Best Rooftop Bars in Hvar for Sunset Drinks and City Views

If you are searching for the best rooftop bars in Hvar, you are not short of options in a town that practically invented Dalmatian open-air drinking culture. I have spent every summer and shoulder season here for over a decade, and I can tell you that watching the sun drop behind the Pakleni Islands from an elevated terrace is the single best thing you can do on this island after swimming. Hvar’s skyline, a jumble of terracotta roofs, church bell towers, and stone palaces, was made for rooftop drinking. The sky bars Hvar lays claim to range from sleek hotel terraces in the Riva to laid-back lounges tucked behind the main square, and I have tested them all repeatedly so you do not waste a single Kunas.

Srijeda (Monday): Your Secret Weapon for Rooftop Serenity in Hvar

Most visitors schedule their Hvar nights around Friday and Saturday, which means the magical Srijeda (Monday) rhythm is your best-kept secret. If you arrive on a Monday, you’ll find the best rooftop bars in Hvar practically deserted at sunset, with staff who have time to chat and locals who linger for hours. Since many outdoor bars Hvar closes or reduces service on Mondays off-season, book a table for sunset on a summer Monday and enjoy the silence of a town still recovering from its own party. If you rent a scooter, park it in the Lotina lot behind the fish market and walk uphill through the old stone alleys—this perspective makes the climb from Velo Grablje street up to the fortress far more rewarding.

Hvar Fortress (Tvrdava Španjola): The Climb That Earns You the View

The Hvar fortress, up on the hill above the old town, is not technically a bar, but during summer evenings the interior courtyard hosts a pop-up bar and the walls are wide enough to sit with a plastic cup of beer overlooking the entire town and Pakleni Islands. The climb takes about ten minutes up stone steps starting from the end of Burag Avenue or from the path near the Dominican monastery, and it is steep enough to make you feel you have earned your drink. When you reach the top of the staircase, turn left and walk toward the Austrian governor’s palace—its cannons face overlooked by most tourists, who mistake the spot for a dead end. The bar is basic, only open from late June through mid-September, and closes no later than 1:00 a.m., but the 360-degree view is unbeatable. If you bring a camera, wait until the streetlights in the old town switch on, turning the stone streets into a glowing labyrinth.

The Vibe? A dirt-cheap plastic cup of Karlovačko beer in the parade ground of an 18th-century fortress.
The Bill? €3 for a beer, which is surprisingly affordable for the best view on Adriatic islands.
The Standout? Sitting on the north wall at 21:30 when the last ferry to Split departs the Riva, its lights pulling away from the harbour.
The Catch? There are no toilets up here. Use the facilities in the town before you start climbing.

Carpe Diem (Riva): The Old Town’s Floating Rooftop in Hvar

Carpe Diem’s main restaurant sits directly on the Riva, but its first-floor terrace leaning over the harbour is where you want to be for a sunset drink with your feet dangling above the water. To reach the terrace, walk past the hostess stand inside the restaurant and climb the narrow stone staircase in front of the kitchen; the staircase is tight but the reward is one of the most photogenic outdoor bars Hvar. It is perched on the northern edge of the old town, and you’ll see the old Venetian lion carved into the wall at eye level when you step outside. Order a Stina Plavac Mali rosé (around €12 per glass) or a classic Aperol Spritz (€10), and avoid sitting directly under the pergola at 21:00 because the heat trapped in the vines can feel oppressive in peak July. Arrive by 18:45 to claim a front-row stool, because the terrace has only nine seats and they fill up fast. The kitchen closes at 22:00, after which only bottled beer and wine are served, turning the space into a quieter, more intimate affair.

The Vibe? A tiny open-air bar wedged between a 15th-century Venetian palace and the Adriatic Sea.
The Bill? €10–€14 per cocktail, with a €25 minimum spend per person after 20:00.
The Standout? Watching the crew of the Hvar–Vodostak race tie their sailboats to the Riva wall directly below your table.
The Catch? The staircase is so narrow that anyone with mobility issues or high heels will struggle. I have seen more than one person turn back halfway up.

Dalmatino (Jurja Barakovića): The Local’s Living Room with a Rooftop Twist

Dalmatino is famous for its pasta and its owner, who greets regulars by name, but the rooftop terrace above the restaurant is one of the best rooftop bars in Hvar for a relaxed, unpretentious sunset. It is located on Jurja Barakovića street, a five-minute walk from the main square, and the terrace overlooks the old town rooftops with the fortress visible to the south. The terrace is open from May through October, and the kitchen serves a full menu until 23:00, which is later than most outdoor bars Hvar. Order the house white Žlahtina (€8 per glass) or a Dalmatian fig rakija (€6) if you want to taste something local. The best time to visit is on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening, when the terrace is full of Croatian families and returning guests rather than party crowds. A detail most tourists miss: the terrace has a small herb garden in the corner, and the chef will walk out to cut fresh rosemary for your drink if you ask nicely.

