Hvar — The Sunniest Island in the Adriatic 🧱
Croatia's most glamorous island: lavender fields, Venetian stone squares, and a harbour packed with superyachts beneath a hilltop fortress. Hand-picked stays across Hvar Town and quieter Stari Grad — every link takes you straight to Trip.com to check live prices and book.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — a Leading Hotels of the World property rising from the site of a 13th-century Duke's palace, later named for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), perched directly above St. Stephen's Square with views over the harbour. The most storied address on the island.
- Maslina Resort — hidden gem, wellness — a Relais & Châteaux "Mindful Luxury" retreat in a secluded bay near Stari Grad, with a Michelin-starred chef, a Buddhist-inspired spa, and private plunge pool suites overlooking olive groves and the Adriatic. Genuinely one of the most serene stays in Croatia.
- Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel — smart pick, waterfront — set directly on Hvar's harbour promenade since 1927, with a rooftop pool and bar looking out over the yachts, a full-service spa, and family-friendly touches a short walk from the town's main square.
- Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — family-friendly — a beachfront resort tucked in a pine-shaded bay ten minutes' walk from Hvar Town, with a huge cascading pool, waterslide, kids' club, and views over the Pakleni Islands — the island's best base for families.
- Riva Marina Hvar Hotel — boutique, yacht harbour — the island's #1 four-star hotel, right on the promenade opposite the catamaran terminal, with a buzzing waterfront terrace for mega-yacht watching and a design pedigree dating to 1927.
✈️ Flights
- Flights to Split (SPU) — there's no airport on Hvar; fly direct from Manchester to Split with Jet2 or easyJet (around 2 hours 55 minutes), then take a catamaran or private boat transfer across to Hvar Town, roughly 1-2 hours depending on the service.
🎟️ Experiences
- Fortica Fortress — a 16th-century Spanish fortress on the hill above Hvar Town, with cannons, a small museum, and the island's best panoramic view over the harbour, old town rooftops and the Pakleni Islands beyond — best timed for sunset.
🚗 Car Hire & Transfers