Hvar Town on the Sun-Drenched Island of Fun, Culture, and Sea Adventures

Discover Hvar Town, Historic Landmarks, Stunning Beaches, and Unforgettable Nightlife

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Introduction

Nestled in the Adriatic Sea and bathed in sunlight year-round lies the island of Hvar and its eponymous town, Hvar. Both the island and town are renowned in Croatia and worldwide as a tourist paradise that comes alive 24/7 during the summer season, where the party never stops.

Thanks to its naturally blessed microclimate, this island, especially Hvar town, boasts the highest number of sunny hours in Croatia, earning it the title of “Sun-Kissed Hvar.”

With its abundant sunshine, pristine sea, nonstop entertainment, and high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, Hvar easily attracts global celebrities. It is not uncommon during the summer months to spot Hollywood stars, famous athletes, multimillionaires, or top pop icons strolling along the Hvar waterfront or exploring hidden coves in the “Pakleni Islands.”

This archipelago, located just off Hvar town, protects the harbor from winds and storms. Its name comes from paklina, a resin used for sealing and protecting ships, historically harvested from pine trees in the area.

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A Brief History of Hvar Island and Town

The first settlements on Hvar date back thousands of years, originating with the Illyrians in the 1st millennium BCE. In the mid-4th century BCE (385/384 BCE), Greek settlers from Paros established a colony called Pharos, today known as Stari Grad.

Throughout history, Hvar has seen numerous rulers, including the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, Habsburgs, Italians, Germans, and Yugoslavians, until eventually becoming part of the modern democratic Republic of Croatia. By the Middle Ages, Hvar already had city status (1331) and served as a political, cultural, and maritime center.

Historic Landmarks of Hvar Town

Hvar’s rich history and layers of conquerors have left it brimming with architectural treasures, making it a paradise for culture and history enthusiasts. Some must-visit landmarks include:

1. St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Pjaca

The central square, Pjaca, the largest in Dalmatia, is paved with stone and dominated by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Admire the Baroque altars, Gothic pulpit, and Venetian masterpieces, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the bell tower.

2. Arsenal Theatre – Europe’s Oldest Public Theatre

Located in the historic Arsenal building, this theatre has been active since 1612 and is one of Europe’s first public amateur theatres. It uniquely allowed aristocrats and commoners to attend performances together, each in designated sections. Originally a Venetian naval warehouse and shipyard from the 13th century, it was later converted into a major cultural venue.

3. Fortica Fortress (Španjola)

Built in the 16th century under Venetian rule, Fortica overlooks the town and offers spectacular views of Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and the Adriatic. It played a key defensive role against Ottoman invasions and now captivates visitors with its architecture and viewpoints.

4. Napoleon Fortress (Napoljun)

Situated above Fortica, this fortress offers even more impressive panoramic views of Hvar and the surrounding landscapes, along with a small observatory for stargazing.

5. Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Mary of Grace

Dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, this Gothic-Renaissance complex includes a church, a museum collection of liturgical items, artworks, a library, and archives. Highlights include Greek-Roman coins and Venetian masterpieces, with the centerpiece being a monumental “Last Supper” painting measuring 2 x 8 meters.

6. Benedictine Monastery and Hvar Agave Lace

Housed in the historic Lucić family residence (from 1591), this monastery preserves the tradition of agave lace-making, recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Visitors can explore artifacts and watch live workshops.

7. Loggia (City Lodge)

Built during Venetian rule, the Loggia is the crowning jewel of Pjaca Square. First documented in 1289, its current form was constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries. It served as a location for public courts and trade auctions.

8. Hvar Heritage Museum

Located in Paladini Palace, the museum provides deep insight into Hvar’s archaeological, cultural, and historical heritage, perfect for understanding the town’s Renaissance development and cultural prominence.

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Where to Party and Enjoy Hvar

Beyond the historic town itself, Hvar is blessed with the nearby Pakleni Islands, a chain of islets featuring hidden beaches and secluded spots where one can feel like Robinson Crusoe, yet also offering world-famous party destinations such as Palmižana Beach. Here, Michelin-starred chefs serve exquisite dishes, and the Meneghelo family botanical garden offers a unique experience.

