Zastrazisce: Bays and Cultural Heritage

In Zastrazisce, historic landmarks, traditional stone structures and nearby bays come together. If you are looking for a hotel in Zastrazisce, consider which of these themes you would most like to shape your trip. Local sights include an Illyrian hillfort, a 17th-century tower and a chapel mentioned in historical records as early as 1407. The “trimi,” round stone field shelters, and the coastal bays also give the area its distinctive character.

History and dry-stone construction

Vela Glava is home to an Illyrian hillfort dating from around 1000 BC. The Anđelinović Tower in Postranje dates back to the 17th century. St Barbara’s Chapel was first mentioned in 1407 and is considered one of the oldest chapels on Hvar. If you plan to visit these historic sites, it is best to check access locally.

Round stone field shelters known as “trimi” and dry-stone walls can be found around Zastrazisce. The tradition of dry-stone construction is considered part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. This is not just about individual structures, but also about a building method that is visible in the landscape. Some structures may be difficult to access; bear this in mind when planning your visit.

Bays and outdoor activities

The visitor landscape around Zastrazisce includes the bays of Vela Stiniva, Stanjimir, Sinjava, Dubac, Kjušna, Kruševa and Pokrvenik. Vela Stiniva is known as a free-climbing area. Access to the bays and beach conditions depend on the season and weather. Check local conditions before visiting.

More experiences in the wider destination of Općina Jelsa

In the wider destination of Općina Jelsa, the Following the Cross Gallery is located in the bell tower of the parish church of the Assumption of Mary in Jelsa. It opened on 1 July 2026. The exhibition displays artefacts contributed by the communities of the six villages involved in the procession: Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboska. The items on display may change. Guided interpretive tours present the history, symbolism and distinctive features of the procession. They are offered from 18:00 to 21:00. Check the current tour arrangements before your visit.

The Wine Museum in the village of Pitve is also part of the wider destination of Općina Jelsa. It is 2 km from Jelsa and is an independent collection of the Jelsa Municipality Museum. Exhibits include traditional tools used for work in the vineyard, as well as equipment for making and storing wine. Check the current opening hours separately. Humac also has a small museum featuring tools and keepsakes from local daily life in the past; access conditions may vary.

Općina Jelsa offers a range of cycling and walking activities. The Na Vrh cycling route starts in Jelsa, passes through Pitve and Humac, and returns to Jelsa. Check the route and surface before setting out. The Nordic walking route between Jelsa and Pitve is 8 km long, of moderate difficulty and takes about two and a half hours; trail conditions may vary seasonally. This route therefore provides a specific guide to distance and time, while Na Vrh is defined by its circular route and the places along the way.

The island of Šćedro is also part of Općina Jelsa and was designated a protected landscape in 1972. Its indented coastline and vegetation characteristic of Mediterranean woodland and maquis communities make it a distinctive landscape. Marked paths allow visitors to explore Šćedro on foot; check trail conditions in advance. In Mostir Bay on the island are the ruins of a Dominican monastery built at the end of the 15th century and abandoned in the 18th century, as well as the Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Gospe od Milosrđa).

Discover more destinations: Ivan Dolac, Jelsa, Zavala, Humac, Pitve, Vrboska, Vrisnik, Gdinj

View the wider destination: Općina Jelsa.