If you are planning a trip to Hvar, you have likely seen the photos: electric turquoise water, white stone, and yachts bobbing in the distance. It looks perfect, and fortunately, IT IS!
While Hvar is an amazing destination for beach lovers, the coastline is rugged. The “beaches” are rarely wide stretches of sand and instead offer a mix of rocky coves, concrete platforms, or pebble bays hidden at the bottom of steep cliffs. And today, we’re talking about the best beaches on Hvar Island.
Some of the most beautiful spots are only accessible by boat, while others require a hike that will test your choice of footwear. But this all is part of the charm.
The easiest way to experience the best beaches around here is by booking a private tour like the ones recommended below:
- Full day island & beach hopping (including the mesmerizing Blue Cave)
- A premium, yet more expensive Private Boat Tour of Hvar South and Pakleni Islands
Speaking of money, make sure to read my previous article on how much you should budget for your Croatia vacation, just to be prepared.
Now let’s check out the best beaches in the town and on the island!
Best Hvar Island Beaches – Overview
The island of Hvar has a massive number of swimming spots for every taste, but you need to manage your expectations regarding the terrain, as I said in the intro.
The gravel and pebble beaches are mostly located on the southwest side of the island facing the open sea, near the villages of Ivan Dolac, Zavala, and Milna, and the Pakleni Islands archipelago.
Most of these spots are encircled by pine trees and low Mediterranean bushes, which is a lifesaver because they offer natural protection during the high heat of the summer.
Families with small children can enjoy some shallow sandy beaches in deep bays in Jelsa (Mina beach) and near Sucuraj, (Mlaska and Cesminica beaches), or Maslinica sandy beach in Stari Grad bay.
Except for the beaches near the island’s towns or those part of the larger resorts (check the best All-inclusive resorts in Croatia here) most of the beaches are scattered around numerous bays, inlets, and on smaller islands along the northern and southern island’s coastal line.
Now, let’s get into the specifics, starting with where you are likely staying.
Beaches in Hvar Town and Surrounding Areas
This is where most of the tourists will be, so it makes sense to start here. If you don’t have a car and don’t feel like hopping on a boat immediately, these are your best options right on the mainland.
The most popular beaches in Hvar town are scattered on the Paklina islands. Very often these islands are wrongly called ‘Pakleni’ islands.
That’s unfortunate because in Croatian that means “Hell’s Islands” and trust me – they’re pretty much the exact opposite!
Paklina means “resin” in Croatian – and the name comes from the plenty of pine trees found in the area. But you can just call them “Paradise Islands” – they’re that nice!
This archipelago is the most beautiful part of the Hvar Riviera, offering the best and most popular beaches around. Let’s read about them!
1. Amfora Beach
Located in a protected bay right in front of the Amfora Grand Beach Resort (renovated in 2026 with amazing new rooms!), this is the biggest and most accessible beach for families in town. It is a mix of pebbles and gravel.
It is only a 5-10 minute walk from the old town (or a quick taxi boat ride). Because it is right in front of the biggest hotel, it gets very crowded. However, it’s convenient, has plenty of amenities, showers, and bars nearby.
2. Sirena Beach
Located in front of Hotel Sirena (also newly reinvented and fully renovated in 2026!), about 2 km from the town center.
This is a quieter, more rugged option compared to Amfora. It’s surrounded by pine trees, giving it a classic Dalmatian feel. It’s a good spot if you want to escape the high-energy music of the main town beaches without going too far.
3. Pokonji Dol – The Best “Walkable” Beach
This is one of the most important beaches to know about if you are staying in Hvar Town.
Located about a 20-25 minute walk along the coast from the town center, Pokonji Dol is a beautiful pebble bay with that classic turquoise water everyone looks for.
The view is iconic, looking out toward a small islet with a lighthouse. It gets busy, so arrive early if you want a sunbed, but it is the perfect compromise between accessibility and beauty.
4. Bonj ‘les bains’ – The Luxury Option
If you are looking to splash some cash and feel like a movie star, this is the place. Located right next to the Amfora Grand Beach Resort mentioned before, this isn’t a “beach” in the traditional sense – it’s a 1930s white stone colonnade built over the water.
You rent private sunbeds or cabanas on the stone jetty or the pontoons. It is expensive (prices fluctuate, but budget high), but the service is top-tier, and the water is deep, clean, and refreshing. It is arguably the most photogenic swim spot in town.
5. Hula Hula Beach
I have to mention Hula Hula, but with a disclaimer: you go here to party, not really to swim. It is located on the walk between town and Amfora.
By 4:00 PM, the music turns up, and it becomes the sunset party spot of the island. The “beach” is mostly rocky slabs and concrete decks. Go here for a cocktail and the vibe, but maybe pick a different spot for a quiet morning swim.
