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If you have time to spare on your trip to Croatia , you should definitely take a day trip to Hvar from Split. And if you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’ve already had that thought! The good news is, since these two destinations are close and well-connected, you can do a Split to Hvar day trip easily.
My Hvar day trip from Split was one of the highlights of my trip to Croatia. I loved this Hvar so much that I actually visited it again on another day trip from Split just a few days later!
So, it’s safe to say I know a thing or two about how to take a day trip to Hvar from Split. After all, I’ve done it twice! Today, I’m going to share everything you need to know before you take a Hvar day trip, including how to get to Hvar from Split, what to do in Hvar, and how much everything will cost you.
Let’s dive in!
Top tip: As of 1 January 2023 the official money in Croatia is now the Euro. All prices in this post are listed in Euros.
Table of Contents
Is Hvar Worth Visiting?
Hvar is 100% worth visiting. I loved it so much that I actually returned for a second day trip, and plenty of other travellers I met did the same.
Known as the playground of the rich (and when you see all the super-yachts in Hvar Town’s port you’ll know what I mean), Hvar is a gorgeous island just 40km from Split that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hvar is the place to kick back, relax and take it easy. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also drop-dead gorgeous!
There’s plenty to keep you occupied for one day in Hvar, but it’s worth pacing yourself. In summer, the heat in Hvar can be extreme, so slowing down your sightseeing is essential.
How to Get to Hvar From Split
There are two ways to get to Hvar from Split – by guided tour, or by ferry. I have done both! I’ll explain everything you need to know about both options so that you can decide what the best way to get to Hvar is for you.
Split to Hvar by Tour
I first visited Hvar on this 5 Island Tour from Split. I rave about this tour, because it’s the perfect way to check out the highlights of the Dalmatian Islands in just one day! During the tour, you spend around 3 hours on Hvar, which is perfect to get a taste for the island and see if you want to come back on a dedicated day trip.
I had an amazing time, and you can read my full review of the experience here. The 5 island tour is the perfect solution if you want to spend the day island hopping and visit Hvar as well as plenty of other awesome destinations.
Another option for a boat tour from Split is this Hvar, Brac and Pakleni boat tour, which includes lunch, a full day of catamaran sailing, and snorkelling stops!
Split to Hvar by Ferry
If you don’t want to join a tour, you’ll have to take the ferry from Split to get to Hvar. It’s possible to visit either Stari Grad or Hvar Town on the ferry from Split, but I highly recommend going to Hvar Town! This is the hub of the island, and it’s where you’ll find all the hippest beach hangouts.
What is the Best Ferry from Split to Hvar?
Three different ferry companies operate on the Split to Hvar route: Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija and Krilo Shipping. The high-speed Kapetan Luka ferry is the one I went with, and it’s the one I recommend. The journey was smooth, everybody got a seat, and we arrived on time.
Kapetan Luka Jadrolinija have the most frequent ferry services, which means you can be a bit more flexible with your arrival and departure times. Krilo Shipping only runs a couple of journeys per day.
How Long is the Ferry from Split to Hvar?
Depending on which operator you choose, the ferry takes between 55 minutes and 1 hour and 40 minutes to make the journey from Split Port to Hvar Town on the island of Hvar. The majority of ferries on this route take around 1 hour 5 minutes.
How to Buy Ferry Tickets from Split to Hvar
As a pedestrian, simply arrive at the correct dock number at the port of Split around 30 minutes before departure. You can buy your tickets online, or just turn up at the ferry company’s ticket booth at the pier. As people begin to board you’ll have to get your ticket checked, and then you’re free to grab a seat!
You don’t need to buy a return ticket if you don’t know what time you want to come back to Split yet. There are ferry ticket kiosks at the port in Hvar where you can buy them.
In the middle of summer, you should ideally buy your tickets in advance as some ferries do fill up quickly.
What is the Split to Hvar Ferry Like?
Most of the Split to Hvar ferries have an indoor area on the first floor and an open-top area on the second floor. Get in line for the ferry as early as you can so you can snag fabulous seats overlooking the ocean on the top floor!
How Much Does the Split to Hvar Ferry Cost?
The price of ferry tickets for the Split to Hvar route varies massively, costing between €8.50-20 each way. The price depends on which company you choose, how fast the journey is, and whether you’re travelling in the peak summer season or not.
Things to Do in One Day in Hvar
This one day in Hvar itinerary is based around Hvar Town (the most popular destination in Hvar). There’s enough to do here to fill an entire day and then some without needing a car or public transport.
