Hvar island has three main places to base yourself - Hvar Town (fashionable and harbourfront), Stari Grad (quieter and more local), and Jelsa (the compromise). The island also has a strong private villa and apartment rental market for longer stays. All prices in euros (β¬).
Hvar Town - most atmospheric, most expensive
Hvar Town is where the ferry dock, the Riva cafΓ© strip, the fortress, and the nightlife are concentrated. Staying here puts you within walking distance of everything but means the highest prices and most crowds.
For: Couples, first-timers, beach club visitors, those prioritising convenience.
Price range (high season): β¬150β300+ per double; budget options β¬100β140. Prices are significantly lower in MayβJune and September.
Hotel Amfora A large 4-star hotel on the waterfront west of the Old Town, with an impressive cascading pool system. One of the best pool setups on the island; shuttle boats to the Pakleni Islands.
- Price: β¬180β300+
Hotel Park A well-established hotel above the town with sea views and a pool. Good option for those who want facilities without the party-district location.
- Price: β¬160β260+
Hotel Palace On the Riva, directly facing the harbour - the most central location. Rooms vary; those facing the harbour are the most appealing.
- Price: β¬150β240+
Hotel Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Right on the harbourfront, styled for the yacht-crowd market. One of the most recognisable properties in Hvar Town.
- Price: β¬200β350+
Boutique guesthouses and apartments - Hvar Town Old Town Many private apartments and small guesthouses operate in the lanes around the cathedral and fortress. Typically β¬100β180 per night in high season; best booked on standard platforms well in advance.
Stari Grad - quiet and local
Stari Grad (20 minutes by bus from Hvar Town, approx. β¬3) is where the car ferry from Split arrives. Itβs the islandβs oldest settlement and has a genuinely local feel - fewer tourists, quieter streets, and lower prices. Good base for walking the Stari Grad Plain and exploring the islandβs interior.
For: Travellers who want a quieter stay, those with a car, history and landscape enthusiasts.
Price range: β¬80β160 per double in high season.
Hotel Helios A mid-range hotel on the seafront at Stari Grad - one of the main hotel options in the town. Pool and beach access.
- Price: β¬100β160
Apartments in Stari Grad Old Town Small guesthouses and private apartments in the lanes around the main square - typically β¬70β120 per night. Good value compared to Hvar Town.
Jelsa - the local compromise
Jelsa is a small fishing harbour in the centre of the islandβs north coast, halfway between Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Regular buses connect it to both. It has a more local feel than Hvar Town, some good restaurants, and the nearby beaches (including Gdinj on the south coast) are less crowded.
For: Families, longer stays, those who want a local feel with access to the whole island.
Price range: β¬80β150 per double in high season.
Hotel Hvar (Jelsa) A solid mid-range option in Jelsa with a pool and sea views.
- Price: β¬100β150
Private apartments and villas around Jelsa The best value for 5+ night stays - apartments from β¬70β120 per night, villas sleeping 6β10 from β¬200β400 per night.
Villa rentals across the island
Hvar has a significant private villa market in the interior and on the south coast - particularly around Gdinj, Bogomolje, and SuΔuraj. Private villas typically have pools and sea views and sleep 6β12 people.
- Price range: β¬300β800+ per night depending on size and location
- Best for: Groups, families, 7+ night stays
Area comparison
| Area | Atmosphere | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hvar Town | Fashionable, busy | β¬150β350+ | Short stays, nightlife |
| Stari Grad | Quiet, local | β¬80β160 | History, longer stays |
| Jelsa | Local, central | β¬80β150 | Families, balance |
| South coast villas | Remote, private | β¬200β800+ | Groups, luxury |
Practical notes
- Book early for summer: Hvar Town properties fill by FebruaryβMarch for JulyβAugust
- Cars: Not necessary if staying in Hvar Town and using taxi boats + bus; useful for Stari Grad and Jelsa bases
- Parking in Hvar Town: Limited and expensive; car ferry passengers arriving at Stari Grad park there and bus to town
See also
- Hvar city guide
- Things to do in Hvar
- Split
- Where to stay in Split
- Dalmatian Islands
- Croatia travel guide
Plan your trip: Browse guided tours and boat excursions on Hvar. Pick up a Balkans eSIM for data on arrival, and protect your trip with travel insurance.