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Pakleni Archipelago [walking, diving & kayaking]

  • Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia

Last updated: 21 July, 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: 0
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

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

  • Hvar

Join us on our tour that starts at 10:15 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 4.90 / 5 [600 ratings]

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  • Split

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 4.74 / 5 [595 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Hvar

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 4.71 / 5 [146 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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