Where Is Hvar Island Croatia? Your Guide to Top Things to when Sailing Hvar Croatia

Where Is Hvar Island Croatia? Nautical Coordinates & Sailing Guide

Sailing Hvar, Croatia: Your Complete Nautical & Travel Guide

For those planning a sailing adventure in Croatia, Hvar Island is a destination that should not be missed. With its reputation as the sunniest spot in Croatia, boasting over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, and its rich ancient heritage, Hvar is a unique and appealing destination for sailors.

🌍 Geographic Location of Hvar Island

Latitude: 43° 9′ N

Longitude: 16° 42′ E

Nautical Chart Reference: Admiralty Chart BA 2713 / Croatian HO Charts 100-101

Region: Central Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic Sea

Hvar lies between the islands of Brač (to the north) and Korčula (to the southeast) within the Split Channel.

Key Coastal Access Points:

• Hvar Town (West): 43.17°N, 16.44°E - Deep, sheltered harbour with yacht facilities.
• Stari Grad Bay (Northwest): 43.18°N, 16.34°E - Well-protected anchorage and ferry terminal.
• Pakleni Islands (Off Hvar Town): Chain of islets with excellent protection from wind.
• Sućuraj (East): 43.08°N, 17.18°E - Closest point to mainland port Drvenik.

Why Sail to Hvar? A Sailor's Dream Destination

Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island, enjoying over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually. Its Mediterranean climate and scenic coastline make it a haven for sailing.

Planning Your Sailing Trip

When planning your sailing adventure to Hvar, consider the best time to visit. The sailing season typically runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months. However, for those who prefer a more serene and relaxed experience, the May-June or September-October shoulder seasons offer the perfect opportunity to immerse in the tranquillity of Hvar.

Ideal Sailing Conditions:

• Climate: Warm, dry summers & mild winters
• Wind: The northwesterly Maestral offers smooth and steady sailing
• Season: April to October, with peak months in July-August

Top marinas and bays for anchorage on Hvar Island

Hvar Island, located in the Adriatic Sea, is a picturesque destination that captivates sailing enthusiasts with its stunning coastal landscapes, clear waters, and vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. The island boasts a range of exceptional marinas and idyllic bays, providing sailors with access to luxurious amenities and serene natural settings. Here are some of the top marinas and bays for anchorage on Hvar Island:

Top Marinas on Hvar

1. ACI Marina Palmižana (Pakleni Islands)

Location: Pakleni Islands, near Hvar

This marina, located near Hvar on the Pakleni Islands, offers a range of amenities, including 190 berths, water and electricity hook-ups, Wi-Fi, restaurants, and shops. Its renowned botanical gardens and breathtaking surroundings make it a standout choice for those seeking a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience.

Highlights: Its closeness to Hvar town makes it a popular destination for people who want to see the island's busy nightlife and cultural sights while also having a safe area to dock their boats.

Key Takeaways:

• Berths: 190
• Amenities: Water, electricity, Wi-Fi, restaurants, botanical gardens
• Proximity: Near Hvar Town for nightlife access

2. Hvar Town Marina

Location: Hvar Town

Facilities: This marina provides essential services, including water and electricity, and offers the convenience of being within walking distance of Hvar town's attractions.

Highlights: Perfect for sailors who want to explore the historic fortress, local markets, restaurants, and nightlife without needing additional transport.

Key Takeaways:

• Features: Basic services, walking distance to cultural hotspots
• Best for: Quick city exploration

3. Marina Vrboska

Location: Vrboska

Facilities: With 85 berths, this marina provides modern amenities, including water, electricity, sanitary services, and Wi-Fi.

Highlights: The charming village of Vrboska, often referred to as "Little Venice" due to its intricate network of canals, provides a peaceful and picturesque anchorage point.

Key Takeaways:

• Nickname: "Little Venice" of Hvar
• Services: 85 berths, electricity, water, sanitation, Wi-Fi

4. Marina Sveti Klement

Location: Sveti Klement Island, part of the Pakleni Islands

Facilities: This marina offers basic amenities and is less crowded than ACI Marina Palmižana, providing a more tranquil environment.

