Tvrdava Fortica
Tvrdava Fortica
4.5
About
Also known as Hvar Spanish Fortress, this stronghold is located on a former Illyrian settlement. Getting to the peak involves a steep but scenic climb up some cobbled switchback roads—a journey made much easier by rental vehicle or taxi, or by visiting as a stop on an island tour. The fortress is ticketed to enter, and you can explore on your own or join a guided tour for a deeper dive. Either way, enjoy the sweeping views of Croatia's iconic coastline, Hvar's harbor and even the nearby Pakleni islands on a clear day. Time your visit to catch a breathtaking sunset. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Tvrdava Fortica
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
164 within 3 miles
Attractions
53 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Jo RWirral, United Kingdom269 contributionsGreat viewsAlso known as the Spanish Fortress. Set high above the town with great views over all of Hvar and looks fabulous of a night all lit up . If you walk through the main square you will see the city steep steps and then walk up to the top which can be quite challenging depending on your ability and then cross the road and follow the pathway to the top. Worth the climb as the views are special.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- Coastal5759735 contributionsGreat views and interesting FortDefinitely worth the visit. Went by car as we were touring other spots in Hvar that day. We did see that many people walked but we can't say how far or long it is to walk. The Fort was very interesting and the views were spectacular. I would recommend visiting.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 June 2024
- kidsb4meMelbourne, Australia522 contributionsRUDE ticket seller ..but the Fort is worth entering, buy the ticket for all 3 sites including the Arsenal/Theatre & LidoWalked up from town, initially followed the wrong path but even risky found our way to the entry. The dark haired girl at the ticket booth is by far the rudest Croatian I’ve met in our 10 days so far and clearly should find herself another job out of the public tourism sector. The sign shows several options of which it states Fort tickets sold here, Arsenal not sold here and Lido tickets not sold there. The 4th option is a ticket covering all 3 sites and there is nothing to say if the ticket is sold at that booth so I politely asked if it was and was met with a look of annoyance and sarcasm saying “why wouldn’t we” A simple yes or no would have sufficed, and when I said the sign is unclear she just glared at me and said “what do you want” By now I was angry, bought the tickets, said have a wonderful day and maybe try and be more helpful !! To which I received a barrage of Croatian. This is someone in tourism who’s only basic job is the provide useful information to tourist and sell tickets. There is no need for sarcasm or rudeness. The fort itself was great, you can walk around several levels and get great views, there is a cafe inside if you need a drink or the toilet (I’m not sure if there is a fee if not buying something first). The walk up is relatively easy - it’s a ramp with some switch backs, it is not wheelchair friendly or suitable to someone with limited mobility, inside the fort are lots of stairs to the different levels. I believe you could drive but then again within the fort you’d struggle. A single entry ticket to the fort is €10 I think it’s worth paying the €15 for additional a entry into the Arsenal and theatre room, which incl some 3D glasses for a short history lesson. It also includes entry to the Lido a clock tower opposite the Arsenal building offering nice views of the harbour.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
- Don H9 contributionsBeautiful vantage point while in Hvar. Amazing history lesson.if you are in Hvar, you must visit the Tvrdava Fortica. From the town at sea level, it's a good walk up many stairs, then along inclined paths with switchbacks. Not terribly strenuous, but you must be in good health and not have any foot/leg issues. Otherwise take a taxi. Once you reach the fortress, it's a 10 euro entrance fee and there are amazing views of the port town. Be sure to visit the top level and the prison area, see the canons and the construction that protected it from invaders. Bring your water bottle and be prepared to perspire a lot.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 June 2024
- Vince GBewdley, United Kingdom747 contributionsGreat Views from its battlements and lovely views of it from the town when it's lit at night.If you like a decent challenge then walking from Hvar town to the Fort is for you, me and my son decided to make the walk. I'd definitely consider taking a uber or taxi up and walk down, a nice little cheat. Prices to go in are €10 and €6 for students and seniors, you can also purchase a discounted ticket to visit several local historic attractions, which looked a good deal. The Fort itself ranges over several levels and had wonderful views of Hvar town, harbour and outlining islands. Those of you that are a little claustrophobic may wish to avoid the jail though.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 June 2024
- danielAuckland, New Zealand7 contributionsStunning viewsWas a short walk up to the fortress. From the city was approx 30mims of that not many stairs. Once there you pay €10 each to get in and walk around inside and down to the old prison cells. Views of the city are stunning highly recommend going up!Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 July 2024
