Hvar Island Dalmatia, Croatia Travel Guide
The main mobile providers in Croatia are Hrvatski Telekom, A1, and Telemach. Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are available at kiosks, post offices, and provider stores in larger towns like Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Split.
Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free in most hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants across Hvar. Hvar Town also has some public Wi-Fi hotspots, though speeds can vary.
Post offices (Hrvatska Pošta) are available in Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Jelsa. You can send postcards, letters, or parcels from these locations. They often offer currency exchange services.
The official language is Croatian. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, especially by hotel staff, restaurant workers, and younger generations. German and Italian are also common.
A few Croatian phrases go a long way. "Hvala" (thank you) and "Molim" (please/you're welcome), "Oprostite" (Excuse me/Sorry), and "Živjeli!" (Cheers!) are always appreciated.
Operating hours on Hvar vary by season, with longer hours in summer.
Generally 8 AM - 9 PM (Mon-Sat) in tourist areas during high season. Many close earlier in low season or on Sundays.
Lunch typically 12 PM - 3 PM. Dinner usually begins around 6 PM, continuing until 11 PM or later. Many close between lunch and dinner.
Most banks 8 AM - 4 PM (Mon-Fri), closed weekends. Post offices similar, with shorter Saturday hours. ATMs are widely available.
Croatia observes several public and religious holidays when businesses may have limited services or be closed. Expect reduced public transport schedules.
Many tourist-oriented businesses close entirely or operate on a very limited schedule from late October to April (low season). Ferry schedules also become less frequent.
For flight delays or cancellations, services like Compensair can assist with compensation claims.
Hvar, like much of Croatia, has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.
Croatia's infrastructure is generally not fully accessible. Older towns like Hvar, with cobbled streets, numerous stairs, and uneven surfaces, can pose significant challenges for those using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Newer hotels may offer accessible rooms and facilities. Some modern ferries and catamarans have ramps, but access to ferry ports themselves can still be difficult due to varying terrain. Public buses are often not wheelchair accessible.
Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited. It is advisable to travel with a companion or ensure you have detailed digital aids.
It is advisable to contact local tourism boards or specialized travel agencies for the most up-to-date and specific accessibility information for Hvar. Do not assume universal access.
For a smoother journey, notably if accessibility is a concern, plan specific venues and transport options in advance.
