25 Reasons to Visit Jelsa in 2016. 11. Humac

I am taking you away from the beach with this one. This means, pre-season or after-season, or a cloudy day during the season would be my suggestion. Because, Humac means no beach and no swimming, but despite of this fact, it is definitely worth a visit.

(photo: TZ Jelsa)

Humac is a beautiful stone village from the 13th century, which was actually never meant for permanent living and was only used by the people from Vrisnik during a short period of time each year as they worked on their vineyards. It has no electricity nor running water and is completely abandoned for many years. Despite all of this (or thanks to it, whatever you prefer), it is one of the most amazing places on the island and the most beautiful ethno-eco village in the region.

(photo: TZ Jelsa)

The Humac association works on preserving and revitalising of the village. Many houses are already renovated, some turned into beautiful holiday homes, there is a wonderful restaurant Konoba Humac, a possibility of horseback riding and a guided tour through the village all the way to the Grapčeva cave 3 times a week during the season (or can be booked on demand in pre- or after-season).

(photo: Murvica.net)

Humac is located some 7 km from Jelsa in the Sućuraj direction. It will take you only 15 minutes from Jelsa (or less) with the newly built road and an older uphill road, which will take you directly to the village (just look for the “Humac” sign).

Probably the best time to visit Humac is during the Ethno-Eco Hvar Festival in early July. Organised by the Sustainable Island Association, it will be the 2nd festival, which will bring much live to the village during those 2 days in July. There will be a lot happening and an organised bus rides from Jelsa will be available for everyone. More info here.

A new addition to the village is a playground for kids – a very important piece of information for all of us parents of little kids. The playground was built out of recycled materials by the members of the Sustainable Island Association with a lot of (very important) help of the little ones. It was a fun project with a great and useful outcome.

(photo: Ivana Župan)

As if the village from the 13th century would not be enough history in one place, there is more. The Grapčeva cave located close to the village is one of the most important archaeological sites of this region. Dating back to the neolithic era, it is a real treasure – a preserved piece of history, a place where the earliest life on the island started.

(photo: TZ Jelsa)

The guided tour through the village will bring you back in time and you will be able to experience the unique atmosphere of an stone village from the 13th century, you will than be taken to the lavender distillery to see how the wonderful lavender oil gets produced and for those in good physical shape, the tour will end with a trip to the Grapčeva cave (the entrance to the cave is placed below a big set of stones, and the declining is not one of the easiest). Read more about the tour in one of our experiences from last summer.