- Wei Bing LIpoh, Malaysia465 contributionsSpectacular Views! An Absolute Must-Visit when in Hvar! Definitely Worth the Climb!My Uncle & I visited Hvar for the first time during our Mediterranean cruise holiday in June 2024. We explored the harbour front of Hvar on foot and decided to walk up to the Hvar Spanish Fortress. From the harbour, there are around 175 steps to climb, before reaching the foot of the fortress. The walk up the slopes to the fortress wasn't too steep and took another 2000 steps. You can stop at regular intervals to catch your breath and enjoy the amazing views of the harbour below. The admission tickets into the fortress costs 10 Euros per person. The SPECTACULAR Views from various parts of the fortress is DEFINITELY WORTH every penny and every ounce of effort you make, to walk up here! This place is not overcrowded with tourists because of the great effort that is required to make it up here.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
- LanaLondon, United Kingdom30 contributionsMust do at sunsetWe visited the fortress at sunset and had an amazing experience doing so. The views were fantastic. You do have to pay an entry fee but it was reduced for students (something like €6 - definitely worth it!). You can drive but I recommend the walk, you have a lovely view the entire walk and it’s only 20/30 minutes. There is a cafe and two touristic shops in the fortress. We actually spent some time in one of them browsing all of the jewellery and each walked away with something special.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
2,667 reviews
Excellent
1,423
Very good
982
Average
234
Poor
24
Terrible
4
2fromTX
San Antonio, TX894 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
From Hvar Old Town Main Plaza, the hike up the old city stairs is the steepest part of the walk. You can head up the alley from the plaza next to “Archie’s” for a direct route, or drive a car/bike around and up to a parking lot at the top.
When you enter to fort grounds walking from the old town, the walkway is not as steep and winds slowly to the fort.
There are great views from in front of the fort without paying the entrance fee, but the best views are from the walls. The $9USD entrance fee is not cheap, but there is a small museum, informative plaques, and of course your favorite Instagram moment of that’s what you’re looking for. We thought the prison was a cool place (no pun intended) as the prisoners had a good view of the sea. You’ll easily see all there is to see in 30 minutes or so. There is a restaurant within the fort walls, although we didn’t eat or drink there.
When you enter to fort grounds walking from the old town, the walkway is not as steep and winds slowly to the fort.
There are great views from in front of the fort without paying the entrance fee, but the best views are from the walls. The $9USD entrance fee is not cheap, but there is a small museum, informative plaques, and of course your favorite Instagram moment of that’s what you’re looking for. We thought the prison was a cool place (no pun intended) as the prisoners had a good view of the sea. You’ll easily see all there is to see in 30 minutes or so. There is a restaurant within the fort walls, although we didn’t eat or drink there.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abi H
14 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
This is the best spot to watch the sunset in Hvar Town! The fortress itself is also incredible, there are information boards around the place and you are given a leaflet so there are plenty of opportunities to learn a bit about the history. It's a lovely walk up from Hvar Town through beautiful gardens. The fortress has friendly staff as well. My only criticism would be that it's a bit expensive (70 kunas) but I'd still recommend it to anyone visiting, especially for the sunset!
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
Düsseldorf, Germany5,677 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I think that when you are in Hvar, you should go to the fortress at least once because the way up there is not complicated at all. There are some stairs in the Old Town and then it is just an asphalted serpentine way so it is not very steep and there shade from the trees. It was much more pleasant than expected. When you arrive there, the fee is 50 kuna to enter the fortress and go more up and have better views of the city. There was also some kind of prison cell and canons. It is a quick visit and more to enjoy the views and say you have been there.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
donavan94563
Orinda, CA210 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Had two days in Hvar during a Dalmatian cruise. Traveling with as a couple with friends.
Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast, lying between the islands of Brač, Vis and Korčula. Approximately 68 km (42.25 mi) long, with a high east–west ridge of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, the island of Hvar is unusual in the area for having a large fertile coastal plain, and fresh water springs.
Hvar Town is the island’s hub and busiest destination. It’s amazing 13th-century walls surround beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets.
