The best sunset in Hvar: Fortica fortress and Hula Hula
Sunset on Hvar is a summer ritual in its own right, and the island's two best-known spots for it offer completely different experiences. Fortica fortress gives you a spectacular panorama, while Hula Hula is all about a relaxed mood right by the waves, with music and cocktails.
Key points in 20 seconds
- Fortica offers a panorama of the town and the Pakleni Islands, but also a long climb up the steps.
- Hula Hula is a flat 15 minute walk west of the waterfront, right by the sea and the music.
- If you're staying higher up, the easiest way back is a ride from the nearest pick-up point.
golden hour 2 best spots 15 min to Hula Hula Fortica fortress (Španjola): panoramic views and history
Perched on the steep hill above the old town, the fortress has the most impressive view of Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands and the open sea. Arriving for golden hour, as the sun sinks slowly behind the archipelago, gives you the kind of photographs you keep.
- Walk up or take a taxi? A long path with hundreds of stone steps leads from the town centre to the top. It's scenic, but the climb in the summer heat can be seriously draining. If you want to arrive fresh, rather than out of breath just before the evening's photos, a ride up to the entrance is comfortably the best option.
Hula Hula Beach Bar: sunsets by the shore, set to music
If you'd rather watch the sunset by the water, with good music and excellent cocktails, Hula Hula is a fixture. Set west of the town centre, this cult bar looks straight out at the sun as it drops below the horizon.
- Getting there: a flat coastal promenade runs from the Hvar waterfront to the bar through the pine woods, about 15 minutes of easy walking.
Getting back without the stress
Once the sun is down, a full day of sunshine, swimming and a few cocktails takes its toll. Rather than trudging back to your accommodation, especially if your apartment sits in the higher parts of town such as Križna Luka or above the main road, a ride from the nearest pick-up point is the smartest way to close the day.
Marko
local driver on HvarHe drives the island year-round and knows where you can actually stop, where the signal drops out and how long each route really takes. He writes guides for the PickApp blog.
19 Comments
used your app last week, worked great
Going in september, this helps a lot
walked up from the old town, taxi down. best of both, knees happy
Bring a light jacket even in july, windy up there
Entry fee for the fortress in the evening?
There is a ticket during opening hours. In summer it stays open late enough for sunset, check the current times.
Is there a minimum booking time before pickup?
For same-day rides, as early as you can. Advance bookings for a specific time are the safest.
Saved for our trip in july
Did this on our last night. unforgettable
how early to go up to fortica for a good spot?
45 minutes to an hour before sunset. In August the terrace fills up early.
Hula hula for sunset with kids, too much party?
Late afternoon is relaxed and families are there. The party starts after sunset, so go for the sunset and leave when the music picks up.
Can the taxi wait at the fortress while we watch?
Better to agree a pickup time. Book the return when you book the ride up.
Sunset at the fortress then dinner in the old town below. book the restaurant tho
is the walk up ok for my parents (70s)?
It is steep, mostly steps. For your parents I would go up by car and walk down slowly, or take a taxi both ways.