Hvar Town and its harbour seen through a stone opening at Fortica

Where to stay in Hvar Town, and when to choose Stari Grad

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Choose the town as well as the island

For a short first visit, stay near Hvar Town’s Riva and St Stephen’s Square if you want passenger boats, restaurants and historic sights close together. Check the route to the building entrance: lanes behind the waterfront climb, and a room near the harbour can still involve stairs. Križna Luka, east of the centre, is worth comparing if you plan regular walks to Pokonji Dol beach. Majerovica and the western shore offer another coastal setting, but pools, beach access and quiet rooms depend on the particular property. Stari Grad is a separate town on the north side of the island, with its own old harbour and the historic agricultural plain nearby. Choose it for time there, allowing for a bus, taxi or drive when you visit Hvar Town. Before booking either base, match your sailing to its actual port. The Split car ferry lands outside Stari Grad’s old centre; it does not deliver you to Hvar Town’s Riva.

Hvar Town Riva and St Stephen’s Square

A useful base for a short visit with restaurants and heritage close to the harbour. Ask for the actual entrance route and room orientation before choosing a building in the old lanes.

Beach walk Pokonji Dol on the east side

The tourist board describes a walk of about 25 minutes from the main square to Pokonji Dol. Your accommodation may be closer or farther away; check the path, surface and return climb.

Vehicle arrival Stari Grad or Sućuraj

Jadrolinija’s car ferries connect Split with Stari Grad and Drvenik with Sućuraj. These are different arrival points, so compare the onward drive as well as the crossing.

Heritage visits Check which spaces are open

The heritage operator currently lists the Arsenal and St John’s Church as closed. A combined ticket does not make a closed site available; check the current visitor information before buying.

StartBooker answer

Where should I stay for a first visit to Hvar?

Choose Hvar Town’s old town and Riva for a short visit arriving by passenger catamaran. Križna Luka suits a stay with walks to Pokonji Dol beach, while Majerovica puts you on the western coast. Check the exact room for steps, noise and beach access. Stari Grad is a separate town, worth choosing for its own harbour and nearby countryside; it requires a road connection for visits to Hvar Town. If you bring a car from Split, the ferry arrives at Stari Grad’s ferry port, outside the old centre.

Passenger arrival: TP Line 652 links Split with Hvar Town; check the dated service.
Car ferry: Split–Stari Grad and Drvenik–Sućuraj arrive at different parts of the island.
Local buses: Čazmatrans lists Stari Grad town and the ferry terminal separately.

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Plan Hvar with the right arrival port

Include your exact sailing, luggage, walking limits and preferred beach. Ask the planner to distinguish Hvar Town, Stari Grad town and Stari Grad ferry port, with enough time for each connection.

St Stephen’s Cathedral at the far end of Hvar Town’s main square

First visit by passenger boat

Stay near the Riva for a short Hvar Town visit

Hvar Old Town and Riva

The Riva and St Stephen’s Square bring the harbour, restaurants and several historic sights into a small area. Stay here if you want to explore Hvar Town on foot and avoid an island transfer after arriving by passenger catamaran.

The square gives you a clear starting point for the theatre, cathedral and old lanes.
You can organise a town visit without returning by bus from another island base.

Check the steps to the entrance and your room, plus nearby terraces and evening venues. A waterfront location does not guarantee a quiet bedroom.

Three Hvar Town areas and a separate island base

Compare the old town with the eastern and western coasts before looking across the island to Stari Grad. The right choice depends on your arrival port, nearest swimming spot and how often you want dinner in Hvar Town.

Fortica above the stone buildings of Hvar Town

Hvar Old Town and Riva

short visits and passenger-boat arrivals

Stay around the Riva and St Stephen’s Square for restaurants and historic sights close to the harbour. The lanes rise behind the waterfront, so check the entrance route even if the map places your room near the quay.

Choose the centre when you want to explore Hvar Town and reach passenger boats on foot.

Ask about bars, terraces and harbour activity.

Riva St Stephen’s Square Old lanes

Central convenience can come with steps and nearby evening activity.

Request the number of steps, room orientation and a workable luggage arrangement.

The pebble shore and clear water of Pokonji Dol bay near Hvar Town

Križna Luka and Pokonji Dol

walking to Pokonji Dol for regular swims

Križna Luka is east of the main harbour. Compare individual properties here if Pokonji Dol will be your usual beach and you are happy to walk into the centre for dinner. Your exact position matters more than the area label.

Choose the east side when you have checked the beach walk and expect to use it most days.

