Blue Cave and Hvar Lunch: The Full Route Explained
The full Blue Cave 5 Island Tour route with a focus on the Hvar lunch stop — when you arrive, how long you have, where to eat, and how to make the most of one hour in Croatia's most glamorous town.
By Marinko (Co-founder & Skipper) · 7 min read · Updated 2026-05-23
The full day at a glance
07:30 Split departure. 09:30 Blue Cave Biševo. 10:45 Stiniva Beach Vis. 12:00 Budikovac Lagoon. 13:30 Hvar town for lunch — about 1 to 1.5 hours. 15:30 Pakleni Islands. 17:30 return Split.
Hvar is the cultural and culinary heart of the day. The previous three stops are nature; Hvar is town life. The lunch break is intentionally placed mid-afternoon when you have done enough sea and want food and shade.
Arriving at Hvar
The boat anchors offshore or ties up at the harbour. Tender brings you to the steps near the main piazza. Walking time from the boat to the centre of town: less than 5 minutes.
The first impression is the marble. Hvar's main square — Pjaca, formally Sveti Stjepan — is one of the largest in Dalmatia, paved in polished white limestone. The 16th-century arsenal is on one side, the cathedral at the head of the square, restaurants flanking it.
You have 60 to 90 minutes. Use it well.
Where to eat — the realistic options
Pjaca-facing restaurants. The square has half a dozen restaurants with terraces facing the marble. Prices are tourist-level (€15 to €25 for a pasta, €25 to €40 for fish). Quality is decent, the location is unbeatable. Reservations are not always needed but help in peak season.
Harbour-front terraces. The Riva has 10 to 15 restaurants in a row, mostly seafood. Prices similar to Pjaca, view is harbour and boats. The atmosphere is more bustling than the Pjaca.
Back streets. Walk two streets inland from the Pjaca and prices drop 20 to 30 percent. Konobas with traditional Dalmatian food (peka, octopus salad, grilled fish) at more reasonable rates. The local skipper knows current recommendations — ask before disembarking.
Quick options. A bakery on the harbour for burek or sandwiches, an ice cream from the square, a coffee at one of the cafés. Faster than a sit-down lunch, leaves time to walk.
What to actually eat
Dalmatian specialities: grilled fish (sea bass, sea bream), octopus salad (hobotnica), squid risotto (crni rižot — the famous black-ink risotto), grilled lamb, prosciutto and cheese platter.
Wines: Plavac Mali (red, robust, paired with red meat), Pošip (white, citrusy, paired with fish), Bogdanuša (lighter white).
Skip the basic carbonara and Margherita. You can get those anywhere. Hvar is one of the best places to eat what Dalmatia actually grows.
What to see if you have time
Hvar fortress (Fortica). 15-minute uphill walk from the piazza. Views over the Pakleni Islands and the harbour are spectacular. Best done in 45 minutes if you skip a sit-down lunch.
The cathedral. Five-minute visit. Renaissance interior, the marble facing of the bell tower is striking.
The arsenal. The Venetian arsenal building on the south side of the piazza dates to 1611 and houses one of Europe's oldest public theatres.
For a 60-minute stop with lunch, you have time for the piazza and one quick walk. For 90 minutes, lunch plus fortress is possible if you eat fast.
Practical lunch logistics
Reservations: in peak season (July and August) for the better restaurants, call ahead the day before. WhatsApp works for many. Outside peak, walk-up usually fine.
Card vs cash: most Hvar restaurants accept both. A small konoba in the back streets may be cash-only. Carry €40 to €60 in cash per person.
Time: a sit-down lunch in Hvar typically takes 75 to 90 minutes. With a 60-minute stop, ask for a quick service when you order. With 90 minutes, you can be more leisurely.
Tipping: 10 percent is standard for good service. Round up at casual places.
What to do if Hvar is closed
Outside the May to October season, some Hvar restaurants close. The main piazza restaurants stay open year-round but choice is reduced.
On Sundays and Croatian holidays, some konobas in the back streets are closed. Check ahead if you have a specific place in mind.
How the lunch fits the day
The Hvar lunch is the second wind of the day. After three water stops, you are warmed up, slightly tired, and ready for food and shade. The town break refreshes everyone for the final Pakleni stop and the return ride.
It is also the only stop where you can extend independently — the rest of the route is on the boat. Use it.
Further reading: see also the full ultimate Blue Cave guide, the Hvar nightlife piece, the Hvar-to-Split sunset return read, and the Pakleni Islands which-bay write-up. The route is at /tours/blue-cave-5-island-tour, the Hvar private equivalent at /tours/hvar-pakleni-islands-private-tour.
Ready to plan the route?
Compare group and private speedboat tours from Split, or go directly to the route mentioned in this guide.
About the author
Marinko
Co-founder & Skipper · 20 seasons in Split
Co-founder and one of the two captains who built Navy Blue Yachting from a single boat. Over 20 years on the Adriatic and a lifelong passionate fisherman — he reads sea conditions the way most people read a weather app. If you are on a flagship Blue Cave day in shoulder season, he is most likely the captain.
Meet the rest of the crew →