Tips on Avoiding Hvar Tourist Traps

Hvar Tourist Traps

Hvar is an island belonging to Croatia that sits in the inviting waters of the Adriatic Sea. Though there are plenty of things to do, there are also some tips to remember that will help you avoid tourist traps.

The Ships

You may not want to take the boat excursion to Bol from Hvar harbor. The boat ride itself lasts nearly a whole day, but gives you only enough time to spend maybe four hours baking in the sun while wandering a crowded beach. You’ll make a three-hour trip to and from Bol in a boat. Bol may look wonderful when you see it in photos taken from the sky, but it’s really a heavily crowded beach. It’s hard to justify the length of the trip to get to it. On the positive side of the boat trip, you’ll be offered orange juice and vodka early in the morning, plus some fresh fish for lunch.

There are other trips around Bol to avoid. There are touring boats that won’t actually take you where you’re supposed to go. The trips typically last a while before they reach their destination, which it makes it so disappointing when you don’t arrive at the destination you expected. You may end up at destinations that, while nice to look at, aren’t as lovely as the beaches you had hoped to arrive at.

Beaches

Across the whole Island, almost all of the tourist agencies, ranging from the hotels to private agencies, organize excursions to the Pakleni Islands. This is a small archipelago just in front of Hvar town.

They describe these islands as a lost paradise, but they are nothing special. They are simply rock formations and maritime pines that lack beaches. Meanwhile, the bays there are crowded with boats and people. Beach seekers are advised to stay along the Hvar islands, especially along the southern coast. These beaches possess seas that are very clean and clear, though the shores can be a bit rocky.

Other parts of the island contain beaches that are simply too pricey. If you have more money in your pocket than usual and don’t mind spending an extremely high amount during your vacation, then there is a beach in Hvar that is among the most expensive in all of the Adriatic Sea. Not far from hotel Amfora, you can find a private beach called Bonj that is incredibly expensive to access. On the positive side, the service is excellent, and you can rent various amenities that include sun beds, a private cabin, cocktails, meals, or an outdoor seaside massage. However, be aware that it will be expensive to spend a day there.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about insider tips to avoiding tourist traps in Hvar.