Is it worth staying in Hvar Town or elsewhere on the island?

Hvar Town is the most atmospheric and convenient for beaches (Pakleni Islands) and nightlife. Stari Grad is quieter and more local. Jelsa offers the best compromise - local feel with regular bus connections to Hvar Town.

What are hotel prices like in Hvar?

In July–August, Hvar Town hotels typically run €150–300+ per double. Stari Grad and Jelsa are €80–160. Prices drop 40–60% in May–June and September, which are the best value months.

Do I need to book Hvar accommodation far in advance?

For July and August, yes - 3–4 months ahead for good Hvar Town options. May, June, and September can often be booked 2–4 weeks out. Stari Grad and Jelsa have more inventory and less urgency.

Where to Stay in Hvar | The Balkan Guide

Hvar island has three main places to base yourself - Hvar Town (fashionable and harbourfront), Stari Grad (quieter and more local), and Jelsa (the compromise). The island also has a strong private villa and apartment rental market for longer stays. All prices in euros (€).

Hvar Town - most atmospheric, most expensive

Hvar Town is where the ferry dock, the Riva café strip, the fortress, and the nightlife are concentrated. Staying here puts you within walking distance of everything but means the highest prices and most crowds.

For: Couples, first-timers, beach club visitors, those prioritising convenience.

Price range (high season): €150–300+ per double; budget options €100–140. Prices are significantly lower in May–June and September.

Hotel Amfora A large 4-star hotel on the waterfront west of the Old Town, with an impressive cascading pool system. One of the best pool setups on the island; shuttle boats to the Pakleni Islands.

Price: €180–300+

Hotel Park A well-established hotel above the town with sea views and a pool. Good option for those who want facilities without the party-district location.

Price: €160–260+

Hotel Palace On the Riva, directly facing the harbour - the most central location. Rooms vary; those facing the harbour are the most appealing.

Price: €150–240+

Hotel Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Right on the harbourfront, styled for the yacht-crowd market. One of the most recognisable properties in Hvar Town.

Price: €200–350+

Boutique guesthouses and apartments - Hvar Town Old Town Many private apartments and small guesthouses operate in the lanes around the cathedral and fortress. Typically €100–180 per night in high season; best booked on standard platforms well in advance.

Stari Grad - quiet and local

Stari Grad (20 minutes by bus from Hvar Town, approx. €3) is where the car ferry from Split arrives. It’s the island’s oldest settlement and has a genuinely local feel - fewer tourists, quieter streets, and lower prices. Good base for walking the Stari Grad Plain and exploring the island’s interior.

For: Travellers who want a quieter stay, those with a car, history and landscape enthusiasts.

Price range: €80–160 per double in high season.

Hotel Helios A mid-range hotel on the seafront at Stari Grad - one of the main hotel options in the town. Pool and beach access.

Price: €100–160

Apartments in Stari Grad Old Town Small guesthouses and private apartments in the lanes around the main square - typically €70–120 per night. Good value compared to Hvar Town.

Jelsa - the local compromise

Jelsa is a small fishing harbour in the centre of the island’s north coast, halfway between Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Regular buses connect it to both. It has a more local feel than Hvar Town, some good restaurants, and the nearby beaches (including Gdinj on the south coast) are less crowded.

For: Families, longer stays, those who want a local feel with access to the whole island.

Price range: €80–150 per double in high season.

Hotel Hvar (Jelsa) A solid mid-range option in Jelsa with a pool and sea views.

Price: €100–150

Private apartments and villas around Jelsa The best value for 5+ night stays - apartments from €70–120 per night, villas sleeping 6–10 from €200–400 per night.

Villa rentals across the island

Hvar has a significant private villa market in the interior and on the south coast - particularly around Gdinj, Bogomolje, and Sućuraj. Private villas typically have pools and sea views and sleep 6–12 people.

Price range: €300–800+ per night depending on size and location
Best for: Groups, families, 7+ night stays

Area comparison

Area	Atmosphere	Price range	Best for
Hvar Town	Fashionable, busy	€150–350+	Short stays, nightlife
Stari Grad	Quiet, local	€80–160	History, longer stays
Jelsa	Local, central	€80–150	Families, balance
South coast villas	Remote, private	€200–800+	Groups, luxury

Practical notes

Book early for summer: Hvar Town properties fill by February–March for July–August
Cars: Not necessary if staying in Hvar Town and using taxi boats + bus; useful for Stari Grad and Jelsa bases
Parking in Hvar Town: Limited and expensive; car ferry passengers arriving at Stari Grad park there and bus to town

Where to Stay in Hvar 2026: Hvar Town, Stari Grad & Jelsa