Hvar Island Dalmatia, Croatia Travel Guide
Hvar Island does not have a commercial airport. The main international gateway for visitors to Hvar is Split Airport (SPU), located on the Croatian mainland, approximately 25 kilometers from Split city center. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) serves as another option, though it requires a longer and more complex transfer to Hvar.
Split Airport provides standard facilities and services for people traveling including ATMs, currency exchange, car rental agencies, duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants. Outside the terminal, designated taxi stands and bus stops offer ground transportation.
Flight frequency and routes increase significantly from May to October. July and August feature peak prices. Prices stay lowest during off-season (November-April).
Booking flights and ferries in advance, particularly for summer travel, secures better fares and availability.
AirHelp assists passengers in receiving up to €600 for delayed/canceled flights.
Croatia is part of the Schengen Area. Border crossings from other Schengen countries are typically seamless. Train connections to Split or Hvar are not available; buses are the preferred land transport for long journeys.
Croatia offers an excellent and extensive long-distance bus network. You will find frequent and affordable bus connections from major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Zadar to Split. From Split's main bus station, the ferry port is located in walking distance.
Driving in Croatia occurs on the right side of the road. Main roads on Hvar are paved. Some smaller roads might be tight, winding, and sometimes unpaved. Drive cautiously. Parking can be challenging and expensive in Hvar's Main town during peak season. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
Ferries are the lifeblood of island travel in Croatia. Split is the main ferry hub for Hvar. Catamarans (passenger-only) provide fast connections to Hvar Town. Car ferries serve Stari Grad, allowing vehicles to reach the island.
For international arrivals by sea (e.g., from Italy), standard passport control applies on entering into the Schengen Area. For domestic inter-island travel within Croatia, no immigration screening occur.
Plan your departure from Hvar with similar attention to detail as your arrival. Croatia does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing the country.
Split Airport provides standard facilities including duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants. Ferry ports in The Town of hvar and Stari Grad have smaller waiting areas, cafes, and ticket offices for your convenience.
After landing at Split Airport (SPU), your first step involves reaching the Split Ferry Port. Multiple options cater to different budgets and time constraints.
Formerly at the Split Ferry Port, you have choices for your sea journey to Hvar.
Shuttle buses are a popular and efficient option for airport to ferry port transfer.
Ferry tickets, especially catamarans, sell out quickly in peak season. Book online well in advance.
For greater flexibility on Hvar, renting a car or scooter is a good regard for exploring beyond main towns.
Driving occurs on the right side of the road. Roads are generally well-maintained.
While Hvar has no train connections, Croatia's excellent long-distance bus network offers connections to Divide from various mainland cities. This method has a budget-friendly way to reach the ferry gateway.
For flights abroad from Split Airport, attempt to arrive 2-3 hours before departure, especially during peak season.
For passenger catamarans, arrive at the port 30-60 minutes before departure. Earlier arrival is good for popular routes in peak season.
For car ferries, allow 1-2 hours as vehicle queues can be long and spaces limited. Confirm schedules the day before.
Always pre-book your catamaran tickets from Split to Hvar in high season. They sell out quickly. Arrive at the dock well in advance of departure.
