The Best Beaches in and Around Stari Grad, Hvar

Staying in Stari Grad means you don't have to jump in the car to find a great place to swim. Several beautiful beaches are within walking distance of the old town, while a short drive opens up both the island's peaceful north coast and the crystal clear coves of the south. From pine shaded pebble beaches to turquoise bays beneath the vineyards, these are the places locals return to all summer.

Beaches You Can Walk to from Stari Grad

The closest beaches sit just outside the old town, making them perfect if you want a quick swim without driving anywhere.

Maslinica and Lanterna are Stari Grad's best known beaches. These pebble coves are lined with pine trees that provide natural shade throughout the day, while the calm, shallow water makes them especially popular with families. You can reach both with an easy ten minute walk from the town centre.

If you'd rather escape the crowds, continue towards the Kabal Peninsula. Its rocky shoreline and small hidden coves offer a quieter swimming experience, with exceptionally clear water and plenty of space even during peak season. It's one of the favourite swimming spots for locals, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Beaches Just a Short Drive Away

Within ten to fifteen minutes of Stari Grad you'll find several completely different beaches, each with its own character.

To the east lies Vrboska, a charming fishing village surrounded by pine forest. The beaches around Soline Bay are known for their natural shade, calm sea and relaxed atmosphere, making them an excellent choice on hot summer afternoons.

A few minutes further is Jelsa, home to Mina and Grebišće, two of Hvar's most family friendly beaches. Their shallow, sandy seabed makes them ideal for young children and anyone looking for an easy, relaxed day by the sea.

The Beautiful Beaches of Hvar's South Coast

If you're looking for the postcard version of Hvar, with turquoise water and sunshine that lasts until evening, head to the island's south coast.

Zavala and Ivan Dolac are home to a series of beautiful pebble coves tucked beneath the vineyards. The sea here is among the clearest on the island, and the south facing coastline enjoys sunshine almost all day.

Further west, Sveta Nedjelja sits beneath the dramatic cliffs below Hvar's highest peak. The combination of crystal clear water, quiet beaches and surrounding vineyards gives this part of the island a completely different atmosphere from the north coast.

Hvar's south coast enjoys longer hours of sunshine and warmer evening temperatures than the north. The only reason it stays quieter is that many visitors prefer not to drive through the narrow Pitve tunnel and winding roads.

The Easiest Way to Get There

You can easily walk to Maslinica, Lanterna and the Kabal Peninsula from the centre of Stari Grad. For beaches around Vrboska, Jelsa or the south coast, arranging transport is often easier than dealing with parking or driving through the Pitve tunnel.

Our fixed price transfer will take you directly to your chosen beach and pick you up whenever you're ready to head back. No parking stress, no narrow roads and no long walk carrying towels and a cooler in the summer heat. Simply tell us where you'd like to swim and we'll take care of the rest.