Discover the charm of Stari Grad Hvar, Croatia’s oldest town. This travel guide covers how to get there, where to stay, best restaurants, hidden beaches, and top things to do in this peaceful island gem.
Tucked away in a quiet bay on Hvar Island’s northern coast, Stari Grad is a charming, sun-soaked town that feels like stepping into a living postcard. With stone alleyways draped in bougainvillea, Venetian-era architecture, and secret swimming spots, Stari Grad Hvar is the peaceful counterpart to the glitzy parties of Hvar Town.
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Whether you’re arriving with a ferry backpack in tow or planning a slow island escape, here’s your complete guide to falling in love with Stari Grad.
Discover the best of Hvar Island in our full guide
🏡 About Stari Grad
One of Europe’s oldest towns wrapped in olive groves, history, and Adriatic calm
Tucked into a deep, protected cove on the north coast of Hvar Island, Stari Grad is where ancient history and peaceful island life beautifully collide. Surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain (Hora/Ager) — a fertile patchwork of olive trees, vineyards, and lavender fields — this little town has been a sanctuary for travelers and traders for over 2,400 years.
Founded in 384 BC by the ancient Greeks, Stari Grad (meaning “Old Town”) is one of the oldest towns in Europe. Back then, it was known as Pharos, and traces of that classical past are still visible today — from stone ruins to centuries-old agricultural traditions that continue in the surrounding polje (field).
Wander through its quiet stone streets, and you’ll pass Venetian palaces, medieval churches, and cozy homes with ivy-covered shutters. The waterfront promenade is lined with small fishing boats and sailboats, while the heart of town hums gently with cafés, konobas, and the scent of grilled fish.
Just a few kilometers from the Stari Grad Ferry Port, it’s the main gateway for car ferries arriving from Split, yet the town itself remains unspoiled and uncrowded — a rare gem on an island known for its summer buzz.
🌿 Why people love Stari Grad
- It’s a calm alternative to Hvar Town with just as much charm
- You’re surrounded by nature yet steps away from art, music, and local life
- Its rich cultural heritage invites you to slow down, explore, and connect
How to Get to Stari Grad Hvar
Getting to Stari Grad is surprisingly easy. Most travelers arrive via the ferry from Split to Stari Grad, which takes about 2 hours with Jadrolinija or TP Line.
- 🚢 Foot passenger fare: approx. €6–€8 one way
- 🚗 Car + driver fare: approx. €30–€40 one way
- ⛴️ Ferries run multiple times daily during summer
The car ferry docks directly at Stari Grad Port, about a 20-minute scenic walk (or a quick €7–€10 taxi ride) from the Old Town.
🛥️ Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (July–August) and arrive early to secure a good seat on the open deck!
Once you’re in town, everything is walkable — but for exploring beaches or the Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO), renting a bike or scooter is ideal:
🛵 Scooter rental (50cc): from €25–€35/day
🚲 Bike rental: from €10/day
🌅 What to See & Do in Stari Grad
Despite its tranquil vibe and small-town size, Stari Grad Hvar is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and simple, soul-soothing moments. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just here to soak in the Adriatic magic, there’s plenty to keep you enchanted.
Explore the Old Town
Get lost in a maze of cobbled lanes, pastel-shuttered windows, and cascading bougainvillea. The Old Town of Stari Grad feels like a preserved chapter from another time — quiet, authentic, and impossibly pretty.
Don’t miss:
- Tvrdalj Castle (Tvrdalj Hektorović) – The 16th-century summer residence of Croatian poet Petar Hektorović. Behind its solid stone façade lies a peaceful courtyard with a fish pond, arcaded terraces, and philosophical Latin inscriptions carved in stone. A serene place to pause and reflect.
💶 Entrance fee: approx. €5 per person
📍 Location: Just a few steps from the town square
Extra charm: Watch for local cats lounging on warm stones and laundry fluttering between alleyways — it’s everyday Dalmatian life at its finest.
🚲 Cycle the Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO)
Just beyond the town lies the Stari Grad Plain, known locally as Hora or Ager, a remarkable example of ancient Greek land division that dates back to 384 BC. This fertile plain is still cultivated today, using traditional methods.
🚴♀️ Best way to explore: Rent a bike (from €10/day) or take a guided cycling tour. You’ll ride between dry stone walls, lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards, with butterflies dancing around you and the scent of rosemary in the air.
Optional stops:
- Wine tasting at local konobas
- Lavender farms in bloom (June & early July)
- Church of St. Rok and ancient ruins
💡 Tip: Bring water, sun protection, and stop for a picnic among the olive trees.
