anthony the Abbot and John the Baptist. It was built in the 17th century and features an ornate Baroque design.
For a small fee, you can tour part of the complex. In addition to the collection of art, Agave lace is also available for sale. It makes a fantastic souvenir!
#3 St. Stephen’s Square (Hvar Pjaca)
MAP. The wide and spacious Hvarska Pjaca marks the heart of Hvar Town – and as the saying goes, ‘All roads lead to Pjaca’ (which is pronounced piazza).
Once a natural bay, it was filled in to create a central square. In 1520, the town built a well and you can still see it under the umbrellas that cover the al fresco restaurant tables.
Today local kids play soccer in the shadow of St. Stephen’s Church, which is the next stop on our Self-Guided Hvar Town Walking Tour!
#4 St. Stephen’s Cathedral
MAP. St. Stephen serves as the patron saint of Hvar – so it’s only fitting that the first cathedral on the island bear his name.
Building began in the 16th century – on the same site of an ancient 9th century church. Typical of Dalmatian architecture of the time, the cathedral features late Renaissance and Baroque design elements.
Inside, the three-aisle church hosts numerous decorative altars and fine Venetian artworks. A ticket is required to enter.
#5 The Arsenal and Hvar Theater
MAP. Where the Pjaca meets the harbor stands the magnificent arsenal building that has a long history with a unique twist.
Dating to the 13th century, it was first used by the Venetian navy for building and maintaining their fleet.
In 1612, however, it was radically redesigned to host a cultural stage and social space on the upper floor that was open to all residents. It is often claimed that it is the oldest theater in Europe.
It was renovated again in the early 1800s to be much more elaborate. In addition to watching a performance, the venue hosts exhibits and events that are open to the public.
#6 Hvar Town Clocktower
MAP. Standing since the 15th century, the Hvar Clock Tower – called Leroj – was originally built as part of the defensive walls and Rector’s Palace complex.
The first clock was added in 1466. An upgraded one-handed clockface graced the side of the tower in the 18th century, but the modern one you see today replaced it in the early 1900s.
The squat spire still holds the original bell that was cast in 1564. It has recently been renovated to allow access to the top where you are actually allowed to ring the bell!
#7 Loggia
MAP. Many of the structures in Hvar Town feature a classic decorative Venetian flair (albeit, with a touch of Croatian style) – and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Loggia.
Like the adjacent clocktower, the Loggia was formerly part of the Governor’s Palace. In the 15th century, it became a place for public gatherings, a court for trials and a space to conduct business.
The Loggia was reconstructed in the 17th century, when it was adorned with columns, arches and decorative statues.
#8 Hvar Town Harbor
MAP. Colorful fishing vessels, fancy yachts and island hopping cruise boats bob on the waters of the quaint harbor in Hvar. Both young boys and old men can be seen line fishing along the edge.
The scene is utterly picturesque – and we highly recommend strolling around the water to the west for the best Hvar Town viewpoint.
Walk past the kiosks selling souvenirs and by the patio bars that mark the northern end of the harbor. Perhaps stop by aROMA for a delicious scoop of gelato!
Stroll the length of the west side of the harbor, then stop before the path curves to the right. Turn around and take in what we believe is the prettiest view of Hvar!
#9 Fisherman Boy Statue
MAP. The bronze Bata Duje fisherman statue sits on the opposite side of the Port of Hvar to the east. It’s a great spot for photo ops with the monastery (coming up at #11) in the background.
While the statue seems whimsical, it is dedicated to the long sea history and traditions of Hvar Town.
#10 Lucica Beach
MAP. A small, pebble beach tucked into a charming bay, Lucica (also tagged as Kriza Beach on online maps) is one of our favorite places to soak in some sunshine and take a swim.
Even with its close proximity to the harbor, the water is typically crystal clear. Loungers and umbrellas are offered for rent, but you are free to spread out a towel on the stones.
#11 Franciscan Monastery
MAP. One of the top things to see in Hvar is this seaside monastery and its rising bell tower. Enclosed by high walls and a garden of 300-year-old cypress trees, the 15th century structure is a peaceful retreat from the sunny shoreline.
The cloister inside is not to be missed – and it’s free to visit. The adjoining museum, which requires a ticket, features a collection of local artifacts and paintings, including a 16th century rendition of The Last Supper.
#12 Hvar Cemetery
MAP. Perhaps not many people would include a cemetery on a list of what to see in Hvar, but we love this little slice of solitude.
While the walk to get there is uphill, the route from the monastery is a nice reminder that locals still call this town home.
The City Cemetery, which occupies the site of a former 14th century church, was established in 1849. The graves surround a small chapel.
The reason we chose it as the last stop on our free walking tour is that the elevated location offers fine views of the Spanjola Fort, Hvar Old Town and the Adriatic. Thanks for joining us, we hope you enjoyed our walk!
Map of Our Free Self-Guided Hvar Town Walking Tour
Use this Google Map for an online version of our Hvar Town map of sights below.
What To Do After Your Walk in Hvar Town
The neighborhood that expands northwest from the cemetery is a wonderful tangle of narrow passages and pretty lanes. We recommend allowing your senses to lead the way as you walk back down.
Alternatively, set off for the Hanibal Lucic Garden and Summer Home (MAP). It is an interesting and beautiful place to visit in Hvar Town.
Built in the 16th century, the walled property is inclusive of gardens and two houses – one of which has been renovated into the Hvar Heritage Museum.
Yet another option is to stroll further along the shoreline to the west. The pedestrian promenade follows the curving coast into stunning bays lapped by intense turquoise water.
Vunetovo (Hvar’s first craft brewery), Hula Hula (famous for its beach parties) and Falko Bar (a chill hangout with sea breezes) are all fun places to stop for a beverage along the way!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Croatia Destination Guides
- Why We Love Stari Grad, Hvar
- How To Plan a Trip to Croatia
- Walking Tours for: Split | Dubrovnik | Zadar | Zagreb
- Prime Places To Visit in Croatia
- Reasons to Visit Korcula Island
- What To See on Vis Island
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