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Pakleni Archipelago [walking, diving & kayaking]

  • Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia

Last updated: 18 April, 2024

Just offshore from the town of Hvar, this archipelago of 21 islets is a paradise of pinewoods, secluded coves and fine pebble beaches.

Closest to Hvar lies Jerolim, which is predominantly nudist; next up is Marinkovac, with the chic Carpe Diem Beach Club and another lovely sheltered cove, Zdrilca. Sveti Klement is the largest island and is home to Palmizana Bay, a long, narrow pebble beach overlooked by five restaurants and a centuries-old botanical.

Alight the ferry at Palmižana Bay and walk the length of the islet to Vlaka, following the marked hiking path through unspoilt Mediterranean vegetation and swimming in lovely coves along the way.

Boating and kayaking are great ways to explore these small islands – both can easily be rented in Hvar. There are also 15 excellent reef and wreck dives for all levels; the Viking Diving Centre in Hvar can make arrangements.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Taxi boats for the Pakleni archipelago depart from the harbour in Hvar daily, with regular departures during the summer. Boats and kayaks can be hired in Hvar at the Luka Rental Agency, or you can book one of the many organised tours.

Each of the islets served by taxi boat is home to at least one, and in some cases several, informal eateries that stay open until sunset.

It’s worth noting that several bays are reserved for naturists. Taxi boats sailing to nudist beaches will carry the sign ‘FKK’, standing for the German expression Freikorperkultur (free body culture).

When to do it

The islets are accessible by taxi from Hvar between May and October, seven days a week. In peak season, there are boats every 30 minutes.

There’s not much point trying to visit from November to April; there’s little sunshine, the sea is too cold to swim and you’re unlikely to find a taxi boat to take you.

Who to go with: organised tours

10

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands with Food and free Drinks

  • Split

Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands with Food and free Drinks

Viator

Relax and unwind aboard our luxury mega catamaran, experience sailing through the sparkling blue Adriatic. You will come across some of the most beautiful islands, attractive catamaran ride and sailing, swimming in the isolated bays and lagoons together with music entertainment, good food and drinks will complete this excursion into unforgettable experience and memory of Croatia.

Price €106

Min age 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [506 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar

  • Hvar

Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar

Viator

Join us on our tour that starts at 10:30 in the morning from Hvar town. Enthusiastic crew full of knowledge about the local archipelago will take you to five breathtaking stops! Enjoy the comfort of an 11 meter speedboat, as you get the chance to sightsee, swim and snorkel at some of the most amazing locations in this area!

Price €100

Min age 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [360 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour of Red rocks, Pakleni Islands and Hvar's Southern Beaches

  • Hvar

Private Tour of Red rocks, Pakleni Islands and Hvar's Southern Beaches

Viator

Embark on our best-selling tour and marvel at the amazing landscapes of Hvar's southern coast and the charming Pakleni islands, take a swim inside a hidden cave, dare yourself to jump off a cliff, or simply take a break on gorgeous beaches far from the crowds.

Price €680

Min age 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [108 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar

  • Hvar

Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar

Viator

This unique speed boat excursion from Hvar starts at 10:30 and finishes at 18:30 hrs. Enter inside the Green Cave and capture emerald light show. Swim and snorkel inside the unique cove of Stiniva. Visit the natural phenomena, Blue Cave on picturesque island of Biševo. Choose to be taken in some of most beautiful places of Vis area like Seal Monks Cave, Green lagoon on island Budikovac, smallest beach in island Vis, Komiža fisherman's village etc. Do a cruising around our beloved Pakleni islands. We will stop at one of the archipelago’s most popular beaches, sandy beach Palmižana, where you can have a seaside lunch at some of the best restaurants on the island.

Price €98

Min age 3

Rating 4.68 / 5 [105 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Half Day Sailing on a comfort yacht around Hvar and Pakleni islands- small group

  • Hvar

Half Day Sailing on a comfort yacht around Hvar and Pakleni islands- small group

Viator

This is a small group sailing experience with a maximum of 8 guests on a yacht. If there are more people in your group we have 2 yachts. Book as a solo or with a group of people so you can share experiences while sailing. Such bookings are the best way to meet, mingle and make friends with people from around the world. Our tour starts twice a day, in the morning at 10 am and in the afternoon at 2:30 pm with a welcome briefing, introducing your hosts, and the yacht and outlining some safety aspects. The sailing route will be dependent upon wind direction and weather conditions but will allow you to enjoy the scenery and will include visits to beautiful bays, which are often difficult to reach by road. The islands that we will visit are some of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic such as Hvar, Pakleni Islands/Devils Islands. Once at anchor, you will be able to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. If you are a family with small kids, book a private trip.

Price €75

Min age 1

Rating 4.65 / 5 [76 ratings]

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Destination guides

2

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

  • Dalmatia, Croatia

view of Korcula old town from the water

Destination guide

A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings

Split

  • Dalmatia, Croatia

View up the open-roofed tower of palace

Destination guide

With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.