Pakleni Islands Guide
21 stunning islands just 10 minutes from Hvar. Crystal-clear water, hidden beaches, world-class restaurants. Your complete guide to the archipelago.
The Pakleni Islands Archipelago
Stretching like a protective arm southwest of Hvar town, the Pakleni Islands (Paklinski otoci) are an archipelago of 21 islands and islets that represent some of the most beautiful boating territory in the entire Mediterranean. Just 10 to 15 minutes by boat from Hvar harbor, these islands offer crystal-clear Adriatic water, secluded beaches, pine-scented forests, and some of the best restaurants on the Croatian coast.
For anyone visiting Hvar, the Pakleni Islands are an absolute must. Whether you take a quick water taxi to Palmižana or spend a full day exploring multiple islands on a private boat tour with Mini Yachts Hvar, this archipelago will be one of the highlights of your Croatian holiday. The islands are the primary destination for most of our half-day boat tours from Hvar, and for good reason: the combination of accessibility, beauty, and variety is unmatched.
About the Name: Not "Hell Islands"
A common misconception is that "Pakleni" means "hellish" (from the Croatian word "pakao" meaning hell). This is incorrect. The name actually comes from "paklina", which is pine resin that was historically harvested on these islands and used to waterproof wooden boats. The resin industry was vital to Hvar's maritime economy for centuries. So the islands are named for their connection to boatbuilding, not the underworld. Quite fitting, given that they are among the most heavenly places in the Adriatic.
The archipelago stretches approximately 10 kilometers from east to west. The islands closest to Hvar (Jerolim, Marinkovac) are just a 5-minute ride, while the western end of Sveti Klement takes about 15-20 minutes. This compact geography means you can visit multiple islands in a single half-day or explore them all thoroughly on a full-day excursion. The waters between the islands are sheltered from open sea swells, making conditions calm and pleasant even on windier days.
Island by Island Guide
The main islands of the archipelago, from largest to smallest.
Sveti Klement
The Largest Island
The largest of the Pakleni Islands at about 5 km long. Home to the famous Palmižana bay and ACI marina, plus several excellent restaurants. The island has a network of walking trails through fragrant Mediterranean vegetation including Aleppo pine, rosemary, and lavender. The botanical garden at Palmižana, created by the Meneghello family over a century ago, is a highlight.
Highlights
Beaches
Palmižana (sandy entry, family-friendly), Vlaka (quiet, rocky), Tarsce (secluded cove)
Marinkovac
The Party & Beach Island
The second largest island is famous for two contrasting bays. Stipanska, on the north side, is home to the legendary Carpe Diem Beach club (in summer, one of Croatia's most famous party spots). The south side is completely different: quiet coves with crystal-clear water, pine shade, and almost nobody around. This duality makes Marinkovac fascinating.
Highlights
Beaches
Stipanska (beach club), Ždrilca (calm, warm water), Mlini (quiet, pine-shaded)
Jerolim
The Naturist Island
The closest Pakleni island to Hvar town, Jerolim has been a naturist (clothing-optional) destination since the 1960s. However, the island has sections for clothed visitors too. The rocky coastline provides excellent swimming with incredibly clear water, and the shallow areas near shore are warm and inviting. A small seasonal bar serves drinks and light snacks.
Highlights
Beaches
Rocky coastline with ladders and flat rocks for sunbathing, clear shallow swimming areas
Hidden Gems (Private Boat Access)
Gališnik
The Quiet Escape
A smaller island between Jerolim and Marinkovac that most visitors bypass entirely. This makes it perfect for those seeking solitude. The rocky southern shore has some of the clearest water in the archipelago, and the natural rock formations create small pools perfect for snorkeling. Our captains at Mini Yachts Hvar often anchor here when other spots are busy.
Borovac
The Hidden Gem
A small, uninhabited island covered in dense Mediterranean vegetation. The western cove offers sheltered anchorage and swimming in water so clear it seems unreal. Very few boats stop here, making it one of the true hidden gems of the archipelago. Only accessible by private boat.
Planikovac
The Snorkeling Island
Named after the arbutus (planika) trees that grow on it. The underwater landscape around Planikovac is particularly rich, with seagrass meadows attracting diverse marine life. Experienced snorkelers will find octopus, sea stars, and schools of colorful fish in the rocky shallows.
Best Beaches in the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands beaches range from popular and well-serviced to completely wild and accessible only by private boat. The water throughout the archipelago is exceptionally clear, with visibility regularly exceeding 20 meters. Here are the standout beaches, though our captains at Mini Yachts Hvar know many more that do not appear in any guidebook.
Palmižana Beach
Sveti Klement · Sandy entry, family-friendly
The most popular beach in the archipelago for good reason. Gradual sandy entry into turquoise water, with restaurants and shade nearby. Gets busy in peak summer but remains beautiful. Perfect for families with young children.
