Jelsa
A prestigious tourist gem with a wonderful history, impressive architecture and magical beaches
DISCOVER
Discover everything Jelsa has to
offer
In the middle and second half of the 19th century, Jelsa’s ships sailed around the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Atlantic, and on occasions the Pacific. It was a small but still a global merchant fleet. In the middle of the 19th century, Jelsa experienced a blossom, a port was built and the marshy coast was drained. During the golden age of Croatian sailing ships, numerous families in Jelsa owned long-sailing ships
The Procession “Za Križen” (Following the Cross)is under the protection of the UNESCO. It is a unique rite of special piety and an expression of the religious and cultural identity of the inhabitants of the central part of the island of Hvar, which has been taking place uninterruptedly for five centuries. On the night from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, the procession connects six settlements: Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboska. At the same time, processions begins from six parish churches, led by a cross bearer who carries a cross (weighing up to 18 kilograms) as a sign of prayer or gratitude, as a personal or family vow. In addition to having a strong religious meaning, the procession is also very attractive because of its picturesqueness, as long columns tear up the night with lanterns and large candles
Escape to your own
paradise
EXPERIENCE
Did you know that the Mediterranean diet of the island of Hvar is enlisted on the UNESCO’s list of intangible assets? Do you need a stronger motive to visit this island and enjoy all of its beauties?
Lavender island
Hvar used to be the producer of lavender and lavender oil. It is to interesting to know that lavender, although a Mediterranean plant, arrived on the island in the twenties of the last century. In 1928 the first lavender bush was planted. In 1947, there were already about thirty hectares of rocky fields cultivated by lavender and in the sixties, lavender was grown on 600 hectares of land and giving 20 tons of oil
Blend in with an island where every pebble hides ancient historical stories. Here you will enjoy divine gastronomy and breathtaking nature
The number of beaches and bays in Jelsa
100+
Jelsa on the island of Hvar is a wonderful oasis with hundreds of bays, islets, cliffs and beaches and is one of the most indented coaslines in Croatia
INFORMATIONS
Make your stay
complete
Here are some suggestions on everything you need for a comfortable visit. Find activities to do and spend your time exactly as you prefer. If you need a place to stay, we prepared a handy list of hotels.
EVENTS