Pakleni Islands

The reason to be in Hvar

The Pakleni Islands are the point of the whole trip: a string of low, pine-covered islets strung across the water just off Hvar town, ringed by clear-water swimming spots and dotted with beach bars and a marina or two. They sit so close that the nearest are only 5 to 15 minutes offshore, reached by the taxi-boats that line the Riva harbour in Hvar town. A return hop to the closer islets starts from about €8, more for the farther coves; boats run frequently through the day in season, so you can go over on a whim.

Set expectations honestly on one point: this is rock and pebble, not soft sand. The water is gorgeous — clean, clear and a proper Adriatic blue — but you swim off rocks, ladders and shingle, so bring water shoes and you’ll be far more comfortable.

Choosing an island and getting back

Which islet you pick shapes the day. The nearest — Jerolim and Stipanska among them — are quick, easy and have bars and swimming spots; Palmižana has a sheltered bay, a marina and restaurants, making it the natural choice for a longer, lazier day. Farther coves are quieter and more beautiful but cost a little more to reach. The simplest plan is to walk the Riva, see what the taxi-boat operators are running that day, and choose on the spot.

Two practical things matter. Carry cash — fares and beach bars don’t always take cards — and check the time of the last boat back before you commit, especially out of high summer when services thin out. In peak season the closer islands and Palmižana get busy, so head over earlier or aim for a quieter cove if you want space. Hours, fares and which boats sail all shift with the season, so confirm the day’s running before you go. Do that, and a few hours among the Pakleni is the easy highlight of Hvar.