If you’re looking to explore Hvar past Hvar Town, for example by visiting the town of Stari Grad, you really need to stay for at least one night.
So, let’s get started – here’s what to do in Hvar for a day! You can also follow this list as a one day in Hvar itinerary. You’re welcome 😉
Tvrdava Fortress
Looming high over the Hvar Town, you’ll have a long uphill trudge through the narrow streets of the old town to get to the Tvrdava Fortress. I promise, though, the views over the town, the surrounding Pakleni Islands and the glittering ocean are worth it.
Because it’s such a slog to get there, and summer temperatures in Hvar can soar to up to 31°C, go here as soon as you arrive in Hvar to beat the heat!
The fort was built in the early 16th century, when Hvar was under Venetian rule, and was reconstructed in 1579. Entry tickets cost €5, but you can enjoy its grounds and the views for free.
I didn’t go into the fort itself because I didn’t fancy spending a whole €5 and was already dying from the heat. Instead, I sat in the shade for a while and rehydrated whilst the friends I travelled with went in to explore the fort. They said it was great, but they were only inside for about 20 minutes, so I felt pretty fine with my decision to save money.
Plus, it gave me way more time to snap photos of Hvar!
Hvar Old Town
Wandering back to town from the fortress, take your time and explore the quaint streets on your way down to Old Town Hvar.
Start your walking tour of Hvar back near the harbour, at the Venetian Loggia and Clock Tower. Here, you’ll marvel at these dazzling white buildings with the Tvrdava Fortress in the background!
Then, wander in the direction of St Stephen’s Square, stopping every so often to gawp at just how gorgeous everything is, because you won’t be able to help yourself!
The buildings around here are to-die-for. Everything looks straight out of a holiday brochure – whitewashed buildings, clear blue skies and ancient cobblestoned streets. This is what we travel to Croatia for!
At the end of the square, you’ll find the Hvar Cathedral. It looks much more impressive outside than inside, so enjoy the view of its 17th-century bell tower outside for free.
Lunch at Hanibal
Right outside Hvar Cathedral you’ll find the outdoor seating of Hanibal restaurant. I ate here twice during my time in Hvar and was very impressed both times! They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients and you can really tell.
On the first day, I ordered a veggie pizza which was so fresh and light that I just couldn’t stop eating! On my second visit to Hvar I ordered their Greek salad. It was absolutely delicious, and just what I needed on such a hot day.
The prices are unfortunately not on their online menu, and I can’t for the life of me remember what I paid, but I know that it wasn’t too expensive.
Sitting outside in the shade of the restaurant’s parasols, this is a great place to hide out during the hottest part of the day, watch the world go by and perhaps sample some Croatian wine.
Chilling at Pokonji Dol Beach
Strolling along the waterfront past the port, a 25-minute walk (which is lovely all by itself) will lead you to the deep-blue water and pebbled shore of Pokonji Dol Beach. This is probably the best beach within walking distance from Hvar Town.
Did you know Croatia’s beaches are pebble, not sand? At first, I was slightly disappointed, because it meant I had to fork out for a sun lounger for the afternoon, but this turned out to be one of my most pleasant surprises!
Lying on the fancy sun lounger by the water’s edge felt so luxurious, and I couldn’t help feeling like a celebrity, living a life of luxury.
Since I was suffering so much from the heat, I decided be extravagant and hire an umbrella too. You really should do this! I can’t imagine how burnt and dehydrated I would’ve been if I hadn’t had the shade from my umbrella. It was worth every penny.
Hiring a sunbed will set you back between €10-€13 for the day, and an umbrella will cost a little bit extra. Yeah, it’s not cheap, but let’s not forget that this is the Croatian island of the rich and famous!
The water here is so delicious and refreshing! Every half-hour or so I took a dip to cool off, and I just couldn’t get over how blue the water was! It looked like blue dye had been put in it, it was so vibrant!
Fancy something more active? Sure thing – the gorgeous Pakleni Islands are just a stone’s throw away. Join a Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour for the afternoon, or for even more activity, an Afternoon Kayaking Tour of the islands.
Hula Hula Beach Bar!
After you’ve chilled at the beach, it’s time to see what Hvar’s hip beach bar scene has to offer. You’ll struggle to find a more kick-ass location for a bar than Hula Hula!
Situated right on the oceanfront, Hula Hula is full of young travellers kicking back with a few drinks. You can come here at any time of day (they have huge sunbeds to sip your drinks on), and can kind of treat it as an extension of the beach, but with funky music and a bar nearby!
If you’re a fan of watching the sunset over the ocean (who isn’t?) you really have to stay here until the sun sets. The views are epic!
A word of warning about Hula Hula – it’s SO expensive for Croatia. And the service isn’t great.
Why do I recommend it, then?
Well, its location is amazing and the set up is so fun and cool. The other guests are all good fun, the music is great, and the food is just *chefs kiss*. You HAVE to order the Pljukanci (Croatian pasta) with truffles!
Good lord, that meal was delicious.
It cost me a whopping €14.50 but, to my surprise, it was absolutely worth the splurge! Just keep in mind that the drinks are not cheap at all (especially for Croatia). At €6 for their cheapest bottle of beer I was glad we didn’t spend too long there.
After your meal and a drink or two it’ll probably be getting dark. Now is the perfect time to head back to the port to catch the ferry back to Split, and round off your Split to Hvar day trip.
On the ferry back try to get a seat in the indoor area as it’ll be chilly on the open deck. The ferry ride home is the perfect time to have a nap.
What to Pack on a Day Trip to Hvar from Split
Luckily, I’ve already written a comprehensive list of everything to bring to Croatia. Out of these items, there isn’t anything extra you’ll need to bring on your day trip to Hvar from Split. There are a few things you should pack to make your life easier, though.
Firstly, a portable charger is a necessity, since you’ll want to take so many photos. I have one like this, which holds about 7 phone recharges, recharges fast, and is surprisingly durable! In addition to this I pack a smaller one like this for quick recharges on the go.
Hvar’s beaches pebble beaches, making walking around without shoes quite painful! For this reason, I recommend stashing a pair of water shoes in your bag.
A quick-dry towel like this one is ideal for taking to the beach because it packs into a tiny ball and dries very fast. There’s nothing worse than a heavy, soggy towel in your bag!
Finally, pack a waterproof phone lanyard if you want to go into the ocean but are scared about leaving your stuff on the beach. The small, see-through case has enough space to hold your phone, money and keys, and clips so that it’s totally waterproof! I also love that the case is see through, so you can take selfies and videos underwater!
For a more comprehensive list of what to pack for a day trip, check out my helpful post all about that here!
How Much Does a Day Trip to Hvar Cost?
If you’re following this itinerary and getting the ferry, €65 would be a good amount to budget for your day trip to Hvar from Split. This would be enough to cover your ferry tickets, a delicious lunch and dinner with a few drinks, and renting a sun lounger and umbrella.
If you brought your own packed lunch and dinner from Split and decide to sit on the pebbles on the beach rather than hiring a sun lounger, you could easily spend just €30 for your one day in Hvar. For this reason, it’s totally possible to visit Hvar on a budget.
Want to Extend Your Hvar Day Trip from Split?
If you have time to spend longer than one day in Hvar I really recommend staying overnight in Hvar Town! This was one of the biggest regrets from my Croatia trip as I’ve heard its nightlife is incredible.
Hostel
For budget backpackers, I’ve heard great things about Hostel Villa Skansi (and its reviews speak for themselves!). Not only is it right in the centre of Hvar town, but they put a huge emphasis on being sociable, and run LOADS of events to get you mingling with your fellow travellers.
Hotel
If you’re not travelling on a tight budget you can’t go wrong staying at Pharos Hvar Hotel. At €175 per night (for a double room) it’s definitely not cheap – but nowhere on Hvar is! What sweetens the deal is that an excellent breakfast is included in this rate and you’ll have access to their pool, which will save you from paying to hire sunbeds on the beach.
Other Places to Visit on Hvar
If you’re staying in Hvar for a second day you should get a taxi over to Stari Grad. This journey should cost you around €30.
Stari Grad is another tourist hotspot on Hvar island with a quieter and more traditional vibe. Plus, it has direct ferry links with Split, so you can just catch the ferry from Stari Grad back to Split when you’re ready to leave Hvar and return to the mainland.
Did I convince you to take a day trip from Split to Hvar yet? I sure hope so! My time in Hvar was wonderful, and it left me wishing I had a couple of months to do some in-depth island hopping in Croatia. There are a tonne of day trip options from Split, but Hvar is one of my favourites.
For an introduction to the Dalmatian coast, though, Hvar is definitely the right place.
