Stari Grad lies at the end of a long, narrow bay on Hvar’s north coast. Greek settlers from Paros founded it as Pharos in 384 BC, and the field system they laid out behind the town – Stari Grad Plain – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why visit
Narrow lanes of stone houses lead from the waterfront to Tvrdalj, the fortified 16th-century summer house of the poet Petar Hektorović, with its fish pond and inscriptions.
Behind the town, Stari Grad Plain is still farmed in the plots the Greeks marked out, with dry-stone walls, vineyards and olive groves – best explored on foot or by bike. Stari Grad is calmer than Hvar Town and a good base if you have a car.
Where to stay
Stay in the old town for atmosphere, or along the bay for easier access to the beaches.
Getting there and around
Car ferries from Split arrive at Stari Grad port, about 2 km from the town; the crossing takes around two hours. Hvar Town is about 20 km away.
Parking
The old centre is best explored on foot. Park around its edge.
Day trips
Nearby destinations
Croatian Islands
Hvar Town
The island’s harbour town: a grand square, a hilltop fortress and the Pakleni islands offshore.
Croatian Islands
Jelsa
A relaxed harbour town on Hvar’s north coast, between pine woods and vineyards.
Croatian Islands
Vrboska
A small village on a narrow inlet, nicknamed “little Venice” for its bridges.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ferry port in Stari Grad town?
No, the car ferry arrives at the port about 2 km from the centre – a short drive or bus ride.
Is Stari Grad Plain worth seeing?
Yes. The landscape has been farmed the same way for over 2,000 years, and it is easy to see on a walk or a bike ride from town.