Highlights: Ideal for those seeking to experience the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the Pakleni Islands.

Key Takeaways:

• Location: Pakleni Islands
• Experience: More tranquil than Palmižana

Best Bays for Anchorage

Vinogradiše Bay (Pakleni Islands)

- Location: Pakleni Islands

- Highlights: Known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy seabed, Vinogradišće Bay is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It offers a beautiful, sheltered anchorage with a backdrop of lush greenery.

Stari Grad Bay

- Location: Stari Grad

- Highlights: This historic bay offers a picturesque anchorage with excellent shelter from winds. Stari Grad, situated on the island of Hvar in Croatia, is one of the oldest towns in Europe, with a history dating back to ancient Greek times. The town's exceptional combination of impeccably maintained historical sites and dynamic cultural traditions makes it an enthralling destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Lučice Bay

- Location: Southern coast of Hvar Island

- Highlights: Lučice Bay is a peaceful and scenic anchorage with good protection from most winds. The bay is surrounded by cliffs and pine forests, offering a serene environment.

Zavala Bay

- Location: Southern coast of Hvar Island

- Highlights: This bay is less crowded and provides excellent anchorage with a beautiful, untouched landscape. It's ideal for those looking to escape the busier parts of the island.

Mlini Bay

- Location: Pakleni Islands

- Highlights: Known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery, Mlini Bay is a popular spot for a day anchorage. The bay features a sandy seabed, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

These marinas and bays on Hvar Island offer a combination of convenience, natural beauty, and tranquillity, catering to the needs of both luxury yacht owners and casual sailors. Whether you seek the lively atmosphere of Hvar town or the peaceful seclusion of a hidden bay, Hvar Island provides an array of options for a comfortable and memorable sailing experience.

Best Time to Sail Hvar

Month Conditions Tips

April-June Mild & sunny Ideal for peaceful exploration

July-August Hot, festive season Great for nightlife, crowded waters

Sept-Oct Warm, fewer tourists Perfect for relaxed sailing getaways

10 Fascinating Facts About Hvar Island

Ten Fascinating Facts About Hvar Island

1. Sunniest Spot in Croatia: Hvar is renowned for its sunshine, boasting over 2,700 hours annually, which makes it one of the sunniest places in Europe, ideal for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Ancient Heritage: Stari Grad on Hvar is one of Europe's oldest towns. The ancient Greeks founded it in 384 BC. The Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, still features an intact agricultural landscape established by these early settlers.

3. Lavender Island: Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in early summer. The island's lavender oil is highly prized and has been a significant part of Hvar's economy for centuries.

4. Historic Fortresses: The Fortica Fortress, also known as Spanjola, overlooks Hvar Town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Built-in the 16th century, it was crucial in defending the island from invaders.

5. Pakleni Islands: Just off Hvar's southwest coast lies the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago known for its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters. These islands are a favourite destination for sailors and day-trippers seeking secluded beaches and coves.

6. Wine Tradition: Hvar has a long history of winemaking, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. The island is known for its high-quality wines, particularly its indigenous Plavac Mali red wine and Bogdanuša white wine.

7. Hvar Town's Nightlife: Hvar is famous for its vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors worldwide. Popular spots like Carpe Diem Beach Club and Hula Hula Beach Bar offer lively atmospheres with music, dancing, and stunning sunset views. Hvar is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly in the summer when the island comes alive with music, dance, and festivities. Hvar is home to some of Croatia's most famous beach clubs and bars, such as Carpe Diem and Hula Hula, where you can enjoy cocktails and music against stunning sunsets.

8. Medieval Architecture: Hvar Town showcases well-preserved medieval architecture. Key landmarks include the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery, the Renaissance-era St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the loggia with its clock tower.

9. Grapčeva Cave: This prehistoric site on the island's southern side features artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period (around 5000 BC). The cave is one of Croatia's most important archaeological sites, and ancient pottery and tools have been discovered.

