Hvar, the Croatian island famous for its lively parties and picturesque landscapes, attracts thousands of visitors every year.

However, behind this idyllic image lie less attractive realities that tourists must be aware of in order to ensure their safety and fully enjoy their stay.

This article uncovers the three main areas of Hvar where insecurity can be a problem, with advice on the best places to stay on the island.

Is Hvar a safe island?

Hvar has always been a safe destination for tourists. Indeed, just like Dubrovnik or Split , Hvar has a low crime rate and violent crimes are rare.

Additionally, a visible police presence helps deter criminal activity and ensure the safety of tourists on the island.

However, petty crime has been on the rise in certain areas for the past year (see list below). This is confirmed at the end of the article on croatiaweek.com.

The real security problems in Hvar are related to the party and nightlife areas. Indeed, the island is known for its trendy clubs and bars, which can generate problems of violence related to people who are drunk or drugged.

Late at night or early in the morning, conflicts can arise around nightclubs or bars, usually initiated by drunken tourists.

The 3 areas to avoid in Hvar

Hvar Town can be very busy, especially during the months of June, July and August. On certain evenings of the week, tourists arrive by boat, which can make driving in the main areas difficult and some areas more risky at night.

There are 3 specific areas to avoid in Hvar especially during summer:

• Areas around the seafront discos and clubs ;
• The city centre of Hvar, especially during the summer months, especially in the main street of HvarA noise ordinance is in effect requiring outdoor clubs and bars to close after sunset.
• Palmizana (St. Clement Island): Residents of this island, which is part of the Hvar archipelago, have expressed concerns about noise and disruption to public safety, particularly in the Palmižana-Vinogradišće area.

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Hvar

For a peaceful and safe stay with beautiful beaches in Hvar, here are the recommended areas:

• Zavala : This small village in the south of the island is synonymous with peace and quiet, with superb beaches where you can recharge your batteries far from the crowds.
• Sucuraj : Located at the tip of the island, this village offers a romantic setting close to several small bays and many peaceful beaches. The sandy beaches of Cesmica and those of Mlaska and Perna are worth a visit.
• Vrboska : This fishing village nestled on the North coast at the bottom of a superb bay surrounded by lush vegetation is an ideal choice for a more authentic stay.

Where to stay in Zavala?

Zavala, a small fishing village on the island of Hvar, is an ideal choice for a peaceful seaside holiday thanks to its pebble beaches, crystal clear waters and quiet atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of crowded resorts.

The village is surrounded by natural landscapes such as lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards. Visitors can also explore the secluded coves by boat or visit the island of Scedro, a protected natural park.

Hotel Villa Stella Mare enjoys an ideal location close to the beaches, offering a magnificent setting with breathtaking sea views.

Where to stay in Vrboska?

Vrboska, nicknamed “Little Venice” because of its charming canals and bridges, is an excellent choice for an authentic seaside holiday on the island of Hvar.

This village preserves a rich historical heritage and an authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those looking for a typical Mediterranean experience.

On the tourism side, you can discover the Sainte-Marie de la Pitié fortress church or the fishing museum and the Saint-Pierre church.

But Vrboska also has beautiful sandy and pebble beaches, where you can enjoy crystal clear sea and unspoiled surroundings. These beaches are generally quieter than those around Hvar or Stari Grad.

For a stay facing a beautiful beach in Vrboska, I recommend staying at the Aminess Senses Resort :

Where to stay in Sucuraj?

Sucuraj, located on the eastern tip of the island of Hvar, is an excellent choice for a seaside holiday thanks to its beautiful beaches, coves and bays with clear water.

It is an ideal place for a family or couple's holiday, with shops, cafes, bars and typical restaurants. The sandy beaches of Perna Bay and Mlaska Bay are particularly attractive.

You will find many homestay accommodation options there, such as the Bartul Apartments :