5 Best Beaches in Hvar Town | Complete Guide | Visit Hvar

Discover the 5 best beaches in Hvar Town, from the family-friendly Pokonji Dol to the stunning Pakleni Islands. Find out how to get there, what to expect, and which beach is perfect for your next swim.

TOP 5 beaches in Hvar Town

Hvar Town is famous for its historic streets, lively waterfront and vibrant atmosphere, but some of its greatest attractions lie just beyond the town centre. Within walking distance—or a short taxi boat ride—you’ll find everything from family-friendly pebble beaches and peaceful coves to sheltered island bays surrounded by pine trees.

Whether you’re planning a full day by the sea or looking for the perfect spot for a refreshing swim after exploring the Old Town, here are five of the best beaches in and around Hvar Town.

• Pokonji Dol

Just a 25 minute walk from Hvar Town’s main square, Pokonji Dol is the town’s largest and most popular beach.
Named after the small islet and lighthouse just offshore, Pokonji Dol offers one of Hvar Town’s most recognisable coastal views.

The beach is fully equipped for a comfortable day by the sea, with sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, cafés and water sports rentals available throughout the summer. Thanks to its easy access, crystal-clear water and wide range of facilities, Pokonji Dol is an excellent choice for families, couples and anyone looking to spend the entire day by the beach.

Best for: Families, full-day beach trips, water sports and beach facilities.

• Mekićevica (Vela & Mala)

If you prefer a more natural setting, Mekićevica is one of the most rewarding walks from Hvar Town. Located around 2.5 kilometres east of the centre, this beautiful stretch of coastline is home to two picturesque pebble coves – Vela Mekićevica and Mala Mekićevica. Vela Mekićevica is sometimes referred to as Robinson Beach after the nearby restaurant, although Mekićevica is the beach’s official name.

Reached either by a scenic coastal footpath or by taxi boat during the summer season, both beaches are surrounded by pine trees and striking white limestone cliffs. Their exceptionally clear sea and peaceful atmosphere make Mekićevica a favourite among visitors looking to escape the busier beaches closer to the town centre.

Best for: Nature lovers, snorkelling, peaceful swimming and coastal walks.

• Pakleni Islands (Palmizana, Mlini/Ždrilca & Jerolim)

Just a 10-15-minute taxi boat ride from Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands are one of the destination’s greatest attractions. This beautiful archipelago of wooded islets offers secluded coves, crystal-clear sea and some of the best swimming spots in the area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, excellent waterfront dining or peaceful places to snorkel, there’s an island to suit every mood.

Best for: Island hopping, swimming, snorkelling, waterfront dining and full-day excursions.

Palmizana (Vinogradišće)

The best-known destination on the Pakleni Islands, Palmizana is much more than a beach. Set in the sheltered Vinogradišće Bay, it features a shallow sandy-gravel shoreline-one of the closest experiences to a sandy beach near Hvar Town. Surrounded by surrounded by pine trees and exotic Mediterranean plants, the bay is home to renowned restaurants, beach bars and scenic walking paths, making it an ideal destination for a full day of swimming, dining and exploring.

Mlini & Ždrilca

Mlini and Ždrilca, located on the island of Marinkovac, are two beautiful bays connected by a short walking path. Known for their turquoise sea, pebble beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Mlini and Ždrilca are among the most popular swimming spots on the Pakleni Islands.Surrounded by pine trees that provide plenty of natural shade, they’re perfect for swimming, snorkelling and spending a leisurely day by the sea. Easily reached by taxi boat from Hvar Town, these bays offer a wonderful balance of nature and comfort.

Jerolim

Jerolim is known for its relaxed atmosphere, rocky and pebble beaches, and pine forests that provide plenty of natural shade throughout the day. Frequently featured among Croatia’s best naturist destinations, the island has long been recognised as Hvar’s unofficial FKK island, while welcoming everyone who simply wants to enjoy its peaceful surroundings. Accessible by taxi boat from town centre, Jerolim is perfect for those seeking a quieter island escape close to Hvar Town.

