Hvar Ferries

The port of Hvar plays a key role in the ferry network of Croatia, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Hvar serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Hvar, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Korcula - Hvar connecting Hvar with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Krilo Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija, TP Line run regular services from Hvar, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Hvar offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Accessing Hvar typically begins with a journey to Split or Drvenik on the mainland, where regular ferry services connect to the island. From Split, high-speed catamarans reach Hvar Town in approximately one hour, while car ferries dock at Stari Grad (taking about two hours) on the island's northern coast. Travelers from Dubrovnik can take seasonal catamarans that make the journey in roughly 3.5 hours during summer months. If arriving by car, secure parking is available near the mainland ferry terminals, though spaces fill quickly during peak season. Public buses on the island connect the ferry ports with major towns, providing convenient transfers upon arrival.

Perched along the dazzling Dalmatian coast, Hvar stands as Croatia's premier island destination, blessed with more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the country. This Mediterranean paradise seamlessly blends historical richness with vibrant nightlife, all set against a backdrop of lavender fields, crystal-clear waters, and centuries-old architecture. As a key ferry destination in the Adriatic, Hvar serves as both an enchanting stopover and a captivating final destination where Renaissance squares, secluded coves, and the intoxicating scent of Mediterranean herbs await.

Hvar boasts an impressive 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, with a classic Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers and mild winters. The ideal visiting window spans from May to October, with June and September offering the perfect balance of warm weather (averaging 25°C/77°F) and manageable crowds. July and August bring peak temperatures around 30°C/86°F, bustling nightlife, and the most frequent ferry connections, though prices and visitor numbers reach their zenith. Early October remains pleasantly warm for swimming, while late April and May showcase the island's famous lavender fields beginning to bloom. Winter sees reduced ferry schedules, but offers a tranquil atmosphere for those seeking to experience authentic island life.

Hvar's strategic position makes it an excellent launching point for exploring the Central Dalmatian archipelago. The Pakleni Islands lie just a 15-minute water taxi ride from Hvar Town, offering secluded beaches and crystal-clear coves perfect for day trips. Brač, reachable in under an hour by ferry, boasts the famous Zlatni Rat beach and charming stone villages nestled among olive groves. Vis, approximately 1.5 hours away, captivates visitors with its untouched nature, military history, and the mesmerizing Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. Korčula, with its medieval walled town and alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, can be reached via a scenic 1-hour ferry journey that passes through the narrow Pelješac Channel.

Wander through Hvar Town's marble streets, where the imposing 16th-century Fortica (Spanjola) fortress offers panoramic views of the harbor and Pakleni Islands. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural landscape virtually unchanged since ancient Greek colonists established it 24 centuries ago. Sample local specialties like gregada (fish stew), pašticada (marinated beef), and wines made from indigenous grape varieties including Plavac Mali and Bogdanuša in family-run konobas throughout the island. Visit the interior villages of Velo Grablje and Brusje, where lavender cultivation has shaped both landscape and culture for generations. For beach enthusiasts, pebbled coves like Dubovica and Pokonji Dol provide the perfect setting for swimming in exceptionally clear waters just a short journey from the main harbors.

Hvar is home to Europe's oldest public theater, established in 1612 and still standing on the main square above the Arsenal building. The island's tradition of lacemaking using agave threads has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the delicate craft practiced by Benedictine nuns in Hvar Town for over 150 years. Despite being known today for its upscale reputation, Hvar has a rich maritime history as a strategic naval base for the Venetian Republic, evidenced by its imposing arsenal and fortress system. The island's name derives from the Greek word 'pharos' (lighthouse), a testament to its ancient importance as a navigational landmark in Adriatic maritime routes.