🏝️ My Spontaneous Trip to Hvar
I didn’t originally plan to visit Hvar Island, but once I realised it was only an hour away from Split by boat — I couldn’t resist. And honestly? I fell in love.
Hvar is small enough to explore easily, but full of charm. The water is unbelievably clear, the orange rooftops pop against the deep blue sea, and the island is dotted with pine trees and ancient ruins. It’s the perfect mix of relaxing beach holiday and historic town escape.
Getting there is simple — ferries run from the Port of Split, and I used Krilo to book online in advance.
🏰 Tvrdava Fortica – Best View in Hvar
As soon as I arrived, I headed straight to Tvrdava Fortica (also known as Španjola Fortress), perched on the hill above Hvar Town.
This 16th-century fortress was built by the Venetians and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the town, the Adriatic Sea, and the Pakleni Islands. It’s only a 20-minute walk from the main square — not far, but a bit of a climb with all the stairs! Totally worth it though.
From the top, the view of Hvar’s orange rooftops, bright blue sea, and lush green plants was just… wow. Seeing it all from this historic spot made it even more special.
🏛️ A Touch of History in Hvar Town
One thing I didn’t expect to enjoy so much was the history. While wandering around the old town, I came across St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Arsenal & Historic Theatre.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a beautiful example of Dalmatian Renaissance architecture, built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- The Hvar Arsenal dates back to the 14th century and is famous for housing one of Europe’s oldest public theatres, opened in 1612!
I loved how history is woven into everyday life on the island — it felt like walking through a living museum.
☀️Soaking Up the Sun in Hvar
After that stair workout, I went straight to the nearest beach, just a short walk from the port. And let me tell you — it was paradise.
I spent hours doing the best kind of summer routine:
sit on the rocks ➝ chill ➝ swim ➝ repeat.
Simple, slow, and perfect.
🏖️ Hidden Gem: Pokonji Dol Beach
Later in the day, I explored a bit more and found another beautiful spot — Pokonji Dol Beach. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the main square — close enough to reach easily, but just far enough to feel a bit more peaceful and tucked away.
The walk is a bit of a trek (you’ll go uphill first, then back down to the beach), but if you’re up for it, it’s totally worth it. The beach was quieter and had more of a “secret spot” vibe — the kind of place you could happily stay at all day.
💡 Final Thoughts: Should You Stay Overnight?
I only visited Hvar as a day trip, but I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. I’ve heard the nightlife is great, and I wish I had more time to explore beyond the main town.
Whether you’re into history, beach vibes, or stunning views, Hvar Island ticks every box for a perfect European summer escape.
