Field School Hvar 2026 · An unofficial parent-to-parent guide

Welcome to Jelsa, and to Field School

You're bringing your family to a small town on a Croatian island for the summer. Exciting, and a little daunting. This is an unofficial guide, written by parents who've done a Field School summer for the families coming next. It is not the school's official field guide, just the friendly hand-off we wish we'd had: what to pack, how to actually get here, what your first day looks like, and where the good beaches, bakeries and gelato are.

Start with the basics Open the map

Start here

The guide, in the order you'll need it

First time on Hvar, first time at Field School, or both, work top to bottom, or jump to whatever you need right now.

Before you goWhat to pack, phones & Wi-Fi Getting to FontanaSplit airport, the ferry, boats & taxis Your first daysDrop-off, orientation & the camp backpack Life at FontanaThe building, pool, gym, laundry & swap table Beaches & swimmingWhere to swim, pinned on the map Food & drinkBakeries, gelato, dinners & the map Getting around the islandBuses, the timetable, rentals & day trips Local eventsWhat's on this summer in Jelsa & beyond

This guide is unofficial and independent, written by Field School parents for Field School parents, starting with a family who came in Session 1. It's practical and a little opinionated, the way a good friend's advice should be. Spot something out of date or have a favourite to add? There's a link to send it at the bottom of every page.