Mlini Beach
Marinkovac · Quiet, pine-shaded
A beautiful pebble beach on the quieter side of Marinkovac. Natural pine shade, incredibly calm water, and far fewer visitors than Palmižana. One of our captains' favorite spots for a relaxed swimming stop.
Stipanska Bay
Marinkovac · Beach club scene
Home to the famous Carpe Diem Beach club. A lively atmosphere with music, cocktails, and beautiful people. The beach itself is gorgeous with clear water. Quieter in mornings before the club atmosphere builds.
Vlaka Bay
Sveti Klement · Secluded, restaurant access
A quieter alternative on Sveti Klement's western end. Rocky entry but exceptional clarity. The Dionis restaurant is a short walk away. Feels remote despite being easily accessible by boat.
Best Restaurants
The Pakleni Islands have some of the best dining on the Croatian coast, all accessible by boat.
Laganini Lounge Bar
Palmižana, Sveti Klement
Upscale Mediterranean
One of Hvar's most celebrated dining experiences. Sophisticated cocktails, fresh seafood, and a stunning waterfront terrace. Known for its sunset views and elegant atmosphere. Reservations essential in summer.
Must try: Fresh fish platter, signature cocktails
Toto
Palmižana, Sveti Klement
Creative Croatian
A local favorite combining traditional Croatian flavors with creative presentation. More relaxed than Laganini but equally delicious. Excellent wine list featuring Hvar wines. The octopus salad is legendary.
Must try: Octopus salad, peka (under the bell), local fish
Meneghello
Palmižana, Sveti Klement
Traditional Island Cuisine
Run by the Meneghello family who have been on the island for over a century. Set within their botanical garden, dining here feels like eating in someone's private paradise. Simple, honest cooking with ingredients grown on the island or caught that morning.
Must try: Garden salad, grilled catch of the day, house wine
Dionis
Vlaka, Sveti Klement
Rustic Konoba
A hidden gem in the quieter Vlaka bay. Traditional Dalmatian cooking in a rustic setting surrounded by pine trees. Smaller and more intimate than the Palmižana restaurants. You feel like you've discovered a secret.
Must try: Grilled fish, dalmatian bread, olive oil tasting
How to Visit the Pakleni Islands
Option 1: Private Boat Tour (Recommended)
The best way to explore the Pakleni Islands is with a private boat tour from Mini Yachts Hvar. Our local captains know every cove, every hidden beach, and the best times to visit each spot. You set the pace, choose where to swim, and have the freedom to explore islands that water taxis don't serve.
4 hours, 2-3 island stops
8 hours, 4-6 island stops + lunch
3 hours, sunset between the islands
Option 2: Water Taxi
Water taxis run regularly from Hvar harbor to Palmižana (Sveti Klement), Jerolim, and Marinkovac. Journey time is 10-15 minutes, and boats depart every 30 minutes or so in peak season. Cost is approximately EUR 8-12 per person round trip. The limitation is that you are restricted to the main stops and cannot explore the hidden coves and smaller islands.
Ready to explore the Pakleni Islands your way?
Book a Private TourPractical Tips
Best Time to Visit
June and September offer warm water and smaller crowds. July-August is peak season with the best weather but more visitors. May and October are possible but water is cooler.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, swimsuit, towel (though we provide them), water shoes for rocky beaches, camera. We provide snorkeling gear, drinks, and towels on all private boat tours.
Restaurant Reservations
Laganini and Toto fill up fast in July-August. Our captains can call ahead to reserve a table while you're swimming at a nearby beach. One of the perks of a private tour.
Avoid the Crowds
Visit in the morning (before 11 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). Our captains also know the lesser-visited islands and hidden coves where crowds never reach.
Pakleni Islands FAQs
What does "Pakleni" mean? Are they really "Hell Islands"?
No. Despite the common mistranslation, "Pakleni" comes from "paklina," which is pine resin that was historically harvested on the islands to waterproof boats. The name has nothing to do with "pakao" (hell). The islands are paradise, not hell, and the resin industry was vital to Hvar's maritime heritage.
How do I get to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar?
The Pakleni Islands are just 10-15 minutes by boat from Hvar town harbor. You can take a water taxi (runs regularly in summer), or much better, book a private boat tour with Mini Yachts Hvar to explore multiple islands at your own pace with a local captain as your guide.
How many Pakleni Islands are there?
The Pakleni Islands (Paklinski otoci) archipelago consists of 21 islands and islets stretching about 10 kilometers southwest of Hvar town. The largest and most visited are Sveti Klement, Marinkovac, and Jerolim, but many smaller islands offer secluded beaches accessible only by private boat.
Which Pakleni Island is best for swimming?
For family-friendly swimming, Palmižana on Sveti Klement has gradual sandy entry and calm water. For privacy, the small coves on the southern side of Marinkovac are exceptional. For naturist swimming, Jerolim is the traditional choice. Our captains know dozens of hidden swimming spots across the archipelago.