Where to Stay Hvar Island: Complete Location Guide

As Hvar's undisputed capital and main ferry port, Hvar Town represents the pinnacle of Mediterranean glamour. This UNESCO-protected harbor town offers the island's most prestigious villa addresses, where historic Venetian palaces have been transformed into exclusive private residences.

Villas in Hvar Town command premium positions overlooking the bustling harbor, with many featuring rooftop terraces that provide sweeping views of the Pakleni Islands. The town's compact medieval layout means your villa will be steps from Michelin-recommended restaurants, designer boutiques, and the legendary nightlife that attracts international celebrities and yacht owners.

The area excels for groups seeking convenience and social energy. Your villa becomes a luxurious retreat from the town's vibrant street life, while providing immediate access to cultural landmarks like the 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Spanish Fortress. Evening entertainment ranges from sophisticated wine bars to world-class clubs, all within walking distance.

However, Hvar Town's popularity brings challenges. Summer crowds can overwhelm the narrow streets, and villa prices reflect the premium location. Parking is extremely limited, making car rentals less practical. The constant ferry arrivals and nightlife create a bustling atmosphere that may not suit those seeking complete tranquility.

Croatia's oldest town, founded by the Greeks in 384 BC, Stari Grad offers a more sophisticated and culturally rich alternative to Hvar Town's party atmosphere. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides villa guests with an authentic taste of Mediterranean history while maintaining modern luxury standards.

Villas in Stari Grad often occupy restored 15th and 16th-century noble residences, featuring original stone architecture combined with contemporary amenities. The town's deep natural harbor accommodates superyachts, while the surrounding Stari Grad Plain – also UNESCO-protected – creates a stunning backdrop of ancient agricultural terraces and olive groves.

The area appeals to culturally-minded travelers who appreciate architectural heritage and gastronomic excellence. Stari Grad's restaurants focus on farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients from the historic plain, while local wineries offer private tastings in settings unchanged for centuries. The town's art galleries and cultural events provide enriching alternatives to beach activities.

Stari Grad's ferry connections to Split make it highly accessible for villa guests with cars, while the quieter atmosphere ensures a more relaxed vacation pace. The surrounding countryside offers excellent hiking and cycling opportunities through lavender fields and abandoned medieval villages like Malo Grablje.

Dubbed 'Little Venice' for its charming stone bridges spanning a narrow inlet, Vrboska represents Hvar's most romantic and secluded villa destination. This tiny fishing village, nestled in a deep bay surrounded by pine forests, offers ultimate privacy while maintaining easy access to the island's attractions.

Villas in Vrboska benefit from the area's unique geography – protected harbor locations with beach access and forest surroundings that ensure complete privacy. Many properties feature traditional Dalmatian architecture with modern luxury additions, including infinity pools overlooking the crystal-clear bay.

The village's intimate scale creates a community atmosphere rare in tourist destinations. Villa guests often develop relationships with local fishermen, visit family-owned restaurants, and explore the remarkable Church-Fortress of St. Mary of Grace – Croatia's most beautiful fortified church. The area's maritime heritage is preserved in the fascinating Fishermen's Museum.

Vrboska serves as an excellent base for exploring Hvar's northern coast, with pristine beaches and hidden coves accessible only by private boat. The village's position between Stari Grad (6km) and Jelsa (4km) provides access to larger towns while maintaining peaceful isolation. The surrounding pine forests offer excellent hiking and cycling trails.

Positioned on Hvar's central northern coast, Jelsa combines family-friendly amenities with sophisticated charm, making it ideal for multi-generational villa holidays. This picturesque town offers a perfect balance between activities and relaxation, with excellent infrastructure and beautiful beaches.

Villas in Jelsa often feature large gardens and family-oriented amenities, taking advantage of the town's spacious layout and gentle topography. Many properties offer direct beach access or short walks to the town's popular pebble beaches, while maintaining privacy through mature Mediterranean landscaping.

The town excels for families due to its comprehensive amenities: a large children's playground, open-air cinema, farmer's markets, and numerous gelato shops along the waterfront promenade. Jelsa's art galleries and cultural events provide entertainment for adults, while the calm bay waters are perfect for children's swimming and water sports.

Jelsa serves as Hvar's transportation hub for the northern islands, with regular ferry connections to Bol on Brač Island and Split. This connectivity makes it excellent for villa guests planning island-hopping adventures. The surrounding countryside offers family-friendly hiking trails and cycling routes through lavender fields and traditional villages.

