Stari Grad, Croatia Travel Guide

City Historic town on Hvar Island with ancient heritage

A landscape of stone walls and ancient vineyards planted by Greek settlers; Stari Grad still smells of drying figs and olive oil. Visitors explore the UNESCO agricultural plain, tavernas and secluded bays.

Costs

USD 90-150 per day

Mid-range coastal prices, higher during summer and festivals.

Safety

Generally safe; low crime

Very safe for tourists; normal seaside petty-theft vigilance advised in crowds.

Best Time

May-September (sea beaches peak)

Warm sea temps and festivals from late spring through early autumn.

In This Guide

Why Visit Stari Grad, Croatia?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

1,921

Infrastructure & Convenience

Small, very walkable old town; connected by ferries and buses, basic English spoken in tourist venues.

Popularity

Attracts beachgoers, sailors, and cultural tourists; busy in July-August.

Known For

Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO), ancient Greek town, vineyards, sailing and yachting, lavender fields, historic stone architecture, beaches, fishing, summer festivals, seaside promenades

The Stari Grad Plain on Hvar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving a 4th-century‑BC Greek agricultural grid.

Why Visit Stari Grad, Croatia? #

A centuries-old Adriatic town on Hvar where olive groves and vineyards meet UNESCO-listed fields and seafront charm. The sprawling Stari Grad Plain tells a story of ancient agriculture, while Tvrdalj Castle and its poets’ garden anchor the town’s cultural history. Travelers come for the slow Mediterranean rhythm-local wine and olive oil tastings, intimate konobas, and summer music and folk events carve out a distinct Dalmatian experience.

Top Things to Do in Stari Grad, Croatia

All Attractions ›

Diocletian's Palace

Massive Roman emperor's palace forming Split's old town

Palace

Hvar

Dalmatian island with historic town and beaches

Island

Korčula

Adriatic island with fortified old town and vineyards

Island

Brač

Island known for white limestone and beach resorts

Island

Šolta

Adriatic island with olive groves and beaches

Island

Stadion Poljud

Distinctive shell-shaped stadium in Split, home to Hajduk

Stadium

Salona

Ancient Roman city ruins near modern-day Split

Archaeological Site

Čiovo

Croatian island near Trogir with beaches and villages

Island

Don't Miss

Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO Landscape) - Ancient agricultural plain with dry-stone walls, olive groves and longstanding vineyard plots.
Tvrdalj Castle - Renaissance seaside fortress and poet Petar Hektorović's walled seaside summer residence.
Stari Grad harbour promenade - Harborfront lined with cafés, moored boats and views toward the Pakleni isles.

Hidden Gems

Vrboska (Little Venice) - Quaint nearby fishing village with narrow canals, a fortified church and galleries.
Local konoba tasting rooms - Family-run konobas offering island wines, home-cooked seafood and traditional Dalmatian specialties.
Stari Grad Plain walking trails - Quiet footpaths through olive groves and stone markers tracing ancient field plots.

Day Trips

Hvar Town - Historic port town with a Venetian fortress, lively waterfront and medieval streets.
Jelsa - Coastal town set in a sheltered bay with beaches, galleries and local markets.
Pakleni Islands (boat trip) - Short boat ride to sheltered bays, pebble coves and seaside restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Stari Grad, Croatia #

Visit from late spring to early autumn for warm sea swimming, sunlit vineyards, and lively seaside dining. Winters are mild and peaceful but quieter with reduced services.

Winter

December - February · 8 - 15°C (46 - 59°F)

Winters are mild and quiet: pleasant walks, empty beaches, and off-season calm, though some seaside businesses may be closed.

Spring/Autumn

March - May & September - November · 12 - 22°C (54 - 72°F)

Spring and autumn offer warm, sunny days perfect for exploring vineyards and coastal trails with far fewer tourists than summer.

Summer

June - August · 24 - 32°C (75 - 90°F)

Summer is hot, dry, and swim-ready with bustling waterfronts and vibrant nightlife-expect crowds and peak prices during July and August.

Best Time to Visit Stari Grad, Croatia #

Climate

Stari Grad, Croatia's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (745 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

35°

Warmest Month

-4°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

5° – 12°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

73 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.2h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

6° – 12°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

60 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.3h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

8° – 15°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

10° – 18°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

59 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

13.3h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

15° – 23°

72%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

50 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

14.5h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

89 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

18° – 27°

67%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

38 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.9

UV Index

Very High

15.2h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

21° – 30°

60%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

26 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

14.9h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

21° – 30°

61%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

42 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

13.8h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

85 Excellent

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

17° – 26°

66%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

61 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.1

UV Index

High

12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

14° – 21°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

83 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

10.9h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

10° – 16°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

98 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.5h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

7° – 13°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

88 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.8h daylight

How to Get to Stari Grad, Croatia

Stari Grad on Hvar is reached by sea from Split; Split Airport (SPU) is the main air gateway. From Split you transfer to the ferry port for either a car ferry or high-speed catamaran to Stari Grad-service is frequent in summer but reduced in winter.

