Stari Grad, Faros (literally means “Old Town”) is the oldest town on the Hvar island. It lies on the north side of the Hvar island, at the end of the five miles deep bay, protected to the north by the hills of the Kabal peninsula, and by the high mountain ridge of Hvar to the south.

Yes, the island of Hvar in Croatia actually has two distinct "old town" areas that are world-renowned in 2026. The most famous is Hvar Town, which features a stunning 13th-century Venetian architectural core, centered around St. Stephen’s Square and the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) that looms over the harbor. However, the island is also home to Stari Grad (literally "Old Town"), which is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, founded by Ionian Greeks in 384 BC. Stari Grad is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for the Stari Grad Plain, an ancient agricultural landscape that has remained largely intact for over 2,400 years. In 2026, travelers often distinguish between the two by their atmospheres: Hvar Town is the vibrant, upscale hub of nightlife and yachting, while Stari Grad offers a quieter, more historical experience with its maze of narrow stone alleys and Renaissance-era buildings like the Tvrdalj Castle of the poet Petar Hektorović.