Along with the fun and good food on Pakleni Otoci, here is a list of places that every party-loving person should visit:

• Carpe Diem Bar – for many years, the epitome of Hvar nightlife. On the waterfront, overlooking yachts, luxury, and the sea, it offers top-notch cocktails and live entertainment

• Carpe Diem 2 – on Pakleni islands, accessed only by boat, hosting world-renowned DJs.

• Jerolim Beach – a historic nude and gay-friendly beach since the 1970s.

• Hula Hula Beach Bar – a cult spot right on the beach by the sea for an after-beach party with a spectacular sunset and live DJ sets. Ideal for relaxing and dancing from sunset to night. Cocktails and light meals are also available.

• Kiva Bar – hidden in the old town’s historic core, this “rock bar” offers a relaxed but crazy atmosphere, cocktails, and great music. A place you always come back to.

• Pink Champagne – an elegant underground nightclub offering burlesque (in the style of Dita von Teese) and cabaret performances with a touch of London’s Soho, with Victorian details like velvet sofas and tufty lounge seating, combined with modern neon spotlights, mirrors, and an illuminated bar with premium champagnes and local wines

• Central Park Club – located right next to the city square Pijaca, ideal for lovers of live music (jazz, soul, blues). Pleasant interior with a terrace and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Nautica – a seaside bar, known for its impressive shots (like the “Nautica shot”), where you can relax and have fun with retro details and an Instagrammable ambiance.

• Aloha – a cult café on the coast right by the sea, known for its great music, shots, beautiful girls, and good fun

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Where to eat in Hvar Town

The town of Hvar, like the entire island, is full of great restaurants; there are hundreds of them, but we will highlight only 5 of them. If you get hungry from all the fun in the city and want to eat something good, these are the places you should visit:

• Gariful

A luxurious restaurant located on the waterfront with a view of the sea and the yachts of the rich, known for its fresh seafood and top-notch service. Popular with world stars, the rich and famous, and known for its impressive ambiance.

• Dalmatino

A popular restaurant in the city center known for its large portions and friendly service. It offers classic Dalmatian dishes with a modern twist. Fish dishes and grilled meat are recommended.

• Black Pepper

A restaurant located in the old town center, known for its modern Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. The ambiance is elegant and the service is professional.

• San Marco

A restaurant located in the luxurious Palace Elisabeth hotel, it offers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. It has a terrace located on the city's Loggia, which is ideal for romantic dinners overlooking the main square.

• Štajun Hvar

A restaurant that offers modern Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. The ambiance is pleasant, and the service is friendly.

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Conclusion

Here are the most important things you should see if you decide to visit the town of Hvar on the island of Hvar, and at the end, I offer you a recipe for a dish that my family brought from Greece when they settled on the island more than 120 years ago. It is Hvarska Gregada, a light fish dish that was invented by Greek fishermen and adopted by the people of Hvar as one of their authentic dishes. The name of the dish itself comes from the word Grego, which means Greek in the Hvar dialect, so the dish would literally mean "Greek Dish" or "Dish of the Greek Man".

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Traditional Hvar Dish: Hvar Gregada

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Ingredients (4 servings):

• 1 kg fresh white fish (sea bream, sea bass, hake, scorpionfish)

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 2 medium onions, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 100 ml olive oil

• 250 ml dry white wine

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 sprig rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Vegetable Base: Heat half the olive oil in a wide, deep pan. Sauté onions until translucent (~10 mins). Add garlic and cook 2-3 mins.

2. Layer Ingredients: Arrange potato slices over the onions. Place fish pieces on top, season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and rosemary.

3. Add Liquids: Pour remaining olive oil, white wine, and water to barely cover ingredients. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for ~20 mins, occasionally shaking the pan gently.

4. Finish: Once potatoes are tender and fish cooked, sprinkle with parsley and serve directly from the pan with fresh bread.

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Hvar truly offers a magical combination of sun, sea, history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife, making it one of the most unforgettable destinations in the Adriatic.