JELSA | HVAR ISLAND

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

BEST TIME TO VISIT

MAY – SEPTEMBER

The best time to visit Jelsa, and Hvar Island, is the beginning of September. In May, its waters are still cool from the winter months. But, by the beginning of October, coastal storms will have started brewing.

That being said, we have found great weather in the end of September, as well. Spectacular thunder storms lit up parts of our nights. While, the days were mostly sunny and got hot, but not sweltering.

That being said, the beginning of September is optimal.

LANGUAGE

While, the national language is Croatian. You’ll find, most people do speak English.

CURRENCY

Croatian currency recently changed from the Kuna to the Euro, in 2023. After, Croatia joined the European Union.

SAFETY

Check out Croatian petty crime rates (or check out our Split Page for a short, personal. example!). They are extremely low.

CULTURE

Croatia has a deep history of national pride, and somewhat recent history of independence from communism. Almost every Croatian citizen will remember the war personally, or know those who do.

Be respectful when you realize cultural differences. We found Croatians to be more than happy to share a drink and chat with us about their country.

From certain places in the US, Croatian language and gestures might seem gruff, the first time visiting. But, this is just a cultural difference!

We have found Croatians to be kind, animated, welcoming, and love to enjoy life, themselves! An easy way of preparing for Culture Shock, is to watch some Croatian translation videos online.

For more on Croatia, check out our Croatia, Dubrovnik, and Split Can’t Miss Lists!

JELSA | GETTING THERE

THE FERRY

The easiest way to get from Mainland Croatia to any of its islands is by ferry. Croatia has a robust ferry system making it easy to go island hopping! The lively coastal city of Split, Croatia is the closest location to take a ferry from.

TAXI ON THE ISLAND

When you get to Hvar Island, just catch a taxi from the ferry terminal to your stay.

We would advise setting up this transfer ahead of time. Antonia at the tourist center in Jelsa was extremely helpful.

GETTING AROUND JELSA

WALKING

If you’re looking to wander around Jelsa for the day, walking is the way. Wheels are not permitted to be ridden in the old town of Jelsa. You will find this is true in many cities in Croatia. You may walk your wheels through the streets, but you may not ride them.

Wandering the back streets of Jelsa gives way to mini vineyards, picturesque homes and churches, and waves of ivy overflowing from the attic of ancient homes into the streets.

RENT A VESPA OR SCOOTER

If you’re traveling a bit further, try renting a scooter! We love the freedom scooter rentals, and Hvar island makes the perfect place to zip around from beach to beach, and getting lost for a day.

JELSA | WHERE TO STAY

HOME OR APARTMENT RENTAL WITH A VIEW

RENT A SAILBOAT OR YACHT

JELSA | THINGS TO DO AND SEE

WANDER JELSA

BAR/APPETIZER HOPPING

SCOOTER/VESPA TRIP

BEACH HOPPING

POPULAR CAMPING SPOTS

HVAR CITY

DAYTRIPS

SCOOTER AROUND THE ISLAND

HVAR CITY

Dalmatino Restaurant

Daytrip from Jelsa to Hvar. Delicious food, high quality, great service. Amazing pasta, fish, and paired beverages on a picturesque side street.

FERRY TO NEARBY ISLANDS OR SPLIT

SHOPPING

Jelsa offers everything to one of a kind fine jewelry and boutiques, to souvenir shops. If you’re looking to shop, the area along the water by the restaurants is the place to go. Jelsa is a small town, it will be obvious.

Head to Hvar for all the shopping and souvenir options you could want!

FOOD

EATING AT HOME

Get a to-go box, or ask if you can wrap your leftover meals in foil. Once you taste the food, you’ll know why this tip is important. You won’t want a bite to go to waste!

RESTAURANTS

Kalina

Incredible seafood risotto with beautiful view of Jelsa harbor. Locally owned, and locals seemed to love it too!

Me and Mrs. Jones

Great food and view of Jelsa’s quaint harbor. The ancient stone walls of the restaurant are spotted with the occasional, featured, original painting.

We went our first night, and couldn’t help going back again. Our favorites were the Mushroom Ravioli, and the Seafood Risotto.

Caffe Bar Fontana Jelsa

Makes the perfect place to grab an inexpensive, casual bite and watch a Nogomet (soccer) game with some locals.

TRAVEL ADVICE

WATER SHOES

Just like many beaches in Croatia, you’ll find a good section of rock on many beaches on Hvar Island. Because of this, we recommend bringing some sort of water shoes with you.

We didn’t realize this ahead of time, and after learning the hard way, in Dubrovnik. Ended up caving, and buying a couple pair at The Green Market, in Split, before we visited the Krka Waterfall.

While, we encountered slippery or sharp rocks at some of the most breathtaking beaches on Havr Island. The sturdy water shoes we picked up in Split, were one of the most useful purchases of the trip, by far!

TOURIST CENTER

Stop by the tourist center in Jelsa! We found them to be extremely welcoming and helpful. They knew everything about everything on the island. Including the best roads to take a scooter, and where to avoid!

Ask anyone who lives in Jelsa, where the Tourist Center is, and they will point it out to you. If you’d like a lay of the land ahead of time. It’s the building by the canal that joins to the Jelsa Inlet and little harbor. If you face the canal with your back to the marina, the building is to your left.

TREATS

BOAT CRUISE

STAY ON A SAILBOAT!

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