01Why Stari Grad Works for Couples
Stari Grad is the oldest town on Hvar, founded by Greek settlers from Paros in the 4th century BC. It sits on the island's northern coast, away from the party scene of Hvar Town. The old centre is a grid of limestone lanes with churches, small squares and a long harbour promenade, the Riva. Evenings are calm, and most activities involve walking, cycling, wine or food.
02How to Get There
- From Split
- The car and passenger ferry to Stari Grad takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Adult tickets cost about €5.90–€8.40 depending on season (2026 fares), with more departures in summer.
- From Hvar Town
- The bus takes about 20 minutes and costs around €3.
- Arriving by ferry
- The port is a short walk from the old town, so a car is not needed for the town itself.
03Best Romantic Things to Do in Stari Grad
Walk the Riva at Sunset
The Riva is lined with outdoor tables, fishing boats and palms. A slow walk from the ferry port to the far end of the bay takes 20–30 minutes. Arrive about an hour before sunset, then take a table at one of the harbour bars.
Cycle the Stari Grad Plain
The plain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 2008. It covers about 1,300 hectares and still follows the Greek field division known as the chora, with dry-stone walls, small stone huts and cisterns. It is one of the few flat areas on Hvar, so cycling is easy for casual riders. Entry is free. Rent bikes in town and go early or late to avoid midday heat. Ride toward the lavender fields in June and early July.
Book a Wine Tasting at Hora Farm
Hora Farm sits inside the plain and serves wine, olive oil, cheese and a Dalmatian starter plate. A tasting costs around €30 per person. The farm is open daily from 1 May to 1 October, 12:00–20:00. Reserve ahead, especially for sunset slots and for the slow-cooked peka dishes, which must be ordered in advance. Bogdanuša is the local white grape to try. Hora can be reached by a 15-minute bus ride or by bike, and a bike ride back after several glasses is a poor idea. Plan a taxi or a bus.
Visit Tvrdalj
Tvrdalj is the 16th-century summer residence of the poet Petar Hektorović. It has a fish pond, a dovecote and shaded courtyards. Entry is about €5 per person, and cash is useful. It is usually open 10:00–14:00, with seasonal changes. Allow 45 minutes. The Stari Grad Museum is nearby and covers the town's Greek and Roman past, including the history of the dry-stone walls.
Hike Glavica Hill
Glavica is a short climb above town with views over the bay and the plain. Go in the early morning or an hour before sunset. Bring water and closed shoes.
04Where to Eat
Antika is the restaurant most often chosen for a special dinner in the old town. Konoba Batana and Jurin Podrum are also well known for local dishes. In July and August, book dinner at least a day ahead. Hora Farm is the best option for a long lunch or early dinner among the fields.
05Where to Stay
Couples have three practical choices: small apartments or guesthouses in the old town, rooms along the bay, or a villa in nearby villages. Old-town rooms put you within 5 minutes of the Riva. Rooms can be noisy near the harbour bars in peak season, so request a courtyard-facing room. Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August.
06Suggested 2-Night Plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, old town lanes, Tvrdalj, Riva sunset, dinner at Antika |
| Day 2 | Morning bike ride on the plain, Hora Farm tasting and lunch, swim in the afternoon, evening on the Riva |
| Day 3 | Glavica Hill at sunrise, coffee on the harbour, ferry or bus onward |
07Best Time to Visit
May, June and September give warm weather, open restaurants and fewer crowds. Lavender blooms in June and early July. Hora Farm closes after 1 October, so autumn trips lose that stop. Swimming is comfortable from June through September.
08Opinion: Skip the Day Trip Mindset
Most couples treat Stari Grad as a two-hour stop between ferry and Hvar Town. That wastes it. The town is better after the day-trippers leave, and the plain is at its best at 8:00 or 18:00. Two nights here beat a rushed night in Hvar Town.
09Local Tips
- Carry some cash for Tvrdalj and small cafés.
- Check Tvrdalj's hours on the day. The guardian's schedule shifts through the season.
- Book Hora Farm by phone or message, because walk-ins are not guaranteed a table in summer.
- Carry water on the plain. There is little shade between the walls.
- Sunset is best from the western end of the Riva.
