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The Pakleni Islands are the reason most people rent a boat in Hvar. An archipelago of 21 islands and islets sitting right on Hvar's doorstep — crystal water, hidden coves, pine forests running down to the sea, and a handful of beach bars that somehow manage to feel completely unspoiled. This is the guide to doing them properly.

What Are The Pakleni Islands?

The name comes from the Croatian word for pine resin — paklina — which was historically collected here and used to seal wooden boats. Today the archipelago is a protected nature park covering roughly 96 square kilometres of sea, islands and coastline directly southwest of Hvar town.

The islands are uninhabited except for a few small settlements and beach restaurants. There are no roads, no cars, no hotels. You arrive by boat, you spend the day on the water, and you leave the same way. That's the whole point.

The Main Islands Worth Visiting

Palmižana (Sv. Clement)
Most Popular · 10 min from Hvar
The largest and most visited island. Sandy beach, a marina, a famous beach restaurant, and a botanical garden that's been growing wild for over a century. Good for groups who want a sociable day with food and drinks.
Marinkovac
Party Atmosphere · 10 min from Hvar
Home to Stipanska beach and the famous Carpe Diem beach club. If your group wants music and a party atmosphere on the water, this is where you go. Gets busy in July and August.
Jerolim
Naturist · 5 min from Hvar
The closest island to Hvar town and Croatia's oldest naturist beach. Clear, shallow water and a relaxed atmosphere. Worth knowing about before you accidentally anchor there with a group that wasn't expecting it.
Vlaka & Tarce
Secluded · 15-20 min from Hvar
The quieter, more remote end of the archipelago. Less visited, better for swimming in peace, no beach bars. The kind of spots you find with a private boat and a skipper who knows where to go.

How To Get There

Water Taxi

There are regular water taxis from Hvar Harbour to Palmižana running throughout the day in summer. Cheap and convenient if you just want to go to one spot. The downside — you're tied to the taxi schedule and limited to wherever the taxi goes.

Self-Drive Boat Rental

The best option if you have a boat licence. Rent a small boat from €130/day and explore the whole archipelago at your own pace. Stop wherever you want, stay as long as you like, move on when you're ready. The Pakleni Islands are the perfect size for a self-drive day — nothing is too far, the water is calm, and navigation is straightforward.

Private Tour

No licence needed — a skipper drives, you relax. A private Pakleni Islands tour starts from €300 for up to 4 people with skipper and fuel included. The advantage beyond the obvious is that a good skipper will take you to spots the water taxis never go near.

Local tip: Leave Hvar Harbour by 9:30 AM if you want to anchor at the best spots before the crowds arrive. By 11 AM in peak season the popular bays fill up fast. Early departure makes the whole day better.

What To Bring

Sunscreen — more than you think you need. The Adriatic sun reflects off the water and you will burn faster than on land. Water shoes for rocky entries. Cash for beach bars and restaurants on the islands — card machines are unreliable. A towel, obviously. And something waterproof for your phone.

How Long To Spend There

A full day — 10 AM to 6 PM — is the right amount of time. This lets you visit three or four different locations, have lunch somewhere, swim properly at each stop, and not feel rushed. Half a day is possible but you'll feel like you left before you were done. People who go for half a day almost always say they wish they'd booked the full day.

Best Time To Visit

June and September are the sweet spot. The water is warm, the crowds are manageable, and the islands feel like they're supposed to feel. July and August are peak season — beautiful but busier. The popular spots like Palmižana get crowded by midday. If you're going in peak season, start early and head to the quieter islands in the afternoon when everyone else congregates at the beach bars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far are the Pakleni Islands from Hvar?
5 to 20 minutes depending on which island. Jerolim is the closest at around 5 minutes. Vlaka and the more remote islands are 15-20 minutes from Hvar Harbour.
Do you need a boat to visit the Pakleni Islands?
Yes — there are no bridges. You can take a water taxi to Palmižana or rent a boat for full flexibility. A private boat is the only way to reach the quieter, less visited islands.
How much does a Pakleni Islands tour cost?
A private guided tour starts from €300 for up to 4 people with skipper and fuel included. Self-drive small boat rental starts from €130 per day plus fuel.
How long should I spend on the Pakleni Islands?
A full day from 10 AM to 6 PM. Half a day is possible but you will wish you had more time. Everyone who books half a day says the same thing.