What to Do in Two Days in Stari Grad, Hvar

A Brief History of Stari Grad

Stari Grad, meaning “Old Town” in Croatian, is one of the oldest towns in Europe, founded by Greek settlers from the island of Paros in 384 BC. Back then, it was called Faros, and it quickly became an important cultural and agricultural hub thanks to the fertile Stari Grad Plain, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Throughout the centuries, Stari Grad has been shaped by Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Croats, leaving behind a charming blend of architecture, culture, and a peaceful spirit that feels frozen in time.

One of the town’s most magical features is its crystal-clear canals that flow through parts of Stari Grad, where you can often see fish swimming peacefully — a simple but beautiful sight that stays in your heart.

I had the incredible luck to call this beautiful village my home for five months. Its stone houses and narrow streets, draped with hanging plants, feel untouched by modern life.
This two-day guide is designed to be easygoing, without needing a car. If you prefer, you can rent a bicycle or even an electric bike to explore more comfortably.

Tip: Since all the beaches are rocky, I highly recommend bringing a small mat to sit on and, if you have sensitive feet, water shoes!

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Stari Grad

We start right in the centre of town, walking toward:

Škor Square

With its charming old houses and hanging plants, Škor Square feels like stepping into a storybook.
(2 minutes walking) to the next stop.

Bell Tower of the Church of St. Stephen

This impressive bell tower is a landmark of Stari Grad. The original church was built in the 9th century but was replaced in the 17th century after Turkish attacks.
(5 minutes walking) to the next point.

Church of St. John and the Archaeological Site of Faros

Right next to St. John’s Church, you’ll find Arheološki lokalitet Faros, an open-air archaeological site showcasing remnants of ancient Greek Faros. It’s a small but meaningful glimpse into the town’s ancient roots.
(7 minutes walking) to the next spot.

Church of St. Nicholas

Located near the edge of town, this tiny 14th-century church was built as a votive offering for sailors.
(5 minutes walking) to the next stop.

Moria Gallery – Roman Mosaics

Before reaching the fortress, make a stop at Galerija Moria, where you can admire stunning 2nd-century Roman mosaics.
The gallery is small but impressive, offering a rare opportunity to see such ancient art up close, beautifully preserved right in the heart of the village.
(3 minutes walking) to the highlight of the day.

Fortress of Petar Hektorović (Tvrdalj Castle)

This beautiful Renaissance fortress was built by the Croatian poet Petar Hektorović as a summer residence. Its fishpond, garden, and stone inscriptions make it a must-see.

Entrance fee: €5
Opening hours: 10 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 7 PM (summer season).

Perfect for a photo session!

(3 minutes walking) to a sweet reward.

Slastičarna Pharos

Stop at this local ice cream shop to relax and enjoy a delicious scoop of gelato.

Lanterna Beach

(15 minutes walking) from Slastičarna Pharos.

Lanterna is the first large beach on this side of town, known for its calm waters and peaceful vibe. There’s a beach bar nearby — cash only — where you can grab a drink or a beer.
If you want to keep walking by the water, you’ll reach:

Maslina Resort and Abay Beach Bar

(15 minutes walking) from Lanterna Beach.

Maslina Resort is a luxury hotel, but their Abay Beach Bar is open to the public. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset, though be aware: prices are quite high.

A 10-minute walk further along the promenade brings you to:

Maslinica Beach

The only sandy beach in Stari Grad! There’s a public section and a private section belonging to the resort.
You can’t access the private side without being a guest.

Alternative sunset spot: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can walk back to Lanterna Beach Bar, which also offers a lovely sunset view.

Dinner recommendation: Nook — a beautiful restaurant surrounded by greenery. Try their vegetarian burger — it’s amazing!

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Day 2: Across the Bay

Today, we’ll explore the other side of Stari Grad’s bay!

Church of St. Jerome and the Beach

(20 minutes walking) from the center.

This small church was built in the 15th century by local sailors seeking protection during their voyages. During the high season, the adjacent beach becomes lively with inflatable games for kids.

Beach Ploche

(10 minutes walking) from St. Jerome.

Here, the paved path ends. If you’re using a bicycle, you’ll need to leave it behind and continue walking through the pine forest trails.

This is my favorite area of Stari Grad — walking between the pines and the sparkling turquoise sea feels like pure magic.

Important: From this point onward begins the FKK zone (naturist area). It’s common to find small hidden beaches where people enjoy sunbathing naked in full freedom.

Brizenica Bay

(20 minutes walking) from Ploche.

You can stop at any of the many small beaches along the way or continue walking toward the very end of the island — it’s totally up to you!

White Cross Viewpoint (Bijeli Križ)

After returning to town, climb up to the White Cross for a spectacular panoramic view of Stari Grad.
It takes only about 15 minutes to get up to the cross.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during a full moon or near it, you can watch both the sunset and the moonrise — a magical, unforgettable experience.

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How to Get to Stari Grad

You can easily reach Stari Grad by ferry from Split using Jadrolinija ferries.
Check the schedule and book your tickets here: Jadrolinija Official Website
The website is generally down during winter time.

If you are staying longer in the Island Check Out my other post of it HERE!