This beautiful island off the coast of Croatia is full of quaint towns, hillside vineyards, and hidden beaches. Hvar was part of the Venetian Empire until the 18th century, and you can still spot Italian influences throughout its cities. Spend your days lounging on the pebble beaches or meandering the cobblestone streets of Hvar Town or Stari Grad before finishing up with a dinner of Adriatic fish stew and local wine at a local restaurant. The tiny Malo Zaraće Beach is an idyllic spot for sunbathing in solitude, while Pokonji Dol Beach offers turquoise water, sunbeds for rent, and a handful of cafes to grab lunch, all just a few minutes away from Hvar Town. If you are looking for something more secluded, head to the Pakleni Islands, which sit just outside of Hvar’s harbor.

The closest international airport to Hvar is Split Airport (SPU); shuttle buses run from the airport to the city center, from where you’ll take a 20-minute bus or taxi ride to the Port of St. Peter. Ferries connect the city to Stari Grad on Hvar Island in just under two hours. Alternatively, you can take a catamaran from Split directly to Hvar Town, which takes around one hour. Once you’re on the island, local buses connect all of the major sites, and as the towns are very compact, it is easy to walk among many of the main attractions.

During the summer, the island’s beaches are busy and the nightlife is vibrant, making it a popular time to book your Hvar Croatia vacation rental. The Hvar Summer Festival runs from June to September and features a range of live music and traditional cultural performances. The Fešta Vina, or Wine Festival, takes place in late summer and showcases the wines that are produced right on the island.

The crowds are a bit thinner in spring and fall, but the mild weather is still perfect for beach days and exploring the towns. In winter, Hvar can be quiet, a good time to visit if you have visions of meandering the narrow historic alleyways all alone. It can be humid in the winter, though the temperature rarely drops below freezing. Other parts of the Balkans can get much colder in winter, so keep this in mind if you plan on visiting any other nearby destinations.

Pakleni Islands

This small chain of gorgeous islands in the Adriatic is just a short boat ride from Hvar Town. The islands are famous for their hidden coves, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, and pine-covered beaches. People are drawn here to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in Croatia and to visit the fancy beach clubs. The largest island, Sveti Klement, is home to an undulating rustic coastline and a buzzing marina.

Hvar Town

With its hilly cobblestone streets full of restaurants and wine bars and its waterfront promenade with views of the sparkling harbor dotted with yachts, Hvar mixes European sophistication with the feel of a small town. One of the biggest plazas in Dalmatia, St. Stephen’s Square, is surrounded by intricate Renaissance architecture. The 16th-century Spanish Fortress stands proudly over the city, offering spectacular views of the Pakleni Islands.

Stari Grad

One of the oldest towns in Europe, Stari Grad offers a quiet alternative to the larger hubs on Hvar Island, with history dating from the Neolithic era. Wander the vine-covered, winding streets and pick up some Pazinski cukerančić — sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar — for a scenic snack on the harbor wall.