Hvar Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Hvar

Hvar is the island that has everything and knows it. With 2,726 hours of sunshine a year – more than any other place in Croatia, and one of the highest counts in the Mediterranean – this long, lavender‑scented island off the central Dalmatian coast has evolved from a quiet fishing outpost into the glamour capital of the Croatian islands without losing any of its natural beauty. Hvar Town’s marble Riva is lined with cocktail bars and Venetian‑era palaces, the harbour fills with superyachts every summer, and the nightlife runs until the small hours. But climb to the 13th‑century Fortica fortress above the town and a different view opens up: the Pakleni Islands scattered across the turquoise water to the south, the Stari Grad Plain stretching across the island’s interior like a Greek agricultural time capsule (UNESCO, 2008), and lavender fields blooming purple on the hillsides in June and July.

What makes Hvar exceptional as a charter base is the Pakleni Islands – a scattered archipelago of pine‑covered islets just 10–20 minutes by tender from Hvar Town, with some of the most beautiful anchorages in Dalmatia. Palmižana bay on Sveti Klement (the largest island) is the hub – crystal water, pine shade, a garden restaurant ashore and ACI Marina Palmižana with up to 220 berths. Jerolim and Marinkovac offer quieter coves, and Stipanska bay (home to the legendary Carpe Diem Beach club) is the party stop. From Hvar you can also reach Vis (16–25 nautical miles), Brač and its Zlatni Rat beach, Korčula (30 nautical miles), and the hidden island of Ščedro – all within a few hours’ cruising.

Hvar’s wine culture adds another dimension. The island produces Plavac Mali reds and the indigenous Bogdanuša white (‘gift from God’ in Croatian), with acclaimed producers like Zlatan Otok (founded 1986 by a fisherman‑turned‑winemaker in the cliffside village of Sveta Nedjelja) and Tomić offering tastings with Adriatic views. Beyoncé and Jay‑Z have visited multiple times; Blue Ivy Carter became an honorary Hvar citizen. Whether you’re planning a glamorous long weekend of beach clubs and harbour‑hopping, or a quieter exploration of lavender fields, ancient vineyards and deserted Pakleni coves, Hvar delivers. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Hvar fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Hvar

The Pakleni Islands: Your Private Archipelago

The Pakleni (Paklinski) Islands are the jewel in Hvar’s crown. This scattered chain of wooded islets sits just off Hvar Town’s south‑western shore, creating a sheltered cruising ground of turquoise bays, rocky coves and pine‑shaded anchorages that can occupy a charter guest for days. Sveti Klement is the largest, with Palmižana bay’s garden restaurant, ACI Marina (up to 220 berths, seasonal April–October) and crystal‑clear water at 8 metres over sand. Jerolim is the naturist island, quiet and beautiful. Marinkovac has the deeper anchorages and Stipanska bay – home to Carpe Diem Beach, the open‑air club reached by a 10‑minute boat ride from Hvar Town, with swimming pools, DJs and pine‑forest dancing from afternoon until late. The shallow channels between the islets are a catamaran paradise, and the variety of anchorages means your captain always has options for different wind directions.

Glamour, Nightlife and Beach‑Club Culture

Hvar Town is the nightlife capital of the Croatian islands. Hula Hula beach club – a short walk from the centre – runs sunset DJ sets with the Pakleni Islands glowing on the horizon, transitioning from daytime lounge to evening dance venue. Carpe Diem, open since 1999, is the icon of Hvar’s bar scene: two decades of glamorous international crowds, celebrity sightings and cocktails until the early hours. Its offshore offshoot, Carpe Diem Beach on Stipanska bay (Marinkovac island), offers a full‑day experience of swimming pools, spa zones, beach bars and DJ performances in a pine‑forest setting. Your crew handles all logistics: tender transfers, VIP reservations, and a quiet anchorage waiting when you’re ready to sleep.

2,726 Hours of Sunshine and Lavender‑Scented Hills

Hvar officially records more sunshine than anywhere else in Croatia – 2,726 hours a year, or roughly 7.7 hours daily even averaged across the winter months. The climate supports an extraordinary landscape: lavender fields bloom in purple waves across the hillsides in June and July (the villages of Velo Grablje and Brusje, a short drive from Hvar Town, are the epicentre), olive groves produce award‑winning oils, and the vineyards around Sveta Nedjelja, Jelsa and Stari Grad yield wines from indigenous grapes found nowhere else. The annual Lavender Festival, held near Velo Grablje, celebrates the harvest with distillation demonstrations, local produce and guided walks through the fields.

