Jelsa Wine Days
Annual wine festival in late summer in the town of Jelsa on Hvar island, with tasting of local wines such as Plavac Mali, music and food.
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A traditional Dalmatian slow-cooked beef stew. Look for small konobas (taverns) tucked in the narrow streets behind the waterfront.
Visit a wine bar by the harbor to taste the island's Plavac Mali wine paired with Dalmatian cheese.
Enjoy freshly caught fish at the restaurants along the Riva, drizzled with local olive oil.
Stalls along the promenade sell high-quality Hvar lavender oil and scented bags.
Look for authentic island olive oil in the small deli shops of the old town.
A sandy bay just a short walk from the center; particularly peaceful in the early morning.
The historic public park in Jelsa, offering shaded benches and a relaxing walking path.
Water temperature…
Annual wine festival in late summer in the town of Jelsa on Hvar island, with tasting of local wines such as Plavac Mali, music and food.
Hvar island's traditional wine festival in late August, first held in 1952, with tastings of indigenous varieties like Bogdanusa and Plavac Mali, winery trips, live music and food in the town park.
Three-day wine festival in the last week of August where the wines of Hvar island are tasted, accompanied by local delicacies, live music, sports contests and fireworks at the harbour.
Easter overnight procession on Maundy Thursday night, in which for centuries six cross-bearers connect six island villages over about 25 kilometres; inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Jelsa is a characterful harbor town located on the northern coast of the sun-drenched island of Hvar, right in the heart of Dalmatia. The town features a rich history that echoes through its narrow, cobbled alleyways, rustic stone houses, and beautiful baroque churches. The lively, palm-lined waterfront promenade is bustling with cafes, ice cream parlors, and top-tier konobas serving up freshly caught seafood and excellent local wines. Compared to the energetic and bustling Hvar Town, Jelsa provides a much more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. The coastline stretching out from Jelsa is beautifully framed by dense pine forests that reach almost to the edge of the emerald sea, offering welcome natural shade during the hot summer months. Mina Beach is a highly popular sandy bay with very shallow waters, making it an absolute favorite for families with young children. For those who prefer pebble beaches and a bit more tranquility, Zenčišće is a great hideaway. Furthermore, Velo Grebišće and Malo Grebišće rank among the most beautiful coves on the island, boasting fine sand and spectacularly clear waters excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Inland from Jelsa, the landscape rolls into olive groves, fragrant lavender fields, and ancient vineyards, all of which are wonderful to explore by bicycle or on foot. The historic Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a short drive away. By seamlessly blending authentic Dalmatian tradition with impressive beaches and lush Mediterranean nature, Jelsa stands out as a premier holiday destination.
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 85 | 81 | 74 | 58 | 48 | 42 | 25 | 33 | 80 | 80 | 114 | 109 |
See what it looks like near Jelsa right now.
Stari Grad · 0 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
The day starts peacefully on Jelsa's waterfront, where the Mediterranean vibe is instantly felt. A stroll through Perivoj park offers shade before exploring historical gems like St. John's Square and the fortified church. The afternoon is reserved for the beach, followed by an authentic harbor-side dinner at sunset.
The rain gives Jelsa's Riva a special glow while the scent of pine needles intensifies. We spend the morning under the harbor arcades and in the sheltered Perivoj Park. At lunchtime, we warm up with a long meal in a cozy konoba. The afternoon is dedicated to the architecture of St. Mary's Church, before ending the day with a glass of Plavac wine, watching the grey but majestic sea.
In winter, Jelsa shows its authentic face without the summer crowds. The air is crystal clear after the Bura wind, and the sun warms pleasantly at noon on St. John's Square. We stroll through the quiet park and admire the sturdy St. Mary's Church. The afternoon in the konoba is defined by local specialties, as the sun sets early behind the hills, bathing the Riva in cool, blue light.
This bike tour takes us from the coast to the authentic inland of Hvar. We start at Perivoj park and then climb the hills to the stone village of Humac. The reward is a breathtaking view of the Adriatic and neighboring islands. After a hearty lunch, we head back down to Jelsa for a well-deserved beach break.
Cycling in the rain requires good gear in Jelsa but rewards you with lonely paths. We start at the harbor and ride through the park before the climb to Humac keeps us warm. The rain cools us down as we explore the stone paths. After a restorative lunch in the warmth, we carefully return via the coastal road, where the Adriatic spray mixes with the rain, creating a wild, primal atmosphere.
Winter cycling on Hvar is popular among pros – the Bura wind clears the air, and the climbs are sweat-inducing. We cycle from Jelsa up to Humac, with the winter sun warming our backs. The silence in the olive groves is impressive. After a lunch with views of the snowy Biokovo peaks on the mainland, the coastal road leads us back, where the salty breeze refreshes us.
By car, we combine Jelsa's coastal vibe with the rugged beauty of the inland. After a morning in town, we drive to the historic stone village of Humac and Grapčeva Cave, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. A late lunch in Humac completes the rural experience before returning for a quick swim.
By car, we explore Hvar's hinterland, which looks almost mystical in the rain. From Jelsa, we drive to the abandoned stone village of Humac, where the grey walls harmonize perfectly with the cloudy sky. Grapčeva Cave offers a natural escape from the weather. At lunch, we enjoy the rustic atmosphere by the open fireplace in Humac, before returning via the coastal road as the waves crash against the rocks.
Winter car tours on Hvar offer unobstructed views without the summer haze. We start in peaceful Jelsa and drive up to Humac, where the winter silence is almost tangible. The clear air allows for distant views as far as the mainland and Brač. After a hearty meal in one of the few open konobas, we explore the coast, where the winter sun colors the sea a deep dark blue.
