The Pakleni Islands sit just offshore from Hvar Town, yet they feel like a different world. A chain of pine‑covered islets, hidden coves and busy beach clubs stretches across the water, giving you plenty of ways to spend a lazy day in the sun.
This guide helps you plan a Pakleni Islands day trip or a longer stay nearby. It shows you where the islands are, how to get there, which bays fit different types of travellers, and what to expect from this famous Hvar archipelago, from quiet coves to lively beach clubs.
Where Are the Pakleni Islands?
The Pakleni Islands, also called Paklinski otoci or Paklinski islands, form a small archipelago just south of Hvar Town. When you stand on Hvar’s waterfront and look out to sea, you are looking straight at the islands.
The group is often called the Hvar archipelago. It stretches for around ten kilometres and includes several main islands and many smaller rocks and reefs. The largest island is Sveti Klement. Other well‑known islands are Marinkovac and Jerolim.
The name Paklinski or Pakleni comes from paklina, a pine resin once used for waterproofing boats. In English you sometimes see them translated as “Hell’s islands”, but the name actually refers to this tar‑like pine resin, not anything dark or dangerous. The pine forests and rocky shores you see today are the same landscape that gave these islands their name.
Why Visit the Pakleni Islands?
The Pakleni Islands are one of the classic day trips from Hvar. They combine clear sea, easy access and plenty of choice.
You can spend the whole day on a quiet rocky beach with just the sound of the waves. You can hop between bays in a rented boat or join the party at a beach club. Sailors, families, couples and groups of friends all find a corner that fits their style.
Highlights include:
Clear, turquoise water for swimming and snorkelling
A mix of rocky beaches, pebble coves and a few sandy shallows
Pine forests and low shrubs that give natural shade
Small restaurants serving seafood lunches right by the sea
Beach clubs with music, cocktails and long summer evenings
Easy access by water taxi, tour boat or small rental boat from Hvar Town
How to Get to the Pakleni Islands
Water taxi from Hvar Town
For most visitors, the simplest option is the water taxi from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands. Small boats leave from the harbour close to the main square.
In summer, services usually run throughout the day. Boats shuttle between Hvar Town and the most popular islands, including:
Jerolim island
Marinkovac island (for Mlini, Zdrilca and Stipanska bays)
Sveti Klement island (Palmižana and Vinogradišće bay)
The ride is short and scenic. Depending on your destination, you can expect between five and thirty minutes on the water. Check the boards at the harbour for current timings and return times, as these can change during the season.
Group tours and boat excursions
If you prefer a ready‑made plan, you can book a Pakleni Islands tour from Hvar. Group boat tours usually include several stops for swimming and beach time. Some combine the Pakleni Islands with other highlights in central Dalmatia.
This option works well if you want to relax and let the skipper choose the best bays for the day’s wind and waves.
Private boat and rent‑a‑boat
More independent travellers often rent a small motorboat in Hvar Town. With a basic boat licence and some experience on the water, you can follow the marked routes to the islands and choose your own coves.
Private boat tours with a skipper are another option. They cost more but give you a flexible Pakleni Islands itinerary. Your skipper can suggest quieter anchorages, good snorkelling spots and restaurant stops.
Always ask for safety instructions, check the fuel level, watch the weather forecast and respect local rules on speed limits and anchoring.
Best Islands and Bays in the Pakleni Archipelago
The Pakleni Islands may look small from the shore, but there are many different bays and beaches. Choosing the right one depends on what you want from your day. Below are the main islands and bays it is worth knowing before you set off.
Jerolim Island: Naturist Beach and Quiet Coves
Jerolim is the closest island to Hvar Town and one of the easiest to reach. Taxi boats make the crossing in just a few minutes.
Since the 1950s, Jerolim has been known as a naturist island. Today some areas remain naturist, while others welcome visitors in normal swimwear. Signs usually mark the zones, so you can choose the area that suits you.
The island offers rocky terraces, pine shade and very clear sea. There are simple beach bars and restaurants, plus showers in main areas. Away from the jetties, you can still find smaller coves that feel peaceful even in high season.
Jerolim works well for couples and for travellers who enjoy a more relaxed, naturist‑friendly beach.
Marinkovac Island: Zdrilca, Mlini and Stipanska
Marinkovac island lies just behind Jerolim. Taxi boats from Hvar Town usually stop at one or more bays on its northern and southern shores.
Zdrilca bay is a series of small coves with flat rocks and short stretches of pebbles. A few relaxed beach bars and restaurants sit right by the water. The sea is shallow in parts and good for cooling dips.
