Information
Landmark: Pakleni IslandsCity: Hvar
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
Pakleni Islands, Hvar, Croatia, Europe
Overview
Just off Hvar Island’s southwest coast in Croatia, the Pakleni Islands (Paklinski Otoci) spread across the water-a chain of 20 small islands and rocky islets.Known for their breathtaking scenery, glassy turquoise waters, tucked-away coves, and lively nights filled with music and laughter, they’ve become a favorite getaway for travelers and locals alike.Just south of Hvar Town, you can reach the islands by boat; they vary in size, with St. Clement Island standing out as the largest, while most are tiny, uninhabited specks of land.The name “Pakleni” comes from “paklina,” the pine resin once used to seal wooden boats, its sharp scent clinging to the air.Key islands and attractions include: 1.St. Clement Island (Sv.Klement), the largest and most developed in the Pakleni group, boasts luxury hotels, lively restaurants, and beach clubs that draw day-trippers from all over; its Palmizana area is famous for a sheltered marina, soft sand, and water so clear you can see fish flickering beneath your feet.It’s the perfect spot to unwind-swim in the clear water, linger over a seaside meal, or wander through the island’s botanical garden alive with local blooms.Marinkovac Island draws visitors with its glassy coves and sandy beaches, especially the well-loved Zori Restaurant Beach, where fine dining comes with sweeping views of turquoise waves.Jerolim Island, famous for its naturist beach, offers a quiet, clothing-optional escape, with shady walking paths and water so clear you can see the pebbles beneath your feet.For true solitude, Planikovac Island waits-small, uninhabited, and wrapped in untouched beauty.It’s perfect for a picnic under the pines, a quick swim, or wandering through the wild shoreline.Vlaka Island, a tiny spot near St. Clement, offers quiet beaches and glassy water-just right for swimming or snorkeling.Boating and Sailing: The Pakleni Islands are a sailor’s dream, where you can rent a small boat or hop on a guided tour to glide past rocky coves and clear, blue shallows.Tucked away along the coast, you’ll find quiet coves and hidden beaches where you can slip into the Adriatic’s blue-green water and feel the sun on your shoulders.The sea around the islands is crystal clear, perfect for swimming or watching fish flicker past while you snorkel.Just beneath the surface, fish dart past and sea urchins cling to the rocks.The islands are famous for their beautiful beaches-some stretch with soft, warm sand, while others hide in quiet, rocky coves.Some standout beaches are Jerolim, known for its naturist vibe; Palmizana on St. Clement, where pine trees edge the sand; and Zori Beach on Marinkovac.Hiking and walking are easy here-many islands have clear, well-marked trails that wind past pine trees and rocky shores.These trails invite you to explore the islands’ wild beauty, from the scent of pine trees to glimpses of bright kingfishers.When the sun sets, the Pakleni Islands come alive with cozy seaside restaurants and lively beach bars.Highlights include Zori Restaurant on Marinkovac, where the scent of grilled sea bass drifts from the kitchen, and Laganini Lounge Bar on St. Clement, famous for its cocktails and sweeping sunset views.In summer, the islands buzz with beach clubs and bars that keep music and dancing going well into the night.You can reach the Pakleni Islands by a quick boat ride from Hvar Town.You can hop on a water taxi, hire a private boat, or rent a little skiff to glide over to the islands.From Hvar Town, regular ferries and tourist boats head out each day to the nearby islands, their decks smelling faintly of salt and diesel.The Pakleni Islands draw the most visitors in summer, especially between June and September.The sun’s warm on your skin, the beaches hum with chatter, and you’ll find no shortage of things to do.If you’d rather skip the crowds, head there in late spring-May’s warm breezes-or early autumn, when September’s sunlight still feels gentle.The Pakleni Islands blend rugged coves, crystal water, lively outdoor adventures, rich local culture, and pockets of deep, unbroken calm.You can stretch out on a quiet strip of sand, dive among darting fish, dance until sunrise at a beach party, or slip away from Hvar Town’s bustle-the Pakleni Islands set the scene for a Croatian escape you won’t forget.