10. Celebrity Hotspot: Hvar has become popular with celebrities and high-profile visitors. The island's luxury accommodations, upscale restaurants, and exclusive clubs have welcomed the likes of Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Prince Harry, enhancing its reputation as a glamorous getaway.

🔗 Helpful Resources & Citations

• Croatian Tourist Board

Conclusion

Whether you're an experienced skipper or a casual sailor, Hvar Island delivers a rich blend of natural beauty, nautical convenience, cultural depth, and vibrant entertainment. Drop anchor here to enjoy a journey that's both relaxing and unforgettable.

Set your course to Hvar. The Adriatic's shining gem awaits.

The island of Hvar is the sunniest Croatian island. Hvar is known for its enjoyable Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm summers, and sunshine, totalling 2718 hours annually.

Hvar is the 4th largest island in Croatia, measuring about 68 kilometres (42 miles), making it one of the country's longest islands. It is located in the central part of the Adriatic Sea, in the region of Dalmatia. Despite not being the longest, Hvar is one of the most popular and well-known Croatian islands, famous for its vibrant nightlife, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and excellent sailing conditions. Hvar boasts over 270 kilometres of coastline, with hidden coves, serene bays, and stunning beaches. The island's jagged coast is perfect for sailors exploring its many secluded spots, far from the bustling tourist areas. Drop anchor in the peaceful waters of Dubovica Beach, a secret jewel surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense greenery. Or, sail to the Pakleni Islands, a picturesque archipelago just off the southwest coast of Hvar, where you can find untouched beaches and excellent snorkelling spots.

Perfect Sailing Conditions

Hvar's Mediterranean climate provides ideal sailing conditions, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The prevailing northwesterly Maestral wind is particularly favourable for sailing, ensuring smooth and enjoyable voyages.

The island is thoughtfully equipped with marinas and moorings, such as the ACI Marina Palmižana on the Pakleni Islands and the Hvar Town Marina. Sailors can easily dock and explore, ensuring maximum convenience.

Planning Your Sailing Trip

When planning your sailing adventure to Hvar, consider the best time to visit. The sailing season typically runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months. To fully immerse in the tranquillity of Hvar, consider visiting in the May-June or September-October shoulder seasons, when the island is less crowded, offering a more serene and relaxed experience.

Ten Fascinating Facts About Hvar Island

1. Sunniest Spot in Croatia: Hvar is renowned for its sunshine, boasting over 2,700 hours annually, which makes it one of the sunniest places in Europe, ideal for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Ancient Heritage: Stari Grad on Hvar is one of Europe's oldest towns. The ancient Greeks founded it in 384 BC. The Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, still features an intact agricultural landscape established by these early settlers.

3. Lavender Island: Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in early summer. The island's lavender oil is highly prized and has been a significant part of Hvar's economy for centuries.

4. Historic Fortresses: The Fortica Fortress, also known as Spanjola, overlooks Hvar Town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Built in the 16th century, it was crucial in defending the island from invaders.

5. Pakleni Islands: Just off Hvar's southwest coast lies the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago known for its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters. These islands are a favourite destination for sailors and day-trippers seeking secluded beaches and coves. Click here to read more details about the Pakleni Islands in one of our previous blog posts: Read more about Pakleni Islands:

6. Wine Tradition: Hvar has a long history of winemaking, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. The island is known for its high-quality wines, particularly its indigenous Plavac Mali red wine and Bogdanuša white wine.

7. Hvar Town's Nightlife: Hvar is famous for its vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors worldwide. Popular spots like Carpe Diem Beach Club and Hula Hula Beach Bar offer lively atmospheres with music, dancing, and stunning sunset views. Hvar is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly in the summer when the island comes alive with music, dance, and festivities. Hvar is home to some of Croatia's most famous beach clubs and bars, such as Carpe Diem and Hula Hula, where you can enjoy cocktails and music against stunning sunsets.

8. Medieval Architecture: Hvar Town showcases well-preserved medieval architecture. Key landmarks include the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery, the Renaissance-era St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the loggia with its clock tower.