🛍️ Visit Local Artisans & Shops
Stari Grad has an ever-growing collection of local makers and creative shops, perfect for picking up a meaningful souvenir.
Look out for:
- Lavender products – essential oils, soaps, dried sachets
- Handmade ceramics – cups, bowls, and Hvar-inspired tiles
- Local olive oil & fig jam – delicious and easy to pack
- Boutique jewelry – often made from Adriatic coral or sea glass
- Art galleries – with watercolors, photography, and seascapes
🛒 Best time to shop: Late afternoon or after dinner when shops reopen and the streets are bathed in golden light.
🎁 Tip: Support small studios instead of souvenir stalls — you’ll find more unique, high-quality gifts, and support the island’s artisans directly.
Where to Stay in Stari Grad
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or chasing boutique charm, Stari Grad Hvar has no shortage of cozy and character-filled places to stay. Think rustic stone houses, blooming gardens, and terraces made for sipping morning coffee under the sun.
Here are some standout options to suit different budgets:
🌅 Villa Apollon
A stylish, modern stay just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town, Villa Apollon offers elegant apartments with private terraces and a shared outdoor pool. It’s perfect for couples or digital nomads seeking calm and comfort with sunset views over the hills.
💶 Prices: from €90–€140 per night (depending on season and apartment size)
🏛 Heritage Villa Apolon
Set inside a 19th-century building right on the harbor, this boutique villa blends historic charm with luxurious touches. Expect four-poster beds, antique décor, and fine dining downstairs. Ideal for honeymooners or anyone treating themselves.
💶 Prices: from €160–€220 per night including breakfast
🌿 Guesthouse Sunčica
A budget-friendly, family-run guesthouse nestled in a quiet street, with spacious rooms, a garden for relaxing, and the warmest local hospitality. Just a short stroll to the center and harbor.
💶 Prices: from €50–€75 per night
🏡 Airbnbs & Local Apartments
There are dozens of adorable Airbnb stays and private apartments scattered across the town and surrounding hills. Most come with kitchenettes, sea views, and traditional stone façades. Look for places near the harbor for walkable convenience or up in the olive groves for a peaceful retreat.
💶 Prices: from €60–€130 per night, depending on location and amenities
💡 Planning Tip: July and August are peak season, so book at least 2–3 months in advance if you’re after one of the charming heritage or sea-view stays. For shoulder season (May, June, or September), you’ll find better availability and rates.
🍴 Where to Eat in Stari Grad
The food scene in Stari Grad Hvar is a dreamy mix of traditional Dalmatian flavors and modern Mediterranean creativity, all served in charming settings — from vine-covered courtyards to harborfront terraces. Whether you’re craving grilled seafood, vegan bites, or homemade pasta, this town has something to delight your taste buds.
Here are some top places to eat in Stari Grad:
🐟 Kod Damira
A local gem tucked into a quiet alley, Kod Damira is all about warm hospitality and authentic island cooking. Try the gregada (a local fish stew with potatoes and garlic) or octopus under the peka (slow-cooked under an iron bell). Pair it with house wine and soak in the cozy, no-frills atmosphere.
💶 Price range: €15–€25 per main
🌿 Good for: Traditional food lovers, slow dinners
🐠 Jurin Podrum
Set in a charming stone courtyard, Jurin Podrum is a favorite among both locals and in-the-know travelers. Their catch of the day grilled whole, served with blitva (chard and potato), is unforgettable. House wine flows freely, and the setting is made for long, lazy meals.
💶 Price range: €12–€20 per main
🍷 Good for: Fresh seafood and budget-friendly wines
🌊 Blue Doors Restaurant
As the name suggests, this photogenic spot sits right on the waterfront, with tables overlooking bobbing boats in the marina. Expect a seafood-forward menu with dishes like black risotto, shrimp tagliatelle, and stuffed calamari. Come at sunset for dreamy views.
💶 Price range: €15–€28 per main
📸 Good for: Romantic harbor dinners, Instagrammable views
🌱 Fig Café Bar
This bright, boho café offers a creative twist on island cuisine, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Think banana French toast, pulled pork burritos, and fresh smoothies. Also a great breakfast or brunch spot with quality coffee.
💶 Price range: €8–€14 per dish
🌞 Good for: Brunch, plant-based meals, digital nomads
🍷 Antika
Housed in a 400-year-old stone home, Antika is as atmospheric as it gets. The candlelit interiors, romantic rooftop terrace, and fine wine list make it a favorite for couples. Dishes include lobster pasta, beef carpaccio, and local truffle gnocchi.
