The easiest way to reach Hvar is to fly into Split (SPU) and take a catamaran or ferry to the island. Split airport is 30-40 minutes by taxi or Uber to the port of Split. Catamarans are fast for foot passengers, while car ferries are slower but let you bring a car. A car is not needed for the island unless you would like to explore extensively. In that case, we recommend renting once on Hvar.

From Split:

  • Catamaran to Jelsa (1.5-2hrs)—easiest but less frequent.

  • Car ferry to Stari Grad (2hrs) then 20–30 min taxi or drive—runs frequently.

  • Speedboat charter directly to Jelsa—ultrafast but pricier (500-700 euros). Must book ahead of time, good option to split with others. Private speedboat transfers are available from Split (including Split Airport) directly to Hvar.

SCHEDULES

We recommend booking your ferry or catamaran tickets in advance, as sailings can sell out during the summer. Double check all these times on the ticket buying sites.

Schedule for Friday 7/31, Saturday 8/1, Sunday 8/2

Option 1: Split → Jelsa (Direct) Running at 12:15 PM and 4:30 PM

Option 2: Split → Stari Grad (Stari Grad is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Jelsa.) Running every few hours from 5:30 AM-8:30 PM

Option 3: Split → Hvar Town (Hvar Town is about a 35–40 minute taxi ride from Jelsa.) Catamarans depart throughout the day from approximately 7:30 AM to 6:50 PM, with departures every 30–90 minutes.

Schedule for Monday 8/3 (Return to Split)

Jelsa → Split: Once per day at 6AM

Stari Grad → Split: Every few hours from 5:30 AM-8 PM

Hvar Town → Split: Catamarans run frequently throughout the day, beginning around 7:00 AM and continuing into the evening.

Book Tickets:

Jelsa is a small seaside town on Hvar. August is peak season, so accommodations book up quickly—we recommend booking as early as possible. The best area to stay is within walking distance of the Jelsa town square, where you’ll be close to restaurants, cafés, the harbor, beaches, and taxis.

Hotels in Jelsa are very limited, so Airbnbs and private homes are usually the best option. We recommend checking Airbnb, Vrbo, or booking villas through Hvar Away.

If you prefer a hotel, nearby towns are a short drive away. Vrboska (10 minutes) is known as the “Little Venice” of the island; hotel option: Aminess Younique Senses Resort.

Stari Grad (15 minutes) is one of the oldest towns in Croatia; hotel options include Maslina Resort and Hotel Antica.

You’re also welcome to stay in the village of Pitve, where our reception dinner will be held. It’s just 5 minutes from Jelsa, slightly inland, and often called the “Little Tuscany” of Hvar for its vineyards and countryside views. Our family will be staying in this area, making group travel easy.

No matter where you stay, everything is close by and taxis are readily available.