Hvar is sometimes called Croatian St. Tropez, has won many awards and is often included among the best European destinations. Among other things, it held the title of the best island in Europe as chosen by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine, and the latest recognition came from Forbes magazine, which placed Hvar on first place in the list of European islands which are worth visiting in 2024.
Hvar is an excellent destination to visit all year round, but summer and Hvar are two words that always go hand in hand. We like to point out that Hvar is the sunniest Croatian island with 2700 hours of sunshine a year, and one of the natural features are purple fields of lavender that bloom in summer.
But what Hvar is most famous for are its beautiful beaches. Choose between modern swimming pools, pebble beaches carved by the sea or the wild beauty of rocks hidden under pine branches.
1. The most popular beach on Hvar
Bonj beach located in a small cove in the immediate vicinity of the town of Hvar and is the most popular beach on the island. It is decorated with turquoise blue and crystal clear sea, but also with the Blue Flag, which confirms the quality and purity of the water there. If, in addition to swimming on the beach, you also want good fun with real parties and activities on the water - this is the right place for you. Massages, parties and gastronomic offer are located in the vicinity of this beautiful beach, as well as the lifeguard service, showers, the possibility of renting sunbeds, umbrellas, pedal boats and catamarans, tennis courts and more. Lovers stronger doses of adrenaline will be found on Bonj in water skiing or panoramic parasailing.
Interesting fact: The British portal Timesonline.co.uk previously ranked Bonj beach in the 20 most beautiful beaches in Europe, and the Huffington Post website singled out Bonj beach and the island of Hvar as one of the best party destinations in the world.
2. Dubovica cove
Eight kilometers east of the town of Hvar, on the south coast of the island of Hvar, is the picturesque cove Dubovica, a picnic spot with a spacious pebble beach and an interesting undersea. Known for its long rural tradition, it offers a vacation away from the noise of the city with a view of the country house of the Kasandrić family from the 18th/19th century.
Dubovica is characterized by a large pebble beach protected from winds and beautiful underwater world. There is also a restaurant here, and you can reach the beach by boat, car or organized transport from the port of Hvar. It's Dubovica ideal for families with children i diving enthusiasts who can get to know the fascinating underwater world here.
/// Hvar bays - which do you think is the best for swimming?
3. Mlini Beach, Pakleni Islands
The island of Hvar, as an equal member of the world's tourist elite, is not the only advantage of the number of hours of sunshine per year, but also the archipelago that surrounds it - Pakleni otoci.
Although it seems so, the name has nothing to do with hell. Namely, this group of islands is also known as Paklinski otoci. They got their name from paklina, a type of pine resin, which was used in shipbuilding. As a consequence of the local dialect, the adjective of the word "hell" reads "pakleni", so the group is called Pakleni otoci.
A group of about twenty islets and cliffs hide beautiful bays and beaches. One of the most beautiful and romantic beaches, according to visitors, is Mlini beach. It's special favorite among young couples because of the turquoise blue color of the bay and the surrounding vegetation. The quality of the beach is enhanced by the restaurant, which, in addition to gastronomy, offers tourists the possibility of additional beach facilities. The beach is accessible by boat or on foot from the bay of Ždrilca.
4. A hidden beach for all romantics
"Hidden Treasure" - that's how they often call Mekićevica beach, located near the town of Hvar. Although it cannot be reached by car, but only by walking (it will take you about half an hour), believe me - it's worth it! This cove is surrounded by large rocks and turquoise clear sea without much facilities, although you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds.
Romantics after swimming, you can stop by for a romantic dinner with top Croatian wines and local cuisine specialties at a restaurant near the beach. Say this is not a dream day!
5. Another quiet bay – like a pirate's nest
At the foot of the small abandoned village of Zaraće, located at the top of a stone cliff, so that from the sea it looks like a pirate's nest, there is a deep bay with a spacious pebble beach. For underwater lovers, we highlight the very picturesque underwater landscapes in this part of Hvar.
At the bottom of that small village there are two deep bays with gravel pits, one facing east called Velo Zaraće and another facing west called A little Zaraće. The pebble beaches of Veli and Mali Zarać are closed by impressive stone cliffs, real beauties of nature.
6. For lovers of sandy beaches, there is Grebišće in Jelsa
Grebišće beach it is often reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island Hvar, and is located near a tourist resort Jelsa, about 1500 meters from Jelsa, below the camp of the same name. It is ideal for families with children because the sea is shallow and the bottom is covered fine sand, and you will also find shade thanks to the wonderful pine forest.
There you can lie back in a lounger and rest your mind and body with a view of the turquoise sea, or have fun and recreation with outdoor sports - billiards, volleyball, tennis...
7. Palmižana – one of the most popular places on the Adriatic
The oldest Hvar resort and one of the 10 most beautiful tourist destinations on the Adriatic, it is known for its beautiful beach, excellent restaurants and lounge bars. Palmižana beach is located on the island of Klement, which it belongs to Hell's Islands.
Vinogradišće Bay on the southern side of the island is surrounded by a dense pine forest, and visitors are delighted with the scents of heather and rosemary, as well as many other exotic plants.
8. Beach chosen by Vogue
Private beach hotel Little Green Bay on Hvar has one of the most beautiful corners of the region. Framed by olive trees, the beach is lined with soft sunbeds, and hotel guests can make the most of the diving masks and paddleboards that the hotel offers.
A few years ago, Vogue made its list eight most beautiful Croatian beaches included exactly this private beach.
9. Mala Stiniva bay – a Mediterranean paradise
Near Jelsa on the island of Hvar, there is a small stone bay called Mala Stiniva. Original Mediterranean atmosphere, big rocks and peace - that's the simplest way to describe this bay, and the scene you'll see when you get there is even more beautiful than the picture you have in your imagination of it.
Without a crowd of people around, it is ideal for a romantic getaway from everyday life. The beach is easily accessible and can be reached by car, and there is a parking lot nearby.
Cover photo: Vinogradišće/ Hvar Tourist Board
