Free things to do · Hvar · Croatia
6 free things to do in Hvar
Hvar without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Hvar without paying an entry fee: St Stephen's Square and Hvar Cathedral, Stari Grad Plain, Stari Grad old town and Vrboska and Jelsa are all free. Stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa instead of Hvar Town for much lower accommodation prices.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 6
- Cost level
- Expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- November–March
Free sights and experiences
Landmark · Hvar Town
1.St Stephen's Square and Hvar Cathedral
See it early in the morning before the crowds, when the stone glows and the cafés are setting up.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
Historic site · Stari Grad
2.Stari Grad Plain
Cycle the farm tracks in the morning; the visitor centre in Stari Grad has maps of the ancient grid.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
- Active
Neighbourhood · Stari Grad
3.Stari Grad old town
Spend an evening here: dinner in a konoba on one of the back lanes and a walk along the bay.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Couples
- Food
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Neighbourhood · Jelsa
4.Vrboska and Jelsa
Walk or cycle the coast path between the two in the late afternoon and stop for a swim on the way.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Photo spot
Nature · Hvar Town
5.Lavender villages of Velo Grablje and Brusje
Come in late June for the bloom; outside that season, buy lavender oil and sachets from the village producers.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Couples
Beach · Milna
6.Dubovica
Park carefully at the roadside and wear proper shoes for the 15-minute path down.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Photo spot
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hvar Town | St Stephen's Square and Hvar Cathedral and Lavender villages of Velo Grablje and Brusje | 30 minutes + 2–3 hours |
| Stari Grad | Stari Grad Plain and Stari Grad old town | 2–3 hours + 2 hours |
| Jelsa | Vrboska and Jelsa | Half a day |
| Milna | Dubovica | Half a day |
Worth a small ticket
Castle · Hvar Town
Fortica (Spanish Fortress)
Walk up at sunset, when the light over the Pakleni Islands is at its best.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- History
- Kids
Island · Pakleni Islands
Pakleni Islands
Catch an early boat, find a cove and book lunch at a beach restaurant in Palmižana before it fills.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Kids
- Nature
Historic site · Hvar Town
Arsenal and Hvar Theatre
Combine it with the cathedral and square; it makes a good stop during the midday heat.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Religious site · Hvar Town
Franciscan Monastery
Swim at the small pebble beach next to the monastery after your visit.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Art
- Off the beaten path
Castle · Stari Grad
Tvrdalj Castle
Read the translated inscriptions; Hektorović carved his thoughts on life and hospitality into the stone.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Hvar Town
Benedictine Convent and agave lace
Buy a small piece of lace from the convent itself if you want an authentic one.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
More ways to save
- Stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa instead of Hvar Town for much lower accommodation prices.
- Visit in May, June or September for lower prices and warm weather.
- Bakeries and supermarkets are good for picnic lunches on the beaches.
- Book catamarans and accommodation early for July and August.
- Eat away from the harbour front and in inland villages for better value.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hvar expensive to visit?
Hvar is expensive for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Hvar?
St Stephen's Square and Hvar Cathedral: See it early in the morning before the crowds, when the stone glows and the cafés are setting up.