The Pakleni Islands Hvar are the string of low, green islets that lie just off Hvar Town, and they are the single best reason to spend a day on the water here. Clear turquoise water, pine-covered shores and dozens of tiny bays make them a favourite for swimming, snorkelling and slow afternoons at anchor. This guide covers the best beaches, the quiet bays most visitors miss, and exactly how to visit.

Where are the Pakleni Islands?

Despite the dramatic name (often translated as “Hell’s Islands”, most likely from a resin once used to coat boats), the Pakleni Islands Hvar are a gentle, welcoming archipelago just a ten to twenty minute boat ride from Hvar Town. The largest is Sveti Klement, followed by Marinkovac and Jerolim, with a scatter of smaller islets in between.

The best beaches and bays

Each island has its own character, so the trick is to match the stop to your mood.

Palmižana

The best-known bay on Sveti Klement, with a sheltered marina, botanical gardens and a couple of famous konoba restaurants tucked among the pines. Great for a long lunch stop.

Stipanska

A lively bay on Marinkovac with a beach club and buzzing summer atmosphere, ideal if you want music and cocktails between swims.

Vinogradišće

A calm, family-friendly bay on Sveti Klement with shallow water and easy anchoring, perfect for a relaxed swim away from the crowds.

Jerolim

The closest island to Hvar Town, long popular for peaceful swimming and a laid-back, clothing-optional tradition in parts.

Best swim spots in the Pakleni Islands Hvar

The water around the Pakleni Islands Hvar is famous for its clarity. Anchor off the smaller islets on the seaward side and you will often have a bright, clear cove almost to yourself, with rocky ledges that are excellent for snorkelling and easy jumps into deep water.

How to visit the Pakleni Islands

There are two main ways to explore. Scheduled taxi boats run from Hvar Town harbour to the busiest bays, which is cheap and easy but keeps you on a fixed timetable and only reaches the popular stops. A private boat tour of Red Rocks and the Pakleni Islands gives you the freedom to design your own route, reach the quiet coves that taxi boats skip, and stay in the water as long as you like. You can see the boats available on our fleet page.

What to bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
• Swimwear, a towel and water shoes for rocky entries.
• A snorkel and mask to make the most of the clear water.
• Cash for beach bars and island konobas.

Best time to visit

June and September bring warm water with thinner crowds, while July and August are hottest and busiest. Whenever you come, an early start means calmer seas and the best pick of anchorages before the day boats arrive.

Combine Pakleni with Red Rocks

Most memorable island days pair the Pakleni Islands with the nearby Red Rocks cliffs. If you want the full picture of that stretch of coast, read our complete Red Rocks Hvar visitor guide. Together with the Pakleni Islands Hvar, it makes the perfect full-day route.

More background on the archipelago is on the Pakleni Islands Wikipedia page.