Jelsa
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| Jelsa
| |
 Harbour of Jelsa from E |
The harbour of Jelsa is situated on the N coast of Hvar Island in Croatia, a mile SE of the port and marina of Vrboska. The harbour is a ferry port and popular tourist destination, with an attractive location ringed with pine forests and some fine sandy coves along the neighbouring coast. Although the outer edges of the bay are now lined with tourist hotels, the old town at the head of the bay is still picturesque, with narrow streets and old stone houses and there is an interesting fortified church dating back to the 14th century. The harbour provides good berthing options for visiting yachts, with around 18 laid moorings on its N quay. The S quay is currently being developed (July 2014) to provide up to 20 additional moorings. Shelter is good in all but strong winds from N or NE.
Weather
Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split. Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2712
- Croatian charts
- MK19
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Jelsa. Depths in the harbour entrance are 6.0 metres and on the quays 3.0 - 4.0 metres. Shelter in good in all conditions except strong NE winds, which can make the harbour dangerous. The harbour is subject to wash from tripper boats and ferries, especially during the morning.
Entrance
Stari Grad is the nearest summer port of entry. At other times of year, Split or Korcula are the nearest year-round ports of entry.
Berthing
There are currently three main berthing options in Jelsa:
- North quay projecting section
- The best but most popular berthing spot is on the short projecting section of quay on the N side of the harbour, where there is space for around six yachts stern or bows-to on laid moorings. You are close to two cafés here, so earplugs are an advantage if staying overnight. Depths are 3.0 - 3.5 metres. There are water and electricity points on the quay.
- North quay recessed section
- Immediately E of this projecting section is a long section of quay in front of the green-painted building. There are 12 further moorings here in depths of 3.0 metres. While there are a couple of cafés here also, they tend to be less noisy. There are water and electricity points on this quay also.
- South quay refurbishment
- The westernmost section of the south quay, including the short jetty, is used by ferries and tripper boats and there are no moorings here. Outside the peak season of July and August, it may be possible to go alongside here. The section of quay to the east, however, some 100 metres long, is currently (July 2014) undergoing refurbishment and is expected to provide some 20 additional moorings when complete. Water and electricity points are being installed here as well. This quay is somewhat more exposed in N winds than the N quay (although both quays suffer from swell in fresh to strong N winds).
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
There is no suitable sheltered overnight anchorage close to Jelsa (although it is possible in settled weather to anchor outside the harbour in 7.0 – 8.0 metres, where the holding is moderate to good in sand and weed). Vrboska offers better overnight anchorages. Also see the Hvar Island page for other anchorages.
Yacht Repairs and Services
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
No fuel berth. Water and electricity on the quays.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The old town is attractive to explore, with its original mediaeval street plan and several 17th and 18th century stone houses. The church of Sts. Fabian and Sebastian was fortified in the 15th century against Turkish and pirate attacks and contains a beautiful carved wooden altarpiece. There are some superb walks through pine forests and on into the surrounding mountains or along the coast to the port of Vrboska.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarket, butchers and other provisions shops in the town. Fruit and vegetable market.
Eateries
Numerous restaurants and café/bars ashore.
Internet/WiFi
In several restaurants and cafés.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Car and scooter rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Near the harbour.
Transport
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Jelsa at the Wikipedia
- Hvar Tourism website
For other useful websites, see Croatia.
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Jelsa and this page's details validated:
- July 2014 --Athene of Lymington
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