Mlini beach offers a similar mix of rocky platforms and small pebble sections. It is popular with families and groups looking for an easy swimming spot with services.
Stipanska bay on the opposite side of the island is famous for Carpe Diem Beach bar. During the day, it is a comfortable place for swimming and sun loungers. In the evening, it turns into a nightlife spot with music and parties that run late into the night.
Marinkovac is a good choice if you want a combination of beach time, simple dining and a bit of a scene.
Sveti Klement and Palmižana
Sveti Klement is the largest island in the Pakleni Islands archipelago. Many visitors know it by the name of its most famous bay, Palmižana.
On the northern side of Sveti Klement, Palmižana has a well‑protected marina. Sailboats and yachts line the piers in high season. Behind the shore, you will find low houses, a few small paths, and a lush mix of Mediterranean plants.
Over the hill on the southern side lies Vinogradišće bay, often also called Palmižana. This horseshoe‑shaped bay has bright turquoise water and a fringe of pine trees, palms and exotic plants.
Several restaurants and bars line the edge of the bay. Many offer long, slow seafood lunches with a view of the boats moored in the bay. In between meals, you can swim from the small beaches or from the rocks at the side.
Sveti Klement also has quieter corners, such as the settlement of Vlaka and other bays dotted around the island. These are popular with sailors and day‑trippers who do not mind a short walk from the main landings.
Other Bays: Tarsče, Soline and Vlaka
If you arrive by private boat or with a skipper, you may also visit smaller bays along the line of islands.
Tarsče bay offers a peaceful anchorage with clear water and simple paths on shore. Soline bay can be a calmer alternative when busier coves feel crowded. Vlaka, on the northern side of Sveti Klement, has a more traditional feel, with stone houses and relaxed konoba‑style dining.
These spots suit visitors who value quiet water, simple food and a taste of the old Dalmatian rhythm.
Things to Do on the Pakleni Islands
There is more to the Pakleni Islands than just sunbathing. Whether you travel as a couple, a family, a group of friends or a sailing crew, you can mix relaxed swims, easy activities and good food in one simple day.
Swimming and Snorkelling
Most visitors come to the Pakleni Islands for the sea. The water is usually clean and clear, with shades from deep blue to bright turquoise.
Expect mostly rocky shores and stone platforms. Pebble sections are smaller and often already taken by mid‑morning. Water shoes make getting in and out much easier.
Bring your own mask and snorkel if you enjoy watching fish and underwater rocks. You will not find coral reefs, but the visibility is good and there is plenty of simple marine life to see.
Kayaking and Stand‑Up Paddleboarding
Kayak and SUP tours between Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands are popular. Paddling across gives you a different view of the archipelago and lets you move between several coves in one day.
Guided tours usually include equipment, a guide who knows the currents, and a plan for shaded breaks. Independent paddlers should watch the wind, stay clear of busy boat channels and avoid crossing in strong afternoon breeze.
Sailing and Boat Trips
For sailors and charter boats, the Pakleni Islands are a classic stop on a Dalmatian route. The islands offer sheltered anchorages, moorings and the facilities of ACI Marina Palmižana on Sveti Klement.
Popular anchorages include bays on Sveti Klement, Marinkovac and the smaller coves towards the outer edge of the archipelago. In July and August, arrive early if you want a buoy or marina berth.
Respect local rules on where you can anchor and avoid seagrass areas where anchoring is restricted. Summer afternoons can bring stronger winds and more boat traffic, so good planning matters.
Food, Drinks and Beach Clubs
You will not find big hotels on the Pakleni Islands, but there are several beach bars and restaurants.
Palmižana and Vinogradišće bay have some of the best‑known places for a seafood lunch. Think grilled fish, octopus, fresh vegetables and local wine served steps from the sea.
Zdrilca, Mlini and Vlaka also offer simple dining, often with a relaxed, barefoot feel. Some places take card payments, but it is still wise to carry some cash.
If you want late‑night music, cocktails and a club atmosphere, the beach club at Stipanska bay on Marinkovac is the main nightlife spot in the Pakleni Islands.
When to Visit the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands have a long season, but each month feels different.
May and June bring warm days, cooler evenings and a fresh green landscape. Services start to open, but crowds are lighter.
July and August are peak months. The sea is very warm, water taxis are busy and bays fill with boats by midday.
September often offers the best balance. The sea is still warm, days are sunny, and many services remain open, yet the pressure eases.
