Hvar Cruise Ship Port Guide

Getting to Hvar Port

Getting to Hvar Port is simple by ferry, bus, or boat.

You can take a Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Stari Grad (2-hour journey) or from Drvenik to Sućuraj. Your vehicle ticket costs around £50, and you need to book ahead.

Public buses run throughout the island. You can use Cazmatrans Hvar services to travel between Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, and Sucuraj. Bus tickets cost £3-£5.

For sailing visitors, you’ll find berths in two locations:

• Hvar Town port (south-western coast) – for cruise ships
• Stari Grad port – for smaller vessels

You must book your berth early due to limited space. The ports display updated arrival and departure schedules for all vessels, including ships like MS Hamburg.

Port Facilities and Services

Port Location and Access

You’ll find Hvar’s cruise port in Hvar Town, where ships anchor in the bay. Tender boats take you directly to the town centre, placing you near all major sights.

Port Services

The port offers:

• Berthing facilities
• Tourist information
• ATMs along the Riva accepting international cards
• Payment options in Croatian kuna and euros

Getting Around

You can:

• Take water taxis to the Pakleni Islands
• Rent a car for inland exploration

Weather Considerations

Strong winds from the south and west can create rough conditions in the bay. These conditions may affect:

• Tender boat operations
• Local boat services

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Transportation Around the Island

You can move around Hvar Island using several transport options. Local buses run by Cazmatrans Hvar connect all main towns from Hvar town centre. The bus journey to Stari Grad takes 30 minutes, with regular routes to Jelsa, Vrboska and Sucuraj. Summer months offer more frequent services.

Taxis provide 24-hour service through companies like Tihi Taxis and Hvar Transfer. You’ll pay about £30-35 for a taxi between Hvar and Stari Grad. Remember to confirm your fare before starting your journey.

You can choose additional transport methods:

• Hire a car for independent travel
• Book UberBOAT for sea transfers
• Join organised group tours

The bus schedule matches ferry arrival times from Split, making your day trips easier to plan. All buses depart from Hvar town’s main terminal, where you’ll find clear timetables and route information.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Zadar for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Must-See Attractions Near Port

When you arrive at Hvar port, you’ll step right into a world of nearby attractions.

St. Stephen Square sits just metres from the port entrance. You can’t miss the Cathedral of St. Stephen, with its tall bell tower and beautiful Baroque design dominating the square.

Walking from the port, you can visit:

• The Arsenal: A former shipyard turned cultural centre hosting local events
• Franciscan Monastery: You’ll find precious artworks and historical items inside
• Hvar Theatre: Built in 1612, it stands as one of Europe’s oldest theatres

You should climb up to Hvar Fortress (Spanjola) for the best harbour views. The 16th-century fort sits on the hilltop, offering perfect photo spots of the port and Pakleni Islands below.

These attractions all sit within a 15-minute walk from the port, making them easy to explore in one visit.

Best Local Experiences

Discover Hvar’s local life beyond tourist hotspots. You can explore traditional villages in the island’s heart and visit the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plains to see historic farming methods.

Walk through Vrboska, a charming harbour town known as ‘Little Venice’.

Try local food favourites like peka – meat and vegetables slow-cooked under an iron bell, or gregada – the island’s special fish stew. You can watch local artisans craft coral jewellery or join guided walks through village streets.

The island offers plenty of natural experiences: you’ll find purple lavender fields, olive groves, and hidden beach coves along the coast.

Wine lovers can visit local vineyards to taste Hvar’s wines and learn about the island’s wine-making traditions. You’ll get stunning views of the grape terraces while sipping local varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Avoid Cruise Ship Crowds?

You’ll encounter the fewest cruise ship passengers during May and October. These shoulder months give you ideal travelling conditions, combining pleasant weather with quieter ports. Tourist facilities remain fully operational, and you won’t face the busy vessel traffic that characterises peak season. These months let you enjoy your cruise with more space and less queuing.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at the Port?

You won’t find luggage storage directly at the port. Two nearby services can store your bags:

Bounce:

• 4 locations around Hvar
• £3.50 per day

Radical Storage:

– £5 per day

Which Beaches Near the Port Are Most Suitable for Young Children?

Mekicevica Beach sits 2.5 km from the port and offers perfect conditions for your little ones. You’ll appreciate the calm waters in the sheltered cove, where gentle waves make swimming safe. Your children can play comfortably on the small pebbles near the shoreline.

Can Visitors Purchase Local Olive Oil and Lavender at the Port?

Yes, you can buy local olive oil and lavender at the port. Local vendors set up stalls and market stands offering these authentic products. You’ll spot shops like Green House Hvar that sell cold-pressed olive oils and fresh lavender items. The products come directly from local producers, giving you access to genuine Croatian specialities right at the port.

What Swimming Equipment Can Be Rented Directly at the Port Area?

At the port area, you can rent:

• Snorkelling masks and fins
• Stand-up paddleboard equipment
• Inner tubes and swim floats

Local water sports shops near the port also offer additional gear rentals. You’ll find equipment counters right by the waterfront, making it easy to grab what you need before heading to the water.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Korčula Cruise Ship Port.