no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
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.

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

Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands

Hvar

Private Half-Day Kayak Experience in Hvar and Pakleni Islands
Experience total freedom with us! Rent our modern sit-on-top kayaks, get all the necessary equipment (including life jackets, dry bags, snorkel masks), get a map and instructions on where to go and what to see, and your adventure can begin. Highlights - Discover and explore beautiful hidden bays and beaches away from crowded areas with lots of tourists - Paddle and visit places on the coast of Hvar and Pakleni islands at your own pace - Determine the time and duration of your activity that best suits your needs - Get detailed information about safety and how to use equipment - We'll show you the way to the best spots, depending on weather conditions and individual preferences - Snorkel some of the most beautiful underwater spots and see diverse underwater flora and fauna - Start your adventure and explore Pakleni islands or Hvar coast for up to 8 hours

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [65 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Small-Group Sea Kayaking Adventure from Hvar Island to the Pakleni Islands

Hvar

Small-Group Sea Kayaking Adventure from Hvar Island to the Pakleni Islands
If you are looking for an active, fun, and environmentally friendly day trip, this is the right tour for you! Enjoy a 4-hour guided sea kayaking adventure from Hvar town to the Pakleni Islands. The tour is suitable for beginners and includes a professional English-speaking guide and high-quality equipment. During the tour we make one or two beach stops - all of this depending on the weather conditions. An active way to spend time on Croatia’s blue Adriatic Sea.

Price: €60

Min age: 6

Rating 4.83 / 5 [24 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

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
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: €80

Min age: 1

Rating 4.65 / 5 [76 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Guided kayaking tour to Pakleni islands

Hvar

Guided kayaking tour to Pakleni islands
• Be in safe hands the whole time – your guide will take care about everything else and you just have to paddle, relax and enjoy • We’ll show you the best spots on Pakleni Islands and Hvar coast, including the beautiful hidden bays and beaches away from crowded areas with many tourists • Depending on the group skill level, weather conditions, duration of the tour and individual preferences, the guide will choose the best route for the group • Use the opportunity to taste the local food or drink something in the restaurant on Pakleni islands • Relax and swim on the one of the amazing Pakleni Island beaches • Do some snorkeling at some of the best underwater spots on and around Hvar and see a variety of underwater flora and fauna • Our experienced local guide will provide you with training so you will learn the skills to master your kayak and be safe and comfortable in the water.

Price: €80

Min age: 7

Rating 4.87 / 5 [24 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar

Hvar

Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar
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:

Viator Logo

Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar

Hvar

Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar
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:

Viator Logo

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
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: €115

Min age: 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [505 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

4-Island Split Boat Tour (Brač, Pakleni, Hvar, Šolta)

Split

4-Island Split Boat Tour (Brač, Pakleni, Hvar, Šolta)
Meet the charm of Adriatic coast in the most relaxing way – sail smoothly along the Dalmatian turquoise waters with our signature boats and unveil your memorable vacation. Forget the hassle of crowds, we’ve prepared unique locations with picturesque views and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Price: €120

Min age: 2

Rating 4.50 / 5 [67 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Full-Day Private Hvar, Brac and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour from Split

Split

Full-Day Private Hvar, Brac and Pakleni Islands Boat Tour from Split
Hvar is the sunniest place in Croatia, with highest number of sunny days. Many famous people choose Hvar town for vacation, especially last few years. If you want to see why, don't wait! Visit it and feel the positive vibe of domestic culture on most popular Croatian island. Enjoy swimming and lunch on Pakleni Islands, also named Devils Islands, but the look more like heaven.

Price: €800

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [49 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

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
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: €1,080

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [108 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dalmatian Islands

Dalmatia, Croatia

view of Korcula old town from the water

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

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