Stari Grad is a separate, gentler town on Hvar island in Croatia, set around a sheltered harbour with the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain nearby. As the island's main car-ferry gateway from the mainland, it's calmer than Hvar Town and well suited to families and lower-key stays.
The old harbour is lined with a relaxed waterfront and historic stone streets, and the ancient agricultural plain stretches inland behind the town. The atmosphere is easygoing and local, with quiet evenings and a slower pace than Hvar Town on the far side of the island.
Getting around
Stari Grad's port is the main car-ferry link to Split and the airport (SPU), making mainland connections straightforward. Hvar Town is a drive or bus ride away across the island, so its nightlife and the Fortica are an excursion rather than a stroll.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Calm, family-friendly and authentic, with a working harbour feel.
- Ferry gateway
- The island's main car-ferry port, convenient for arriving and leaving by mainland ferry.
- Watch out for
- It's a separate town from Hvar Town — factor in travel time to reach Hvar Town's buzz.
Frequently asked
How far is Stari Grad from Hvar Town?
They're on opposite sides of the island, connected by road; expect a drive or bus ride rather than a walk.
Is Stari Grad good for families?
Yes — the sheltered harbour, calmer streets and gentler pace make it an easier base with children than lively Hvar Town.
Comparing areas? See the full Hvar area guide →
Other areas near Stari Grad
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — neighbourhood boundaries and orientation (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL)
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Stari Grad, Hvar — honest orientation, no invented data.