By Air

Split Airport (SPU): Split is the main airport for Hvar/Stari Grad. From the airport take the shuttle bus or taxi to Split ferry port (Riva) - the shuttle takes about 30 minutes - then board a Jadrolinija car ferry or a high-speed catamaran to Stari Grad on Hvar (ferry crossings typically take ~1.5-2.5 hours depending on service and vessel; fares vary by vessel and season).

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Dubrovnik is further away but useful outside peak Split connections. From Dubrovnik you can get to Split by bus or catamaran (seasonal), then continue to Stari Grad by ferry; total travel time is several hours.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no direct rail link to Hvar island. Trains can take you to Split (Split railway station) from other Croatian cities; from Split change to the ferry port to reach Stari Grad.

Bus / Ferry: Intercity buses run to Split bus station (Autobusni kolodvor), which is adjacent to the ferry area. From Split, Jadrolinija and other operators run car ferries and catamarans to Stari Grad; fast catamarans (passenger-only) are quicker but operate mainly in summer, while car ferries take vehicles and usually take longer.

How to Get Around Stari Grad, Croatia #

Stari Grad is compact and easy to explore on foot; the old town and harbour are especially walkable. Ferries and catamarans connect the town with Split and other islands (services vary seasonally), and local buses link to neighbouring Hvar settlements. Bicycle and scooter rentals are common for exploring inland and nearby beaches; car hire is useful for greater flexibility. In high season, book ferries and rentals in advance.

Where to Stay in Stari Grad, Croatia #

Budget

Stari Grad Old Town / Hvar Island - $35-90/night

Stari Grad has mainly private rooms and small guesthouses; true hostels are rare. Budget stays are mostly self-catering apartments or family-run rooms.

Stari Grad - guesthouses & rooms (booking listings) - Many private rooms and studios available
Adriana Hvar (budget rooms sometimes available) - Larger property in nearby Hvar Town

Mid-Range

Hvar Town (accessible from Stari Grad) - $90-180/night

Mid-range comfort is easier to find in nearby Hvar Town - short drive or ferry. Expect modern hotels, restaurants, and organized tours.

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort - Well-equipped resort in Hvar Town
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel - Central Hvar hotel with spa and harbour views

Luxury

Hvar Town (best luxury choices) - $200+/night

Luxury options are concentrated in Hvar Town rather than Stari Grad itself; choose seafront hotels for higher-end comforts and full-service spas.

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel - Luxury Rooms & Suites - Upscale spa hotel on Hvar harbour
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort - Premium Rooms - Resort with seafront pools and terraces

Where to Eat in Stari Grad, Croatia #

Dalmatian seafood & konobas

Stari Grad offers simple konobas and seafood spots serving fresh Adriatic fish, local olive oil and island wines in relaxed harbour settings.

Konoba Riva - Harbourside seafood and local wines
Tinel - Fresh Adriatic fish, traditional recipes
Konoba Lavanda - Rustic plates and island produce

Cafés & gelato

Small cafés and gelaterias line the waterfront-perfect for espresso, gelato and watching fishing boats return at dusk.

Caffe Bar Stari Grad - Coffee, light snacks and people-watching
Gelateria Zora - House-made gelato near the promenade
Bistro Luka - Casual lunches with harbour views

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Stari Grad, Croatia's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Croatian

Seafood

Pizza

Fish

Italian

Mediterranean

Local

Pasta

Tea

Cake

Crepe

Other

Mexican

Pancake

Barbecue

European

Coffee Shop

International

Italian Pizza

Nightlife in Stari Grad, Croatia #

Nightlife in Stari Grad is low-key compared with neighbouring Hvar town. Evenings centre on konobas (family restaurants), wine bars and seasonal live-music nights rather than clubs. Summer brings more late-night options, but if you want a busy party scene it’s best to head to Hvar town.

Shopping in Stari Grad, Croatia #

Shopping in Stari Grad is modest: a morning waterfront market for fresh produce and small stalls selling souvenirs, local olive oil and lavender products. A handful of small shops and boutiques line the seafront. For a wider range of shops and boutiques you’ll find more options in Hvar town or Zadar on the mainland.