Your essential guide to exploring Croatia’s most stunning island archipelago - Pakleni Islands
Sailing around the Pakleni Islands is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the Adriatic. Just a short sail from Hvar Town, this chain of small, pine-covered islands offers crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and some of the best anchorages in Croatia. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful bay to relax, a lively beach club, or a seaside restaurant to enjoy local seafood, the Pakleni Islands have it all. In this sailing guide, you’ll find essential tips, recommended routes, and insider advice to help you make the most of your time exploring these stunning islands.
The Pakleni Islands (Paklinski otoci) are a scattered chain of low pine-covered islets stretching west from Hvar Town. Despite their name (which sounds like “hellish”), they’re anything but, unless you anchor here on a Saturday in July without a plan. They’re the perfect playground for a day of island-hopping, with beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, and dozens of anchorages, coves, and mooring fields. Shelter is generally good from northerly and westerly winds, but southerly winds (especially Jugo) make many southern bays uncomfortable or unsafe.
Jerolim Island – Stipanska Bay
This is the closest island to Hvar Town, and it’s famous for Carpe Diem Beach Club, not tranquility.
Anchoring: Possible in 4–8 m, sand and weed, but tight
Exposure: Some swell; unsafe in Jugo
Vibe: Daytime chill turns into an all-night DJ party
Not recommended for overnight anchoring unless you're docked at the club and invited
Skipper’s Tip: Great for a swim stop if your crew wants a quick cocktail or music fix, but don’t expect peace or privacy.
Marinkovac Island – Mlini & Ždrilca Bays
These twin bays are connected by a narrow strip of land and pine forest. They’re among the most beautiful swim and lunch stops in the Adriatic.
Mlini Bay
Depth: 4–7 m
Bottom: Sand and weed
Shelter: Good from N and NW; open to SE and strong Jugo
Ždrilca Bay
Just west of Mlini, slightly wider and better protected
Buoys available, anchoring possible outside buoy zone
Dining Options:
Tri Grede – Simple, grilled fish, excellent setting | +385 91 374 2203
Mamato bar – Tucked into the forest, relaxed, home-style food | +385 91 793 0542
Atmosphere: Light music, pine-shaded tables, and boats rafted up for lunch. Gets busy from 11–17h., but the late afternoon is serene. Probably one of the best sunset places in the central Adriatic
Marinkovac Island
Sveti Klement Island – Vinogradišće Bay
This is the social epicenter of the Pakleni Islands. Facing south, Vinogradišće is a narrow, deep bay lined with luxury beach clubs, floating service dinghies, and moored mega yachts.
Mooring:
Anchoring prohibited
Buoy field only, maintained by local concession
Call ahead for a reservation in high season (+385 95 199 2222)
Bottom: Mostly sand, excellent visibility
Protection: Good from N, NE, NW. Open to any S/SE swell, which can make it unpleasant in Jugo.
Dining & Clubs:
Zori – Exclusive fine dining, high-end crowd, service boats | +385 91322 2227
Laganini Lounge Bar – Ceviche, sushi, and cocktails with DJ sets | +385 91 174 4976
Skipper’s Tip: Loud during the day, glamorous at night. Fun, but not peaceful. Don’t come here expecting a quiet dinner with your crew.
Vinogradišće Bay
ACI Marina Palmižana (Sveti Klement – North Side)
On the opposite side of Sveti Klement, this is a calm, protected marina and your best overnight option in the Pakleni Islands.
Facilities:
180 berths
Water, electricity, toilets, showers, Wi-Fi
Small market, bakery stand, art galleries
Excellent protection from all directions
Taxi boats to Hvar Town leave every 30 minutes (until ~00:30)
Dining Nearby:
Meneghello – Old family-run restaurant with a botanical setting | +385 21 744 130
Toto’s - The cheapest option to eat on the islands | +385 21 718 242
Overnight Verdict: Best sleep you’ll get near Hvar. Even on a windy night, it’s quiet and secure.
Vlaka Bay (northwest Sveti Klement)
Far from the beach clubs, Vlaka is a rustic and peaceful destination.
Anchoring or buoy is possible
Depth: 4–6 m
Bottom: Weed patches; holding varies
Protection: Good from all but N/NE
Dining: FisherManˋs house – Amazing family-run restaurant in a cozy setting | +385 98 727 186
Why Stop Here: To breathe. This is the anti-Vinogradišće. Time moves more slowly here.