Back from Split and Hvar (5 nights). Will post trip report later but before I forget things, I wanted to provide you with some helpful information. The prices should be exact or close to it from my recollection. Remember, this is off season (end of May) prices so certain prices may be higher during July - Sept.

Transportation:
Bus from Split airport to town takes about 40 minutes (not scenic) but comfortable - 30 kuna

Jadrolinija car ferry to/from Split and Stari Grad (Hvar) - Takes about an hour and 45 minutes - 32 kuna (Cafeteria sells limited sandwiches/snacks/drinks but very smoky, top deck is open with shaded area with good view)

Scooter rental in Hvar - 300 kuna to 400 kuna for 24 hrs. We negotiated down to 250 kuna.

Boat rental - 350 kuna for the day for 5hp boat. Good enough to hit Pakleni islands (20 minutes) or other beaches.

www.lukarent.com is the main one.

Room:
It appears almost all apartments in Hvar/Split are rented out by the owners. Prices were approximately 20 Euro per person. Don't have a room? You can find people with room(sobe) signs at bus/ferry stop. I believe prices double during peak season and may need to book weekly in Hvar.

Hotel Podstine seems little out of the way from town. Hotel Amfora was under construction. From the layout and location, I think this is going to be THE HOTEL in Hvar and probabaly very expensive. Have money to splurge? Book Amfora when it opens.

Food:
Seafood (grilled fish, mussels, clams, shrimp), italian dishes and grilled meats - All delicious.

Main dishes 65 kuna to 150 kuna. Lobster 450 kuna - 500 kuna per Kilo.

Most restaurants have outside grills and they make all grilled meats, fish, vegs taste great!

Beer and wine are cheaper (10 kuna - 15 kuna)than water or soda.

Yes, Gelato is great.

Recomended - Sperun in Split, Luna in Hvar. The best restaurant was in Hvar at Milna beach. The tall owner is so pleasant, makes his own olive oil and strong drinks. Had best Paella. See below for direction.

Beaches:
Bacvice in Split has young crowds but has nice sandy beach.

A beach past Amfora hotel has nice rocks to lie on. Lots of sea urchins so water socks are recommended. There is a cool bar (coffee 12 kuna, cocktails 35 kuna) right at the beach.

Milna beach - Takes about 10 minutes scooter ride from hvar town. There is one beach at the entrance but turn right and go past the campers and there is a better beach. It has smooth rocks and the beach is gorgeous and water crystal clear. Plus, the best restaurant is here right by the beach. From this beach, you can hike up and down to the other side of cove (2 minutes) which is a FKK (nude) beach.

Topless bathing is very common in all the beaches.

Entertainment:

Split - Riva (seafront) and inside and around palace has lots of bars. Riva is a great place to watch people. Head to Bacvice area for late night party (until 4am) if you are young. Bacvice area is very young and hip (late teens to 20s, some early 30s)with DJs spinning music all night.

Hvar - Yes, Carpe Diem is the happening place. It was open til 3am. Good music, good drinks and local and tourists mixed. Cocktails 40 - 60 kuna. You can get a big carafe of cocktail to share b/w 4 - 6 people for 170 kuna.

Zimmer Frei is a bar off the main square. Great cocktails. 40 - 60 kuna.

Kiva is another bar crowded by mostly locals

Locals and safety:
We felt completely saft in Split and Hvar. Locals do not bother you or try to sell you stuff (except sobe people). Croatians must be one of the most gorgeous people in the world. They are all fit and women, especially, are beautiful and dress nicely. Don't forget nice and big sunglasses. Skinny jeans are in.

Funky smell:
Riva area in Split has this smell which I understand is from Sulfur. It's not pleasant but only a minor nuasance.

Shopping:
Not much shopping in Hvar except for some street vendors selling jewelry and lavender related products.

Riva area in Split has the usual array of clothing/other shops.

Electricity: You will need two (round) prong power adapter.

Hvar and Split appear to be younger person's destination due to all the bars, young crowd and late night partying. Hvar is amazingly gorgeous and there are lots of super yachts.

Go before things get expensive.

Questions? Ask.

Thanks!

We don't go until the very end of September so I am busy collecting info.

Coming up on 1 year trip anniversary and I truly miss Croatia. I had to read my post for some recollection.

Go to Croatia and enjoy!

Yoonni,
I'm so glad you posted now; we will be in Hvar at the end of June with 4 kids in their late teens.Your post is extremely helpful.
Do you have any particular advice re clubs, restaurants, beaches?
What is it that we cannot miss? Do you remember the names of the restaurants? Any advice is really appreciated!

We were there at the end of May last year and the weather was perfect, high 80s but the water was little cold but still refreshing to go in. June should be great; warmer water but still not the peak summer season.

Not sure if you booked rooms yet but we stayed at Apartments Ana Dujmovic (#1 in Trip Advisor amongst B&Bs). I think she has 4 - 6 apartments w/ kitchens at very reasonable prices. It is located within easy walking distance to the center of the town. Highly recommended. You may want to consider Hotel Amfora also. When we were there, it was under construction but we could see that this hotel is the hotel to stay once completed. It may be completed by June.

We loved beach at a town called Milna. It's 10 minute ride from Hvar town. There is a restaurant right on the beach and the owner serves up excellent food. Don't miss the Paella. See my original posting for more details. We also enjoyed the beach past Amfora Hotel. It's not really a beach but from rocks, you just go into the crystal clear water. Just watch out for Sea Urchins (water shoes recommended). To get to the beach, you just walk the main walkway by the water for about 10 minutes.

In Hvar town, Luna restaurant is excellent. It is on a small side street off the main area. Everyone knows Luna so just ask. Great Lobster w/ pasta!

I am not sure how long you are staying in Hvar but if you have time, I will recommend renting a small boat (it's reasonable) and go to Pakleni Islands for some beach time with no crowds.

There are a few bars in hvar but the well know one is Carpe Diem. It is right by the water and million dollar yachts are parked right in front. The teens may go there every night until the wee hours. There are no real dancing clubs in Hvar (there are some in Split). There are many other smaller bars with excellent drinks all in town.

I found Croatia's food excellent. It has italian influence but with their own touch. Their grilled food were all yummy. Pizza is good also (by Ana's apartment there is a moped rental guy who will give you free pizza if you rent a moped there).

We also hiked up to the fortress at dawn. It's easy to get up there on a paved pathway and the view is excellent. Good for picture taking but they do charge small entrance fee. There is a restaurant/bar up there but we didn't try.

One really neat place for snacks/drinks is Bubba Gump. It's on the beach past the Amfora Hotel. They have seats right on the water. It's unreal setting. You may wanna ditch the teens and take a stroll there late afternoon.

Teens may have hard time leaving Hvar b/c people are gorgeous. Also, just note that topless bathing is very common everywhere.

Not much shopping in Hvar except lavender related stuff.

I know I forgot some things but just ask.

Thanks for your post we leave in 12 days!

Thank you for the very useful info!
Can't wait to be there!

Thanks for reviving this thread. We leave tomorrow!