Fodor's Expert Review Jelsa
On the northern coast of the island, Hvar's third main town is often overlooked, but that makes it all the more delightful once you do discover this more peaceful alternative to Hvar Town. Jelsa has many structures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, though St. Mary's Church dates back to the early 1300s. A tower built by the ancient Greeks overlooks the harbor; it dates to the 3rd or 4th century BC. About 1 km (½ mile) east of the modern town is the older Grad, with the original fortified area that was protected by Galešnik, a fortress that now stands in ruins. The small town is surrounded by a thick forest of pine trees, several resorts, and many swimmable beaches—including some the island's most popular nude beaches. Jelsa is also famous for its annual Za križen procession, a 500-year-old, UNESCO-protected Easter tradition during which a shoeless cross-bearer and a crowd embark on a 25-km (16-mile) overnight walk. Chosen locals can be on the waiting list to carry the cross... READ MORE
On the northern coast of the island, Hvar's third main town is often overlooked, but that makes it all the more delightful once you do discover this more peaceful alternative to Hvar Town. Jelsa has many structures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, though St. Mary's Church dates back to the early 1300s. A tower built by the ancient Greeks overlooks the harbor; it dates to the 3rd or 4th century BC. About 1 km (½ mile) east of the modern town is the older Grad, with the original fortified area that was protected by Galešnik, a fortress that now stands in ruins. The small town is surrounded by a thick forest of pine trees, several resorts, and many swimmable beaches—including some the island's most popular nude beaches. Jelsa is also famous for its annual Za križen procession, a 500-year-old, UNESCO-protected Easter tradition during which a shoeless cross-bearer and a crowd embark on a 25-km (16-mile) overnight walk. Chosen locals can be on the waiting list to carry the cross for decades, as it's considered a significant honor.
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