Hvar (and in particular, Hvar Town) is increasingly obtaining a reputation as something of an upmarket destination in Croatia. This is partly because it can be a little on the pricey side compared to some other destinations, but it’s also favoured as a destination by the mega rich and famous (or fabulous) who sail into town on their amazing yachts. In recent years, Prince Harry (who famously fell into a pool whilst dancing at Carpe Diem Bar); Jay-Z & Beyonce (who debuted her baby bump there of their first child) and Roman Abramovich have all been spotted. Luscious restaurants, boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife amidst the medieval streets of Hvar Town are just a few of the treats to enjoy on this island.
As part of our cruise, we biked from Hvar Town to Stari Grad, the oldest village on the island, and then Jelsa, as well as a smattering of small villages, dotting the coast or nestled in the lush interior. Its hillsides are covered in pine forests, with vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields in the agricultural areas. The climate is characterized by mild winters, and warm summers with many hours of sunshine.
Gently rolling hills painted a brilliant purple by the fertile flowers, lush vineyards nestling at the foot of ragged mountains, gorgeous beaches with tiny inlets and secluded coves are best enjoyed by riding a bike.
Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast, lying between the islands of Brač, Vis and Korčula. Approximately 68 km (42.25 mi) long, with a high east–west ridge of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite, the island of Hvar is unusual in the area for having a large fertile coastal plain, and fresh water springs.
Hvar Town is the island’s hub and busiest destination. It’s amazing 13th-century walls surround beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets.
Hvar (and in particular, Hvar Town) is increasingly obtaining a reputation as something of an upmarket destination in Croatia. This is partly because it can be a little on the pricey side compared to some other destinations, but it’s also favoured as a destination by the mega rich and famous (or fabulous) who sail into town on their amazing yachts. In recent years, Prince Harry (who famously fell into a pool whilst dancing at Carpe Diem Bar); Jay-Z & Beyonce (who debuted her baby bump there of their first child) and Roman Abramovich have all been spotted. Luscious restaurants, boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife amidst the medieval streets of Hvar Town are just a few of the treats to enjoy on this island.
As part of our cruise, we biked from Hvar Town to Stari Grad, the oldest village on the island, and then Jelsa, as well as a smattering of small villages, dotting the coast or nestled in the lush interior. Its hillsides are covered in pine forests, with vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields in the agricultural areas. The climate is characterized by mild winters, and warm summers with many hours of sunshine.
Gently rolling hills painted a brilliant purple by the fertile flowers, lush vineyards nestling at the foot of ragged mountains, gorgeous beaches with tiny inlets and secluded coves are best enjoyed by riding a bike.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly K
Nashville, TN62 contributions
May 2021 • Family
It was totally worth the trek up the hill! Amazing view of this beautiful town and a cool historical site! We found the path very easily by using google maps and just putting the forts name in. Also, we enjoyed touring inside the fort (about 8$ per person). Would definitely go early morning at late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
You do need to wear good foot wear and be in relatively good shape. We went the equivalent of 26 flights of stairs according to my phone.
You do need to wear good foot wear and be in relatively good shape. We went the equivalent of 26 flights of stairs according to my phone.
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dinka M
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina184 contributions
Jun 2021
This fortress is very easy to reach, the road is wide and the parking lot is not small so there is always at least one place. The fortress can be reached on foot from the city center. The fortress is not large, but the view that stretches is enchanting. Entrance is 50kn per person. Within the fortress there are a couple of souvenir shops, a cafe and a small museum. Outside the fortress are benches in the shade with a beautiful view.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven H
Bicester, UK266 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
The steps at the start of the climb are a bit tiring but once you get into the lovely park, it becomes an easy flat, inclined path winding to the top. It’s worth it as on a clear day the view is incredible! I paid to go into the fortress (70HRK each) inside isn’t a lot to see but some information boards and an exhibit of funds from a nearby old shipwreck which was quite interesting. Views from the top of the fortress are awesome.
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wei Bing L
Ipoh, Malaysia465 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
My Uncle & I visited Hvar for the first time during our Mediterranean cruise holiday in June 2024. We explored the harbour front of Hvar on foot and decided to walk up to the Hvar Spanish Fortress. From the harbour, there are around 175 steps to climb, before reaching the foot of the fortress. The walk up the slopes to the fortress wasn't too steep and took another 2000 steps. You can stop at regular intervals to catch your breath and enjoy the amazing views of the harbour below. The admission tickets into the fortress costs 10 Euros per person. The SPECTACULAR Views from various parts of the fortress is DEFINITELY WORTH every penny and every ounce of effort you make, to walk up here! This place is not overcrowded with tourists because of the great effort that is required to make it up here.
