Jelsa is a town in Croatia, on the island of Hvar, the seat of the eponymous municipality (općina) within the county of Split-Dalmatia.

At the 2011 census, the total population of Jelsa municipality was 3,656, in the following settlements:[3] Hamlets include: Prapatna, Pokrivenik, Vela and Mala Stiniva.

Although the exact location and extent of the ancient Jelsa are not well understood,[4] remnants of the old protective wall can still be seen on the west side of the Gradina peninsula.

On the mountain spur overlooking Jelsa to the south, is the massive fortress of Tor, which was a Greek observation point, standing on an older Illyrian fort (4th–3rd century B.C.).

[5] Slightly further eastwards, the fortress of Grad (or Galešnik) stands on a high cliff above the ancient road leading to the eastern end of the island.

Its present name is believed to derive from the nobleman Galeša Slavogosti, who led an unsuccessful rebellion against Venice, in 1310, using this fortress as his stronghold.

During the 19th century, it was one of the most significant maritime, shipbuilding and trade centres 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 Gradina peninsula has a number of historical sites, including the location of an Augustinian hermitage (established 1599), replaced by the town cemetery in 1807.

Worth special mention is the house of Count Kačić Dimitri, with its massive facade, ornamented side door, and classical garden.

The house has some well-preserved antique furniture, an extensive library, the family archive, and a series of paintings and items of art.

The large poplars, pine and palm trees, acacias and oleanders, bay laurel and other Mediterranean plants add to the beauty of the park.