Croatia Split-Dalmatia Jelsa

Founded as the port for the community of Pitve, Jelsa grew in importance over the centuries. During the 19C, it was one of the most significant maritime, shipbuilding and trade centers of the Adriatic, a starting point for a fleet of ocean-going sailing vessels carrying best wines of Hvar, olive oil and salted fish. The wine industry was nearly destroyed by phylloxera in the latter half of the 19C. Modern Jelsa is a bustling town, with many small businesses. It is an important tourist center, with regular passenger catamaran services to Split. Tourism "officially" began in 1868, though it has been practiced as far back as ancient Roman times. The oldest hotel in Jelsa dates to 1911.