Pakleni Islands from Hvar: Complete Visitor Guide for 2026

The Pakleni Islands (Paklinski otoci) are one of the Croatian Adriatic's finest surprises — an archipelago of roughly 20 islands and islets stretching westward from Hvar Town harbour, close enough to see from the main square but far enough to feel removed from the crowds. Their name, derived from paklina (the pine resin once used to caulk boats), suits their character: deeply scented pine forests, clear shallow water, and a handful of beach bars and restaurants that have earned international reputations. A day among the Pakleni Islands is the single most popular activity booked by visitors to Hvar in 2026.

For a complete overview, see our Hvar Island Croatia travel guide.

Overview of the Pakleni Islands

The archipelago spans roughly 10 kilometres from east to west and contains around 20 distinct islands, though most are uninhabited. The three that see most visitor traffic are Sveti Klement (the largest, with Palmižana bay), Marinkovac (the closest, with the Zdrilca nudist beach and quieter coves), and Stipanska (home to Carpe Diem Beach club). Jerolim island, reached first from the water taxi route, has a long-established naturist beach popular with regulars. The outer islands — Borovac, Stambedar, and the smaller islets beyond Sveti Klement — see almost no day-tripper traffic and reward visitors who rent their own boat.

How to Get to the Pakleni Islands

Water taxis are the standard way to reach the Pakleni Islands from Hvar Town. The boats depart from the main pier directly in front of Hvar Town harbour, beside the catamaran terminal, and run every 20–30 minutes in summer from approximately 09:00 to late evening. The crossing to the nearest island (Jerolim) takes about 10 minutes; reaching Palmižana on Sveti Klement takes 20 minutes.

Standard return fares in 2026 are approximately 100 HRK per person to the main destinations (Palmižana, Stipanska, Marinkovac). One-way tickets are available if you plan to hop between islands rather than return to the same pier. Water taxi drivers generally wait at each island for a set period and then return; confirm departure times before you disembark, especially for the later afternoon boats.

Alternatively, rent a small motorboat from the harbour in Hvar Town. Rental costs around 400–600 HRK for a half-day (prices vary by boat size and engine power) and gives you complete freedom to anchor in coves that the water taxis do not serve. No licence is required for boats under 5 metres with engines under a certain kilowatt threshold — check with the rental operator for current rules.

Incredible Tours to the Pakleni Islands

Several operators in Hvar Town run organised tours to the Pakleni Islands. A typical full-day speedboat tour (5–6 hours, 500–700 HRK per person) visits Palmižana, one or two snorkelling spots, Stipanska, and a sunset stop on the way back. Some tours include a prepared seafood lunch on board or at Palmižana restaurant. Blue Cave and Five Island tours depart from Hvar Town and combine Pakleni stops with Vis Island and Biševo Blue Cave — these are longer days (8–9 hours) and cost around 550–700 HRK including cave entry.

Things to Do on the Pakleni Islands

Swim and Sunbathe at Palmižana Bay

Palmižana is the most visited bay in the Pakleni archipelago, on the south-facing coast of Sveti Klement. The beach is a mix of sand and gravel with exceptionally clear, warm water in July and August — sea temperature reaches 26°C at peak season. The bay is backed by pine trees and the gardens of Palmižana restaurant. Sun lounger rental (around 80 HRK per day) is available from the restaurant; the western end of the bay has free pebble stretches where you can spread a towel without charge. Arrive before 11:00 in July and August to secure a good spot.

Lunch at Palmižana Restaurant

Palmižana restaurant is one of the most celebrated seafood establishments in Dalmatia. It sits directly above the bay, surrounded by a botanical garden planted with Mediterranean and subtropical species over more than a century. The menu focuses on fish caught locally — sea bream (orada), sea bass (brancin), dentex, and whatever the boats brought in that morning. Prices are upscale (expect 150–250 HRK for a fish main) but the setting and quality justify the cost for a special lunch. Book in advance for July and August, when the restaurant operates at full capacity from noon to early evening. Vegetarian options are available but limited.

Visit Carpe Diem Beach on Stipanska

Carpe Diem Beach is the Pakleni Islands' most famous establishment — an open-air beach club on Stipanska island that has operated for more than a decade and built a reputation across the Adriatic party circuit. During the day it functions as a beach bar with sun loungers, a swimming area, and a casual food menu. From around 18:00, it transitions to an outdoor club with DJs, a sound system tuned for the cove's natural acoustics, and dancing on the beach and floating platforms. The atmosphere is lively without being aggressive; the crowd is mixed by age and nationality. Entry to the beach club is free during the day; evening events sometimes charge a door fee. A water taxi shuttle connects Stipanska to Hvar Town harbour through the evening.

Snorkelling at Marinkovac and Sveti Klement Reefs

The rocky reefs and underwater cliff faces around Marinkovac and the outer coast of Sveti Klement are among the best snorkelling sites accessible without a dive tank in the central Adriatic. Visibility regularly exceeds 15 metres. Species you are likely to encounter include grouper (kirnja), sea bream, gilthead, wrasse, octopus, and spiny sea urchins on the rocks. The best snorkelling is on the outer (south-facing) coasts of the islands, away from the main beach areas; this requires a boat to access. Snorkelling equipment can be rented in Hvar Town harbour or directly at Palmižana for a few euros.

Scuba Diving Around the Archipelago

Dive operators based in Hvar Town run guided dives to sites around the Pakleni Islands. The most frequently visited dive sites include a wall dive on the outer face of Sveti Klement, a small wartime aircraft wreck in moderate depths near the island, and a series of reef gardens rich in fan corals and sponges. All levels are catered for; PADI Open Water certification is available for beginners. A single guided dive costs approximately 350–450 HRK including equipment; full certification courses run over three to four days.

