5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN JELSA, HVAR ISLAND

While visiting Hvar Island, you might want to explore beyond the popular Hvar Town, and that’s exactly why you need to know the best things to do in Jelsa!

I’ve had the privilege of exploring a lot of Hvar, and Jelsa is one of the most charming little towns on the island. I’ve visited it a few times now, and while it’s pretty tiny, there are some lovely things to do there. Keep reading to discover my five favourite things to do in Jelsa!

WHERE IS JELSA

Jelsa is a charming little coastal town on the northern side of Hvar Island. It’s located close to Stari Grad and only about a 30-minute drive from Hvar Town, so it’s an easy place to visit no matter where you’re staying on the island.

Jelsa is much calmer than Hvar Town, but it still has a lovely atmosphere, especially in the evenings. You’ll find a charming old town, a beautiful waterfront, plenty of great restaurants and cafés, and some lovely beaches nearby, which all make it well worth adding to your Hvar itinerary.

HOW TO REACH JELSA FROM HVAR TOWN OR STARI GRAD

Getting to Jelsa is really easy, especially if you’re coming from Hvar’s two most popular towns, Hvar Town and Stari Grad.

If you’re driving, it takes around 30 minutes from Hvar Town and only about 15 minutes from Stari Grad. If you don’t have a car, renting a scooter is also a great way to explore the island at your own pace. Taxis are another easy option, and if you’re travelling on a budget, local buses connect the towns regularly. They do require a bit more planning, but they’re a good affordable option.

Overall, if you’re spending more than a day on Hvar Island, I’d definitely recommend setting aside an afternoon to visit Jelsa.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN JELSA:

ENJOY THE BEACHES

One of the best things to do in Jelsa is definitely to enjoy the beaches. The town is surrounded by beautiful swimming spots with gorgeous crystal-clear Adriatic sea. I’d honestly recommend renting a bike and just cycling along the coast, stopping wherever you feel like it. It’s such an easy and relaxed way to explore the area. You’ll find a mix of beaches too, some pebble, some sandy, and others with rocky platforms that are perfect for sunbathing. My favourites are Mina Beach and Grebisce Beach.

WALK THROUGH THE OLD TOWN

Jelsa’s Old Town is really small, but it still has so much charm and character. Like most Dalmatian old towns, you’ll find narrow stone streets, traditional houses, small squares, historic churches, and cozy little cafés everywhere. The waterfront promenade is especially nice for a slow walk, with beautiful views of the harbour filled with fishing boats and lined with palm trees. Overall, Jelsa is perfect if you want an easy, relaxed stroll through a charming town without the big crowds you get in more famous places on Hvar Island.

WALK OR BIKE TO VRBOSKA

Vrboska is one of the prettiest little villages on Hvar Island, and you can easily reach it from Jelsa. The nicest way to get there is actually by bike, but you can also walk, drive, or just take a short ride over. Vrboska is often called “Little Venice” because of its small canals and stone bridges, which makes it really unique.

It’s one of the most peaceful places on the island, and although it’s quite small so you’ll get around it quickly, I still think it’s worth a stop. We also really loved the nearby peninsula area, especially because we stayed at Aminess Senses Resort, which was a great base for exploring this part of the island.

EAT LOCAL FOOD

No visit to Jelsa is complete without trying the local food. The town has a great choice of restaurants serving fresh seafood, grilled meats, homemade pasta, and plenty of traditional Dalmatian dishes.

One place we really enjoy is Restaurant Jelsa, right on the waterfront with beautiful sea views and genuinely delicious food. It’s one of those spots you just end up coming back to. From me, a big recommendation! You can also check out places like Obala and Step Up, which are both great waterfront options if you want a relaxed dinner with a view.

DO A WINE TASTING

Hvar Island is famous for its excellent wines, and Jelsa is one of the best places on the island to go wine tasting. There are several wineries in and around Jelsa where you can learn about local grape varieties and the island’s long winemaking tradition. You’ll usually get to try a mix of red and white wines, along with local cheese, olive oil, and other regional specialties. I’d especially recommend Tomic Winery if you want a great introduction to Hvar’s wines.

CONCLUSION: BEST THINGS TO DO IN JELSA

Jelsa is one of Hvar Island’s hidden gems for most people, and it’s absolutely worth a visit. While it’s not a big town, it really has the perfect mix of everything. You’ve got beautiful beaches, charming historic streets, great local food, and stunning nature all around you. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a detailed itinerary, just take your time and enjoy it. I definitely recommend spending time at the beaches, going for a wine tasting, and renting a bike to cycle along the coast for those incredible sea views.