Jelsa is a town which has undergone more infrastructure change in the last few years than any other in Croatia. An early evening video tour on July 25, 2017.
The works are almost complete, and the decision to extend Jelsa's small and underutilised riva in front of the riva took quite some time to be realised.
So how does the waterfront look now, almost finished, with a riva extended by an impressive ten metres?
Having lived in the town for 14 years, the centre of focus has always been the pretty little main square, with its seven welcoming cafes and ice cream parlours, but with the extended riva and expanded gourmet offering, tourism in the old town is now a little more spread out.
A couple of restaurants deserve a little extra credit, at least in my opinion, for helping bring the new riva to life. Artichoke Wine Bar and Restaurant has done much to lift the gourmet profile of Jelsa, especially in the sailing community, and is it one of the biggest promoters of local food and wine (you will not find a more extensive selection of Hvar wines in a restaurant anywhere), and U Smokve, a chilled restaurant with an organic focus, which has transformed a once-lifeless square in the middle of the riva into one of its coolest hangouts.
And the donkey of course - that unlikely hit of Jelsa tourism - more popular than ever with the little ones.
I took an early evening stroll last night, which would have been better presented by a more competent cameraman than me, and you can get a flavour of the relaxed atmosphere. Restaurateurs are having a good season, the tourism numbers are up, and Jelsa has a youthful energy and lots of happy families, who spend the day at the excellent local beaches by day, and take in the relaxed town atmosphere. Busy, but not crazy like other parts of the coast. Just right.
And as you walk, there is always something going on. These enthusiastic young ones were clearly enjoying the live music. A very nice peak season atmosphere overall.
To follow Jelsa this summer, visit the Jelsa Tourist Board Facebook page.
