Tucked into the fragrant pine-clad shore of Sveti Klement, the largest of the Pakleni Islands scattered just southwest of Hvar, Palmižana is one of the Adriatic’s most enchanting anchorages—a place where bohemian art-colony charm meets world-class yachting in a bay of astonishing natural beauty. The name alone evokes images of swaying palm fronds and turquoise shallows, and the reality does not disappoint. As the premier Palmižana anchorage Hvar destination and social hub for the Hvar sailing scene, this sheltered inlet draws everyone from bareboat charterers on their first Croatian voyage to seasoned superyacht crews who know every cove along the coast. Vibrant restaurant terraces, botanical gardens, and pebble beaches line the shore, creating a destination that balances wild island beauty with a sophisticated, artful spirit unique in the Croatian islands. For those seeking a crewed yacht charter experience, Palmižana offers the perfect blend of natural seclusion and refined Mediterranean living.
Arriving by Sea
Palmižana sits in Vinogradišće Bay on the northern shore of Sveti Klement, facing directly across the Pakleni Channel toward Hvar town. From the Hvar town harbour, the crossing is a mere 2 nautical miles—a ten-minute tender ride or a leisurely 20-minute sail in the afternoon maestral. From ACI Marina Palmižana (officially on the adjacent bay of the same island), you can walk to the beach restaurants in under ten minutes along a fragrant hillside path. Sailors arriving from further afield will find Palmižana roughly 25 NM from Split, 12 NM from Vis island, and 30 NM from Korčula island. The approach through the Pakleni archipelago is straightforward but requires attention to the numerous small islets and shallow patches—follow the main channel between Sveti Klement and the islet of Marinkovac, keeping a lookout for mooring buoys and the constant traffic of water taxis shuttling between Hvar and the islands. The bay itself is well marked and offers depths of 3–10 metres over sand and weed.
What to See & Do
Palmižana is far more than an anchorage—it is a cultural experience. The Meneghello family has tended this corner of Sveti Klement for over a century, creating a remarkable botanical garden filled with exotic plants, succulents, and sculptures that winds through the hillside above the bay. Art exhibitions, open-air concerts, and gallery openings take place throughout the summer season, lending Palmižana its distinctive bohemian atmosphere. The main beach at Vinogradišće is a mix of pebbles and smooth rock platforms with crystal-clear swimming, while neighbouring coves—Vlaka, Šćedro, and Zdrilca—offer quieter alternatives within easy dinghy reach. Snorkelling is rewarding along the rocky fringes of the bay, where posidonia meadows shelter juvenile fish, octopus, and the occasional seahorse. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular ways to explore the shallow turquoise waters, with equipment rental available from the beach bars during summer months. For a half-day adventure, hike across Sveti Klement to the island’s southern shore, where secluded rocky bays and panoramic views of Vis island await. Water taxis run frequently to Hvar town, allowing you to explore the Renaissance-era fortress, the elegant main square (reputedly the largest in Dalmatia), and the vibrant nightlife without moving your yacht. Those exploring the broader region by yacht might also consider nearby Brač island, the tranquil Šćedro island, or the stunning Stiniva Beach on Vis as part of their itinerary.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Dining at Palmižana Hvar is a highlight of any Adriatic sailing itinerary. The legendary Restaurant Toto’s, set among the botanical gardens with lantern-lit tables beneath the pines, serves creative Mediterranean cuisine that draws food critics and celebrities—think grilled tuna with fig reduction, lobster linguine, and lavender crème brûlée (expect €40–70 per person for a full meal with wine). Nearby, Meneghello Restaurant offers a more casual but equally delicious experience with an emphasis on local catch and organic produce from the family’s garden (mains €25–45). Laganini Beach Bar delivers relaxed daytime dining with seafood salads, grilled calamari, and fresh juices (€15–30 per dish), while Zori Restaurant features a sunset terrace perfect for cocktails and lighter Mediterranean plates. A handful of beach bars along the shore serve cocktails, fresh juices, and light bites throughout the day. Wines from the Hvar island vineyards—particularly Plavac Mali reds and Bogdanuša whites—feature prominently on every wine list. For self-caterers, the waters around the Pakleni Islands produce excellent mussels and oysters, and if your fishing skills are sharp, the channels between the islets yield sea bass and amberjack. Many guests on Splendid Yachting motor yacht charters work with their onboard chef to incorporate fresh local ingredients from Palmižana’s markets into custom Mediterranean menus.
