Most Beautiful Beaches on Hvar Island: Croatia Guide

Looking back on my trip to Croatia, the beaches on Hvar Island truly made the experience unforgettable. I discovered some of the most stunning beaches, from quiet coves to lively spots. There were beautiful bays, soft sand, and turquoise waters so inviting that I could’ve spent all day in the crystal clear sea! In this guide, I’ll share the beaches you definitely shouldn’t miss.

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🌟 Check out 16 Best & Jaw-Dropping Beaches to Swim in Dubrovnik blog post!

Looking for quick Hotel suggestions? Here are the top picks:

Affordable Stay: History Hvar Design Heritage Suites
Ideal for Location: Heritage Hotel Park Hvar
Best Luxury Hotel: Palace Elisabeth Hvar Hotel
Top View: Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis
Great for Families: Casa di Lavanda

Table of Contents

Unique Experiences in Hvar

Where to stay in Hvar?

A Little Bit About Hvar

The Island of Hvar is usually called Croatia’s party island. Yes, the nightlife here is a big part of the vibe. But what I really love is that there’s so much more to it. There are beautiful beaches, a charming old town, little shops, and lavender stalls. I especially enjoyed the beach bars and local restaurants where I could watch the sunset with the best views.

Hvar Island also has a really interesting history and has roots that go back to ancient times. The Greeks founded Stari Grad in 384 BC, and it’s one of the oldest towns in Europe. I also noticed Venetian influences in the architecture around Hvar Town.

For me, it’s the mix that makes Hvar special. You can enjoy lively nights if you want a party scene. However, you can also find quiet beaches, history, and beautiful views.

Hvar is also one of the sunniest places in Europe, with about 300 days of sunshine a year. It’s the perfect place if you’re a beach lover. In this guide, I’ve gathered all my favorite spots to highlight the best beaches on Hvar Island. This destination truly deserves a place on your Croatia trip.

Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Dubovica Beach

Hvar Itinerary: Dubovika Beach — Hvar Beaches: Dubovika Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches that we found on our Hvar itinerary. You do have to drive there. Dubovica Beach is about 20 minutes from Hvar Old Town. We parked right on the road, and it was a 10-minute hike down to the beach.

It’s a wide pebble beach surrounded by pine trees, with crystal clear waters all around. There’s a rustic stone house by the shore that makes this one of the most photographed beaches.

The beach is pretty secluded with beautiful scenery. There are a few shaded spots under the trees, but no chairs for rent. There are two small beach restaurants and a little rock to jump from. Arrive early for parking and to enjoy the beach before the crowds.

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Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Zarace Beach (Malo & Velo)

On the way back from Dubovica, you can add a stop at Zarace Beach. To get there, you turn off the main road onto a winding and very narrow road. I drove extra slowly, especially around the curves. It’s a one-lane dirt road with two-way traffic, so be cautious!

The beaches are at the bottom. Once you reach them, you’ll see two small coves, Malo Zarace and Velo Zarace. They are split by a rocky ridge that goes out into the sea.

Both are pebble beaches with turquoise water. These have a more hidden gem feel and offer a lot of natural beauty, compared to the busier beaches near town. It’s quiet, scenic, and perfect if you want something a bit more low-key.

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Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Pokonji dol Beach

This beach isn’t directly in town. Pokonji Dol Beach is a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from the old town. There are taxis right outside the gates and cost €20 anywhere on the island. Once you get to the beach, there’s a short rocky path down to the water.

Pokonji dol Beach is pebbly and has beautiful crystal clear waters. There are stairs to get in the water, and a few spots where you can jump into the sea. You can rent sunbeds on the rocks for €40 for two beds and an umbrella. I highly suggest renting them, especially if plan to spend the day or even half a day there, as it’s much more comfortable. There’s also a small restaurant and a bathroom that costs €1.

