9 Best things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia
Stari Grad is Hvar Island’s sleepy ancient seaside town. Stonewashed laneways and a UNESCO-listed site are a world away from the glitzy zeal of Hvar Town. A place to relax and unwind, explore the unassuming charm with this guide to the best things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar.
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Stari Grad is Hvar Island’s ancient city. A sleepy seaside town hidden in the north of the island away from the beach clubs of Hvar Town, it’s the perfect place to unwind surrounded by the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the Stari Grad Plain.
Set at the end of a deep inlet, Stari Grad was built by Greek settlers who crafted postcard-perfect scenes of stone-washed laneways, intricate squares, and bougainvillaea-draped balconies dating back to 384 BC. Impressively, the Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the preservation of the Ancient Greek field division system, which is now home to a patchwork of vineyards and lavender fields.
An ideal escape for those in search of a quiet yet equally charming stay in Croatia, the history, unassuming allure, and splendid beaches of Stari Grad make it one of the best places to stay on Hvar Island.
Despite its compact layout, the idyllic landscapes and inescapable beauty of this pocket of Hvar provide plenty of things to do in Stari Grad. So, if you’re wondering what to do with your days in Hvar’s oldest town, here’s my guide to the best things to do in Stari Grad.
1 | Stroll along Stari Grad’s stunning Riva
The palm-fringed promenade of the Stari Grad Riva stretches along the inlet which Stari Grad sits at the end of. Passing by Venetian Renaissance buildings, energetic eateries, and ice cream parlours, you’ll find yourself centring your time in Stari Grad here. Bobbing gently in the azure waters of the inlet, boats kiss the docking stations under the bright midday sun.
Unlike the waterfront of Hvar Town, Stari Grad’s Riva is peaceful. Swap beach bars and clubs for aperitifs at sunset and wholesome local cuisine. And, if you fancy cooling off, head on over to the beach at the end of the promenade.
2 | Wander the stone laneways
The washed-stone warren of laneways that connect the historic churches and delectable restaurants of Stari Grad is one of the most appealing things about this rustic seaside town. Where bougainvillaea and orange trumpets cascade over iron balconies, vintage wooden carts rest in quiet corners, and stone-crafted archways unfold into beautiful town squares, the Venetian laneways of Stari Grad are one of the biggest drawcards. Best of all, wandering the streets is completely free!
While I prefer to allow myself the fortune of getting ‘lost’ and happening upon beautiful places, there are a few streets of note you shouldn’t miss during your visit; Skor Square is one of the most alluring of all in Stari Grad, complete with staircases overflowing with blossoming vines.
Srinjo Kola is one of the oldest in stari Grad dating back to early settlements, and one you’re sure to come across in your travels around town. Now lined with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores, this is one of the busiest streets but by no means any less charming.
Vagnoj ul. breaks away from Srinjo Kola and contrasts the stone lane with a lick of blush-pink paint and golden-glowing lamps at Konoba Pharia. Like much of Stari Grad, turning down streets and meandering without too much of a plan can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore.
Ul. Ivana Gundulića gently sweeps away from the Riva in toward the centre of town. Luscious vines overflow stone walls, bright yellow window shutters contrast fuschia bougainvillea, and a church tower neatly peaks above a stone arch at the end of the street.
3 | Go swimming at Oslic Beach
Traversing the ancient streets of Stari Grad in the heat of summer can leave you looking for somewhere to cool down with a quick dip. Perched at the end of town, Oslic Beach is the closest and most accessible beach in Stari Grad.
While Oslic Beach won’t rival some of Hvar’s top coastal hotspots, it’s an ideal place to escape the midday heat. A concrete platform and pebbled beach ease you into the beautiful waters of the Adriatic, also providing the perfect place for a picnic lunch - just BYO snacks and drinks as there aren’t any shops at this residential end of town.
There are some change stations near the beach too, so no need to do that awkward towel dance!
