Travel Guide Stari Grad: Discover the Heart of Hvar Island – what to do in stari grad hvar best things
Welcome to Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town and one of the most charming destinations on the Adriatic. When planning your stay at Holiday House Oleas Stari Grad Hvar, you are not just choosing premium accommodation—you are placing yourself at the historic center of an island world-renowned for its heritage, untouched nature, and exquisite Mediterranean lifestyle.
Ancient History Meets Mediterranean Serenity
Founded by the Greeks in 384 BC as Pharos, Stari Grad boasts over 2,400 years of history. A stroll through the winding stone alleys surrounding Holiday House Oleas feels like stepping back in time. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the “Stari Grad Plain” (Starogradsko Polje), still showcases ancient Greek land division and invites you to explore olive groves and vineyards by foot or bicycle.
Highlights and Activities near Holiday House Oleas
Staying at Holiday House Oleas Stari Grad Hvar means having the town’s most iconic landmarks within walking distance:
- Tvrdalj Castle: The stunning Renaissance summer residence of poet Petar Hektorović, featuring its famous emerald fishpond.
- The Riva: Stari Grad’s vibrant waterfront promenade, perfect for a morning coffee or a sunset dinner.
- Beaches: Discover hidden bays like Arkada or enjoy family-friendly swimming spots with crystal-clear water just a short distance away.
Culinary Delights and Island Flavors
The gastronomy in Stari Grad is defined by fresh seafood, world-class olive oil, and the island’s famous wines. From your base at Holiday House Oleas, you can easily explore local konobas (traditional taverns) serving authentic specialties like Gregada (a traditional fisherman’s stew).
Your Perfect Gateway: Holiday House Oleas Stari Grad Hvar
At Holiday House Oleas, our goal is to provide more than just a place to sleep; we offer a true home away from home. Benefit from our central yet peaceful location, allowing you to soak up the authentic atmosphere of Hvar at your own pace. Whether you are chartering a boat to explore the Pakleni Islands, visiting the Fortica fortress in Hvar Town, or simply relaxing in our garden, Stari Grad is the ideal setting for your next getaway.
gastronomy scene
Eremitaž
Very good food in an old stone house, 10-15 minutes away from the property by walk. They exist for a long time and are still there while others disappeared.
Hora Hvar
Zuvela family are continuing the traditions of the Ancient Greeks today. With some 32,000m2, the working farm is an oasis of heritage and organic produce, a world away from the beach and busy coastal towns. With animals for the children, a range of organic food and wines produced by the family, and catering for groups for the most traditional of Dalmatian meals, Agroturizam Pharos is waiting for your visit to show you a different side of Hvar, taking you back to the time of the Ancient Greeks. (Info taken from Hora website).
Konoba Stori Komin
A restaurant “Konoba Stori Komin” with a beautiful view on the top of the village in the abandoned village Malo Grablje. It´s almost on the other side of the island (from Stari Grad).
Jurin podrum
Nice little restaurant in the old town of Stari Grad.
Tiha Lounge Bar
A lounge bar close to the water reachable by a longer walk or taxi boat which starts in town in front of the court at the left side of the harbour.
Tramonto
Best sunset view combined with a drink or coffee.
Markets
Some markets in Stari Grad
Tommy Hipermarket
A large supermarket is just a two-minute walk away, right around the corner. It has extended opening hours during the peak season.
Tepić
A small bakery with its own production facilities in Stari Grad, located just around the corner from the town square, opposite the Tommy supermarket. During peak season, they often sell out very quickly. Please note the opening hours.
Sightseeing features
Some attractions in Stari Grad and surroundings.
Fortress of Petar Hektorović
It´s a famous old castle in Stari Grad from the Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic (1487–1572).
Malo Grablje
Malo Grablje is an abandoned little village which was left because of an insect (phylloxera). A restaurant “Konoba Stori Komin” with a beautiful view is available on the top of the village.
Brusje
In the surroundings of Brusje you should find some of the Lanvender fields (mostly until the end of June). The most Lavender fields were destroyed by fires and other factors.
Vrboska
Vrboska is called “little Venice”. It´s a small and charming little town with beautiful beaches, about 10km away from Stari Grad.
Jelsa
A charming town on the island.
Grapčeva cave
Grapceva cave is the cradle of Hvar’s culture and civilization. The cave is one of the prehistoric findings dating back to the New Stone Age (Neolithic Period) 5000 – 4000 years BC and one of the oldest discoveries in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean.
Hvar
The biggest town (Hvar town) on the island with a fortress is worth checking it out before 12pm or after 6pm.
Spanish Fortress
A fortress in Hvar town with a beautiful view.
Stari Grad Plain
The UNESCO-protected fields near Stari Grad, originally laid out by the Greeks around 2,400 years ago, can be explored by bicycle or on foot and are located approximately a 15-minute walk from the accommodation.
Beach lanterna
A pebble-free beach with a smaller beach right next door. The Tramonto beach bar and a public restroom are located immediately adjacent. Since 2026, it has been possible to rent SUP boards via smartphone (subject to availability).
Žukova Beach
A beach that is less touristy.
Kupalište Stari Grad
The beach in front of the Hotel Arkada has a more tourist-oriented character
transfers
Recommendation is exploring the area by bicycle—especially the picturesque route from Vrboska to Jelsa, as well as the UNESCO-protected fields near Stari Grad that were originally laid out by the Greeks.
Buses easily connect to Hvar Town, Jelsa, Vrboska, and Milna Beach. Just tell the driver where you’d like to get off. The direction is displayed on the front window, and you pay the driver directly in cash.
Taxis are also available. Always agree on the fare with the driver before starting your ride. Ask people if they want to share the taxi.
Check availability in your Uber app.
Bus station Čazmatrans
The bus stop is just a few minutes’ walk from the accommodation. The destination is displayed on the front windshield, and you pay the driver in cash. If you want to get off somewhere along the route, simply tell the driver where to stop. Be sure to arrive on time for departure, as the bus drivers do not wait.
Stari Grad Faros Ferry Port
The large ferry port in Stari Grad is about a 30-minute walk away from the accommodation. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket counter at the port. You can board the ferry 30 minutes before departure. Upon arrival, there are buses waiting in the area in front of the ferry; the destination is displayed on the front windshield. It takes just a few minutes by bus to reach the stop nearest your accommodation.
Hvar Dolphin Tours
Discover Hvar Island from the water with our boat tours departing directly from Stari Grad, featuring dolphin watching and sunset cruises. Enjoy moments on the Adriatic Sea with panoramic views right from the local harbor in Stari Grad.
