While Jelsa on the same island celebrates a five percent increase in overnight stays and announces a rich autumn program, Hvar's restaurateurs and boatmen raise the alarm over chaos driving tourists away.
This year's tourist season on the island of Hvar has two completely different faces. While the Municipality of Jelsa proudly announces excellent results and growth in overnight stays, on the other side of the island, in the area of the town of Hvar, a wave of discontent is rising. Restaurateurs, private accommodation owners, and boatmen, the symbol of the town, have spoken out about problems that, they claim, have led to a guest exodus and a dramatic drop in business.
The loudest criticism comes from the Pakleni Islands, specifically from the famous Palmizana. The Vinogradišće beach there, synonymous with the perfect summer and dolce vita, has become a scene of chaos. The boatmen have decided to speak publicly, warning that their "sacred place" is under threat. They describe the situation as a real assault on the cove, with a complete lack of order and supervision.
Due to the accumulated problems, they have sent an urgent appeal to the relevant institutions. From the Harbor Master's Office, customs, and maritime police to the public institution "More i krš" (Sea and Karst), they are demanding an immediate on-site intervention to establish order. The dissatisfaction has escalated to such an extent that some stakeholders on the ground, according to Slobodna Dalmacija, are reporting a business decline of up to 40 percent.
A completely different picture comes from the municipality in the north of the island. According to data published by Morski, by August 1, 2026, Jelsa had achieved 255,585 overnight stays. That is almost 10,000 more overnight stays than in the same period last year, representing growth of nearly five percent. Particularly significant is the fact that guests in Jelsa stay longer, on average more than seven nights, which places it among destinations where vacations are truly spent, not just passed through.
From the Municipality of Jelsa, they say their goal is not only a successful peak season. "Our goal is not just to have a successful July and August, but to create content that will attract guests in the pre-season and post-season. That is why we continue to invest in events, sports, culture, and the quality of life of our community," they stated for Morski.
Optimism in Jelsa is supported by a rich calendar of events that extends deep into autumn. In August, they have the traditional Fishermen's Night, a Concert in Honor of the Homeland, the celebration of the Municipality of Jelsa Day and the Feast of the Assumption. The end of the month is reserved for the 74th Wine Festival, one of the most recognizable events on the Adriatic.
At the beginning of September, the Long-Distance Swimming Cup, the Adriatic Basketball Cup, and the Island Folklore Review will be held. October will not be quiet either: planned are the Nordic Walking Festival, the international symposium Anatomy of the Island, the Jelsa Veteran European Cup, as well as an international judo competition that has entered the calendar of the European Judo Union.
From the Municipality, they extended thanks to all who contribute to this success. "Thank you to all private accommodation owners, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, tourism workers, associations, utility services, and all our residents who, through their work, hospitality, and care for the space, contribute daily to the success of our municipality," they concluded.
