Pakleni Islands — The Emerald Archipelago Just Off Hvar

🌟 Introduction

Imagine leaving Hvar's busy harbour and within minutes finding yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature, emerald waters and complete silence — that's exactly what the Pakleni Islands offer, one of the most beautiful archipelagos on the entire Adriatic.

📍 About the Place

The Pakleni Islands (Croatian: Pakleni otoci) are an archipelago of around 20 small islands and islets stretching along the western tip of Hvar. The name comes from the Croatian word paklina — pine resin once used to seal wooden boats. Today the area is a nature park protected by Croatian law, which means most of the islands remain virtually untouched by mass tourism.

The three most visited islands are: Sveti Klement — the largest, home to restaurants and the Palmižana beach; Marinkovac, famous for Stipanska beach and the legendary Carpe Diem Beach club; and Jerolim — known for its naturist beaches and total tranquillity. The water in the coves is so clear you can see the bottom several metres down.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who Is It For

The Pakleni Islands have something for many different types of visitors — though not everything for everyone:

• Couples and honeymooners will love the secluded coves, the winery at Palmižana and the setting sun reflected on the calm water.
• Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will find crystal-clear water, underwater rocks and rich marine life — the areas around Jerolim and Sveti Klement are particularly rewarding.
• Partygoers will appreciate the Carpe Diem Beach bar on Marinkovac — one of the most iconic beach clubs in Croatia.
• Families with children will be happy choosing the calmer, shallow coves on Sveti Klement — though it's worth seeking out shaded spots, as rocky and exposed shores far outnumber sandy beaches here.
• Who might be disappointed? Anyone expecting well-developed facilities, large sandy beaches with sunbeds, or easy access without a boat — the Pakleni Islands require a short crossing and an appreciation for their wild, rocky character.

⏱️ Time and Money

Allow half a day (4–5 hours) for a relaxed visit to one or two islands. If you want to island-hop, swim, have lunch and make it back by sunset, plan for a full day.

• Water taxis from Hvar harbour: around 5–8 EUR one way per person (2024 prices); they run regularly throughout the season from morning until late evening — tickets are bought directly on the quay and booking is usually not required.
• Boat rental (no licence required): from around 80–150 EUR per day depending on size and season — gives you complete freedom to explore the archipelago at your own pace.
• Island entry: free — there are no admission fees.
• Sun loungers and umbrellas at serviced beaches: around 10–20 EUR per set per day.
• Lunch at a restaurant in Palmižana: 25–50 EUR per person — booking a table in advance is strongly recommended in July and August.

💡 Practical Tips

• Early morning is the best time to visit — water taxis start running around 9:00, and the coves are still nearly empty. At the height of summer (July–August) things get crowded in the afternoon, especially around Palmižana.
• Bring your own food and water if you're heading to the more remote coves — beyond Palmižana and Marinkovac there are no restaurants, bars or shops.
• Water shoes are an absolute must — most beaches are rocky or pebbly, and entering the water can be tough on bare feet.
• Keep an eye on the Bora wind — it can catch you off guard even in midsummer and disrupt water transport. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, especially if you're renting a boat independently.

✈️ One Last Thought

If you're on Hvar and you don't make it out to the emerald waters of the Pakleni archipelago, you'll head home with the feeling that you missed the very best part.