The Stari Grad Plain: Living Greek History

The Stari Grad Plain, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, is the oldest continuously cultivated agricultural landscape in the Mediterranean. Established by Greek colonists from the island of Paros in 384 BC as the chora (agricultural territory) of the city of Pharos, its original geometrical land‑division system of dry‑stone‑wall boundaries is still intact after 2,400 years – and the same crops are still grown: grapes and olives. It is a remarkable sight from any vantage point, and a reminder that Hvar’s history runs far deeper than its party reputation.

Key Destinations Near Hvar

• Pakleni Islands – 10–20 minutes from Hvar Town. Palmižana bay (ACI Marina, garden restaurant), Jerolim (quiet coves), Marinkovac (deeper anchorages, Carpe Diem Beach at Stipanska bay). The finest collection of anchorages in central Dalmatia.

• Vis – 16–25 nautical miles south‑west. The Blue Cave on Biševo, Stiniva bay, Komiža (Mamma Mia 2), and Konoba Jastozera (lobster, since 1883). Hvar is the closest major‑island base for a Vis day trip.

• Brač – Across the Hvar Channel to the north. Zlatni Rat beach at Bol is a 45‑minute cruise from Hvar Town. The Brač–Hvar–Pakleni triangle is one of the most popular short‑charter circuits in Dalmatia.

• Ščedro – 8 nautical miles east of Hvar Town. A small, uninhabited island with quiet anchorages, excellent snorkelling over rocky reef, and the ruins of a Dominican monastery. The antidote to Hvar Town’s buzz.

• Korčula – Roughly 30 nautical miles south‑east. A walled medieval old town on a peninsula, the Marco Polo Museum, and the indigenous Grk grape grown in sandy soil at Lumbarda. A natural extension for multi‑day charters.

• Stari Grad – Hvar’s second town, on the island’s northern coast. A sheltered harbour (120 berths), the UNESCO‑listed Stari Grad Plain, the Tvrdlj Castle (the fortified summer house of Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović) and a quieter, more local atmosphere.

Best Time to Charter in Hvar

Peak Season: July and August

The warmest months (28–34°C / 82–93°F) with the liveliest harbour scene, the busiest beach clubs and the warmest sea (25–26°C). Hvar Town’s Riva and the Pakleni anchorages are at their most vibrant. Lavender is in bloom in late June and early July. The most popular charter yachts book out months in advance.

Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October

Warm and sunny (22–28°C), with fewer boats and a more relaxed pace. The beach clubs open in May and stay open through mid‑October. The sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming from late May. June coincides with the lavender bloom. September offers golden light, warm water and 15–25% softer rates. Wine‑harvest season begins in late September.

Early and Late Season: April and November

Mild days (16–21°C) and quiet anchorages. ACI Marina Palmižana opens in April. Ideal for exploring the Stari Grad Plain, the interior villages and the wine estates without summer crowds. Some beach clubs and restaurants may have limited hours.

