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Hvar

Hvar is the glamorous one — sun-drenched, lavender-scented, and famous for having more sunny days than almost anywhere else in Europe. The harbor fills with everything from small fishing boats to superyachts, all set against a hillside crowned by the Fortica fortress, where a cannon still looks out over the bay and the view stretches across the Pakleni Islands. The old town below is a warren of stone stairways, flower-draped balconies, and alleys that end unexpectedly in a restaurant terrace or a view of St. Stephen's bell tower. Hvar rewards early risers and night owls alike — quiet harbor light at sunrise before the crowds arrive, and yachts glowing against the dark water after dinner. In between, there's a good local brewery, dinner tucked into a hillside alley, and enough stone steps and bougainvillea to make every walk photogenic. It's polished without losing its charm — equal parts postcard island and genuinely lived-in Dalmatian town.

The Franciscan Monastery church and bell tower in Hvar — Franciscan Monastery church

View over Hvar's harbor and the Pakleni Islands from the Fortica — View from the Fortica

A cannon at Fortica fortress overlooking the Pakleni Islands — Cannon at the Fortica

St. Stephen's Cathedral bell tower rising above Hvar's rooftops — St. Stephen's Cathedral bell tower

Two beers from Hvar Brewing Co. on a harborside table — Hvar Brewing

Hvar harbor at quiet sunrise before the crowds arrive — Quiet harbor at sunrise

Red rowboat catching first light on the water — First light on the water

Bougainvillea draped over stone steps leading to a restaurant terrace — Stone steps and bougainvillea

Candlelit dinner table set at Giaxa restaurant in Hvar — Alley dinner at Giaxa

Superyachts lit up in Hvar's harbor at night — Yachts at night

← 2026 Croatia