Located east of Hvar Town in a stunning natural bay, Milna offers villa guests a perfect combination of proximity to the main town with peaceful, beach-focused living. This traditional Croatian village has maintained its authentic character while developing excellent villa accommodations.

Villas in Milna typically feature beachfront or bay-view locations, with many properties offering beach access and water sports equipment. The village's protected harbor provides calm swimming conditions, while the surrounding coastline hides numerous secluded coves accessible by foot or kayak.

The area appeals to active travelers and beach enthusiasts who want relaxation without isolation. Milna's restaurants specialize in fresh seafood caught by local fishermen, while the village market offers organic produce from nearby farms. The laid-back atmosphere encourages long lunches overlooking the bay and sunset dinners on villa terraces.

Milna's location makes it ideal for exploring Hvar's eastern regions, including the famous Dubovica Beach (considered among Croatia's most beautiful) and the wine villages of the island's interior. The village offers boat rentals and organized excursions to nearby islands, making it perfect for villa guests who love maritime activities.

Perched on Hvar's dramatic southern coastline beneath towering cliffs, Zavala offers villa guests an escape into Croatia's premier wine region. This small village, surrounded by terraced vineyards producing the famous Bogdanjuša white wine, provides a unique combination of viticultural heritage and pristine beaches.

Villas in Zavala benefit from spectacular cliff-top positions overlooking the open Adriatic, often featuring infinity pools that seem to merge with the horizon. The area's steep terrain creates dramatic villa sites with unparalleled sea views, while terraced gardens showcase the region's agricultural heritage.

The village specializes in wine tourism, with family-owned vineyards offering private tastings and tours. Villa guests can experience authentic Croatian winemaking traditions, from grape harvest participation to cellar dinners featuring local specialties. The surrounding landscape of lavender fields and rosemary terraces creates an aromatic paradise for nature lovers.

Zavala's remote location ensures complete tranquility, while its pristine pebble beaches offer some of Hvar's clearest waters for swimming and snorkeling. The journey to Zavala through the dramatic Pitve tunnel adds adventure to the experience, while the village's isolation creates an intimate community atmosphere.

Positioned at Hvar's eastern tip, Sucuraj offers villa guests the unique advantage of easy mainland access while enjoying complete island tranquility. This historic fishing village, connected to the Croatian mainland by frequent ferries, provides an ideal base for travelers combining Hvar with broader Croatian exploration.

Villas in Sucuraj often occupy elevated positions overlooking the Neretva Channel, with many properties featuring panoramic views extending to the mainland's Biokovo Mountains. The area's isolation has preserved traditional architecture, with villa rentals often featuring authentic stone construction and traditional Mediterranean gardens.

The village's position makes it perfect for villa guests planning broader Croatian adventures. The ferry to Drvenik runs 12-20 times daily during summer, providing car access to the Makarska Riviera, Dubrovnik, and Split without backtracking. This connectivity is unique among Hvar's locations.

Sucuraj's 25 kilometers of largely undeveloped coastline offers villa guests access to completely pristine beaches and coves. The area provides excellent hiking opportunities in the nearby hills, while the village's authentic fishing culture creates opportunities for boat excursions and traditional experiences rarely available to tourists.

Nestled beneath Hvar's highest peak, Sveta Nedjelja offers villa guests one of Croatia's most dramatic natural settings. This small village, divided between a historic hilltop settlement and a modern coastal area, provides access to some of the island's most spectacular scenery and challenging outdoor activities.

Villas in Sveta Nedjelja often feature cliff-top positions with breathtaking views of the vertical limestone Red Rocks rising from the sea. The area's dramatic topography creates unique villa sites where infinity pools seem to float above the Adriatic, while terraced gardens showcase the region's ancient viticultural heritage.

The village appeals to adventure enthusiasts and wine lovers seeking dramatic natural beauty. The nearby Red Rocks offer world-class cliff diving and rock climbing, while the steep vineyards produce some of Hvar's finest wines in the most challenging terrain. The combination of adrenaline activities and wine culture creates a unique villa experience.

Sveta Nedjelja's isolation and challenging access ensure exclusive villa experiences, while the surrounding marine environment offers excellent diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The village's position provides easy access to both the island's south coast beaches and the wine regions of the interior.