The Vibe? A family-run restaurant that happens to have one of the most comfortable terraces in the old town.
The Bill? €8–€12 per drink, with a €15 three-course meal available until 21:00.
The Standout? The owner’s handwritten menu, which changes daily based on what his sister brings from her garden in Bogomolje.
The Catch? The terrace is only accessible by a spiral staircase with no handrail. If you are traveling with small children, this is not the place.

Gariful (Riva): The Sunset Institution on Hvar’s Waterfront

Gariful sits at the southern end of the Riva, right on the water’s edge, and its open-air deck is the closest you can get to swimming while still holding a cocktail. It is the most famous of all Hvar bars with views, and for good reason: the sunset hits the Pakleni Islands directly in front of you, turning the water orange and pink. The deck is open from April through October, and the kitchen serves fresh fish and seafood until midnight. Order a glass of Stina Plavac Mali (€11) or a mojito (€12), and if you are hungry, the grilled squid (€18) is the best thing on the menu. The best time to arrive is 19:15, when the first pink light hits the islands and the deck is still half-empty. A local tip: the deck has a lower level that is not visible from the Riva, and it is almost always less crowded. Walk to the far end of the deck and take the two steps down to the left.

The Vibe? A sleek, white sunbed-lined deck hovering over the Adriatic, with a soundtrack that leans toward deep house.
The Bill? €11–€15 per cocktail, with a €30 minimum spend per person on weekends after 20:00.
The Standout? The 19:45 moment when the sun drops behind Gališnik island and the entire deck goes silent for ten seconds.
The Catch? The sunbeds are reserved for restaurant diners after 20:00. If you are just drinking, you will be seated on the hard wooden benches at the back.

Bellvedere (Križmana Pavlovića): The Hidden Rooftop Above the Old Town

Bellvedere is a small bar on Križmana Pavlovića street, tucked behind the main square, and its rooftop terrace is one of the best rooftop bars in Hvar for a quiet, romantic sunset. The terrace is on the second floor of a renovated stone house, and it overlooks the old town with the fortress and the harbour visible in the distance. It is open from May through September, and the bar serves a full range of cocktails, wines, and craft beers. Order a Bellvedere spritz (€11), which is made with local lavender syrup and prosecco, or a glass of Dingač (€14) if you want a serious red wine. The best time to visit is on a Sunday evening, when the terrace is full of couples and the sunset is at its most golden. A detail most tourists miss: the terrace has a small telescope in the corner, and on clear nights you can see the lights of Brač island.

The Vibe? A candlelit stone terrace with a view that feels like a Renaissance painting.
The Bill? €11–€15 per drink, with a €20 minimum spend per person after 20:00.
The Standout? The lavender spritz, which tastes like a Dalmatian summer in a glass.
The Catch? The terrace has only six tables, and reservations are essential after 19:00. I have seen people turned away at the door on a Saturday night.

Vrisnik (Vrisnik, not Hvar Town): The Rooftop Bar in a Village Most Tourists Skip

Vrisnik is a small village in the interior of Hvar island, about a 20-minute drive from Hvar town, and its rooftop bar at the Vrisnik Winery is one of the best rooftop bars in Hvar for a completely different perspective. The terrace overlooks the vineyards and the fields of lavender and rosemary that stretch toward the coast, and on clear days you can see the sea in the distance. It is open from June through September, and the bar serves wines from the surrounding vineyards, including a Žlahtina and a Plavac Mali. Order a wine tasting flight (€15 for four glasses) or a glass of Žlahtina (€7) and sit on the wooden benches at the edge of the terrace. The best time to visit is on a Thursday evening, when the winery hosts a small gathering with local cheese and pršut. A local tip: the winery is owned by a family that has been making wine for four generations, and the grandfather will often come out to tell stories if you speak a few words of Croatian.

The Vibe? A rustic wooden terrace in the middle of a vineyard, with the smell of lavender drifting up from the fields below.
The Bill? €7–€15 per glass, with a €15 tasting flight that includes four wines and a plate of cheese.
The Standout? The Žlahtina, which is crisp and mineral-driven and tastes like the island itself.
The Catch? The winery is a 20-minute drive from Hvar town, and there is no public transport. You will need a scooter or a rental car.

Kiva (Riva): The Late-Night Rooftop for Hvar’s After-Crowd

Kiva is a small bar at the northern end of the Riva, and its rooftop terrace is one of the best rooftop bars in Hvar for a late-night drink after the clubs close. The terrace is on the second floor of a stone building, and it overlooks the harbour with the fortress lit up in the distance. It is open from June through September, and the bar serves a full range of cocktails, beers, and shots. Order a Kiva special (€13), which is a mix of vodka, passion fruit, and lime, or a Karlovačko beer (€6) if you want something simple. The best time to visit is after 2:00 a.m., when the clubs empty out and the terrace fills with a mix of locals and visitors. A detail most tourists miss: the terrace has a small DJ booth in the corner, and on Friday nights a local DJ plays vinyl sets until 4:00 a.m.