Since it’s a bit away from the main part of town, it’s much quieter, less crowded, and very clean. If you want that peaceful experience, I recommend adding this beach to your Hvar itinerary and visiting early in the morning.

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Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Beach Club Hvar

For a lively and upscale vibe, Beach Club Hvar is one of the most stylish beaches on Hvar Island. Instead of a traditional shoreline, they have a stone terrace with sunbeds and cabanas. There are also ladders that lead straight into the crystal-clear sea. With cocktails, music, and a fun atmosphere, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon.

Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Bonj Beach

This place is one of the most popular beaches in Hvar. Bonj Beach is also very convenient since it’s close to the center of Hvar town. It takes about a 15-minute walk from the center, and is also close to Beach Club Hvar. We walked along the coastal path west from the harbor, and it was pretty easy to find.

Bonj has a luxury beach club where you can rent loungers and cabanas. You can enjoy cocktails by the water, and it has a lively vibe. The water here is clear and refreshing, and there are ladders to access the sea directly. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, Bonj is one of the most unique beaches on Hvar Island.

The entire area is a large pebble beach with many beach clubs and places to relax or rent loungers. Bonj was the perfect beach to go to when I didn’t want to leave town. It was within walking distance and really convenient.

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Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Falko Beach Bar

Falko is a laid-back beach bar just a short walk from Hvar Town. It’s a beautiful place located right by the water with a small beach. There are plenty of shade, cozy seating, and a relaxed vibe.

The best time to visit is in the afternoon and stay for sunset. You can grab a cold drink, order some food, and enjoy the view of the sea without the crowds. It feels more local and low-key compared to the bigger beach clubs.

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Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Franciscan Monastery Beach

Hvar Itinerary: Franciscan Monastery — Swim by Franciscan Monastery

This little beach is right in Hvar Town and next to the Franciscan Monastery. It’s very easy to reach, just follow the promenade to the monastery and you won’t miss it. It’s perfect if you’re staying in town and just want a quick swim.

The beach is pebbly and small with shallow waters. There are also lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. It looked like there was a mix of locals and visitors. It’s nothing big, but it’s convenient, has the pretty backdrop of the monastery, and is a great spot to include on your Hvar itinerary.

Best Beaches on Hvar Island: Pakleni Islands

Best beaches on Hvar Island, croatia: Pakleni Islands — Gorgous waters of Pakleni Islands

A boat day trip to the Pakleni Islands is a must when exploring the best beaches on Hvar Island. The water around the islands is crystal-clear, and you get to see a completely different side of the island. You will see dramatic red cliffs, shady pine forests, quiet coves, and lively island restaurants. Spending a day on the water will feel like the ultimate coastal escape. You can experience this two ways: renting a private boat or joining a group tour.

Boat Rental Options

Hvar Itinerary: Pakleni Islands — Boar tour of Pakleni Islands

Private boat rental. This is the option I chose, and I highly recommend it, especially if you are traveling with family, friends, or just want flexibility. I got to customize the route, stop wherever we wanted, and spend as much time as we liked at each spot. It was also a really nice way to have a more personal day together with your group. I went with my family, and it gave us a chance to bond in a fun way.

Group boat rental. This is more of a budget friendly option. While the tour is not customized, everything is planned. You still get to see all the main highlights like the Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands, and many different coves. If you’re traveling solo, it’s also the best way to meet new people.

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The Experience

Renting a boat for the full day was such a memorable experience. One of the most popular and unique highlights was stopping at the Red Rocks (Crvene Stijene). These giant rocks have a red glow due to the iron in the limestone. The cliffs look dramatic as they rise from the water. Our boat paused here for a while, and I jumped off to swim under the cliffs. It was truly an unforgettable experience!

We also passed by Dubovica Beach, which I had visited by car a few days before, so we didn’t stop. But seeing it from the water gave me a whole new perspective. Later, we stopped for lunch at Palmižana, the largest of the Pakleni Islands. It had a lively marina, a few restaurants right on the water, and the perfect island vibe. We enjoyed a long lunch at the restaurant Bacchus Palmižana.

