Pakleni Islands Sailing Guide

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.

If you’re exploring the central Dalmatian islands by sailboat, you may also find these sailing guides useful:

👉 Sailing Guide to Hvar – discover the best anchorages, marinas, and bays around one of Croatia’s most popular sailing destinations.

👉 Sailing Guide to Brač – explore beautiful coves, charming towns, and safe mooring spots across the island.

👉 Sailing Guide to Šolta – a peaceful island with authentic villages and excellent sheltered bays.

👉 Sailing Guide to Vis – learn where to anchor, what to visit, and why Vis is a favorite stop for sailors in the Adriatic.

👉 Sailing Guide to Šćedro – explore quiet anchorages, natural bays, and one of the most peaceful sailing stops in central Dalmatia.