The increase in the number of fast catamaran services linking the Dalmatian islands has revolutionized Adriatic travel in recent years. Not only is it quick and easy to get to Hvar from the mainland; it is also possible to include Hvar in a holiday that takes in a string of seductive destinations, Dubrovnik, Korčula and Vis included.

Getting to Hvar Town by boat is certainly one of the most evocative arrivals in the Mediterranean. One's first sighting of Hvar Town is dramatic indeed, its buildings arranged across the hillsides overlooking a horseshoe-shaped bay.

Travel contacts:
Split Airport  www.split-airport.hr
Zagreb Bus Station  www.akz.hr
Split Bus Station  www.ak-split.hr
Jadrolinija  www.jadrolinija.hr
TPline www.tp-line.hr
Krilo  www.krilo.hr
Dubrovnik bus station www.autobusni-kolodvor-dubrovnik
Getting there from Split
Split airport is at Kaštel Štafilić 23km west of the city. A regular shuttle bus runs from here to Split bus station, right opposite the ferry port.
It is also possible to get from Split airport to Hvar by speedboat transfer from quays near the airport itself, operated by private firms although these are expensive and need to be booked in advance.
If your point of entry into Croatia is Zagreb, you can get to Split by regular bus (every 1/2 hrs; 5hr) from Zagreb's main bus station.
The quickest and most direct route for those who didn't bring a car or bike is the passenger-only catamarans that glide across the Adriatic from Split to Hvar Town. These are run by various operators and offer a variety of routes - you can check timetables and buy tickets online. There are usually 2-4 departures per day throughout the year, with services operated by state firm Jadrolinija or private ferry companies Krilo and TPline. Catamarans (passengers only) leaving Split depart from different berths spread out along the quay- so always arrive early enough to check departure boards and find the right boarding spot. Jadrolinija's car ferries run from Split to Hvar island's main ferry port, Stari Grad, which lies a 20km (30-minute) drive from Hvar Town. Buses connect with ferry arrivals, dropping you at Hvar Town's main bus stop just off the centre.
Getting there from the Makarska Riviera
There is also a Jadrolinija car ferry from Drvenik on the mainland (southeast of Makarska) to Sućuraj at the eastern tip of Hvar island. Hvar Town is a 90-minute drive from here - a spectacular route that runs along the spine of the island through half-empty villages and lush green landscapes.
Getting there from Dubrovnik
There is a fast catamaran from Dubrovnik to Hvar Town run by Krilo, Jadrolinija and TP line calling at on the way. There are also buses to Split from Dubrovnik bus station (3-4hr).