• Križa Beach

Only a five-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Square (main square), Križa Beach is the closest natural swimming spot to Hvar Town’s historic centre.

This small pebble beach is ideal if you want to cool off without leaving town. Thanks to its convenient location, it’s popular for a morning swim before sightseeing, a refreshing dip during the day or a relaxing swim at sunset. Despite being just moments from the lively waterfront, Križa offers surprisingly clear water and a peaceful atmosphere.

Best for: Quick swims, easy access and staying close to the Old Town.

• Bonj Beach

Located along Hvar Town’s elegant western promenade, Bonj Beach blends historic charm with modern comfort. Known for its distinctive stone terraces dating back to Hvar’s early tourism era, it remains one of the town’s most iconic seaside locations.

Visitors can relax on sunbeds, enjoy refreshments from nearby cafés and restaurants or simply spend the afternoon swimming in the clear sea while overlooking the Pakleni Islands. Its convenient location and excellent facilities make Bonj a favourite for those looking for a comfortable beach experience within walking distance of the town centre.

Best for: Relaxation, couples, beach services and easy access.

Good to Know: Sea Urchins in Croatia

Sea urchins are a common sight along Croatia’s rocky coastline, and that’s actually good news. They thrive in clean, unpolluted water, so spotting them is often a sign of excellent sea quality.

If you accidentally step on one, don’t panic. Although it can be painful, most sea urchins found in the Adriatic Sea are not poisonous. The discomfort is usually caused by their fragile spines breaking under the skin rather than venom.

If the spines are visible and only lightly embedded, you may be able to remove them carefully yourself. However, avoid digging for deep spines, as they break easily and can be difficult to extract completely. If you’re unsure, or if the pain, swelling or redness worsens, visit the nearest tourist medical clinic or pharmacy for advice and treatment.

👉 Find emergency contacts and medical services in Hvar here.

For more safety information and useful travel advice, visit Safe in Dalmatia 

Fortunately, sea urchin injuries are usually minor and shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your holiday.

• Most beaches around Hvar Town are pebble beaches, so water shoes can make entering the sea more comfortable.
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and sun protection, especially during the hottest summer months.
• Taxi boats to the Pakleni Islands start operating in the morning and run regularly throughout the day during the summer season.
• Visiting beaches in the early morning or late afternoon is the best way to enjoy a quieter atmosphere during peak summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the best beach in Hvar Town?

Pokonji Dol is the most popular beach thanks to its excellent facilities and easy access, while the Pakleni Islands offer some of the area’s most spectacular natural swimming spots. For a quieter experience surrounded by nature, Mekićevica and the Pakleni Islands are hard to beat.

Can you walk to the beaches from Hvar Town?

Yes. Pokonji Dol, Križa, Bonj and Mekićevica can all be reached on foot, although Mekićevica requires a longer coastal walk. The Pakleni Islands are accessible by regular taxi boats departing from Hvar Town harbour.

Are there sandy beaches in Hvar Town?

Most beaches around Hvar Town are pebble or rocky. However, Palmizana on the Pakleni Islands features a shallow sandy-gravel shoreline, making it one of the closest experiences to a sandy beach near Hvar Town.

Which beach is best for snorkelling?

Mekićevica, Mlini and Jerolim all offer exceptionally clear sea and rocky seabeds, making them excellent choices for snorkelling.

How do I get to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar Town?

The easiest way to reach the Pakleni Islands is by regular taxi boats departing from Hvar Town harbour during the summer season. Boats operate throughout the day, with the  departures in the morning, and connect Hvar Town with popular destinations including Jerolim / Stipanska, Mlini / Ždrilca and Palmizana The journey takes approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on your destination.

Looking for More Beaches?

These are just a few of the best beaches in Hvar Town. If you’d like to explore even more swimming spots, browse our complete list of beaches in the Hvar Town area.
View all beaches in the Hvar Town area