Check roads, neighbouring rooms and venues.

Eastern coast Križna Luka Pokonji Dol

The route to the centre or beach may include slopes and uneven surfaces.

Check the route back after swimming and the transfer from your arrival quay.

Houses on the rocky shore of Majerovica bay, west of Hvar Town

Majerovica and Western Coast

a stay on Hvar Town’s western coast

Majerovica lies along the coast west of the old town. Compare the shore route, nearest swimming spot and facilities of each hotel or apartment. It can suit a coastal stay with walks into town, provided the distance works for your group.

Choose Majerovica when the particular property and its coastal setting suit your plans.

Ask about beach venues and hotel entertainment.

Western coast Majerovica Coastal walks

Beach venues and longer walks need checking; a western address does not promise silence.

Confirm pool access, beach access and nearby entertainment for your room category.

Stari Grad

time in Stari Grad and the surrounding countryside

Stari Grad has its own old harbour, stone streets and nearby agricultural plain. Stay here for days in this part of the island. Its ferry terminal is outside the historic centre, and Hvar Town needs a separate road journey.

Choose Stari Grad when you want to spend time there and have planned any cross-island trips.

Check the room’s surroundings individually.

Separate town Old harbour Stari Grad Plain

Include the journey each time you plan an evening or boat departure in Hvar Town.

Distinguish the old harbour from the ferry terminal and check your final transfer.

Compare the location and onward journeys

Base	Best for	Trade-off	Getting around
Hvar Old Town and Riva	short visits and passenger-boat arrivals The main square and harbour give you a convenient starting point.	Check steps and evening noise. A central pin can still mean several flights of stairs.	Walk within town; check your actual quay and entrance.
Križna Luka and Pokonji Dol	walking to Pokonji Dol for regular swims A useful location when Pokonji Dol is part of most days.	Allow for the return climb. Measure the route from the building, including its surface.	Check both the beach path and the walk into the centre.
Majerovica and Western Coast	a stay on Hvar Town’s western coast Choose a coastal property with the facilities you will actually use.	Check walking distance and nearby venues. Confirm what the booked room includes.	Use the shore route where suitable; verify steps and access.
Stari Grad	time in Stari Grad and the surrounding countryside Explore the historic town and plain without commuting from Hvar Town.	A separate journey for Hvar Town activities. Plan the return before booking an evening elsewhere.	Check buses for the town and ferry terminal separately.

Choose a base for your time on Hvar

A short visit by passenger boat has different needs from a beach holiday or a week exploring by car. Compare the repeated journeys, then check the actual room for access, noise and facilities.

A short stay near the Riva

The old town suits a visit focused on Hvar Town itself. You can walk between the square, harbour and restaurants, with the route to your particular room checked before arrival.

Choose this ifYour passenger boat arrives in Hvar Town and you want the centre close to your accommodation.

Trade-offCheck stairs, luggage access and evening noise.

Avoid this ifThe building cannot provide the quiet room or access you need.

AlternativeKrižna Luka is worth comparing when swimming will take up more of your stay.

Beach days from Križna Luka

Compare eastern properties by their route to Pokonji Dol. Being able to walk to a beach can simplify a stay without a car, but the path and the return after swimming still matter.

Choose this ifYou plan to swim regularly at Pokonji Dol and have checked the route from the property.

Trade-offAllow for hills, heat and the walk back into town.

Avoid this ifHeavy luggage or an early sailing makes the transfer from this address impractical.

AlternativeThe Riva may suit a short visit with more boat departures than beach days.

A coastal stay in Majerovica

Look west when you have found a hotel or apartment with a setting you like. Check its swimming access and the route to the centre so that evening walks suit everyone travelling.

Choose this ifYou want the western coast and the booked accommodation has the facilities you will use.

Trade-offFacilities and noise vary by property and room.

Avoid this ifYou need to be next to the main square or cannot manage the confirmed walk.

AlternativeStari Grad offers a different town setting if your plans are mainly elsewhere on the island.

A week based in Stari Grad

Choose Stari Grad for its harbour, old streets and nearby plain. It can work for exploring the island, with a car or with planned bus journeys, but it is a separate destination from Hvar Town.

Choose this ifYour plans include time around Stari Grad and you have arranged any journeys to Hvar Town.

Trade-offAdd transport for each Hvar Town visit or departure.

Avoid this ifMost evenings and passenger departures are in Hvar Town and the return connections do not suit you.