4 | Explore Stari Grad history at Petar Hektorovic Fortress (Trvdalj castle)
Built in the 16th-century, Trvdalj was the summer house of aristocratic Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic. Quite unassuming from the square outside, step through a covered stone entry room and discover a garden brimming with verdant greenery.
The centrepiece is a sea-water fish pool encased in a stone enclosure complete with arched windows and creeping vines. Beyond the terraces, a garden full of blooming flowers and the occasional grape vine fill the space. A pleasant surprise, Trvdalj Place is well worth a visit when in Star Grad.
5 | Discover the town’s many churches
Stari Grad has a surprising number of churches despite its small size. The most notable of which is St Stephen’s Church set within the square of the same name and the first cathedral on Hvar island. The baroque building began construction in 1605 by locals, and the interior altars and altar paintings were decorated by Venetian artists.
Other noteworthy churches include St John’s Church, a 5th-century Christian church with figural mosaics, St Lucy’s Church which was once a former women’s Dominican Convent, and St Rocco’s Church located close to Trvdalj which hosts a festival on 16th August every year.
6 | Stop in at the Stari Grad Museum
With a long history, there’s little surprise that this seaside town has a museum dedicated to all things Stari Grad. Housed in the 19th-century Neo-Renaissance palace that was once home to the Biankini Brothers dating back to 1896, the Stari Grad museum hosts a curated collection of exhibits exploring the town’s history.
Here, you can uncover archaeological collections dating back 6,000 years, with the most popular attraction the Roman merchant ship’s cargo that shipwrecked in the 4th century AD, full of amphora on its journey from North Africa.
In the garden, you’ll find a century-old Deodar Cedar tree dating back to the same period as the palace grounds. From here, make your way towards the Gelineo Barvaldi which showcases treasures from prestige figures from the 18th and 19th centuries to round out your visit.
7 | Soak up the beauty of Trg Škor
At the heart of Stari Grad, Trg Škor is by far one of the most stunning places in town. The baroque square was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, formerly a shipyard, and home to nobles and later the working class.
Ancient stone villas and renaissance architecture frame the enclosed square with iconic roof windows, known as luminari. Dalmatian stone terraces with staircases dressed in overflowing foliage add to the appeal of this handsome corner of Stari Grad.
8 | Hike Up Glavica Hill
If viewpoints are your thing, Glavica Hill is the one for you then. The highest point in Stari Grad, Galvica Hilla sits at an elevation of 111m, making it easy enough to reach without making for a strenuous hike.
From here you can gaze across the Stari Grad Plain and over to the neighbouring island of Brac. To reach the top, make the 20-minute walk through Mediterranean pine forests which will shade you from the midday sun and it smells divine.
Head here for sunset and you won’t be disappointed. Grab a sundowner and make your way up to watch the light transform over the landscape.
9 | Sample wine and olive oil at Hora Farm
You can’t come to Croatia without sampling the local produce. Here in Stari Grad, that means flavoursome olive oil and delicate wines.
Sample Hvar’s local drop made from exclusive grapes indigenous to the sunny isle at Hora Farm and Restaurant. Set among fields of lavender blooms and grape vines on the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain, the vineyard continues its wine-making legacy dating back to the ancient Greeks.
If you’d prefer more than just a sample, you can pre-order a Dalmatian feast for lunch the day before, with plenty of locally sourced meats and veg to be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the vineyard and fragrant lavender fields.
Where is Stari Grad, Hvar?
Stari Grad is located on the north side of Hvar Island, Croatia. Set among the stunning Adriatic Sea, Stari Grad, Hvar is set off the famous Dalmatian Coast.
Originally known under the name of Pharos, Stari Grad is the oldest town in Croatia, dating back to 384 BC when the Greeks travelled from Paros to the island now known as Hvar.
How to get to Stari Grad?
