Choose your Hvar base · Hvar
Hvar Town or Stari Grad.
Same island. Two completely different arrivals.
Hvar Town is the famous harbour, the social centre and the easiest base for Pakleni Islands boats. Stari Grad is older, calmer and connected to Split by the island’s principal car ferry. The correct choice depends on how you travel and what you want after sunset.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Choose Hvar Town for a first visit without a car, harbour energy and easy boat trips. Choose Stari Grad for a quieter base, a vehicle arrival and a slower island rhythm. You can visit both, but do not book one expecting to walk from the other.
FIRST VISIT
Hvar Town
Best when landmarks, restaurants and boat departures should be outside your door.
QUIETER BASE
Stari Grad
Better for a slower evening and exploring more of the island by road.
BRINGING A CAR
Stari Grad arrival
The practical ferry choice when your vehicle needs to cross from Split.
Arrival matters
Passenger ferries can place you in Hvar Town itself. The car ferry arrives at Stari Grad port, outside Stari Grad’s old centre and a road journey from Hvar Town.
Atmosphere after the ferry
Hvar Town is busier and more outward-facing. Stari Grad feels more residential and rewards travellers who do not need the island’s most famous harbour every evening.
Can you combine them?
Yes. Treat them as two stops connected by island transport, not as interchangeable names for the same place.
PLAN THE NEXT STEP
Turn the decision into a route.
READY TO CHECK A DATE?
Compare the ferry that fits your plan.
QUICK ANSWERS
Before you go.
Is Hvar Town the same as Stari Grad?
No. They are separate towns on Hvar island with different ferry services and atmospheres.
Where should I stay for my first visit to Hvar?
Hvar Town is usually the simplest first base without a car. Stari Grad suits travellers who prefer quieter evenings or plan to explore by road.
How do I get from Stari Grad port to Hvar Town?
You need road transport from the car-ferry port. Check the current local bus, taxi or transfer options around your arrival time.