Things to Do in Hvar in March

March Weather in Hvar

14°C (58°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

64 mm (2.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation prices of the year - boutique hotels drop rates 40-60% compared to summer, making luxury stays affordable at €80-120 per night instead of €200-300
Perfect hiking weather with cool temperatures 7-14°C (45-58°F) and strong Bura winds clearing the air, offering crystal-clear views across the Adriatic to Italian coastline
Authentic local experience as restaurants serve traditional winter dishes like peka (slow-cooked lamb) and gregada (fisherman's stew) unavailable during tourist season
Lavender fields begin their growth cycle with fresh green shoots emerging, providing unique photography opportunities without the crowds of harvest season

Considerations

Most beach clubs and waterfront restaurants remain closed until mid-April, limiting dining options primarily to Hvar Town's old quarter establishments
Ferry schedules run on reduced winter timetable with only 2-3 daily connections from Split instead of hourly summer service, requiring careful planning
Sea temperature averages 13°C (55°F) making swimming uncomfortable for most visitors, though hardy locals still take their daily dips

Best Activities in March

Fortica Fortress and Island Ridge Hiking

March offers ideal hiking conditions with cool temperatures and strong Bura winds providing exceptional visibility. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) climb to Fortica takes 45 minutes without summer heat exhaustion, while advanced hikers can tackle the 8 km (5 mile) ridge walk to Sveti Nikola peak at 628m (2,060 ft). Morning hikes (8-10am) offer best light and calmest conditions before afternoon winds intensify.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking requires no advance booking. Trails are well-marked and free. Local hiking groups organize weekend walks - inquire at tourist office. Guided hiking tours typically cost €35-50 per person and should be booked 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators.

Traditional Konoba Wine Tasting Tours

March is ideal for intimate wine experiences as local winemakers have time for personal tastings before tourist season begins. Family-run konovas offer 2-3 hour sessions including Plavac Mali and Bogdanuša varieties with traditional appetizers. Cool weather makes inland vineyard visits comfortable, and March coincides with vine pruning season providing educational opportunities.

Booking Tip: Private tastings cost €25-40 per person and must be arranged 1-2 weeks ahead as many konovas operate by appointment only in March. Look for family-operated vineyards rather than commercial tours. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Fishing Village Exploration

March weather is perfect for exploring authentic fishing villages like Vrboska, Jelsa, and Stari Grad without summer crowds. Cool temperatures make 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable, and local fishermen are preparing boats for season providing cultural immersion opportunities. Traditional restaurants serve winter specialties like gregada and brudet unavailable in tourist season.

Booking Tip: Village exploration requires no advance booking but renting a car costs €35-50 per day in March (lowest rates of year). Public bus service runs limited schedule - check current timetables. Cultural walking tours cost €20-30 per person when available.

Pakleni Islands Boat Tours

March offers unique advantages for island hopping with calm seas and dramatic cloud formations creating exceptional photography conditions. While swimming is limited due to 13°C (55°F) water temperature, the islands' hiking trails and secluded coves are accessible without summer crowds. Tours focus on natural beauty, wildlife spotting, and cultural sites rather than beach activities.

Booking Tip: Half-day boat tours cost €40-60 per person and operate weather-dependent schedule in March. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators with covered boats for wind protection. See current island tour options in booking section below.

UNESCO Stari Grad Plain Agricultural Heritage Tours

March is optimal for exploring the 2,400-year-old agricultural landscape as spring planting begins and ancient field systems become visible without summer vegetation. Cool temperatures make cycling tours comfortable across the 4 km × 6 km (2.5 × 3.7 mile) plain. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers unique insights into continuous agricultural practices dating to Greek colonization.

Booking Tip: Bicycle rentals cost €15-20 per day with reduced March rates. Guided agricultural tours cost €30-45 per person and should be booked 1 week ahead. Self-guided exploration is possible with detailed maps from tourist office. Tours operate subject to weather conditions.

Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Classes

March is ideal for hands-on cooking experiences as local families offer intimate classes featuring winter specialties like peka, soparnik, and traditional fish stews. Cool weather makes 3-4 hour sessions comfortable, and seasonal ingredients like wild asparagus and fresh herbs are at peak quality. Classes typically include market visits and family-style dining.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost €60-85 per person including meal and wine. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as March offerings are limited to 2-3 local families. Look for authentic home experiences rather than commercial cooking schools. See current cooking experiences in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

March 19th

St. Joseph's Day Celebrations

March 19th marks traditional religious celebrations with special church services and family gatherings. Local bakeries prepare traditional sweets like kroštule and fritule. While primarily a family holiday, visitors can observe traditional customs and sample seasonal specialties at local konovas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Windproof jacket essential - March Bura winds reach 60+ km/h (37+ mph) creating significant wind chill factor

Layered clothing system: base layer, insulating fleece, and shell jacket for 7-14°C (45-58°F) temperature range

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - trails can be wet and slippery from 64mm (2.5 inches) monthly rainfall

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index 8 reflects strongly off limestone surfaces and water

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities and evening ferry rides when temperatures drop to 7°C (45°F)

Quick-dry pants and moisture-wicking shirts for hiking in 70% humidity conditions

Compact umbrella for 10 expected rainy days, though showers typically last 30-45 minutes

Insulated water bottle to maintain hydration during cool-weather hiking without frequent refills

Sturdy daypack with rain cover for hiking gear and extra layers during temperature fluctuations

Insider Knowledge

Local buses stop running to remote villages after 6pm in March - plan return transportation if exploring places like Vrboska or Jelsa without a car

Many restaurants open only Thursday-Sunday in March, with some closing entirely until Easter - call ahead or risk finding shuttered establishments

Hvar Town's morning fish market operates 7-9am daily through March offering fresh catches and interaction with local fishermen preparing for tourist season

Book accommodations with heating systems - many budget places rely on air conditioning for warmth, inadequate for March's cool evenings

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer ferry schedules apply - March runs reduced service requiring advance planning for day trips and departures

Packing only summer clothes based on destination reputation - March requires full spring wardrobe including warm layers and waterproof gear

Expecting beach activities and swimming - March is hiking and cultural exploration season, not beach season despite Mediterranean location