Above Hvar town · Hvar island, Croatia

Španjola Fortress, Hvar

Everything you need to know before you go: Getting there, parking, prices, best time.

Last checked: September 2026

Does it cost anything?Yes, €12€8 reduced, under 7 free. Open 9:00–21:00.How do I get there?On foot, ~15–20 minSteep path up from the main square. A road reaches the gate.Where do I park?At the gate or in townVisitor parking by the main entrance.When is it best?Late afternoonLight over the harbour, sunset.

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A 16th-century Venetian fortress above Hvar town with a panoramic view over the harbour and the Pakleni Islands. Paid entry.

Straight talk

What to know before you go.

You can drive up. Many guides call the fortress walk-only. It isn't: a road leads to the main gate, with visitor parking – worth knowing in the heat or with limited mobility.

Getting there

Most people walk up from the main square. A road also leads to the main gate.

On foot

~15–20 min

01From the main square (Pjaca), walk north through the old town to the stairs and footpath that climb to the fortress.
02The path zigzags up the hillside to the fortress walls and the entrance.

Steep, with many steps. With limited mobility, go by car or taxi to the main gate instead.

Walking route to the place

By car

From the harbour car park

~1.5 km

01Take the main road above the town (D116, Ulica antifašizma).
02Turn onto Ulica biskupa Jurja Dubokovića, which leads to the visitor car park by the main entrance on the northwest side.

The old town itself is car-free. From the car park the approach to the gate is level.

Route to the car park

Other

Catamaran from Split
Passenger catamarans run regularly between Split and Hvar town and dock in the harbour, 15–20 minutes' walk from the fortress.
Ferry to Stari Grad plus bus
Car ferries from Split land at Stari Grad, about 20 minutes by road from Hvar town. Buses to Hvar town connect with some of the ferries.
Taxi
Taxis wait in Hvar town and can drive you up the road to the main gate.

Parking & arriving

Visitor parking at the gate

Next to the main entrance on the northwest side of the fortress, according to the operator.

Car park in town

Paid

By the harbour, east of the main square. From there it's the 15–20 minute walk up.

On site

Inside the walls you walk the ramparts and terraces, looking down on Hvar town, the harbour and the Pakleni Islands.

Time there: ~45–60 min, plus the walk up
Walk from car park: ~15–20 min up from the main square; level from the visitor car park
Toilets: at the fortress
Wheelchair: level access to the terrace in front of the main gate; inside many steps, uneven stone floors and narrow passages

When is it worth it?

The best time through the year.

Late afternoon, for light over the harbour and sunset.

Apr – Jun

Comfortable temperatures, a good time for the climb.

Jul – Aug

Peak season, warmer and busier in the old town.

Sep – Oct

Mild weather, quieter than midsummer.

Nov – Mar

Quieter season, check opening hours on site.

Forecast

Facts

Type: Source: JUK Hvar 1612 · 09/2026; Fortress
Entry: Source: JUK Hvar 1612 · 09/2026; €12; €8 for pupils (7–18), students, pensioners; under 7 free
Opening hours: Source: JUK Hvar 1612 · 09/2026; 9:00–21:00 (operator JUK Hvar 1612)
Operator: Source: JUK Hvar 1612 · 09/2026; JUK Hvar 1612, the town's cultural institution
Boats Split – Hvar: Source: Tourist board · 09/2026; Jadrolinija, TP Line, Krilo (catamaran); car ferry to Stari Grad