2. Admire the views from the Hvar Fortress

Hands down the best views over both Hvar Town and the picturesque Pakleni Islands are obtained when hiking to the summit of the rustic Hvar Fortress.

Perched high on the hill above Hvar Town, overlooking the town’s iconic tangerine-coloured roofs and appealing harbour, Hvar Fortress is a medieval stronghold that dates back as far as the 6th century.

It is often said that the one that controlled the Mediterranean, gained power over one of the most significant trading routes, which connects Southern Europe, North Africa, Levant, and Anatolia.

For that reason, the Hvar Fortress has been occupied by many, including the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Austrians.

At present, the fortress is an impressive reminiscence of the original construction that was built under Venetian rule in the 13th century. Since it has been further modified by Spanish engineers in the 14th century, it is also named the Spanish Fortress of Hvar.

To get to the fortress, take a gentle walk from St Stephen’s Square, through the picture-perfect laneways and up several steps, followed by a winding trail through a flourishing pine forest.

Make sure you have your camera in hand throughout the entire trail. Believe me, it’s not only the stunning views from the top that make visiting the fortress one of the best things to do in Hvar.

4. Enjoy Hvar Square and admire the St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Said to be the largest square in Dalmatia, the Hvar Square is a broad town square that is deemed the beating heart of the old town.

On warm summer evenings, travellers and locals gather here in large numbers to admire the wonderful Venetian and Renaissance buildings or to sit down at one of the many cafes and restaurants that lie adjacent to the square.

However, for the best local cuisine, it’s better to dive a little deeper into the laneways of the surrounding old town. Not only are the best bars and restaurants found here, but you also save up significantly on your food bill.

But for me, the biggest draw of Hvar Square was the array of impressive ancient buildings; the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the bell tower, the Arsenal, and the Venetian Loggia in the extension of the square.

In the east of the square, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the absolute highlight. With its baroque design elements, picturesque bell tower and typical Dalmatian architecture, this 16th-century cathedral remains one of Hvar’s top historic sights.

Sitting down at Hvar Square to see daily life unfold, was one of my favourite things to do in Hvar.

5. Enjoy creative contemporary cuisine at Fig Hvar

One morning, while strolling through the picturesque cobblestone streets of downtown Hvar, I stumbled upon Fig, a cosy restaurant whose menu teased me with the most delicious locally grown dishes.

At that very moment, I realized that I’d found an excellent place to have dinner later that day.

I pulled up here for a late dinner and treated myself to the Chimichurri Potatoes and the Mexican Pulled Pork, which were both very tasteful.

Upon arriving, there was a small waiting queue, which to me, indicates that a place lives up to its reputation. After a short wait, my table was ready and the waiter offered me a drink on the house.

Modest as I am, I ordered the red house wine, by which the waiter recommended the locally grown Tomic Plavac wine, which turned out to be the best wine I sampled during my Croatia trip.

That said, Fig is a place you simply don’t want to miss out on.

In the end, I came here to try the breakfast too – which makes for a good reason to stop by.

6. Appreciate Hvar’s iconic Franciscan Monastery

Encircled by a peaceful garden of aged cypress trees, overlooking a good-looking cove, this 15th-century monastery is one of Hvar’s most recognizable buildings, as well as my favourite.

Inside, the Franciscan monastery houses a small, yet impressive museum that showcases antique laces & coins, nautical charts, and a valuable edition of the Ptolemy’s Atlas, which was printed in 1524.

The real draw though is the Last Supper; an appealing 8 by 2,5-metre work of art that was composed by Venetian painter Matteo Ingoli at the end of the 16th century.

If you’re like me and enjoy a seaside stroll in the early morning or late afternoon, I’m sure you will be charmed by the Franciscan Monastery time and time again.

7. Uncover the stunning Pakleni Islands

The one thing that repeatedly became the topic of conversation when I chatted with the Hvar locals, was a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, and that’s for an excellent reason.

The ‘picture-perfect’ Pakleni Islands is a bundle of 16 islands, scattered throughout the clear turquoise waters as opposed to the stunning coastline of Hvar Town.

If you’re keen on exploring the Pakleni Islands, rent yourself a small Pasara boat and navigate the calm Adriatic sea, in search of the most stunning beaches and deserted coves.

At first, I was quite surprised when I heard that you don’t need a license – or any experience to rent and operate a small Pasara boat. You do however get a short instruction, where you learn all the basics to operate a boat in a responsible manner.

If you’re not feeling comfortable with operating a boat, alternatively make use of the taxi boats that depart at the main harbour of Hvar Town.