6. Franciscan Monastery Beach
This is a tiny spot right in the harbor, just a few minutes from the central piazza. It’s convenient for a quick dip if you are waiting for a ferry or just arrived, but it’s small and right next to boat traffic. It’s charming for the view of the monastery, but not for a full beach day.
Best Beaches Close to Hvar Town
Milna beaches – located in the Milna village, 4 km east of the city. Next to Milna lagoon, there are two other woody lagoons – Malo and Veliko Borce. The village offers a lot of private apartments and villas.
There is organized transportation by boat from Hvar port, and it is also reachable by car or on foot.
Dubovica beach – this small pebble secluded beach is 8 km east of Hvar. It can be reached by boat from the port in Hvar or by car. It has a small restaurant offering fresh fish meals.
I have an article dedicated to the Milna and Dubovica beaches on Hvar island, make sure to check it out as well!
Zarace village beaches – not far from Milna village, we have Zarace village, 6 km away from Hvar.
On the rocky cliffs, stands this small scenic settlement with two deep coves with pebble beaches, Velo Zarace (Big) on the east and Malo Zarace (Small) on the west side.
The village has several restaurants and comfortable private accommodation and can be reached by car or by boat.
Sveta Nedelja (St. Sunday) beach – a small settlement 12 km east of the Hvar town. It’s reachable by car or boat. There are beautiful pebble beaches with some good restaurants in the area. You also have the possibility to rent rooms or apartments there.
Best Sandy Beaches on Hvar Island
Let’s manage some expectations here:Croatia is not the Caribbean!
When we say “sandy” in Hvar, we usually mean “sand mixed with pebbles” or “shallow bays with a sandy bottom but a concrete shore.”
If you absolutely need sand (usually for small children), here are your best bets, but don’t expect powdery white dunes:
- Sucuraj Perna sandy beach
- Mlaska sandy beach and campsite – Sucuraj
- Grebisce sandy beach – Jelsa
- Mina sand beach – Jelsa
- Stari Grad – Maslinica sandy beach
- Soline Vrboska family beach
Best secluded beaches in Hvar, Croatia
If you want to stay away from the crowds (and in 2026, Hvar gets very crowded in July/August), these are your sanctuaries (as you will see, most of them near the small village of Brusje):
Mekićevica (“Robinson’s Beach”)
I mentioned Pokonji Dol earlier, but if you keep walking past it along the coast for another 20 minutes through the pine forest, you reach Mekićevica.
It is a stunning, white pebble double-cove that feels completely isolated. There’s also a a stone restaurant hidden in the olive trees behind the beach, serving amazing Dalmatian food. It was cash only when I last visited, so come prepared!
I have personally visited some coves in vicinity of Brusje. They are located one after another at the bottom of the steep slopes, below this small village.
These coves are more attractive for boaters and yachts owners but it’s possible to reach them on foot (be careful if you try to, though – it’s a very steep walk down) – but impossible by car.
The most beautiful coves here are Grabovac, Lucisca and Stiniva.
Related reading: Top things to do on Hvar island.
Best Naturist beaches in Hvar
When talking about Hvar naturist beaches, we have both official naturist ones but also other hidden little coves or bays, where you can enjoy total privacy.
You can find them practically everywhere and are well known to boaters in the area. These beaches offer the best naturist vacations and are perfect for privacy, with no other people in sight for at least 100 meters.
Keep in mind that those free beaches are rocky so it is a good to have a mattress!
One disadvantage of these beaches is the fact that it’s difficult to reach them. The best way is to hire a small boat in any of the ports (like Jelsa, Hvar town, Stari Grad, or Vrboska).
Note: If you want even more alternatives, make sure to check out my previous articles sharing the best naturist beaches in South Croatia, or the one about the best ones in Central Croatia.
Nudist Camp Vrboska is my top pick for a full facility experience. This campsite near Vrboska has a designated FKK beach that is well-maintained, with showers and easy access.
Now, if you don’t care too much for privacy and you prefer more popular naturist spots, these are the most frequented naturist beaches on Hvar island:
- Zecevo – this is actually an entire island dedicated for naturists. Offering small rocky beaches, it is open during the summer season and can be reached by boat from Jelsa.
- Jerolim – naturist beach on the island of Jerolim (Paklina islands), southeast of Hvar, can be reached by boat from the town of Hvar.
- Mlin – naturist beach on the island of Marinkovac.
- Palmizana – a part of Paklina islands.
- Zavala – naturist beach between Zavala and Sveta Nedjelja on the southern part of the island.
Pin one of these images for later!
Conclusion
Hvar is a large island with plenty of amazing beaches to choose from. No matter if you want something secluded or on the contrary – something very popular and crowded – you can surely find it here.
I hope that my recommended beaches will be appreciated. Make sure to let us all know in the comments section below which are your favorite beaches in and around Hvar!