Things to do in

Jelsa, Hvar

POKRIVENIK VELIKI: Our tour starts in Makarska with a 35-minute panoramic cruise to our first stop, Veliki Pokrivenik bay on Hvar island. It is one of the lesser-known and visited bays on Hvar island, decorated with impressive cliffs, beautiful pebble beaches and one hidden cave. What better way to explore this hidden treasure than while snorkelling. If snorkelling is not your thing, you can soak up the sun and the surrounding rocky landscape. MALA STINIVA: Our next stop is Mala Stiniva bay, a picturesque stone bay with cliffs that vertically drop to the sea below. It is a stunning sight and a place that leaves no one indifferent. The sea is crystal-clear, and the cliffs are a great cliff-jumping spot. JELSA: After enjoying some swimming and snorkelling fun in Mala Stiniva bay, we head to Jelsa town. In Jelsa you will have some free time for a coffee or to go sightseeing. Jelsa is an ancient town on Hvar island with numerous historical monuments that speak about its rich history. ZEČEVO ISLET: Opposite Jelsa town, only a short cruise away is our next stop, the islet of Zečevo. Zečevo is an unpopulated islet in the archipelago of Hvar and it is protected as a significant landscape. It prides itself on untouched nature and crystal-clear turquoise seas. It is a perfect spot for snorkeling. There is also a beach bar that you can visit if you want to wind down a bit.

Our wine tasting begins with a drive to the other side of the island to the island’s most important wine region. This tour will introduces you to some of the natural beauty and culture of the island of Hvar. You’ll pass by villages and lavender fields on the way to Jelsa or Vrboska to visit a winery, where you’ll learn about winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. This tour gives you the chance to see another side of the island with a visit to a winery for a relaxing culinary experience. Enjoy a wine tasting in a unique atmosphere. Once you are picked up from Hvar, travel to Jelsa or Vrboska where you’ll visit one of the most famous Croatian winemakers to discover the wines of Hvar. You will taste wine in one of the listed wineries (Carić or Duboković winery)!

This route begins with the departure from the Brač Airport and a flight over the beautiful beach Zlatni rat near Bol, one of the most famous Croatian beaches, heading towards the island Hvar. The flight continues to Vrboska, one of the most picturesque villages on the island of Hvar, and soon by flying over the towns of Jelsa and Starigrad. A scene that awaits travelers is the view of the castle Tvrdalj, the summer residence of Petar Hektorović, with a sea-water fishpool and a tower with a dovecote. After that, the flight continues to the town of Hvar, the administrative center of the island and one of the world-famous tourist destinations. Above the city is an observatory, used for both tourist and scientific purposes. The flight continues by crossing the Hvar Channel towards the island of Šolta with untouchable high cliffs that flow into the sea on the south side of the island and several old fishing villages located in bays on the north side of the island, such as the romantic Stomorska. The flight ends by flying over the city of Split and turning back across the Brač Channel in the direction of Supetar, the administrative center of the island of Brač.

Experience Hvar's wine culture by tasting four or five different wines. Enjoy wine tastings accompanied by the island’s finest local appetizers while your driver/guide provides insightful information. Visit three of the following wineries, depending on availability. Head to the Sveta Nedjelja village, by the waterside, where the Plenković family formed their horticulturist company in early 1986. The winery produces Croatia’s only Grand Cru and has a unique underwater wine cellar overlooking the bottom of the sea. In Jelsa, a small coastal town with a long wine-making tradition, the Tomić family cultivates indigenous grapes while also experimenting with new ones. Pay particular attention to Prošek, the original Dalmatian wine made from selected grapes of the highest local quality. Also, in Jelsa, young and ambitious wine newcomers with very small land plots produce wine by buying grapes from other farmers, producing Dubokovic-Medvid wines that are now recognized as the most expensive regular vintage wines in the country. Next up is the Ventus boutique winery that opened its doors in the village of Vrisnik in 2019, the joint idea of two friends. The logo is inspired by the wind rose and each wine has the name of the wind which is characteristic of the location of the vineyard. Then, see how the Plančić family has been blending tradition with modern oenological achievements since 1919 in the village of Vrban. Each glass reflects their passion for grapes, the authenticity of the ecologically protected area, and the spirit of indigenous yet bold wine production. The Carić family in Vrboska, with a history deeply rooted in vineyards, owns over 5 hectares of vineyards in the designated wine-growing area of "Vinogorje Hvar." However, it wasn't until the establishment of Vino Hvar that they began producing their own "Carić wines."

