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.
Written by local enthusiast for Hvar Island hostels