AlternativeA room near Hvar Town’s Riva reduces cross-island journeys for a brief visit.

Check each address before comparing prices: results can cover different parts of Hvar island or places farther away. A Stari Grad booking needs a separate journey for Hvar Town’s harbour, and central rooms may still involve steps.

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Arrive at the port that suits your stay

Passenger catamarans can bring you to Hvar Town. The Split car ferry arrives at Stari Grad’s ferry terminal, while the Drvenik car ferry reaches Sućuraj at the eastern end of the island. Choose the actual port on your ticket and plan the onward journey before booking accommodation.

From Split Airport to your island address

Connect through Split’s main bus station and port

Platanus lists its airport shuttle between the airport North parking lot and Split main bus station, beside the ferry port. The one-way fare is €10 (about US$11.20), including luggage. Allow for road traffic and the separate walk to your vessel’s boarding point.

Choose the passenger boat or car ferry deliberately

For Hvar Town, compare dated passenger services such as TP Line 652. For a car from Split, book the Stari Grad ferry and allow for road travel after landing. The ferry terminal is outside Stari Grad’s old centre, so even a booking there needs a final transfer plan.

Leave room for check-in and a missed connection

TP Line asks passengers to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Jadrolinija advises at least 45 minutes for Split–Stari Grad, or 60 minutes in season. These are boarding margins, not enough time to clear an airport and reach Split; leave a larger gap after a flight.

Town walks, island buses and beach boats

Choose the right Čazmatrans stop

The current island timetable distinguishes Hvar–Stari Grad from Hvar–Trajekt, the ferry terminal. Use the service for the place you actually need, check the travel date and buy the ticket on the bus. Selected departures adjust to arrivals of the Split ferry.

Walk to a town beach without booking a boat

The tourist board lists Pokonji Dol, Križa and Bonj among beaches reachable on foot. Choose a property by the route to your preferred swimming spot, including steps and the return climb. Summer facilities and a convenient path should be checked separately.

Agree the Pakleni return before you leave

Summer taxi boats depart from Hvar Town for the Pakleni Islands. Ask which island or bay the ticket serves, whether it includes the return and when the last boat leaves. Keep a town plan available if the operator changes the service because of sea conditions.

Buy for a named route and date

Compare the actual passenger fare

TP Line’s October 2026 page lists line 652 between Split and Hvar Town at a standard €25 (about US$28) one way, with a scheduled crossing of 60 minutes. Other fares and services have their own conditions. Check the departure date and ticket category before paying.

Price a vehicle and its passengers separately

On Jadrolinija’s Split–Stari Grad route, the published tariff separates passengers and vehicle categories. Enter your car’s dimensions accurately and compare the full booking. A vehicle ticket for this port does not include the onward journey to Hvar Town.

Confirm assistance from quay to room

Check each part of the arrival

Give the vessel operator your mobility equipment details and ask about boarding assistance. Then confirm the transfer vehicle, stopping point, steps and lift at the accommodation. A room close to the Riva does not establish that the whole route is step-free.

Ask the heritage operator about partial access

HVAR 1612 describes an alternative theatre entrance with a lift to stage level, but access remains partial. Fortica’s entrance forecourt can be reached by road; its interior has steps and uneven stone surfaces. Contact the operator before choosing visits around your requirements.

Plan for seasonal services and the complete cost

Use the timetable for your travel date, then plan beach and heritage visits around the services actually running. Keep some time in town when a boat outing changes, and include every transfer in your accommodation comparison.

Check current boats and visitor opening arrangements

Use the dated sailing page

Use the dated sailing page

TP Line’s October 2026 schedule for route 652 lists three daily crossings each way; its other routes follow different calendars. Recheck the operator’s page for your own date rather than copying a summer departure or assuming an island connection continues into winter. For that October service, departures from Split are 08:15, 11:15 and 15:45.
Check heritage sites individually

The tourist board’s June 2026 guide lists the theatre at 10:00–19:00 and Fortica at 09:00–20:00. Reconfirm the current visitor hours before setting out. The heritage operator currently lists the Arsenal and St John’s Church as closed, even though they appear in combined-ticket descriptions. The Hvar Heritage Museum is separately listed as closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Leave a day that works without a sea outing

Explore the square and old lanes, or plan a visit to Stari Grad with a confirmed land connection. DHMZ forecasts and the boat operator’s decision should guide a Pakleni trip. A sunny waterfront does not guarantee suitable conditions for a crossing later in the day. Check the final bus back before leaving Hvar Town for an outing elsewhere on the island.

