Croatia is full of stunning places, but one island has become the summer destination people can’t stop whispering about: Hvar.
Set along the Adriatic coast, Hvar enjoys more than 2,800 hours of sunshine a year. But what’s making it stand out now goes beyond perfect weather. It’s the sense of calm, beauty, and timeless charm that today’s travelers are increasingly drawn to. Hvar has emerged as one of the Mediterranean’s most elegant and effortlessly relaxed escapes; where heritage, nature, and stillness meet under golden light.
At the center of it all lies the town of Hvar, a coastal gem where red rooftops meet stone streets, boats sway gently in the harbor, and time seems to slow in the best possible way.
A Destination for Couples, Families, and Solo Travelers, Too
Hvar works for just about everyone. It’s romantic for honeymooners, fun and welcoming for families, and peaceful enough for solo travelers looking to recharge. One thing that’s made it especially popular? Hvar offers a sense of safety, and solo female travelers are taking notice.
Whether you’re wandering around the old town, hiking through lavender fields, or sailing out to nearby islands, Hvar feels open, friendly, and secure.
Nature, History, and Just the Right Amount of Adventure
Hvar offers a rare mix of coastal beauty and cultural depth. Hike through lavender fields, swim in water so clear it looks unreal, or explore St. Stephen’s Square, one of the largest and most scenic places in all of Europe. Take a boat to the nearby Pakleni Islands or sit back and listen to traditional klapa music echoing through the old town.
If you love history, Hvar has plenty. Climb to the 16th-century City Fortress for sweeping views, then wander down ancient streets that lead to traditions still alive today. The island is home to six UNESCO-recognized traditions, including handmade lace by Benedictine nuns, a 2,400-year-old wine making culture, and the famous Following the Cross procession held every Easter week.
Good Food, Great Wine, and a Welcome That Feels Personal
The food is simple, fresh, and exactly what you want on a summer day. Think grilled fish, olive oil, ripe figs, and crisp white wine from vineyards older than most cities. Meals are long, unhurried, and often enjoyed outdoors.
Locals greet you with warmth. Hvar has been welcoming visitors since 1869, and it shows. It feels less like tourism and more like being invited into someone’s hometown.
Easy to Get to and Hard to Leave
One of the best things about Hvar? It’s more accessible than you might expect. Travelers from the U.S. can fly direct to Dubrovnik from Newark, while major cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Rome offer seasonal direct flights to both Dubrovnik and Split. From either city, it’s a scenic coastal drive or a quick ferry ride to the island.
And once you’re on Hvar, you’re perfectly placed to island hop to other Adriatic gems like Korčula, Vis, or Brač, making it a great base for a relaxing but adventurous itinerary.
Why Now?
In the last year alone, Hvar has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust, and Travel + Leisure. It was recently named one of the Top 10 Islands in Europe and has already been nominated for several more awards in 2025.
But despite all that attention, Hvar hasn’t lost its sense of self. It still feels peaceful. It still feels like a secret.
And if you’re looking for somewhere that blends beauty, history, great food, and total calm: this just might be your best summer yet.