The Vibe? A gritty, unpretentious rooftop with a view of the fortress and a soundtrack that leans toward techno.
The Bill? €6–€13 per drink, with no minimum spend.
The Standout? The 3:00 a.m. moment when the fortress lights turn off and the stars come out.
The Catch? The terrace has no shade, and it can be uncomfortably hot at midnight in August. Bring a hat and water.

Dubovska (Dubovska, above the Old Town): The Rooftop Bar with a View of the Islands

Dubovska is a small street above the old town, and the rooftop bar at the Dubovska Hotel is one of the best rooftop bars in Hvar for a panoramic view of the Pakleni Islands. The terrace is on the third floor of the hotel, and it overlooks the old town, the harbour, and the islands in the distance. It is open from May through October, and the bar serves a full range of cocktails, wines, and beers. Order a Dubovska sunset (€12), which is a mix of gin, elderflower, and grapefruit, or a glass of Plavac Mali (€10) if you want something local. The best time to visit is on a Wednesday evening, when the terrace is full of hotel guests and the sunset is at its most dramatic. A local tip: the terrace has a small infinity pool in the corner, and hotel guests can use it until 22:00.

The Vibe? A sleek, modern terrace with a view that stretches from the old town to the open sea.
The Bill? €10–€14 per drink, with a €25 minimum spend per person after 20:00.
The Standout? The infinity pool, which reflects the sunset and makes for an incredible photo.
The Catch? The terrace is only accessible to hotel guests and bar patrons, and the bar closes at midnight. If you are staying elsewhere, you will need to arrive before 23:00.

When to Go / What to Know for Hvar’s Sky Bars

The best rooftop bars in Hvar are open from late April through mid-October, with peak season running from late June through mid-September. Sunset times range from 19:30 in early May to 20:45 in late June, and the best time to arrive is always 30 minutes before sunset. Most sky bars Hvar do not take reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Outdoor bars Hvar are weather-dependent, and a strong jugo wind can close terraces without warning. Always carry cash in Euros, as some smaller bars do not accept cards. The euro replaced the Kuna in January 2023, and all prices are now in euros. If you are visiting in July or August, expect crowds and higher prices, with cocktails ranging from €12 to €18. In May, June, and September, the crowds thin out and prices drop by about 20 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are credit cards widely accepted across Hvar, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?

Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and larger bars in Hvar town, but smaller kiosks, market stalls, and some beach bars only accept cash. ATMs are available on the Riva, near the main square, and at the Konzum supermarket, but fees can reach €3–€5 per withdrawal for non-Croatian cards. Carry at least €50–€100 in cash per day if you plan to visit smaller venues or take a water taxi to the Pakleni Islands.

What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Hvar?

Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated, with 10 percent being the standard for good service at restaurants and bars. Service charge is rarely included in the bill, and most staff expect tips in cash rather than added to card payments. At high-end venues like Carpe Diem or Gariful, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is common practice. At smaller, family-run places like Dalmatino, leaving €2–€5 on the table is a kind gesture.

Is Hvar expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

A mid-tier daily budget in Hvar town during peak season (July–August) is approximately €120–€180 per person, covering a hotel or apartment (€70–€100), lunch (€15–€25), dinner (€25–€40), three drinks (€30–€45), and a scooter rental (€25–€35). In shoulder season (May–June, September), the same budget drops to €80–€120 per person, with hotel rates falling to €40–€70 and drink prices remaining similar. The cheapest accommodation is in Vrisnik or Jelsa, where rooms start at €35 per night in summer.

How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Hvar?

Vegetarian options are widely available in Hvar town, with most restaurants offering pasta, pizza, grilled vegetables, and salads, but vegan options are limited outside of dedicated health-food shops. The Konzum supermarket in Hvar town stocks plant-based milk, hummus, and fresh fruit, and the health-food store on Jurja Barakovića street sells vegan snacks and supplements. At restaurants like Dalmatino, the kitchen will prepare a vegan pasta or risotto on request, but you must ask explicitly. Fully vegan menus are rare, and cross-contamination with fish or meat is common in smaller kitchens.

What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Hvar?

A standard espresso costs €1.50–€2.00 at most cafés in Hvar town, while a cappuccino or latte ranges from €2.50–€4.00. Specialty coffee (flat white, pour-over, or iced latte) is available at a few modern cafés on the Riva and costs €3.50–€5.00. Local herbal teas, such as sage (kadulja) or chamomile (kamomila), are often served at traditional konobas and cost €2.00–€3.00 per pot. In peak season, prices at waterfront locations can be 20–30 percent higher than at side-street cafés.