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daniel
Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Was a short walk up to the fortress. From the city was approx 30mims of that not many stairs. Once there you pay €10 each to get in and walk around inside and down to the old prison cells. Views of the city are stunning highly recommend going up!
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
38katelane
NJ34 contributions
Sept 2022
The windy steep hill is fairly easy to manage at anyone’s pace. Purchased a cold water 1/4 way up. Once on top, enjoy the view outside the fortress, but once inside- the views are amazing. Lovely gift shop towards top of fort (as well as one near entry). Visit the prison inside as well as go to roof area where high powered binoculars help you view the water and town. Worth the 70 kuna pp, in my opinion.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Worried about the climb for a 79 year old. is there other transportation to the top? Taxi, bus?
Thanks
Written 9 September 2019
Yes, you can taxi up the back way. However we are in our seventies , reasonably fit but definitely not athletic, and we were able to walk it fairly easily. The first section of steps from the main square are pretty steep, so take that slowly with rests if required. The next and longer section is on a much wider and much less steep path. Take your time and enjoy the amazing views!
Written 10 September 2019
Where is the location of the stairs to go up to the fortress?
Written 9 September 2019
It’s quite a lot of steps straight up initially, passing restaurants. The path gets easier later, turning into a pleasant walkway along the hillside.
Written 10 September 2019
Thank to the many many people who have responded to my question about Hvar. I will be there in early October, so I cannot 'review' nor write about my experience, but I am so overwhelmed & grateful for all of your suggestions. Our tour will include a free afternoon (+4 hrs) so I hope we can hike up the Fortress at the end of the afternoon. Seeing a sunset over the Island would be stunning. Thank you all.
Written 18 September 2017
You will enjoy Hvar a lot. It is such a special place, the fortress is beautiful but that's not everything. There is so much charm and character to the island. It has a great market, nice restaurants and one of the best little shops. I could easily spend the whole day there, I found that 5 hours was not enough for us to see everything and relax.
Written 19 September 2017
I will be in Split in Feb. 2017 How do I travel by public transport by bus or ferry to Hvar? Then from Hvar to Korcula?
Written 14 August 2016
Catch a ferry from Split to Hvar, about 1 hour trip. (Stay at the Hvar Palace Hotel) fantastic position with walk to Fortress very close, need only couple of hours. Ferry trip to Kocula about 90 minutes. Ferry trip from Hvar to Dubrovnic about 3 hours, a must do! You can then catch a ferry from Dubrovnic to Bari in Italy. We then caught a train (9 hours) to Venice, via Bologna. It will be very cold in February.
Written 15 August 2016
Bonjour, nous partons de split le 4 juillet avec nos enfants et nous souhaiterions savoir si il faut arriver longtemps en avance pour prendre le ferry (Je voyage avec mon véhicule). Aussi, me conseillez-vous de réserver le ferry en avance sur internet ?
merci d'avance.
Smith11
Written 23 June 2016
Avez-vous vraiment besoin de votre véhicule pour aller sur l'île de Hvar? car traverser avec un véhicule c'est onéreux et vous avez moins de flexibilité. Il faut dire qu'il y avait déjà du monde au debut dejuin lorsque nous sommes allés. Idéalement vous devez réserver, prenez contact avec les traversiers pour savoir exactement ce qui en ait. Bon voyage et vous allez adorer, j'en suis convaincue
Written 24 June 2016
How much time should you spend for the hike to the Fortress? Is it a half day thing, full day thing, a few hours? I want to spend a day doing this and go see a beach or two in the same day. Would it be possible to do this in the morning and still have time to see a beach or two in the afternoon?
Written 17 March 2016
Yes. No problem. I am a fit fifty and easily walked from the main square to the fortress in about 30 minutes.
As I said in my review, on the walk up the hill you hit a point where anyone in your group with a sense of direction will want to turn but the painted arrows on the ground indicate you should continue on. FOLLOW THE ARROWS. If you follow your sense of direction, you will end up at a locked gate at the base of the fortress.
Written 17 March 2016
No buses just taxi up to fort.
Written 8 October 2015
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing