A Day Trip from Split to Hvar: What to See in Hvar Old Town
Updated: Aug 23
Looking for a day trip from Split to Hvar? Just a short boat ride from Split, Hvar Town is an excellent choice for a day of history, architecture, sea views and Mediterranean atmosphere. The historic centre is compact enough to explore in a day, yet there is plenty to discover beyond the cafés and waterfront.
Known as the sunniest island in Croatia, Hvar has more than 2,700 hours of sunshine a year. Its warm, dry climate has shaped island life for centuries, influencing everything from wine and lavender cultivation to fishing and local cuisine.
For visitors coming from Split, Hvar Old Town offers a chance to experience a very different side of the Dalmatian coast. Within a relatively small area, you can see Venetian architecture, medieval streets, historic churches, a centuries-old theatre, a Franciscan monastery and a fortress overlooking the Adriatic.
Saint Stephen's Square
A good place to start exploring Hvar Old Town is Saint Stephen's Square, or Pjaca, the largest square in Dalmatia.
Facing the sea, the square opens onto the small harbour of Mandrač, created as a sheltered mooring for boats in the 15th century. Today, it is one of the liveliest places in Hvar, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and historic buildings.
The square also provides an introduction to Hvar's long history. The town has been influenced by Venetian, French, Austrian-Hungarian and Yugoslav rule, and traces of these different periods can still be seen around the old centre.
The Loggia and Clock Tower
At the edge of Pjaca stands the Town Loggia, one of the most elegant historic buildings in Hvar.
During the Venetian period, the Loggia served several purposes. It was used by local officials and functioned as a courthouse, customs office and auction site. Later, in the 19th century, it became a meeting place for Hvar's social elite.
Beside it stands the historic clock tower. In front of the Loggia is the Štandarac, a stone flagpole decorated with the winged lion of Venice. It once displayed the Venetian flag and also served as a pillar of shame.
The Medieval Streets of Hvar
Leave the main square behind and the atmosphere changes as narrow streets lead into the old neighbourhoods of Grode and Burak.
These quarters preserve much of the character of medieval Hvar, with stone houses, small courtyards and traces of the town's former defensive system.
Saint Mary's Gate was once an important entrance connecting the fortified part of the settlement with the rest of the old town. Exploring these quieter streets gives you a better sense of Hvar as a historic town rather than simply a popular island destination.
The Benedictine Convent and Hvar Lace
One of the most unusual traditions to discover during a visit to Hvar is the lace made by the Benedictine nuns.
The lace is produced from fibres taken from the agave plant, using a technique that has been passed down through generations. Hvar lace is so distinctive that it has been included on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
It is a fascinating reminder that the cultural heritage of Hvar is not limited to its architecture. Traditional crafts and skills are an important part of the island's identity too.
Saint Stephen's Cathedral
At the eastern end of Saint Stephen's Square stands Saint Stephen's Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of Hvar.
The cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the historic centre. Its location at the heart of the old town reflects the importance Hvar once held as both a religious and maritime centre.
For visitors arriving from Split for a day, the cathedral is an easy stop to include while exploring the central part of town.
Hvar's Historic Water Wells
Before modern plumbing, fresh water was one of the most important resources in any settlement.
Several historic wells can still be found around Hvar Old Town. One stands near the Paladini mansion and offers a glimpse into the practical realities of everyday life in the past.
Small details like these can tell us a surprising amount about how people lived before modern infrastructure changed the town.
Wine, Lavender and Local Food
Hvar's famous sunshine has always played an important role in island life.
Wine production has been part of Hvar's agricultural tradition for centuries. The arrival of phylloxera in the 19th century devastated many vineyards and caused serious economic problems, but wine production eventually recovered.
Lavender also became an important crop because it thrives in Hvar's hot, dry climate. Today, the island remains associated with both lavender and wine, including local varieties such as Plavac and Bogdanuša.
The sea naturally features in Hvar's cuisine as well. One traditional dish to look out for is gregada, a simple fish stew reflecting the island's long fishing tradition.
Za Križen Procession
Hvar's heritage includes traditions that have survived for centuries.
One of the most remarkable is Za Križen, or Following the Cross, procession, held on Holy Thursday. The tradition has been observed for around 500 years.
The procession covers approximately 25 kilometres and connects several communities across the island. It remains an important part of Hvar's religious and cultural identity.
The Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan monastery and Church of Saint Mary of Grace stand along the waterfront and date from the 15th century.
When the complex was built, it stood outside the main settlement and included a defensive tower because of the threat of attacks from the sea. The monastery was later attacked and burned by Algerian pirates in the 16th century before being restored.
Today, visitors can find an impressive collection of art and a library containing around 15,000 old books.
The monastery grounds are also home to a remarkable cypress tree believed to be around 500 years old.
Hvar Arsenal and the Historic Theatre
One of the most interesting buildings in Hvar is the Arsenal, whose lower level originally served as a shipyard and grain storage area.
After being badly damaged during the Ottoman attack of 1571, the building was reconstructed in the early 17th century. Its upper floor was later converted into the Hvar Theatre, which opened in 1612.
The theatre was unusual for its time because it was intended for both the nobility and ordinary citizens. At a period when theatres were generally associated with wealthy elites, Hvar offered a much more inclusive alternative.
The theatre is still used today, making it one of the most fascinating historic buildings to visit in Hvar.
The Riva and the Pakleni Islands
The Riva, Hvar's waterfront promenade, is one of the best places to experience the town's connection with the Adriatic.
During the summer, the harbour is filled with sailing boats and yachts, while local fishermen continue a maritime tradition that has shaped Hvar for centuries.
Across the water are the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago of around 20 islands and islets. They are known for their clear water, pine-covered landscapes and secluded bays.
The largest island, Saint Clement, is home to Palmižana, famous for its beach and botanical garden.
Fortica Fortress
High above Hvar Town stands Fortica Fortress, also known as Španjola.
Built in the 16th century with the help of Spanish military engineers, the fortress was designed to defend Hvar from attacks. When the Ottomans attacked in 1571, much of the local population took refuge there.
Today, the fortress is one of the best viewpoints in Hvar. From the top, you can look across the historic town, harbour, surrounding hills and Pakleni Islands.
For a day trip from Split to Hvar, it is a particularly rewarding place to finish your visit, especially if you want a panoramic view before returning to the waterfront.
Explore Hvar independently with my Audio Tour
If you're planning a day trip from Split to Hvar and want to discover the historic centre independently while learning the stories behind the places you visit, my audio tour in English “The Sunniest Island: A Walking Tour of Hvar's Historical Old Town” can be your companion along the way.
The tour works through the VoiceMap app, using your phone's GPS to play each story automatically when you reach the relevant location. You can explore at your own pace, stop for photos, lunch or a coffee, and continue whenever you're ready. There's no group to follow and no fixed schedule, so it's easy to include the tour in your day in Hvar.
Enjoy discovering Hvar and have a wonderful day on the island!
Sanja - Tour Guide in Split
