Pakleni Islands Complete Guide
Which of the 21 Pakleni Islands should you visit? Palmizana for dining, Jerolim for beaches, or the unnamed coves only skippers know. Here is everything you need to plan your visit.
21 islands
To Explore
10-20 minutes
From Hvar
30+ meters
Water Visibility
25°C in summer
Summer Water Temp
7.17 km² (2.77 sq mi)
Total Area
10+
Restaurants
€8-15
Water Taxi
May-Oct
Season
Your Private Paradise Awaits
Just a 10-minute private boat tour from Hvar Town lies an archipelago of 21 islands with crystal-clear Adriatic waters and some of the best swimming in the Mediterranean. The Pakleni Islands (Paklinski otoci in Croatian) are the perfect escape from the summer crowds - and guests consistently call it the best day of your trip.
Despite sounding like “hell” in Croatian, the name actually comes from paklina – pine resin that was historically harvested here to waterproof boats. Far from hellish, these islands are pure paradise: turquoise bays, secluded beaches, world-class restaurants, and a bohemian atmosphere that has attracted artists and sailors for generations.
Captain's Tip
Arrive before 11 AM to beat the crowds and find the best anchoring spots. The water is calmest in the morning, and you'll have beaches to yourself before the water taxis arrive.
21 islands spanning 7.17 km² of pristine Adriatic waters
Which Island Is Right for You?
Each island has its own personality. Here's your guide to finding your perfect spot.
Sveti Klement (Palmižana)
The main destination with Palmižana bay – home to excellent restaurants, a botanical garden with exotic plants, art galleries, and the famous Meneghello estate.
Best for: Foodies & culture seekers
Jerolim
Known for beautiful rocky and pebble beaches with crystal-clear water. Has both naturist (FKK) and regular beach areas. Very popular for swimming.
Best for: Beach lovers
Marinkovac (Stipanska)
Home to Stipanska bay with its famous beach bars and lively atmosphere. The place to see and be seen, with DJ sets and yacht crowds.
Best for: Socializers & party seekers
Zdrilca Bay
A protected bay on the east side of Marinkovac, popular with sailors and private boats. Quieter than Stipanska with beautiful swimming.
Best for: Sailors & privacy seekers
How to Get to Pakleni Islands
Three ways to reach paradise – from budget-friendly to exclusive
Private Boat Tour
Your own boat and local skipper for the day. Explore hidden coves, swim wherever you want, and create your perfect itinerary.
- Flexible timing & route
- Access to hidden spots
- Snorkeling gear included
- Local expert skipper
From
€500 / boat
Up to 8 guests
Water Taxi
Regular service from Hvar Town harbor to Palmižana, Jerolim, and Stipanska. Flexible – stay as long as you want.
- Every 30 min (summer)
- Hvar harbor departure
- 15-20 min journey
Per person, each way
€8-15
Last boat ~7 PM
Kayak Adventure
Paddle from Hvar Town to the nearest islands. A workout with a reward – arrive at secluded beaches on your own.
- 1-2 hours paddling
- Best on calm mornings
- Single & double kayaks
Per day
€40-60
Rentals in Hvar Town
Where to Eat on Pakleni Islands
Palmižana has some of the best restaurants in the Hvar region – arrive by boat for the full experience
Toto's
€€€Fine Dining
Palmižana
Mediterranean fusion cuisine in a garden setting
Laganini Lounge Bar
€€€Beach Bar & Restaurant
Palmižana
Cocktails and seafood with yacht-watching views
Meneghello
€€Traditional Croatian
Palmižana
Fresh fish and family recipes since 1906
Dionis
€€Wine Bar & Grill
Palmižana
Local wines and grilled specialties
Pro tip: During peak season (July-August), make lunch reservations by calling ahead or ask your skipper to help book.
Pakleni Islands Tours from Hvar
Choose your adventure – from quick beach hops to full-day exploration
Half-Day Explorer
4-5 hours • Perfect for beach lovers
- 2-3 swimming stops
- Pakleni highlights
- Snorkeling gear included
From
€500
View DetailsFull-Day Paradise
7-8 hours • The complete experience
- 5+ swimming stops
- Lunch at Palmižana restaurant
- Hidden coves + Red Rocks
- Snorkeling + paddleboard
From
€650
Book Full DaySouth Shore & Pakleni
7-8 hours • Best of both worlds
- Red Rocks cliff swimming
- Dubovica Beach
- Pakleni Islands finish
- Snorkeling gear included
From
€650
View DetailsWant to combine Pakleni Islands with Blue Cave, Vis Island, or hidden beaches? We'll create a custom itinerary for you.
Request Custom ItineraryPakleni Islands FAQs
How do I get to Pakleni Islands from Hvar?
The easiest way is by boat from Hvar Town harbor – just 10-20 minutes. Options include: water taxi (€8-15 per person, every 30 minutes in summer), private boat tour (€300-600 for groups up to 8), or kayak rental (1-2 hour paddle). Private boats give you flexibility to explore multiple islands and hidden coves.
Are the Pakleni Islands worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Pakleni Islands are the highlight of any Hvar trip. With 21 islands featuring crystal-clear water (30m+ visibility), secluded beaches, waterfront restaurants, and a fraction of the crowds of Hvar Town. The name comes from "paklina" (pine resin), not "hell" – and the beauty is truly heavenly.
How long is a Pakleni Islands boat trip?
A typical private tour is 4-8 hours. Half-day tours (4-5h) cover 2-3 islands with swimming stops. Full-day tours (7-8h) explore more coves and include lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Water taxis let you stay as long as you want – last boat back is usually around 7 PM.
What can you do on Pakleni Islands?
Swimming in crystal-clear bays, snorkeling, sunbathing on secluded beaches, dining at waterfront restaurants (Palmižana has excellent options), exploring the botanical garden, kayaking between islands, and beach-hopping by boat. Each island has its own character – from party beaches to quiet coves.
Is there a ferry to Pakleni Islands?
No regular ferry, but water taxis run from Hvar Town harbor every 30 minutes in summer (June-September). The cost is €8-15 per person each way. For more flexibility and to explore multiple islands, a private boat tour is the best option.
Which Pakleni Island is the best?
It depends on what you want: Sveti Klement (Palmižana) for restaurants and the botanical garden; Jerolim for beaches (mix of naturist and regular); Marinkovac (Stipanska) for beach bars and swimming. For the most secluded experience, ask your skipper about the lesser-known coves.
What does Pakleni mean?
Despite sounding like "hell" in Croatian, Pakleni comes from "paklina" – pine resin that was historically harvested here to waterproof boats. The resin was so valuable that the islands were named after it. So "Pakleni Islands" means "Resin Islands", not "Hell's Islands"!
When is the best time to visit Pakleni Islands?
Arrive before 11 AM to beat the crowds and find the best anchoring spots. The water is calmest in the morning, and you'll have beaches more to yourself. Season runs May-October, with July-August being busiest. June and September offer perfect weather with fewer people.