Where to Berth
ACI Marina Palmižana is the main berthing facility, located in the adjacent bay just west of Vinogradišće. The marina offers approximately 160 berths with water and electricity, accommodating yachts up to 25 metres. Reservations are highly recommended in July and August, as the marina fills early in the day. Alternatively, Vinogradišće Bay itself is lined with restaurant mooring buoys (typically €35–50 per night), which come with the expectation of dining at the associated restaurant—a very reasonable deal given the quality of the food. Free anchoring is possible further out in the bay in 6–10 metres over sand and weed, though space is limited during peak season. The bay is well protected from all directions except the north-east (bura), which rarely blows strongly in summer. For a calmer overnight alternative, consider the nearby bay of Vlaka on Sveti Klement’s western end, which is quieter and offers good holding in 4–6 metres over sand. Guests exploring the central Dalmatian coast might also enjoy anchorages at Maslinica Bay on Šolta or the protected waters of Smokva Bay on Vis. Splendid Yachting guests benefit from priority marina reservations and expert local knowledge when planning their Pakleni Islands itinerary. For those who prefer a fully crewed experience with a chef and skipper aboard, see our guide to luxury yacht charter in Croatia.
Best Time to Visit
Palmižana’s season runs from May through October, with the social buzz peaking in July and August when Hvar town is at its liveliest. June is the sweet spot for sailors who want warm weather (26–30 °C), comfortable sea temperatures (22–24 °C), and the restaurants open and running without the peak-season frenzy. September brings a mellower vibe—the light turns golden, the water is at its warmest (25 °C), and you will find berths and mooring buoys available that would have been snapped up by noon in August. The Pakleni Islands are exquisite in early October, when the first autumn rains refresh the vegetation and the anchorages are nearly deserted, though some restaurants may begin closing for the season. Avoid relying on the marina during the Hvar Ultra Sailing regatta week and the various music festivals that fill the island in high summer unless you book well in advance. For comprehensive seasonal guidance across Croatia’s sailing regions, consult the best time to visit Croatia guide.
Practical Information & Accessibility
The main beach and restaurant areas at Palmižana feature paved or packed-earth pathways that are generally accessible for visitors with limited mobility, though the terrain includes some gentle slopes. The beach itself is pebble and rock platform, which may present challenges for wheelchair users, but restaurant terraces offer comfortable seating with spectacular sea views. Water taxis from Hvar town can accommodate mobility devices with advance notice—contact operators directly or ask your charter company to arrange transfers. ACI Marina Palmižana provides accessible toilet facilities and dock access. For those chartering with Splendid Yachting’s crewed fleet, crew members are experienced in assisting guests with accessibility needs both onboard and ashore. Most restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, and English is widely spoken throughout the hospitality venues.
Location & Map
Palmižana is located on the northern shore of Sveti Klement island in the Pakleni archipelago, directly southwest of Hvar town. The anchorage sits at the heart of central Dalmatia’s premier sailing grounds, with easy access to Split, the islands of Vis, Brač, and Korčula, and the historic town of Trogir. The bay’s coordinates (43°09.8’N, 16°23.4’E) place it perfectly for island-hopping itineraries that might include the stunning coves of Proizd island or the famous Dubovica Beach on Hvar’s southern coast. Whether arriving by private yacht or exploring aboard a crewed motor yacht charter, Palmižana’s protected waters and vibrant shoreside scene make it an essential stop on any Croatian island-hopping adventure.
Sailing into the Pakleni — Palmižana Marina & the Anchorage System
The Pakleni Islands (locally Paklinski, sometimes mis-translated as “Hell’s Islands” — actually from paklina, pine resin used to caulk boats) are a chain of 21 wooded islets running west-south-west from Hvar Town. They’re the most popular anchorage cluster in central Dalmatia — on a typical August day, 200+ yachts are scattered across the bays.
Palmižana on the south side of Sveti Klement (the largest island) is the only marina in the Pakleni: ACI Marina Palmižana, 200 berths, fuel berth, and the headquarters of the famous Meneghello family who turned the previously deserted island into Croatia’s first eco-resort in the 1960s. Berthing is €100–160 in peak season. The marina books out by mid-afternoon — reserve via the ACI app the night before, or arrive by 14:00.
