Split to Hvar: The Complete Day Trip Guide (2026)

How to Get from Split to Hvar

There are two main options: the fast catamaran directly to Hvar Town, or the car ferry to Stari Grad on the other side of the island.

Option 1: Catamaran to Hvar Town (recommended for day trips)

The Krilo and Jadrolinija catamarans run multiple times daily from Split harbour directly to Hvar Town. Journey time is about 1 hour. Cost is €12-15 each way.

This drops you right in the centre of Hvar Town, which is ideal if you want to spend the day in town, visit the fortress, swim at the harbour beaches, and be back in Split by evening.

Book in advance in summer — these boats fill up, especially on weekends.

Option 2: Car Ferry to Stari Grad (for those with a car or more time)

The Jadrolinija car ferry runs from Split to Stari Grad roughly every 2 hours in summer. Journey time is about 2 hours. Cost is around €4-5 per person (€25-30 with a car).

From Stari Grad, it's 20 minutes by bus or car to Hvar Town. This option makes more sense if you're staying overnight, renting a car, or want to explore the whole island rather than just Hvar Town.

What to Do in Hvar on a Day Trip

Morning: Hvar Town and the Fortress

Arrive early and walk up to Fortica — the Spanish fortress above Hvar Town. It takes about 20 minutes to walk up and the views over the town, the harbour, and the Pakleni islands are extraordinary. Entry costs about €10.

Come back down through the old town, walk through the main square with the cathedral, and explore the backstreets before the heat of the day and before the day-trippers from the cruise ships arrive.

Midday: Lunch and the Pakleni Islands

Rent a small boat (€80-120 for half a day) or take a water taxi (€5-10 each way) to the Pakleni islands — a scattered archipelago just off Hvar Town with crystal-clear bays, pine forests, and a few restaurants and beach bars.

Palmižana on the island of Sveti Klement has one of the best restaurants in Dalmatia (book in advance) and beaches that are genuinely world-class.

Afternoon: Swimming and the Lavender Fields

Take a taxi or rent a scooter to Milna — a bay about 6km from Hvar Town on the south side of the island. The water is completely calm (it's sheltered from the open sea), turquoise, and the beach is uncrowded compared to anything near Hvar Town.

Evening: Sunset Drink and the Return Ferry

Come back to Hvar Town for sunset. The terraces above the harbour face west and the sunset over the Adriatic from here is extraordinary. One drink at a terrace bar while watching the light change over the islands is worth every cent.

Last catamarans back to Split leave around 8-10pm depending on the season — check schedules in advance.

How Much Does a Split to Hvar Day Trip Cost?

Budget estimate for a day trip:

Ferry (return): €24-30 | Fortress entry: €10 | Lunch: €20-35 | Water taxi to Pakleni: €10-20 | Drinks: €15-25 | Total: €80-120 per person

With Adriatic Pass, you can reduce this significantly — discounts on ferry experiences, activities, and restaurants across Hvar. See Hvar experiences with your pass →

Practical Tips

Book catamarans in advance — especially in July/August, boats sell out days ahead.

Bring cash — some smaller restaurants and beach bars on the Pakleni islands are cash only.

Sun protection — the Dalmatian sun in summer is intense. Factor 50, hat, and a bottle of water.

Start early — the first catamaran leaves around 7am. Getting to Hvar before 9am means you beat the crowds to the fortress and the best swimming spots.