Add tickets, transfers and accommodation facilities

Compare the combined heritage ticket

Compare the combined heritage ticket

The published adult prices are €12 (about US$13.45) for Fortica, €10 (about US$11.20) for the theatre and €5 (about US$5.60) for the Loggia and clock tower. A combined ticket costs €15 (about US$16.80). Compare what you want to visit and what is open before buying several admissions separately. Ask about concessions if a student, pensioner or young person is travelling.
Include journeys between your base and Hvar Town

A room in Stari Grad or farther from the centre may involve buses, taxis or luggage help. Ask for current quotes and count the journeys across the whole stay. Compare that total with a room near your arrival quay; a lower nightly rate is only part of the calculation. Confirm the fare before boarding; the published island timetable does not list prices.
Check what a beach or hotel photograph includes

A pool, lounger or attractive water entrance may belong to a particular hotel or paid venue. Confirm access for the room you are booking, seasonal opening and any separate charges. Keep those costs apart from public transport fares and ordinary admission tickets. An apartment’s place name does not establish a right to use a nearby hotel’s pool.

Avoid three expensive misunderstandings

Stari Grad town is not its ferry terminal

Stari Grad town is not its ferry terminal

The old harbour shown in accommodation photographs is different from the car-ferry terminal. Check the actual stop and the journey to your door. For Hvar Town, add a cross-island road connection; neither a Stari Grad ferry ticket nor its arrival time completes that journey. Sućuraj is a different port at the eastern end of the island.
A late bus on an old schedule may have finished

The timetable effective 7 September 2026 marks the 22:45 departure from Hvar as running only until 27 September. It should not be used to plan an October return. Check the current final service before an evening out, and get a taxi quote if you need to stay later. Reconfirm the service for your travel date before committing to an evening plan.
A quieter area does not guarantee a quiet room

Ask about nearby bars, terraces, roads and hotel entertainment for the particular building. Check room orientation and sound insulation where sleep matters. Križna Luka, Majerovica and Stari Grad should be chosen for their locations, with noise assessed separately. A sea-facing balcony may overlook activity, so ask about that specific view and room.

Where is the best base for a short first visit to Hvar?

Choose Hvar Town’s old town and Riva if your passenger boat arrives there and you want restaurants and heritage nearby. Compare eastern Križna Luka for Pokonji Dol walks or western Majerovica for a coastal stay. Stari Grad is a separate town with an additional journey to Hvar Town.

Can I visit Hvar without renting a car?

Yes. A passenger catamaran can bring you to Hvar Town, where you can organise town walks and visits to nearby beaches. Čazmatrans connects island towns and the Stari Grad ferry terminal. Check the current return service before planning an evening elsewhere, and confirm steps at your accommodation.

Does the Split car ferry arrive in Hvar Town?

The Split car ferry on route 635 arrives at Stari Grad’s ferry terminal, outside the old centre. You need a road connection for Hvar Town. Another car route links Drvenik with Sućuraj at the island’s eastern end; compare the onward drive before choosing it.

Are all Hvar heritage sites included in a combined ticket open?

No. HVAR 1612 currently marks two spaces mentioned in the ticket description, the Arsenal and St John’s Church, as closed. Check the open sites and visitor hours before buying, and plan the theatre or Fortica visit separately from any weather-dependent boat outing.

Which Hvar area is best for a quiet room?

Choose a specific room after checking its surroundings. An address away from the Riva can still be near a road, beach venue or hotel entertainment. Ask about room orientation, nearby events and sound insulation; the name Križna Luka, Majerovica or Stari Grad does not guarantee silence.

What should I check if stairs are difficult?

Ask for the complete route from your arrival quay or vehicle stop to the room, including entrance steps and lifts. Confirm assistance with each transport operator. For heritage visits, contact HVAR 1612 about the theatre’s partial access and the steps and uneven surfaces inside Fortica.

Locate your Hvar address and check the arrival port

See live Hvar hotel prices

How this guide was researched

Reviewed by StartBooker editorial team Travel research and editing

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

Updated 2026-10-15

Editorial method: The production page was read in full on desktop and mobile before this revision. Research checked ferry and bus operators, both local tourist boards, the heritage operator and UNESCO. Time Out and Rough Guides informed the area comparison. This is an editorial self-review. The September bus footnote and current heritage closures were checked separately from general destination descriptions. US dollar equivalents are approximate, using the ECB euro reference rate of 14 October 2026.

17 sources reviewed

Primary sources