For free anchoring across the Pakleni: Vinogradišće Bay (next to Palmižana, sand and weed bottom, restaurants ashore), Stipanska Bay on the south of Marinkovac (deep, dramatic, home to the Carpe Diem beach club), Ždrilca between Marinkovac and Borovac (narrow channel, sheltered from all directions, requires careful navigation), and the Vlaka anchorage on the south side of Sveti Klement (less crowded, beach konoba).
Palmižana — Croatia’s Original Eco-Resort
The Meneghello family bought the Palmižana land at the turn of the 20th century and turned it into a botanical garden, then in 1906 added simple bungalows that now run as Meneghello Lodge. The current generation (Dagmar Meneghello and family) operates two of the most distinctive restaurants in the Adriatic: Toto’s (south-Italian style, set in the pine forest above the marina) and Zorace (Dalmatian fish, on the bay). Both bookable; both expect smart-casual rather than yacht-deck-shorts.
The botanical garden surrounding the lodge has 200+ plant species from around the world — the Meneghellos collected them on their travels and acclimatised them. Free to walk through; ask at reception for the labelled trail map.
Stipanska, Carpe Diem & the Pakleni Nightlife
The Pakleni double as Hvar Town’s after-dinner playground. Carpe Diem Beach Club on Stipanska island is the iconic venue — tender service runs from Carpe Diem on the Hvar waterfront from 22:00 to 05:00 in summer, with international DJs and the kind of party that defined Hvar’s nightlife reputation. Entry €20–40, drinks €15–25, and a strict door policy on big nights.
For a quieter alternative, Laganini Lounge Bar on Sveti Klement (the same island as Palmižana but accessed from a different bay) is a chilled beach club with seafood lunch, sunset cocktails, and music until midnight. Tender from any of the south Sveti Klement anchorages.
Swimming, Snorkelling & the Pakleni Sea Caves
The Pakleni have some of the clearest water in central Dalmatia (visibility 15–25 m in summer). Best snorkelling: the western tip of Sveti Klement (steep cliffs, octopus and grouper in the cracks), the rocky shore between Stipanska and Marinkovac (clouds of damselfish, occasional moray eel), and the small islet of Travna (5 nm west of Palmižana — a 30-min sail trip for a quiet anchor and reef snorkel).
The Pakleni also hide several sea caves accessible by tender: the cave on the south side of Borovac is large enough to take a 5-m tender into; the cave at the western tip of Sveti Klement has glowing turquoise water like a smaller version of the Blue Cave at Biševo. Calm-weather only.
Practical Information
- No provisioning on the Pakleni except a small bar/store at Palmižana marina — provision in Hvar Town before crossing.
- No fuel on the Pakleni except ACI Palmižana — small fuel berth, in season only.
- Hvar Town tender link: standard tender ride from Palmižana to Hvar Town is 12–15 min, 2.5 nm. Many crews anchor at Vinogradišće and tender to dinner in Hvar Town instead of paying Hvar marina prices.
- Holding: variable. Sand patches in Vinogradišće and Stipanska give good hold; weed patches scattered. Set carefully.
- Best time: late May to mid-June, and September. July–August nights are very crowded; arrive by 16:00 or accept a less-favoured spot.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pakleni Islands
How do you get to the Pakleni without a yacht?
Water-taxi from Hvar Town riva to Palmižana or Carpe Diem Beach Club — runs continuously in season, €6–15 per person. Last return boat from Carpe Diem at 05:00, from Palmižana at 23:00.
What does “Pakleni” actually mean?
From the Croatian word paklina, meaning pine resin (used historically to caulk boats). Most translations as “Hell’s Islands” (from pakao, hell) are wrong — the etymology is botanical, not infernal.
Can you anchor anywhere in the Pakleni?
Mostly yes — the Pakleni are not a national park, and free anchoring is permitted in all the main bays. Vinogradišće, Stipanska, Vlaka, Ždrilca, and Mlini bays are all open. The exception is the swimming-roped-off zones at the resorts (Palmižana, Carpe Diem) which you should respect.
Where’s the best Pakleni anchorage for an overnight in northerly winds?
Vinogradišće and Stipanska both protect from north and east. For Bura conditions above 25 knots, retreat across to Hvar Town marina or back to Stari Grad — the Pakleni are exposed enough that strong overnight Bura is uncomfortable.