Quick ride by bicycle from Stari Grad to Jelsa

This ride takes you from the historic harbor town of Stari Grad to the relaxed seaside village of Jelsa, right in the heart of Hvar Island. You’ll cover just under 14 km through a pretty mix of tracks and quiet roads, with mild ups and downs—the most you’ll climb is about 80 meters above sea level, which is totally doable for most riders.

Expect a blend of surfaces: some stretches are freshly paved and smooth, while others turn to gravel or unpaved paths (about half of the route isn’t strictly paved). Perfect for hybrid or gravel bikes! Along the way, you’ll cruise past olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests, catching glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic.

Stari Grad is among the oldest towns in Europe (founded by the Greeks!), and Jelsa is a friendly port with a lovely waterfront—and the gelato is worth the ride. It’s a great route for a morning or afternoon spin, with just enough adventure to keep things interesting without being too tough for a casual cyclist.