Stari Grad Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Stari Grad is primarily accessed via ferry connections from Split on the mainland, with crossings taking approximately 2 hours. Visitors from Dubrovnik can reach Split by coastal bus in about 4 hours before boarding the ferry. The ferry terminal offers good connections to the town center, with local taxis and seasonal shuttle buses available for the short journey. If arriving by car, vehicle ferries operate regularly, and parking is available near the port and in designated areas throughout town. During summer, it's advisable to book ferry tickets in advance as services can fill quickly with tourists and locals.

Nestled on the northern coast of Hvar Island, Stari Grad (meaning 'Old Town') stands as one of Europe's oldest towns, founded by ancient Greeks in 384 BC. This UNESCO-protected harbor town blends Mediterranean charm with remarkable historical depth, offering narrow stone streets that wind between lavender-scented squares and centuries-old buildings. As a key ferry destination in the Adriatic, Stari Grad welcomes travelers to experience its unique blend of relaxed island atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

The ideal time to visit Stari Grad is during the late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) when temperatures hover pleasantly between 20-25°C and the summer crowds have thinned. July and August bring the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere but also peak tourist numbers and higher prices. The annual Stari Grad Summer Festival in July features traditional music and cultural performances throughout the old town. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with some routes reduced during winter. Winter visitors will find a quieter, more authentic experience with mild temperatures around 10-15°C.

Stari Grad serves as an excellent base for exploring other Dalmatian treasures by ferry. The vibrant town of Hvar is just a 20-minute bus ride away, offering glamorous harbors and nightlife. Regular ferry connections take you to Split (2 hours), the historic heart of Dalmatia with its impressive Diocletian's Palace. The island of Brač is accessible via a 50-minute ferry ride, famous for its radiant white stone beaches including the shape-shifting Zlatni Rat. More adventurous travelers can use Stari Grad as part of an island-hopping itinerary, connecting to Korčula with its medieval walled town or the nature-rich island of Vis.

Wander through the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient Greek agricultural practices remain visible in the geometric field patterns that have remained unchanged for 24 centuries. Explore Tvrdalj, the fortified summer residence of Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović, complete with a sea-water fish pond and beautiful garden. For culinary delights, sample local specialties like gregada (fish stew) or paprenjaci (honey and black pepper cookies) at konobas along the waterfront. The town's beaches offer crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, while the surrounding countryside invites exploration with hiking and cycling paths through lavender fields and olive groves. Don't miss the Dominican Monastery with its impressive collection of ancient artifacts and religious art.

Despite its name meaning 'Old Town,' Stari Grad isn't actually the oldest settlement on Hvar Island, nearby Grapčeva Cave contains evidence of human habitation dating back to 3500 BC. The town's ancient Greek name was Pharos, and some local families can trace their ancestry back to these original settlers over 2,400 years ago. Stari Grad's harbor was once a notorious pirate hideout during the Middle Ages, with vessels concealing themselves in the deep bay. The town's UNESCO-protected agricultural plain uses the same stone wall system established by ancient Greek colonists, making it the oldest continuously cultivated landscape in the Mediterranean.