9. Grapčeva Cave: This prehistoric site on the island's southern side features artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period (around 5000 BC). The cave is one of Croatia's most important archaeological sites, and ancient pottery and tools have been discovered.

10. Celebrity Hotspot: Hvar has become popular with celebrities and high-profile visitors. The island's luxury accommodations, upscale restaurants, and exclusive clubs have welcomed the likes of Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Prince Harry, enhancing its reputation as a glamorous getaway.

Top marinas and bays for anchorage on Hvar Island

Hvar Island, located in the Adriatic Sea, is a picturesque destination that captivates sailing enthusiasts with its stunning coastal landscapes, clear waters, and vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. The island boasts a range of exceptional marinas and idyllic bays, providing sailors with access to luxurious amenities and serene natural settings. Here are some of the top marinas and bays for anchorage on Hvar Island:

Top Marinas

ACI Marina Palmižana:

Location: Pakleni Islands, near Hvar

Facilities: This marina offers 190 berths, water and electricity hook-ups, Wi-Fi, restaurants, and shops. Its renowned botanical gardens and breathtaking surroundings make it a standout choice.

Highlights: Its closeness to Hvar town makes it a popular destination for people who want to see the island's busy nightlife and cultural sights while also having a safe area to dock their boats.

Hvar Town Marina:

Location: Hvar Town

Facilities: This marina offers essential services like water and electricity and the convenience of being within walking distance of Hvar town's attractions.

Highlights: Perfect for sailors who want to explore the historic fortress, local markets, restaurants, and nightlife without needing additional transport.

Marina Vrboska:

Location: Vrboska

Facilities: With 85 berths, this marina provides modern amenities, including water, electricity, sanitary services, and Wi-Fi.

Highlights: The charming village of Vrboska, often called "Little Venice" for its network of canals, offers a peaceful and picturesque anchorage point.

Marina Sveti Klement:

Location: Sveti Klement Island, part of the Pakleni Islands

Facilities: This marina offers basic amenities and is less crowded than ACI Marina Palmižana, providing a more tranquil environment.

Highlights: Ideal for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Pakleni Islands.

Top Bays for Anchorage

Vinogradišće Bay:

- Location: Pakleni Islands

- Highlights: Known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy seabed, Vinogradišće Bay is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It offers a beautiful, sheltered anchorage with a backdrop of lush greenery.

Stari Grad Bay:

- Location: Stari Grad

- Highlights: This historic bay offers a picturesque anchorage with excellent shelter from winds. Stari Grad, situated on the island of Hvar in Croatia, stands as one of the oldest towns in Europe, with a history tracing back to ancient Greek times. The town's exceptional combination of impeccably maintained historical sites and dynamic cultural traditions makes it an enthralling destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Lučice Bay:

- Location: Southern coast of Hvar Island

- Highlights: Lučice Bay is a peaceful and scenic anchorage with good protection from most winds. The bay is surrounded by cliffs and pine forests, offering a serene environment.

Zavala Bay:

- Location: Southern coast of Hvar Island

- Highlights: This bay is less crowded and provides excellent anchorage with a beautiful, untouched landscape. It's ideal for those looking to escape the busier parts of the island.

Mlini Bay:

- Location: Pakleni Islands

- Highlights: Known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery, Mlini Bay is a popular spot for a day anchorage. The bay has a sandy seabed and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

These marinas and bays on Hvar Island offer a combination of convenience, natural beauty, and tranquillity, catering to the needs of both luxury yacht owners and casual sailors. Whether you seek the lively atmosphere of Hvar town or the peaceful seclusion of a hidden bay, Hvar Island provides an array of options for a memorable sailing experience.

Conclusion

Hvar Island is a premier sailing destination, offering an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, cultural vibrancy, and delightful culinary experiences. Whether you are an expert sailor or a beginner searching for your first nautical adventure, Hvar offers a journey that will capture your heart and soul. Set your sails for Hvar and discover why this Croatian gem is beloved by sailors worldwide.