October can be lovely on calm days, especially for hiking short paths and enjoying quiet lunches. Some services close by mid to late October.
For most visitors, June and September are ideal months for a Pakleni Islands day trip.
Practical Tips for Your Pakleni Islands Day Trip
Start early to enjoy quieter bays and cooler temperatures.
Check return times for your chosen water taxi route and avoid the last crowded boat.
Bring plenty of water, sun cream, a hat and light cover‑up.
Pack water shoes for rocky beaches and pebble entries.
Take some cash for sunbed rental and smaller bars or restaurants.
Respect naturist areas on Jerolim and Stipanska. If you are unsure, look for signs or ask.
Do not leave rubbish on the islands and be careful with cigarette ends.
With a bit of planning, your Pakleni Islands visit will be relaxed rather than stressful.
Where to Stay for Visiting the Pakleni Islands
Most travellers stay on Hvar Island and visit the Pakleni Islands as a day trip.
Hvar Town as a Base
Hvar Town is the easiest base for a Pakleni Islands holiday. The harbour is full of water taxis, tour boats and rental stands in summer. You can decide each morning which bay or island you want to visit.
Staying in or near the old town means you can walk to the harbour in a few minutes. After your day at sea, you can enjoy Hvar’s restaurants, bars and evening promenade.
If you prefer quieter nights, choose accommodation slightly up the hill or in nearby bays within walking distance of the centre.
Staying on the Pakleni Islands
A small number of villas, apartments and simple rooms are available on Sveti Klement, mainly around Palmižana and nearby bays.
Staying on the islands gives you early swims before day‑trippers arrive and quiet evenings after the last boats leave. It feels more remote and peaceful.
However, services are limited. You need to check boat timetables carefully, plan shopping and accept that evenings will be much calmer than in Hvar Town.
For most visitors, a base in Hvar Town with one or more Pakleni Islands day trips offers the best mix of comfort and freedom.
Suggested Pakleni Islands Day Trip Ideas
Classic beach and lunch day
Take a morning water taxi from Hvar Town to Palmižana on Sveti Klement. Enjoy a swim in Vinogradišće bay, then settle in for a long seafood lunch.
In the afternoon, walk or take a boat to another bay on Sveti Klement for a final swim. Return to Hvar Town in time for sunset over the islands.
Beach‑club and bay‑hopping day
Start with a taxi boat to Zdrilca or Mlini on Marinkovac. Swim, relax and have an easy lunch at one of the beach bars.
Later, hop over to Stipanska bay for an afternoon and evening at the beach club. When you have had enough music and dancing, take the boat back to Hvar Town.
Quiet coves and naturist beaches
If you prefer a calmer day, choose Jerolim for its mix of naturist and non‑naturist rocky beaches. Walk a little away from the main jetty to find quieter spots.
Alternatively, book a private boat tour that focuses on less crowded bays such as Tarsče, Soline or Vlaka. Ask your skipper to avoid the busiest times in the most famous coves.
FAQs
Where are the Pakleni Islands?
The Pakleni Islands lie just off the south coast of Hvar Island in central Dalmatia. They sit opposite Hvar Town, only a short boat ride away.
How do I get to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar?
You can reach the Pakleni Islands by water taxi, organised boat tour, rented motorboat, kayak or SUP. Water taxis are the most common option and run many times per day in summer.
How long does a Pakleni Islands day trip take?
You can visit for just a few hours, but most people stay for a full day. Plan at least six to eight hours so you can swim, eat and relax without rushing, even if you travel on a simple budget.
Are the Pakleni Islands good for families with children?
Yes, as long as you choose the right bays. Zdrilca, Mlini and some parts of Palmižana offer easier sea access and shallower water. Bring sun protection and keep a close eye on children near rocks and boats.
Can I visit the Pakleni Islands on a budget?
Yes. Choose public water taxis rather than private boats, bring your own snacks and drinks, and rent sun loungers only if you really want them. Swimming from the rocks is free.
Are the Pakleni Islands only for party travellers?
No. The nightlife at Stipanska and some beach clubs is only one side of the story. Many bays stay quiet and relaxed, especially in the morning, in June and in September.
Plan Your Pakleni Islands Escape
The Pakleni Islands offer many faces in a small space. You can find lively beach clubs, silent rocky coves, simple seafood lunches and busy marinas, all within a short boat ride of Hvar Town.
Choose your base, pick the bays that match your style and give yourself at least one full day on the water. With smart timing and a little planning, your Pakleni Islands day trip can become one of the best memories of your time in Croatia.
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