Jelsa

Jelsa is a beautiful town located on the island of Hvar in Croatia. This small harbor town is surrounded by dense forests and tall poplar trees, making it a dream for all nature lovers. While there are no Renaissance buildings in Jelsa like its neighboring Hvar Town, but Jelsa's charming streets, squares, and parks have made this quaint town into a popular tourist destination in recent times. 

Also known as Jelsa Hvar, Jelsa sits on the island of Hvar and is surrounded by some of the highest peaks on the island. The town is nestled in nature's lap with pine forests, olive groves, lavender and rosemary fields, and vineyards all around. Jelsa also overlooks a bay of crystal clear waters, making it a scenic getaway for a holiday. 

The perfect little town of Jelsa was founded in the 14th century and is believed to have grown around the St. John's Chapel. Today in the same spot, a stunning 17th century Baroque Church stands tall and majestic, looking over the entire island. 

The town gets its name from the Alder Trees, known as Jalsa in Croatian. These trees grow in the swamps near the town's harbor. The swamps dried up in the 19th century, the trees also do not exist anymore. Jelsa's bay also serves as a major shipping port for the nearby villages. Sailing and other shipping activities still remain popular in Jelsa today.   

There are many historical places in Jelsa that you must visit when you are here. In fact, your entire holiday can go by exploring the rich history and culture of this town. Visit the remnants of the Roman era, the villae rusticae, the old Jelsa City, and the many stunning and ancient churches that are spread throughout the city. 

For history buffs, one of the most exciting places to visit is the archaeological site at the Grapceva Cave. This cave is believed to be the birthplace of the Hvar culture and is known to be one of the oldest prehistorical sites in the Mediterranean. 

There is also a beautiful public garden known as Perovoj that was built over the dried-up swamps in 1870 that you must visit. There is also the ancient Greek fort of Tor, which was built in the 4th century BC. It was constructed on the remains of an earlier Illyrian fort.

Even though it is a small town, Jelsa plays host to a variety of festival all around the year. These festivals attract visitors from all over the world. There is the Nights of Antun Dobronic festival, which is a month-long festival that begins in July and ends in August every year. During this famous festival, there is music, dance, folklore events, and lots of food and drinks. The festival is celebrated in multiple locations in and around the town. 

For wine lovers, there is a unique wine festival where you get to learn everything there is to know about wines. The Jelsa Wine Festival is celebrated each year during the last weekend of August and is organized by the city. During this, the best and most famous locally grown wines of Jelsa are put on display and are paired with some of the best cuisines of the country. 

The wine festival and many other famous events of the town attract tourists to Jelsa round the year.