The Harbour and Riva form the waterfront social heart of Hvar Town, a promenade lined with cafes, bars and the piers where ferries and taxi boats come and go. It's the most central and energetic base, best for visitors who prioritise nightlife and easy boat access over peace and quiet.
The Riva curves along the seafront just below St Stephen's Square, with yachts moored alongside and the Fortica visible above. By day it's a parade of cafes and arriving boats; by night it becomes the busiest, buzziest part of town, with music carrying late in high summer.
Getting around
You're right at the ferry and taxi-boat piers, so trips to the Pakleni Islands or across to Split for the airport (SPU) start on your doorstep. The square and old town are a two-minute walk, and the Fortica climb begins nearby.
Before you book this area
- Nightlife
- The town's densest cluster of bars and late-night energy, especially in July and August.
- Boat access
- Ferries and taxi boats depart right from the waterfront, ideal for island hopping.
- Watch out for
- This is the loudest option in high summer — light sleepers should look elsewhere.
Frequently asked
How close is the Riva to the ferry?
The ferry and taxi-boat piers line the Riva itself, so you can walk from your base to the boat in minutes.
Will I hear nightlife from my room?
Quite possibly in peak season — the waterfront is where the crowds gather, so expect noise well into the night.
Comparing areas? See the full Hvar area guide →
Other areas near The Harbour & Riva
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — neighbourhood boundaries and orientation (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL)
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to The Harbour & Riva, Hvar — honest orientation, no invented data.