In Stari Grad, the waterfront invites you to sit rather than circulate. Boats rest along the inlet, lanes slip between old houses, and the countryside is never far from the conversation. Give it more than the time between a ferry and your hotel.
A town for wandering
Begin around the old harbour and let the smaller streets pull you inland. Tvrdalj, the historic residence associated with the poet Petar Hektorović, is a natural cultural stop; verify opening arrangements before visiting. Leave a second stretch of time for the waterfront later in the day, when the mood is different. [1]
The landscape is the monument
The UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain preserves an ancient system of agricultural land division established by Greek settlers. Its dry-stone boundaries, vines and olives are not merely a scenic background. Follow public routes, stay out of cultivated plots, and resist treating working land as a freely accessible photo set. [2]
A base with a different tempo
Consider Stari Grad when your priorities are heritage, relaxed dinners and access to the interior. The ferry port and the old town are separate locations: arriving at the port does not mean you have arrived at your accommodation. Arrange the last part of the journey, particularly with luggage or a late arrival. [3]
Primary sources
Research edition · 10 October 2026 · How we research our guides
A few things worth knowing
What exactly is UNESCO-listed here?
The Stari Grad Plain, a historic agricultural landscape, is the World Heritage property. The designation should not be loosely applied to every building in town.
Is the ferry terminal in Stari Grad’s old centre?
No. Plan a separate onward transfer from the ferry port to the old town or your accommodation.
