Many tourists to Hvar Island are attracted to the party atmosphere in the main town, but there are quieter resorts, such as Jelsa. A look at the hotels.
About 25 kilometres from the glamour and luxury hotels of Hvar Town is a delightful seaside town called Jelsa, the third largest town on the island of Hvar. Centred around a pretty square a holiday in Jelsa, with its beaches, restaurants and cafes, is less frantic that than the party atmosphere, and growing in popularity because of it. Here is a quick overview of the hotels in Jelsa, of which there are surprisingly few.
Hotel Hvar (formerly Mina)
Splendidly located on a peninsula and overlooking a great (and partially sandy) family beach called Mina, Hotel Hvar is set in woodland on the outskirts of the town, a gentle ten-minute walk from the croissants and cappuccinos on the main square.
The hotel has 205 rooms, the majority of which have balconies and sea views. It is ideal for family vacations, with facilities including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and kids club, which offers a morning and afternoon programme, mini-golf, table tennis, a mini-disco and other games. The Cosmomedicus wellness centre offers classic and sports massage, pedicures, facials and waxing.
Active guests can take advantage of the indoor gym and eight tennis courts, while additional sporting activities available in Jelsa through the hotel include aerobics, scuba diving, cycling, volleyball, handball, basketball (indoor and outdoor). With the opening of the new sports hall in Jelsa, the hotel has benefited from several sports clubs undertaking their winter training in the town.
Hotel Hvar: Special Deals
Hotel Hvar caters to a lot of package deals from abroad, but there are also some interesting offers for individuals. A pensioners' special seven-nights half-board accommodation was available in September last year (a very pleasant month to visit - Weather on Hvar), while the hotel is currently taking bookings for the Easter weekend, a highlight in the Jelsan year due to the religious procession, Following the Cross - with a three-night, half-board Easter special at €123 per person.
Hotel Fontana Resort
Run by the same Hungarian company who bought Hotel Hvar in 2003, the Hotel Fontana Resort is across the bay from Hotel Hvar in another stunning natural setting. It is a self-contained resort, about a ten-minute walk from the centre of town and a leisurely half-hour coastal stroll to the Vrboska, known as Little Venice and which houses the main marina on the island.
The hotel has 346 rooms, of which 234 are rooms and 112 apartments (the unfortunately named Pinus Apartments). Sporting activities and general facilities are very similar to Hotel Hvar, as they are owned by the same group. The Easter package is slightly cheaper, however (advertised at €119 for three nights) and is also available for 4 (€139) and 5 nights (€159).
Many visitors prefer to stay closer to the town or in the widely available self-contained private accommodation. Wherever you choose, Jelsa is still a relatively undiscovered resort, with a calming tranquility, but just a short drive from the vibrant nightlife of Hvar Town if things get too quiet...
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