Honestly, a boat day to the Pakleni Islands was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The views were beautiful, there was plenty of swimming, and being out on the Adriatic Sea was amazing. I would do this again in a heartbeat. The Pakleni Islands are a must if you want to experience some of the best beaches on Hvar Island.

Travel Tips/Things to Know Before Visiting Dubrovnik

When is the Best Time to Visit Hvar?

Choosing the right time to visit can really shape your Hvar experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

April, May, September and October: Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is a great time to visit. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller compared to the summer months. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the old town without feeling rushed, and it’s easier to find tables at restaurants without the stress of high season hustle. If the weather is nice, it’s also easier to plan a boat day or explore the Pakleni Islands without the big summer crowds.

June – August: Peak Season

The summer months are the busiest in Hvar, with long days, hot weather, and lots of tourists. This is when the city is at its liveliest, but also the most crowded and expensive. If you visit during this time, plan to start your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and big crowds. You’ll want to book hotels, restaurants, and cable car tickets well in advance.

November – March: Off-season

The off-season is much quieter, and some attractions, shops, and restaurants may close or have limited hours. However, if you’re not a fan of crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, this can be a quiet time to explore the Old Town. Just keep in mind that swimming spots and boat trips might not be available during these months.

How to get to Hvar?

The easiest way to get to Hvar is by ferry. Most people arrive from Split or Dubrovnik, which have a large ferry port with regular connections to the island. We actually came from Korcula and had no issues booking the passenger ferry via Omio. It drops you right in the center of Hvar Town. Once you arrive, everything in Hvar Town is pretty easy to reach on foot.

How to get around Hvar?

The best way to get around Hvar Town is on foot. The old town is compact, and most of the main sights, such as the Spanish Fortress, the main square, and the waterfront promenade, are all within walking distance. I think that the narrow stone streets and little alleys are best enjoyed by walking anyway.

If you want to explore more of the island, the easiest way is to rent a car or scooter for the day. That way, you can reach beaches like Dubovica or Zaraće, or even drive out to Stari Grad. Taxis and boats are also available, but if you’re staying in Hvar Town itself, like I did, you can walk almost everywhere.

Is Hvar safe to visit?

In my experience, Hvar felt like one of the safest places I’ve ever visited. It’s the kind of city where people leave their bags and belongings on the beach without worrying. I didn’t see or hear of any pickpockets, which is very different from places like Rome and Paris, where you always have to be cautious.

Everyone we met in Hvar was so friendly and welcoming. The city is also extremely clean—the streets almost sparkle! There’s no trash or litter lying around, and the whole place feels very well cared for.

If you’re worried about safety, Hvar is a destination where you can relax and truly enjoy without constantly being on guard.

Language, do I need to speak Croatian?

You don’t need to worry about speaking Croatian when visiting Hvar. Most people speak English very well, and we never had any language barrier during our trip. In restaurants, shops, and even small local places, communication was always easy.

That said, it’s always respectful to learn a few basic Croatian phrases like “hello” (bok), “thank you” (hvala), and “goodbye” (doviđenja). Locals really appreciate it when visitors make a small effort to use their language.

Are there Good Beaches in Hvar?

Absolutely! One of the things I love about Hvar is that it is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, so finding a place to swim is never hard.

There are so many beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. A few are right in or next to the main town, while others are little coves tucked under cliffs or a little away along the coast (if you’re up for exploring). When I took a boat out to the Pakleni Islands, I couldn’t believe how many gorgeous spots there were to jump in. Even if you only spend one day in Hvar, you can still fit in some beach time.

One thing to note is that most beaches here are pebbly, not sandy, so I highly recommend bringing water shoes. But the crystal clear waters make it impossible to stay away, especially on a hot day!

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Travels with MR

Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.

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