This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hvar Island.
The magnificent Hvar Island is one of the main touristic places in Croatia and the amazing and crowded nightlife is the main reason why so many tourists arrive here -- although, the rocky beaches along the island are also full during the daytime. This makes Hvar a perfect place for those who like to relax during the day drinking a few mojitos on the beach and save -- or recover -- energies to party all night long. Expect a lot of people in summer and higher prices than in the rest of the country. The city has a nice harbour, full of private yachts that during the night transform into floating discos for private parties. For the best view of the island, you must walk to the top of the main mountain, right in the centre of the island -- a thirty-minute walk -- to the fortress that once was an important defense point of Croatia's coast.
The best way to arrive will be in one of the big ferries that cross Croatia's coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik. Most of them make a stop in Hvar -- notice that a trip from Rijeka to Dubrovnik is about eighteen hours in a completely crowded ferry, without any space for you to sleep. If you want to travel along the coast, there are also a few bus companies that can make your way to Hvar, be sure that you stop in Split and than catch a small ferry to Hvar.
There are a few hostels in Hvar, but if you fail to book in advance, you'll have to negotiate something with locals when you arrive (usually the English is poor). Always try to select a hostel near the coast, as this is the best way for you to enjoy the rocky beaches and the nightlife. The hostels far from the coast are sometimes cheaper, but sometimes there are problems with the supply of tap water and for a few pennies you'll be better near the coast.
Stari Grad
Stari Grad, a small, tranquil town situated on Hvar Island in Croatia, is only two kilometers from the main port, where ferries operate between the island and Croatia's mainland. There are many facilities located in the town, including a supermarket, post office, tourist agencies, and boat rental stores.
The town is located on the coast, next to a small harbour and a pebble beach, and is surrounded by agriculture, including many vineyards. The cobbled-street town also has a town square, which is home to many good cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops, many which offer free Wi-Fi. Stari Grad is a great place to base yourself to explore the rest of the island; Hvar Town is only fifteen kilometers away and Jelsa is only nine kilometers away. There are also many hiking and bike trails nearby.
There are a number of accommodation options available in Stari Grad, including many cheap guesthouses, most with a view of the small harbour, hotels and of course Stari Grad hostels. There is also a campground in the town, however it is worth checking before arriving as the campground closes in the low season (October through May).
Hostels in Stari Grad are a great budget option, especially if you are traveling solo. Most Stari Grad hostels do not include breakfast, however they do include free Wi-Fi and linen and towels, and usually have a communal kitchen and information about activities on the island. Most Stari Grad hostel staff speak good English, however a few words of Croatian are always appreciated. If you are traveling as a couple, sometimes a double room in a guesthouse is cheaper than a dorm room in a Stari Grad hostel.
Written by local enthusiast for Hvar Island hostels
CoffeeMarks