💶 Price range: €18–€35 per main
💫 Good for: Date night, special occasions
🍨 Bonus Treat: Lavender Gelato at Mola Podloža
You have to try lavender-flavored gelato, a Hvar signature! Mola Podloža, right by the harbor, is a sweet little gelateria serving both local flavors and the classics. It’s the perfect afternoon treat after a swim or evening walk.
💶 Price: Around €2 per scoop
💜 Good for: Dessert lovers, lavender fans
🌙 Nightlife in Stari Grad
Forget the wild beach parties of Hvar Town — nightlife in Stari Grad is about slow living, stargazing, and quiet conversations over a glass of wine. As the sun dips behind the hills and the harbor lights begin to twinkle, the town takes on a new kind of magic.
Expect low-key bars, candlelit courtyards, and the soft sound of laughter drifting through stone alleys. Whether you’re ending your day with a local Plavac Mali, or strolling the promenade with gelato in hand, evenings in Stari Grad are effortlessly enchanting.
✨ Try:
- Lampedusa Bar – Chilled cocktails and sunset views right by the sea.
- Wine Bar Hora – Perfect for sampling local Plavac Mali wines and charcuterie.
- Dalmatino Bar – A cozy tavern for rakija and live acoustic music.
The vibe? Romantic, slow, and intimate.
Beaches Around Stari Grad
Tranquil swims, pine-fringed shores, and secret coves
While Hvar Town might steal the spotlight with its party beaches, Stari Grad quietly offers some of the most serene and scenic beaches on the island. Surrounded by pine forests, olive groves, and crystal-clear Adriatic water, these beaches are ideal for lazy sunbathing, peaceful swims, and slow summer days.
Here are the best beaches near Stari Grad, perfect for a relaxed island escape:
🌲 Zavala Beach (walkable)
A short walk or cycle from town, Zavala is a tranquil beach surrounded by pine trees and rosemary bushes, offering both sun and natural shade. It’s mostly pebbly with large flat stones perfect for sunbathing, and the water is impossibly clear.
🧺 Bring: A towel, water shoes, and a picnic
💶 Access: Free, 15–20 minutes’ walk from the town center
🌞 Best for: Quiet sunbathing and reading under the trees
🫧 Maslinica Beach
Located near the ferry port, Maslinica is a family-friendly bay with shallow, turquoise waters ideal for kids and non-swimmers. It has a mix of pebble and sandy areas, sun loungers for rent, and a nearby café for cold drinks and ice cream.
🚸 Good to know: There’s a small beach bar and shade from nearby trees
💶 Sunbed rental: Around €5–€7 per day
👨👩👧👦 Best for: Families, easy access, shade and facilities
🛶 Tiha Bay (bike or scooter recommended)
Just a short ride away, Tiha Bay is a string of secluded coves and rocky beaches, ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowds. The coves are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling, with calm waters and incredible marine life.
🛵 Access: 10–15 minutes by scooter or bike from Stari Grad
🏝️ Best for: Privacy, adventure, and crystal-clear snorkeling
🚤 Bonus: Boat Day to Pakleni Islands
If you’re up for more exploration, rent a small boat or book a half-day tour from Stari Grad and head toward the Pakleni Islands or hidden coves along Hvar’s northern coast. You’ll discover deserted beaches, dramatic cliffs, and caves — most only accessible by sea.
💶 Boat rental: From €80–€150/day, depending on size (license often required)
🌊 Best for: Couples, photographers, and off-the-beaten-path adventurers
💡 Local tip: Most beaches are pebble or rocky, so bring water shoes and a good beach mat. You won’t find wild beach clubs here — just the sound of cicadas, salty air, and the occasional passing boat.
🧭 Planning Tips
✔️ Visit in late May to early October for warm weather and vibrant town life
✔️ Cash is handy – many small cafés and shops don’t take cards
✔️ Pack water shoes – pebbly beaches can be slippery
✔️ Spend at least 2–3 days here to truly unwind
✔️ Combine your visit with a few days in Hvar Town or a full Hvar Island road trip
❤️ Why You’ll Love Stari Grad Hvar
Stari Grad is the kind of place that slows you down in the best way. You’ll find yourself sipping wine by the sea, wandering with no agenda, and soaking up the charm of one of Croatia’s oldest towns. It’s authentic, beautiful, and effortlessly romantic.
If you’re looking for a quiet slice of island life with culture, nature, and Adriatic sunshine, Stari Grad Hvar should be at the top of your travel list.
