Stari Grad, Croatia 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.
Stari Grad, Croatia at a Glance#
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.
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.
Best Things to Do in Stari Grad, Croatia#
Stari Grad, Croatia Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 7° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | 8° - 15° | 11° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.5h |
| June | Excellent | 18° - 27° | 23° | 38 mm | some cloud | 67% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 25° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 60% | 2.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.9h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 25° | 42 mm | mostly sunny | 61% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 17° - 26° | 22° | 61 mm | some cloud | 66% | 2.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 21° | 18° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 88 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
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.
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.
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#
Get to Stari Grad by flying into Split and taking a ferry-either Jadrolinija car ferries or seasonal fast catamarans. On Hvar, local buses, taxis and walking cover most onward travel; ferry timetables vary a lot by season so plan ahead.
- Plane (to Split SPU) - Most international flights land at Split Airport (SPU). A shuttle bus or taxi runs between the airport and Split ferry port (about 30 minutes). Plan transfers to match ferry departure times, especially outside peak season when fewer catamarans run.
- Ferry (Jadrolinija / fast catamaran) (€10-€40 (typical passenger/ferry ranges vary by vessel and season)) - Jadrolinija operates car ferries between Split and Stari Grad and seasonal fast catamarans serve passengers directly. Car ferries carry vehicles and take longer, while catamarans are faster but are seasonal and do not take cars. Buy tickets at the port or online in summer to guarantee a spot.
- Bus (Intercity to Split) - If you arrive by bus from other Croatian cities, buses terminate at Split bus station close to the harbour. Buses to Split are frequent from Zadar, Zagreb and Dubrovnik; check timetables ahead of travel. This is a reliable way to reach the ferry connections to Hvar.
- Taxi / Transfer - Taxis and private transfers from Split Airport direct to the ferry port are convenient when you have luggage or tight connections. Private transfers can deliver you to the dock just before departure and are especially useful for groups or when traveling with a vehicle for the car ferry.
- Local buses on Hvar - On Hvar island, local buses connect Stari Grad with Hvar Town and other villages. Schedules are seasonal and geared to tourist demand; check local timetables during shoulder seasons. Buses are the most cost-effective way to move around the island if you don’t have a car.
- Walking - Stari Grad’s old town is compact and best explored on foot; the harbour, churches and waterfront are easily walkable. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended in summer.
Where to Stay in Stari Grad, Croatia#
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
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
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#
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
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.
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.
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.
