Straight out of idyllic dreams, Jelsa is Croatian island life as you always imagined. Home to a few thousand lucky citizens, the town is the administrative centre of life in these parts, but don’t make the mistake of assuming that means practicalities over romance.
Quite the opposite; wandering the streets of Jelsa, taking in the sea views, and exploring the surroundings village is pretty much all we’ve ever wanted. Throw in a donkey statue, and you’ve got yourself an island town worthy of its reputation.
The first mention of Jelsa in any form comes from the 1331 Statute of Hvar, and the remains of fortresses found around town suggest it has always played an important role in strategic affairs. The present town found its purpose as a port for Pitve, eventually outgrowing its contemporary in the hills and becoming a fertile town where the rigours of sea life found purpose and inspiration. Jelsa is the perfect launching pad for exploring all sides of Hvar, from the sweeping olive groves of the east to the showstopping villages of the west and the picturesque beaches down south.