Signature Experiences

• Sundowners at Hula Hula – Walk from Hvar Town to this legendary beach‑club spot on the rocks as the afternoon DJ set kicks in and the sun drops behind the Pakleni Islands. VIP daybeds, cocktails and a crowd that dresses up for sunset.
• Carpe Diem Beach, Stipanska Bay – Take the tender to Marinkovac’s famous offshore club: swimming pools set among the pines, afternoon DJ sessions, spa zones and beach bars. Your yacht anchors in the bay just offshore.
• Palmižana Garden Lunch – Anchor in Palmižana bay and tender to the garden restaurant on Sveti Klement. Mediterranean cuisine under subtropical trees, steps from crystal water. One of the most beautiful lunch settings in the Adriatic.
• Lavender Fields and Wine Tasting – In June and July, drive (your crew arranges a car) from Hvar Town to the lavender fields of Velo Grablje and Brusje, then continue to Zlatan Otok winery in Sveta Nedjelja for a tasting of Plavac Mali and Bogdanuša with a clifftop Adriatic view.
• Fortica Fortress at Sunset – Climb the stone path from Hvar Town to the 13th‑century Spanish fortress (originally Byzantine, strengthened by the Venetians). The panoramic views over the town, the harbour, the Pakleni Islands and the open sea are extraordinary at golden hour.
• Stari Grad Plain and Tvrdlj Castle – Visit the UNESCO‑listed 2,400‑year‑old Greek agricultural landscape, then explore the fortified summer house of the Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović (built 1520, with a fishpond in the courtyard that still holds mullet). A reminder of Hvar’s deep cultural layers.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – Quick and comfortable for reaching Vis, Brač and Korčula from Hvar. All‑inclusive crewed charters with water toys, chef and full service. The speed to reach the Blue Cave and return the same day.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Hvar Town’s harbour can accommodate the largest yachts (berths reserved months in advance). A superyacht anchored in Hvar’s bay, with the Fortica fortress lit above and the Riva buzzing below, is one of the iconic images of the Croatian charter scene.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – The Pakleni Islands are a catamaran paradise: shallow bays, calm channels and sheltered anchorages that reward a shallow draft. Spacious decks for al‑fresco dining with the Pakleni sunset as your backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter from Hvar cost?

Crewed motor yachts (78’–99’) start from around $30,000–$55,000 per week all‑inclusive during peak season (July–August). Superyachts (100’+) typically range from $90,000–$175,000+ per week on MYBA terms (plus APA of 30–35% and 13% Croatian VAT). Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $35,000–$50,000 per week. Shoulder‑season rates are 15–25% softer. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

What is the nightlife like in Hvar?

Hvar Town is the nightlife capital of the Croatian islands. Hula Hula beach club runs sunset DJ sets steps from the water, and Carpe Diem bar in the harbour has been the island’s cocktail icon since 1999. Carpe Diem Beach on Stipanska bay (a 10‑minute tender ride) offers an all‑day experience of pools, DJs and dancing in a pine‑forest setting. Your crew handles tender logistics and VIP arrangements. Equally, if your group prefers a quiet dinner on deck with the harbour lights as your backdrop, Hvar accommodates that just as gracefully.

Can I visit the Blue Cave from Hvar?

Hvar is the closest major‑island base for a Blue Cave visit. The cave on Biševo is roughly 25 nautical miles from Hvar Town – about 1.5 hours on a motor yacht. Your crew books a timed entry and plans the route via Vis’s western harbour of Komiža. Most charters combine the Blue Cave with Stiniva bay and a lunch at Konoba Jastozera in Komiža for a full‑day Vis experience.

What are the best restaurants in Hvar?

Hvar Town offers exceptional dining. Dalmatino (family tradition since 1987, steak and fish house) and Giaxa (set in a restored 15th‑century Gothic palace, traditional Dalmatian with a contemporary twist) are the top choices. Passarola in the old town is romantic and refined. Gariful, overlooking the harbour, serves ultra‑fresh seafood with excellent wines. Konoba Menego (a 14th‑century stone house, cash only, home‑style Dalmatian for about €25–30 per person) is the authentic local pick. On the Pakleni Islands, the Palmižana garden restaurant is a must.

Is Hvar suitable for a family charter?

Hvar has a glamorous reputation, but it is also excellent for families. The Pakleni Islands offer calm, shallow anchorages perfect for children, the Stari Grad Plain is an open‑air history lesson, and the lavender fields (June–July) are magical for all ages. Ščedro island’s quiet anchorages and snorkelling are ideal for unplugged family days. Catamarans are especially popular for families – stable, spacious and easy to board. Your crew tailors every day to suit the ages and interests of your group.

When is lavender season on Hvar?

Hvar’s lavender fields bloom in June and July, with peak flowering typically in late June to early July. The best places to see them are the hillside villages of Velo Grablje and Brusje, a short drive from Hvar Town. The annual Lavender Festival (usually a two‑day event near Velo Grablje) features distillation demonstrations, local produce stalls and guided walks through the purple fields. Your crew can arrange a car and a visit as part of a combined lavender‑and‑wine‑tasting shore excursion.