Written from the water
A short hop with a lot of water
The Pakleni Islands are a string of low, wooded islets that lie just off Hvar Town. They are close, a few minutes by boat, which is exactly what makes them useful. You can spend a whole day moving between bays without ever going far, and the water in the sheltered channels stays calm and clear even when the open sea is not.
The bays people return to
- Zdrilca and Mlini are shallow channels between islets, with pale turquoise water that is easy and safe for a long swim.
- Palmizana sits in a protected bay on Sveti Klement, with a few restaurants, a small marina and a botanical garden planted more than 100 years ago.
- Smaller coves around Marinkovac and Vlaka give you quieter water when the better known spots fill up in high season.
None of these is a landmark you have to tick off. The point is to drift, swim, and stop where the light and the crowd feel right that day.
Why it works from Hvar
Because the islands are so close, a Pakleni day is flexible. It works as a relaxed half day, a full day with lunch ashore, or the calm final stretch of a longer trip out to Vis and the caves. On a private boat you set the rhythm, anchor where you like, and move on when you are ready.
Good to know before you book
- The channels are shallow and sheltered, which makes them good for families and easy swimming.
- Palmizana restaurants are popular in summer, so a lunch table is worth arranging ahead.
- High season fills the best known bays by late morning. An early start buys you quiet water.
- Bring snorkel gear if you like looking down. The shallows here are clear and bright.
Who it suits
The Pakleni Islands suit almost everyone, from families who want safe, calm water to couples who just want a slow day of swimming close to town. If you also want the caves and Vis, this makes a gentle first or last stop on a bigger day.
