Island in Split-Dalmatia, Croatia
Hvar
Dalmatian island with lavender fields, a Venetian harbour town and a glamorous party scene in summer. Beautiful and easy to reach by ferry; expensive, crowded in July–August and very quiet in winter.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,150–5,060Comfortable, one person · €2,800–4,500Details
- Value for money7/100Better value than 6% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, SepWarmest: Aug, 27°CDetails
- Internet93 MbpsFixed broadband, Croatia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe; summer shortages sometimes interrupt supply, so keep bottled water on hand.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCatamaran from Split to Hvar TownWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted in nearly all restaurants and clubs; carry cash for island buses, taxi boats and village konobas.Details
Where to stay in Hvar
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hvar Town | Harbour, bars, beach clubs and the Spanjola fortress |
| Stari Grad | Quieter UNESCO town with the ferry port and cheaper rooms |
| Jelsa and Vrboska | Calm villages, family beaches, lower prices |
Apps that work in Hvar
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Jadrolinija: Ferry and catamaran tickets and timetables
- FlixBus: Intercity and international bus tickets
- Taxis: No ride apps; taxis are few and pricey, and book out in summer. Ask your host to reserve transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Croatia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted in nearly all restaurants and clubs; carry cash for island buses, taxi boats and village konobas.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Avoid standalone Euronet ATMs with high fees; use bank ATMs and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: round up or leave about 10% for good restaurant service, ideally in cash so staff get it.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted, which is nearly everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES on entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Your accommodation must register you with police within 48 hours; hotels do it. Staying privately, register at a police station.
Emergency numbers
Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. Prepaid SIMs are sold in operator shops and Tisak kiosks; about €10–20 buys a month of generous data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Croatia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.