Map of Hvar Island & Travel Distances (2026 Update)
Table of Contents
Quick Facts – Hvar Island
Length / Width | 68 km long, 10 km wide |
Main Ports | Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Sućuraj |
Closest Mainland | Split – 22 nautical miles |
Island Neighbors | Brač, Vis, Korčula |
Best Connection | Split → Hvar Town (55 min by taxi boat) |
Whether you’re arriving by ferry, catamaran, or private boat, understanding the layout of Hvar
Island helps you plan your stay more smoothly.
Stretching nearly 68 kilometers in length but only 10 kilometers wide, Hvar is long, narrow, and full of contrasts from lively harbors to quiet stone villages surrounded by lavender fields.
For ferry routes and travel options, see our guide How to Get to Hvar Island, Croatia.
Overview of Hvar Island
Hvar lies in the heart of central Dalmatia, surrounded by Brač, Vis, and Korčula, and just across from
Split on the mainland.
Its main hubs each have a distinct character:
- Hvar Town – nightlife, culture & luxury hotels
- Stari Grad – ferry port & historical heritage
- Jelsa – family-friendly & central
- Vrboska – small “Little Venice” harbor village
- Sućuraj – eastern gateway linked to the mainland
- Sveta Nedjelja / Zavala – southern beaches & vineyards
Map Tip: See the interactive Hvar Island Map (2026) for port locations, routes, and driving
distances.
Road Distances Between Hvar’s Main Towns
Route | Distance | Avg. Drive | Notes |
Hvar Town → Stari Grad | 20 km | 25 min | Scenic coastal route with sea views |
Hvar Town → Jelsa | 30 km | 35–40 min | Passes through Velo Grablje & Pitve tunnel |
Hvar Town → Vrboska | 33 km | 40–45 min | Slightly longer via mountain roads |
Stari Grad → Jelsa | 10 km | 10–15 min | Flat, fast connection |
Stari Grad → Sućuraj | 60 km | 1h 15 min | Beautiful inland route across the island |
Jelsa → Sućuraj | 50 km | 1h | Quiet, scenic drive |
Hvar Town → Sveta Nedjelja | 12 km | 20 min | Narrow local road; spectacular views |
Tip: Roads on Hvar are scenic but narrow plan extra time in summer traffic or around sunset
hours.
Sea Distances & Boat Travel Times
Many visitors choose to travel by sea – it’s faster, scenic, and ideal for exploring coastal hotels and hidden bays.
Route | Distance | Travel | Mode |
Split → Hvar Town | ~22 NM | 55–60 min | |
Split → Stari Grad | ~21 NM | 2 h | Car ferry (Jadrolinija) |
Dubrovnik → Hvar | ~90 NM | 2.5–3 h | |
Makarska → Hvar Town | ~35 NM | 1.5–2 h | Seasonal catamaran / private boat |
Korčula → Hvar Town | ~32 NM | 1 h 15 min | Catamaran |
Vis → Hvar Town | ~16 NM | 35–45 min |
Need flexible transfers or hotel drop-offs? Check our How to get to Hvar Island – the
fastest way to move between Split, Hvar, and nearby islands.
Main Ports & Marinas on Hvar Island
Port | Type | Connections | Notes |
Hvar Town Port | Passenger port | Connections | Central, near the Old |
Stari Grad Port | Ferry & passenger port | Split car ferries | Main car entry point to Hvar |
Jelsa Port | Passenger port | Brač, Makarska (seasonal) | Family-friendly harbor |
Sućuraj Port | Car ferry port | Drvenik (Makarska Riviera) | Closest to southern |
Vrboska Marina | Private & charter | – | Safe yacht mooring |
Palmižana (Pakleni | Private mooring | Split, Hvar | Popular day-trip base |
Each port has its role – Stari Grad for ferries, Hvar Town for fast catamarans, Palmižana for yacht
arrivals – forming a seamless network across the island.
Travel Planning Tips
- Book ahead in summer: Ferry and catamaran tickets sell out quickly (especially in
July–August). Use Jadrolinija, Krilo, or TP Line. - Pack light: Transfers between ports and accommodations are easier without heavy luggage.
- Watch the winds: Bura and Jugo may delay smaller boats.
- Private transfers: Perfect for late arrivals or multi-island trips — faster, flexible, and direct.
Final Thoughts
Hvar may seem small on a map, but its winding roads, secluded coves, and vivid landscapes make
every journey an adventure.
Understanding the island’s geography will help you plan smarter – whether exploring by car,
catamaran, or private speedboat.
For directions, ferry updates, and route maps, see our How to Get to Hvar Island, Croatia and
Getting Around Hvar guides.