A 15-minute transfer brings you to one of the major islands in the archipelago, including Jerolim, Sveti Klement, Marinkovac, and Mlini Beach.

8. Take in the views from the Napoleon Fortress

Climbing the Hvar Fortress might be the number one thing to do in Hvar, it is the higher-positioned Napoleon Fortress that provides even more spectacular views.

The French fortress, better known as the Napoleon Fortress, is situated just west of the popular Spanish fortress, and hiking to the summit takes roughly 30 minutes when starting from Hvar old town.

Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be welcomed by some of the most stunning views Hvar Island has to offer, showcasing both Hvar town and the Pakleni Islands in the distance.

If you’re interested in climbing the fortress, I have one recommendation: make sure you visit the Napoleon Fortress during the golden hour. It is truly a magnificent experience to see the streets of Hvar Old Town bathed in the most soothing glow of golden hues.

In my honest opinion, this place and its views are unrivalled, and although many people consider skipping it, I would say not to, but hey, it’s up to you!

10. Walk the old town of Stari Grad

For those keen to explore an authentic side of Hvar, look no further, Stari Grad – literally meaning ‘old town’ – is the perfect place to feel the ‘real’ Hvar vibe.

The oldest town on the island, Stari Grad is an excellent alternative destination, just northeast of the bustling city centre of Hvar Town – and serves as a quiet summer day trip.

Stari Grad’s small town centre is charmed by quiet laneways, rustic white-washed buildings, historical churches, and a wide array of small locally owned boutiques and restaurants.

During my visit, I really enjoyed roaming through Srinjo Kola, a vibrant street that runs straight through the heart of town. This lively laneway is home to a great number of restaurants and cafés, souvenir shops, as well as an authentic alternative tourist board in ‘The Hvar Island Concierge’.

So, if you’re on the Island for a few days, make sure you experience this ‘untouched’ side of Hvar too.

11. Enjoy a refreshing drink at Backlane Hvar

One day, when I came back to the hostel after a relaxing beach day on Pokonji Dol, I got into a chat with a friendly guy named Enrico.

After a short chat, we decided to go for a walk in search of a place to have a few drinks and we luckily stumbled upon BackLane.

Set in a charming alley of Hvar Old Town, BackLane is a lively bar that specialises in craft beers and cocktails, all based on locally grown organic ingredients.

Since the beginning of 2020, the bar, run by three childhood friends, opened a small brewery just 200 meters from BackLane’s doorstep, resulting in a handful of delightful beers that are crafted to perfection.

Once we were seated, I ordered their locally brewed IPA, an excellent beer that is defined by a hoppy flavour and refreshing aromas. Which to me is the perfect treat during a hot summer’s evening.

On top of that, BackLane offers an authentic local setting, the most friendly staff and a great amount of knowledge when it comes to their craft, which makes it not only an excellent bar to sample local craft beers but also to sit down and chat with the Hvar locals.

12. Visit the Lavender fields in Brusje

With a fragrance like no other, Lavender is a healthy aromatic plant that has been used on a daily basis since ancient times.

Nicknamed the island of lavender, Hvar once produced 8% of the world’s total lavender production.

If you follow the old road from Hvar Town for 15 minutes – or the smell of fresh lavender in the air, you’ll reach Brusje, a small village that is home to the majority of Hvar’s violet-coloured lavender fields.

Originally founded as a shepherd settlement in the 16th century, Brusje is now a village that is entirely committed to the production of lavender and rosemary etheric oils.

If you’re keen to see the lavender fields in Brusje, make sure you visit the island in June or July, when it’s the ideal time to see those lavender fields in full bloom.

This is also when the annual two-day Lavender Festival in neighbouring Velo Grablje occurs, which I sadly had to miss due to heavy rain showers and thunder.

13. Enjoy the ultimate summer afternoon at Konobo Mustaco

Tucked away on Pokonji Dol – one of my favourite Hvar beaches – is Konobo Mustaco, a buzzing beach restaurant that has everything for the ultimate summer getaway feeling.

This locally-run restaurant is an incredible place to sit at any time of day, yet it is most popular for beachside breaks, a late afternoon snack, and sunset drinks.

It is said that the best things in life are often pretty simple, so do as I did and order a plate of fresh watermelon and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of Hvar’s finest beaches.

But Mustaco isn’t only to seek shelter from the sizzling Mediterranean heat, it is also a great place to sample excellent traditional Dalmatian cuisine, especially for those who fancy freshly caught seafood.

On top of that, Mustaco has a large number of sunbeds for hire, perfect for those after an afternoon of swimming, tanning and relaxing.