Walk the Botanical Garden at Palmižana

The botanical garden surrounding Palmižana restaurant and the villa behind it was established by the Meneghello family in the early 20th century. Over more than a century, the family planted agaves, cacti, aloe, carob, and numerous Mediterranean flowering shrubs alongside the native pine and olive trees. The garden is accessible on foot from the beach and adds a quiet, shaded detour to a beach visit. Combined with the beach and lunch, it makes for a complete day on Sveti Klement without needing to visit other islands.

Island by Island: What to Expect at Each Pakleni Destination

Sveti Klement and Palmižana

Sveti Klement is the largest island in the archipelago, stretching about 7 kilometres in length, though visitor activity concentrates almost entirely at Palmižana bay on its north-eastern coast. The bay is a natural horseshoe of calm water sheltered by pine trees on three sides. The beach is a mix of fine gravel and flat rocks that extend into the water, making entry gradual and comfortable. The western end of the bay has the best gravel for towels; the rocky outcrops on either side are ideal for snorkelling. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available from the restaurant for around 80 HRK per day — the restaurant marks its territory clearly, so free-beach users should position themselves at the edges. The botanical garden planted by the Meneghello family occupies the hillside above the beach and is accessible via a short path from the far end of the cove. It takes 20–30 minutes to explore and combines well with a beach afternoon without requiring a separate trip. The island also has a handful of private villa accommodations for guests who want to stay overnight — these book up early for peak season.

Marinkovac and Stipanska

Marinkovac is often treated as a single island with Stipanska, as the two are connected by a narrow isthmus — but they offer very different experiences. Marinkovac's main visited bay is on its eastern coast: a quiet, pine-shaded cove with good snorkelling directly from the shore. The naturist beach at Zdrilca, on the southern tip of the island, has been operating since the 1970s and is one of the Adriatic's longest-established naturist spots — peaceful, unpretentious, and popular with a mix of European visitors. No facilities here; bring everything you need for the day.

Stipanska, just across the isthmus, is the opposite in atmosphere: Carpe Diem Beach dominates the island's western cove, with its bar, sun lounger rows, DJ equipment, and boat platforms. During the day it is a standard (if unusually beautiful) beach club; after 18:30 it becomes a party venue. The water is excellent for swimming despite the crowd — the cove drops away quickly from the beach and is deep enough for jumping from the rocky sides. The boat shuttle back to Hvar Town runs until after midnight on party nights, so there is no pressure to leave early.

Jerolim

Jerolim is the first island the water taxi reaches from Hvar Town — about 10 minutes from the pier. It is a small, forested island with no permanent residents and no beach club, which gives it a calm that the more famous islands lack. The main bay on Jerolim's eastern side has a gravel beach and a simple seasonal café that serves drinks and basic snacks. The island has been a naturist destination since the 1930s, and naturism is the general norm across most of the island, though specific areas are mixed. The water on the eastern side is very clear and relatively shallow near the shore, making it good for snorkelling. Jerolim sees fewer day-trippers than Palmižana or Stipanska and is a good choice for visitors who want a quiet Pakleni day without committing to the distance of Sveti Klement.

Water Taxi Schedule and Practical Details

The water taxi service from Hvar Town harbour pier operates daily from approximately 08:00 to midnight in peak season (late June through August), with reduced hours in May, early June, and September (typically 09:00 to 21:00). In October and off-season, the service is minimal or by private hire only. The boats are small — typically 8 to 20 passengers — and run on a semi-fixed schedule, but skippers will often make additional runs if there is demand. Do not assume you can always catch a boat on the exact minute; peak-season queues at the pier can build by mid-morning.

Standard fares in 2026 are approximately 100 HRK return to the main destinations: Palmižana (Sveti Klement), Carpe Diem Beach (Stipanska), and Marinkovac. The return to Jerolim is slightly less — around 70–80 HRK — as it is a shorter crossing. One-way tickets are available and make sense if you plan to island-hop: buy a one-way to Jerolim, walk or take a short taxi boat across to Marinkovac, then catch the Stipanska boat onward, and return directly from Stipanska to Hvar Town. All fares are paid in cash to the skipper directly on the boat; credit cards are not accepted. Children under 5 typically travel free; children under 12 pay half fare.

Private water taxi hire for a custom route costs €30–50 per transfer for a small group, negotiated directly with skippers at the pier. For a half-day private charter (four hours), budget €150–200 for a small boat that can carry 6–8 people. This option makes sense for groups who want to visit the outer islands — Borovac, Stambedar — that the scheduled taxis do not serve.

Which Pakleni Island Should You Visit?

The answer depends on your priorities:

• Best beach and restaurant: Sveti Klement (Palmižana bay). The best overall combination of swimming, food, and atmosphere.
• Best for nightlife and beach club: Stipanska (Carpe Diem Beach). Closest to Hvar Town, easy to combine with an evening return.
• Best for snorkelling and quiet coves: Marinkovac. Less crowded than Palmižana, with good underwater scenery and a naturist beach at Zdrilca.
• Best naturist beach close to Hvar Town: Jerolim — 10 minutes by water taxi, calm, and with a simple café.
• Best for complete seclusion: Rent a motorboat and head to the outer islands — Borovac, Stambedar, or the unnamed islets beyond Sveti Klement. These see almost no visitors and have extraordinary clarity of water.