Once you have been picked up from Hvar, this small-group tour begins at the French Fortress built by Napoleon’s troops, on St. Nicholas Hill, the Spanish Fortress, Pakleni and Vis islands. Continue driving through the green island of Hvar, passing through Brusje, where you'll be able to walk through the Lavender fields, (seasonal options June).  Arrive at the port of Stari Grad, where the old roads are paved with amazing views. Then you'll approach the fascinating town of Stari Grad, once known as Pharia and Pharos, the Island’s capital. Continuing through the stone streets along the new Riva, and visit the fortress “Tvrdalj”, once belonging to the poet Petar Hektorović. He is known for his work named, “Fishing and talk with fisherman, and is the first realistic poem in Croatian literature. Hektorović dedicated all his life to his fortress, and still boasts the original fish pond. He always wrote: “I must go back there, for it is calling me home”. Continue through the well known UNESCO protected areas (vineyards and olives), to a small charming town Vrbovska, also called “Little Venice”. This town in Hvar is named after the many small stone bridges connecting the town over its narrow winding canal and the splendid St. Mary of Mercy fortress - church. Your next stop is for a wine tasting at one of the best vineyards on the island. Here you will have a guided wine tasting tour at one of the best wineries on the island. On the way back, you will enjoy the charming authentic Dalmatian lunch/dinner ("Pašticada" or "Gregada") in an authentic village.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were already growing grapes and producing wine on Hvar in 300 BC. This gave them safety, food and medicinal wealth. Vineyards are all over the island. Strong wind and sun are ideal conditions for producing the best quality wine. The wine tour begins in Hvar town with a drive to the other side of the island to the island's most important wine region. Further on, you'll visit two of the most famous Croatian winemakers. The wine tour includes wine tastings in two wineries of your choice (depending on availability). Situated in Jelsa, you will have a chance to taste what it’s like to try ”2718 hours in the bottle”. Young and ambitious ”wine newcomers” without vineyards or with very small land plots. Their feeling belief is that basing wine production on grapes purchased from other farmers can’t possibly be as good as coming from your own vineyard. Here in Croatia, Dubokovic wines have become a ”must have” in the finest restaurants, hotels and specialized wine shops. Dubokovic – Medvid wines now have the distinction of being the most expensive regular vintage wines in the country. Situated in Vrboska, the Carić family have been involved with vineyards for as long as they remember, however it was not before Vino Hvar was established that they started producing their own wines, “Carič wines”.  They have 5-hectares of vineyards in a specially designated wine growing area known as “Vinogorje Hvar.” Their wines have an individual story from the vineyard to the winery. Boutique winery Ventus opened its doors in the village of Vrisnik in 2019, which was the joint idea of two friends. The logo is inspired by the wind rose and each wine have the name of the wind that is characteristic of the location of the vineyard. Wind (lat. ventus) is the key word, and wine is ecological. After the wineries, you will enjoy a spectacular traditional Dalmatian dinner in one of the charming villages.

Your chocolate and wine tasting begins with a drive to Vrboska, on the other side of the island of Hvar. Upon arrival, meet your winemaker host. You will have the opportunity to taste four different kinds of wines together with chocolates. The traditional Mediterranean flavours come alive once combined together. As we return to Hvar town we will drive on an old road, which is paved with amazing views, through the green and rural island of Hvar. These views can be captivating. In the second part of the experience we will meet our chocolatier in Hvar town. The chocolate tasting begins with a brief history of chocolate and its impact on health. Sample chocolate with unique flavours like Mediterranean fruits and herbs such as sage, lavender, carob, figs, and honey. You will have a chance to taste five different kinds of Chocolates and pralines.

Starting from the Hvar town, the tour continues to the Napoleon fortress at 250 m elevation with an amazing view at Hvar town and surrounding islands. The tour then proceeds following the old road, to central part of the island, through the picturesque villages and lavender fields. Our second stop is st. Roko’s chapel, a place with a wonderful view at Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO World Heritage). Upon our arrival in Jelsa our host at Duboković winery is Mr. Ivo Duboković - owner of one of the best Croatian wines called "Medvid". He only produces 15 000 - 20 000 bottles per year and therefore his wines are in demand. Duboković’s wine cellar is situated in a traditional Dalmatian "konoba" in Jelsa. One of his co-operative vineyards is located at an altitude of 530m near the Hvar's St. Nicolas peak and is over 90 years old (autochthonous wine variety called "Darnekuša"). Apart from wines you will also taste a wide variety of aromatized olive oils which he produces. Mr. Ivo Duboković is a man who is not afraid to experiment with wines and olive oil, and that makes him so special. As a result, his wines can be found at desks of top restaurants in Croatia, Switzerland, Germany and recently even in France. This modest but admired winery will amaze you and the flavor of aromatized olive oils will follow you throughout your vacation! The tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel after the degustation.

Uncover the beauty of the Croatian islands of Brač and Hvar on this day trip from Spilt. Sail to a piece of WW2 history at the military tunnels on Brač island and travel to the seaside towns of Vrboska and Jelsa. Make use of the snorkeling equipment at Zlatni Rat beach.  Set off from Split and make your way to the military tunnels on Brač island where special forces submarines and smaller navy vessels once found safe harbor. Snap some pictures of this piece of WW2 history. Cruise to the horn-shaped and pine tree-lined shores of Zlatni Rat beach. Spend some time swimming and snorkeling in the refreshing crystal clear water. Relax on fine pebbled beach or buy a fresh fish lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the smallest town on Hvar island, the quaint fishing village Vrboska. Discover the beauty of the little island in the middle of the Vrboska bay which is connected by bridges. Admire the old town houses with characteristics of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Make your way to the town of Jelsa on Hvar island. Snap some pictures of the waterfront and charming harbor. Capture the beauty of the old Dalmatian stone houses and pebble beaches before heading back to Split