A complete guide to Hvar
Where to stay
I would personally recommend staying in Stari Grad. Smaller than Hvar, less hyped but also right by the ferry, it's incredibly charming and has everything you could ask for.
That being said, dotted around the island are plenty of other super nice places worth staying at such as Jelsa, Pitve, and Vbroska or other seaside towns worth discovering. Either way, it's worth getting off the beaten path.
How to get around
As I mentioned in the introduction, a car is the best way to get around. You could also rent a scooter, an e-bike and do boat excursions, but if you want the freedom to explore the island a car is best.
I recommend renting your car on the mainland. You can also find car rental places on the island but they are more expensive, so best to come with it on the ferry.
There are many ferries daily, the easiest option is to check the Jadrolinija website for timetables.
Things to see