The Pakleni Islands at a glance
The Pakleni Islands lie just off Hvar Town. The archipelago has about 19 islands and rocks. The name comes from paklina, the resin once used on boats. It does not mean hell islands. The largest names you will meet are Sveti Klement, Marinkovac and Jerolim.
In summer, water taxis leave the Hvar Town harbour from the morning, and the ride takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes depending on the bay. The service is seasonal, so do not plan on a year-round timetable.
Swimming bays and places to know
Names you will see on boards and boats.
Palmižana (Vinogradišće)
Palmižana is a place and bay on Sveti Klement, not an extra island. It has a shallow sandy and pebbly shore.
Jerolim
Known as a naturist destination. That does not mean nudity is required across the whole island.
Mlini, Ždrilca and Kordovan
Other named bays. Ždrilca is on Marinkovac.
Bays are not a daily swimming promise. Wind and swell can make a spot unsuitable. There is no guarantee of lifeguards.
Our picks: Pakleni Islands
The kayak tour is the quiet way to the islands, the small-group sailing day keeps the boat to eight guests, and the Blue Cave day adds a stop in Palmižana.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Blue Cave, Green Cave and Pakleni Islands by speedboat
- Four main stops
- Fuel and docking fees
- Bottled water
A full day in a group with four main stops: Green Cave, Stiniva Bay, the Blue Cave on Biševo and Palmižana. The Blue Cave and Green Cave tickets are paid extra, and the route depends on the weather.
Check availability →
Guided kayak tour with snorkelling
- Local guide
- Kayak equipment and dry bag
- Snorkelling stop
Four and a half hours with a local guide on the water off the Pakleni Islands, with a dry bag and a chance to snorkel. A quiet alternative to a motorboat day.
Check availability →
Half-day sailing around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands
- Up to eight guests
- Skipper and guide
- All fees and taxes
Four hours on a comfort yacht with a skipper and a maximum of eight guests, so the day stays unhurried. Arrive ten minutes early, as boats may dock only briefly in the busy port.
Check availability →Pakleni Islands boat trips
Boat days to the islands and bays near Hvar, with live prices and availability.
Water taxi prices
Figures vary and no flat rate exists.
Expect roughly €6 return to €8 to €15 per person each way, depending on the bay and the boat. Treat this as a rough guide only. Ask the driver for the price and the last departure back before you board, so you are not stuck on an island. A return trip is not guaranteed by a one-way ticket.
| Bay | Island | Known for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmižana | Sveti Klement | Shallow sandy and pebbly shore | Busy in summer |
| Jerolim | Jerolim | Naturist spot | Not compulsory across the island |
| Mlini | – | Named swimming bay | Check wind |
| Ždrilca | Marinkovac | Named swimming bay | Check wind |
For most visitors, Palmižana is the simplest first trip. Jerolim is for those who want the naturist beach.
Protection and anchoring
Why the sea here is regulated.
The land is protected as a significant landscape, in IUCN category V. The surrounding sea is the Natura 2000 area HR3000095. It is not a national park. A project running from 17 March 2026 to 17 March 2031 supports a future marine protected area. It is a proposal and not yet in force.
Anchoring and heavy nautical pressure damage the sea bed. Seagrass, reefs and sea caves are protected. Do not treat seagrass as safe ground for an anchor, and do not assume free anchoring anywhere. Ask locally about moorings and fees.
How to plan a Pakleni day
A simple order that works.
Go early
Water taxis start in the morning in summer. An early crossing gives you the bay before it fills.
Fix your return
Agree the pick-up point and the last boat back before you are dropped off. Do not rely on an open return.
Bring what you need
Water, shade and sturdy sandals for pebbles and rock. Take your rubbish with you.
Watch the sea
If the wind is up, a bay may be unsafe for swimming. There is no promise of calm water or of lifeguards.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the islands fit.
Pakleni Islands: frequently asked questions
How many Pakleni Islands are there?
About 19 islands and rocks. Guides quote slightly different totals, so use 19 as a rough figure.
Is Palmižana an island?
No. It is a place and bay on Sveti Klement.
Do water taxis run all year?
No. They run in summer from the harbour in Hvar Town, starting in the morning. Check the season you travel in.
Do I have to be naked on Jerolim?
No. Jerolim is known as a naturist destination, but nudity is not required across the island.
Can I anchor my own boat anywhere?
No general permission exists. The sea is protected and anchoring harms the sea bed. Check local rules and ask about moorings.