The wooded Pakleni islets and clear swimming coves off Hvar town, Croatia

Islands

Pakleni Islands

Hvar · Central Dalmatia

QUICK INFORMATION

CATEGORY
Islands
COUNTRY
Croatia
REGION
Hvar · Central Dalmatia
DURATION
1–2 days

ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION

The Pakleni islands are a chain of wooded islets just off Hvar town, reached in minutes by water taxi from the harbour, and the source of the clearest swimming water on this stretch of coast. The islets hold a string of coves, a few beach clubs and the pine shade that makes a day on them the standard Hvar summer activity. They are the reason Hvar town works as a beach destination — the best swimming is out on the islands, not in the town.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

The story behind it

The Pakleni islands were named for the tar (paklina) that was once distilled from the pine resin on the islets, and they have been used for grazing, angling and resin gathering for centuries. In modern times they became the swimming and beach-club destination of Hvar town, with water taxis running from the harbour and a few seasonal bars and clubs on the larger islets. The islands are protected for their pine forest and their coves, which keeps them undeveloped beyond the seasonal bars.

WHAT TO SEE

What to see here

01

The chain of wooded islets just off the harbour, reached by water taxi.

02

The clear swimming coves with pine shade on the larger islets.

03

The beach clubs and seasonal bars on a few of the coves.

04

The snorkelling over the rocks and the seagrass meadows.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why it matters

The Pakleni islands are the swimming heart of Hvar — the clear water and the quiet coves that make the town a beach destination rather than just a harbour. For a visitor a water-taxi day on the islands is the standard summer activity after the old town.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Before you go

Access
Water taxis run from Hvar harbour to the islets in season; the crossing takes a few minutes.
Best Time
May to October for swimming; mornings for the calmest water.
Pairing
Combine with an old-town morning and an island afternoon.

MAP & LOCATION

Pakleni Islands

Pakleni Islands, Hvar, Central Dalmatia, Croatia

43.1650, 16.5750

Open in OpenStreetMap

FOOD & DRINK

Where to eat nearby

01

Konobas in Hvar town and Stari Grad

02

Inland restaurants for lamb and local wine

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HOTELS & STAYS

Where to stay nearby

01

Hotels in Hvar town for the harbour

02

Villas and apartments in Stari Grad for quiet

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INTERESTS

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