October 8, 2026 – More strengthening of the American love for Croatia’s premier island, as Hvar once more in top 10 islands in Europe in Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards.
These are good times for the relationship between Hvar Town and the sought-after American tourism market, with a marked shift in approach resulting in a boom in American tourism arrivals in recent years. According to official statistics, American tourists were the biggest number of arrivals and overnight stays in the town last year, and those numbers show no sign of slowing, with overnight stays from the USA in September up an impressive 17.83% year on year.
The success has been down to a number of key factors, including better promotion to the USA market, the introduction of the first direct flight from New York to Split this April, meaning one can get from New York to Hvar (with the aid of a good speedboat) in under 10 hours. So successful has the flight connection been that plans are being discussion to prolong the flight season as well as frequency of flights for 2027.
An additional factor has been the positive media coverage that the town has been attracting since moving away from its party focus in search of more upmarket tourism focused on families and couples, as well as adventure tourism. Arguably the most influential travel publication for American travellers is Conde Nast Traveler, which every year holds the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, a publication which known Hvar very well.
Often named one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world, that claim has its roots in a Conde Nast award in the late 1990s (you can see a list of the islands on the map on the Jelsa waterfront), and the American publication’s readers’ love for Hvar has been pretty constant ever since. Indeed, this year’s 9th place as the best island in Europe is the 8th consecutive year that Hvar has featured in the sought-after top ten list, including 2019 and 2021, when Hvar was voted the best island in Europe.
American interest has been mirrored by a raising of standards in the hotel sector, which is also attracting plenty of international column inches. The latest addition is the superb Sirena Resort from Suncani Hvar Hotels, 1.4 km north of the town, set in an idyllic bay without neighbours, and offering access to the vibe of Hvar Town, as well as the laidback calm of the nature of Hvar, the island. Within weeks of opening, Sirena Resort was featured in the New York Times as one of the top 5 new hotels in Europe for an autumn getaway.
The main season may be over, but there is still plenty of life in the town, with this weekend hosting the Spartan World Championship, with around 3,000 competitors expected. All the signs are there for a bumper 2027 for Americans visiting one of Europe’s most perfect spots.
