Hvar is not just a gorgeous island and charming town, it's also the centre of the Hvar Riviera which comprises a cluster of offshore islets that are among the best the Adriatic has to offer. Taking its name from 'Paklina', a resin once used to coat ships, the Pakleni Islands offer small, secluded beaches, deserted coves and sun-drenched hills. The closest island is Jerolim, directly opposite Hvar town. and named after a now-disappeared church. Jerolim is a favourite among naturists who generally stroll away from the main jetty and stretch out on one of the shady coves. The islet is rocky but there are pine trees and maquis for shade. it's conveniently equipped with showers and a shop. Nearby is the other island of Marinkovac which contains Stipanska, another naturist beach also equipped with showers and a shop. Another idyllic cove on Marinkovac is Zdrilca which has several pebble beaches. The largest Pakleni island is Sveti Klement (sometimes called Veliki Otok or Big Island) most famous for beautiful Palmizana hamlet. Here, azure waves lick a sandy cove surrounded by pine forests, heather fields and breezes scented by aromatic herbs. Palmizana has been a favourite getaway for Hvar islanders since the turn of the 20th century when a Professor Eugen Meneghello built a summer house and inn there. Now it houses a small museum and a gallery. Nearby Vlaka is a small fishing village reachable in an easy hour walk from Palmizana. Scuba divers love Palmizana for the vibrant underwater life. The absolute best way to get to the Pakleni Islands is to have your own boat and dock it at the ACI Marina at Palmizana, or the cove of Zdrilca. If not, no problem. You can still get there by daily passenger ferry from Hvar town which drops you off in Jerolim, Stipanska or Palmizana. There are daily ferries but Naturally they are much more frequent in summer.
