- by croatiaweek
- September 9, 2025
-
in
News
Jelsa
Residents of Jelsa on the Croatian island of Hvar have voiced strong opposition to a proposed hostel project that would accommodate between 700 and 800 foreign workers, 24sata reports.
The planned development, earmarked for the Vrisne–Klokun area opposite the industrial zone, has sparked a wave of discontent among locals.
In record time, more than 1,200 signatures were gathered in a petition against the project – a striking number given that Jelsa has a population of just 3,600 in the wider municipality, with around 1,600 in the town itself.
Locals argue that the sudden arrival of up to 600–800 additional residents would place an unsustainable burden on local infrastructure, raise concerns over safety, and drastically affect the quality of life in the small coastal town.
An extraordinary session of the Jelsa Municipal Council was convened to address the issue. Councillors concluded that the project could not be accepted, confirming that the local spatial plan allows for the construction of houses, villas and hotels in the area – but not hostels.
“We sought a legal solution, and the decision was placed before urban planning, which the council accepted. The conclusion is that hotels cannot be built there. A hotel for 800 people is simply too much for Jelsa,” Municipality head Marija Marjan told 24sata.
She added that representatives of the municipality had already met with the project leaders to express their discontent, and that they are now awaiting further talks with the company’s CEO, who has been invited to attend.
Jelsa
Former mayor Nikša Peronja confirmed that opposition is unanimous.
“The whole place is on its feet, everyone is against the construction. The interpretation is that while buildings can indeed be constructed in Jelsa, such a large development is not allowed. Smaller projects that do not overburden local infrastructure are acceptable. This interpretation is being sent to all relevant institutions,” Peronja explained.
Strong message from the community
The petition, signed by every third resident of the municipality, has sent a strong signal of local resistance. For many in Jelsa, the sheer scale of the proposed hostel is seen as incompatible with the town’s size, character and long-term development.
The outcome of the project now rests on further negotiations and institutional decisions, but the message from locals is clear – Jelsa is not prepared to accept a hostel of this size in its backyard.
