Hvar
Stari Grad
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The oldest continuously-inhabited town in Croatia — Greek-Roman bones, no superyachts.
Founded by Greeks in 384 BC as Pharos, Stari Grad sits on the long sheltered bay on the north coast. The harbour is calmer than Hvar Town in every sense — fishing boats outnumber yachts, restaurants close at 23:00 and the UNESCO Stari Grad Plain (still farmed on Greek field boundaries) stretches inland. Catamaran to Split docks here.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑UNESCO Stari Grad Plain on the doorstep
- ↑Catamaran direct to Split — easier transit than Hvar Town
- ↑Real-village feel with year-round residents
What you sacrifice
- ↓25-minute drive to Hvar Town nightlife
- ↓No big beach in town itself (small pebble coves only)
Best for
Avoid if
Other Hvar neighbourhoods
Central-island family town — pine-shaded coves, calm harbour, half the price of Hvar Town.
The Venetian-walled party capital — Carpe Diem, superyachts and the most expensive square in Croatia.
The famous horn-shaped beach is technically on Brač — 25 minutes by boat from Jelsa.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Hvar →