Stari Grad is located on the island of Hvar just off the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, there are several ways to reach this charming old town that offers a quieter alternative to Hvar Town, the island’s well-known party town (read the guide here). Depending on where you are travelling from and whether you are with a car.
How do I get to Stari Grad from Hvar Town?
If you’re already based in Hvar Town, it’s easy to reach Stari Grad by car or bus. As one of the most popular routes for visitors on Hvar Island, buses run between Hvar Town and Stari Grad every 2-3 hours between the bus stations in each town.
Hvar Town to Stari Grad by bus
In Hvar Town, the bus station is located just past St Stephen’s Cathedral near the Kozum. The Stari Grad bus station is located just on the outskirts of town near the Studenac supermarket.
The bus journey between Hvar Town and Stari Grad takes approximately 30-40 minutes, and the Stari Grad Port stop is just 20 mins from Hvar Town.
It’s important to note not to alight the bus at Stari Grad Port if you’re hoping to explore the town, as it’s not a walkable distance between the two locations. Instead, stay on the bus until you reach the bus station in Stari Grad near the outskirts of town.
Hvar Town to Stari Grad by car
You have a few options when driving from Hvar Town to Stari Grad, but if you want to make the most of your time at your destination, then the quicker route via the new highway cuts a journey through the mountainous interior of Hvar Island using a tunnel that is carved into the limestone hills. Fast and easy, it’s just a 20-minute drive between the two towns.
How do I get to Stari Grad from Split?
Split is a major hub for those wanting to visit the islands along the Dalmatian Coast. It is also a key airport in Croatia servicing flights to destinations across Europe. If you’re staying in Stari Grad or arriving by car, the best way to reach Stari Grad is to use the ferry from Split to Stari Grad on Hvar Island.
The ferry from Split to Stari Grad, Hvar Island takes approximately two hours. Bringing you to the Stari Grad Port, you will be a short 10-minute drive from the Old Town. The journey to Hvar is best taken from the coastal city of Split, as this is the quickest route. Prices vary depending on the season and generally start from €8.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Stari Grad, Hvar Island?
Hvar Island is located closer to Split than Dubrovnik, however, Stari Grad can be reached from Dubrovnik. If you do plan on travelling from Dubrovnik to Stari Grad, there is a ferry that takes around three hours. You can find the timetable for the ferries here.
If you do plan on travelling from Dubrovnik to Stari Grad, stops at islands along the route including Korcula and Mljet are worth a few days to explore. Why not discover the unique Grk wine made from an indigenous grape in Lumbarda Korcula with a day of wine tasting and white sand beaches? Read the guide here.
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When is the best time to visit Stari Grad, Hvar?
Croatia’s mild climate and the year-round sunshine on Hvar Island make it an excellent destination for much of the year. The peak summer months of July and August experience a surge in tourists and prices, which can be less than ideal for a lot of travellers.
If you’re looking to enjoy a little peace and quiet with the opportunity to visit plenty of local restaurants and local attractions, the shoulder seasons from May-June and September to early October are the best time of year to visit Stari Grad. The weather at this time of year is pleasant, and most facilities are open, but you can skip the busiest season. If you’re a big fan of some beach time but prefer warmer water temps, head over after August to enjoy balmy temperatures.
If you travel between late October – April, you may find yourself harder pressed for accommodation and dining options, as the islands operate on a summer tourism schedule.
Is Stari Grad or Hvar Town better?
Stari Grad and Hvar Town are both excellent holiday locations. The choice of which destination is better for you to stay comes down to your travel style and personal preferences.
If you’d rather be where the action is, head to a beach club or two, and have plenty of choices for dining and activities, then Hvar Town might well be the best fit for you. Check out my recommendations for the best things to do in Hvar town for more ideas.
However, if relaxation and a quieter place to unwind are what you’re looking for, Stari Grad helps you escape the parties and crowds that Hvar Town attracts, giving you more space and time to enjoy this historic port town.
