Best places to visit in Sveti Klement island (Pakleni islands, Hvar)

Sveti Klement Island, located in the mesmerizing Pakleni Islands group near Hvar, Croatia, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The largest of the Pakleni Islands, this picturesque spot is famous for its untouched beauty, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and those seeking an escape from bustling city life.

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With its diverse range of activities and attractions, Sveti Klement Island offers something for everyone. Beach enthusiasts can lose themselves in the island’s pristine beaches, adorned with fine gravel and surrounded by pine trees, providing the perfect spot to sunbathe and take in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The most popular beach, Palmižana, is a must-visit, known for its vibrant atmosphere, azure waters, and charming beach bars and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Nature lovers can embark on scenic hikes through the island’s verdant trails, immersing themselves in the lush Mediterranean vegetation and encountering unique flora and fauna along the way. You’ll pass forests of Aleppo pine, prickly pear and giant aloe plants, olive groves, fig trees and wild herbs.

One of the island’s highlights is Marinkovac Hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the azure sea, promising an unforgettable experience.

History enthusiasts can explore the rustic village of Vlaka, which showcases the traditional way of life on the island. The village features charming stone houses and narrow streets, giving visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich past.

Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or a cultural experience, Sveti Klement Island has it all. Its untouched beauty and unique charm will leave visitors longing to return to this Mediterranean paradise time and time again. 

How to get to Sveti Klement island from Hvar

To get to Sveti Klement island from Hvar, you can take a taxi boat from Hvar Town. The boats depart regularly from Hvar Town harbour and the journey typically takes about 20 minutes. The cost for a return ticket is approximately €6, which is quite affordable. The great thing is that you don’t need to prebook the boat, simply head to the harbour and hop on the next available one. Once you arrive at Sveti Klement, you will find a notice board displaying all of the departure times for the boats back to Hvar. This will allow you to plan your return journey accordingly.

Best places to visit in Sveti Klement

Explore Beaches on Sveti Klement island

Sveti Klement is a paradise for beach lovers. The island is home to some of the most beautiful sandy beaches, a rare find in Croatia. The crystal clear waters surrounding the island are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant underwater world beneath the surface. The colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs make it a dream destination for underwater enthusiasts. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Perna Bay, known for its calm waters and stunning views. Stari Stani is another must-visit beach on Sveti Klement, offering a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere. Tarsce Bay is also worth exploring, with its picturesque surroundings and turquoise waters.

Explore Palmizana

Palmizana is a must-visit. This enchanting place was enhanced by Professor Egen Meneghello in 1906, who added an exotic botanical garden to the already abundant natural vegetation. Today, this garden serves as the backdrop to the picturesque Palmizana Meneghello hotel and restaurant. Owned by a celebrity within the Croatian art world, the restaurant doubles as a gallery, showcasing a stunning private family collection of Roman artifacts found on the island. As the main hub of the island, Palmizana is bustling with life, with charming streets lined with vibrant restaurants and bars, offering a wide array of delectable cuisines and refreshing drinks. Whether you choose to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches, explore the captivating botanical garden, or indulge in the rich cultural heritage of the Meneghellos, Palmizana is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for all who visit. 

Visit Vlaka

Vlaka is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. This small settlement is located on the Northern shore of a beautiful region. One of the main attractions in Vlaka is the Andro Tomic vineyards, where you can take a tour and sample some of the finest wines in the area. After a delightful wine tasting experience, head to Dionis restaurant, which offers a wide variety of traditional local dishes that are sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings.

History enthusiasts will also be intrigued by the Roman settlement remains that can be explored in Vlaka. These ruins offer a glimpse into the past and provide a fascinating insight into the ancient civilization that once thrived here. Another must-visit spot in Vlaka is the 16th century chapel, which is a charming architectural gem with stunning frescoes and a tranquil atmosphere. 

Get a spa treatment from nature

If you are looking for a unique spa experience, look no further than Soline beach. This stunning beach offers more than just crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views. Take a hike on the trail that starts from Palmizana and leads you to Soline beach, and you will stumble upon a hidden gem. Centuries ago, a Roman spa existed in this very spot, making it the perfect destination for a spa-like treatment. It is known for its natural mud baths, which have incredible healing and purifying properties for the skin. As you enter the mud baths, you can lather yourself in the natural mud, allowing it to work its magic. Once the mud dries and hardens on your skin, take a dip in the nearby ocean to rinse it off. The combination of the natural mud and saltwater will leave you with soft, smooth, and glowing skin. 

Snorkeling at Tarsce Bay

Tarsce Bay is a small and secluded bay, with no beach bars or restaurants, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. The bay opens to the south, creating calm and serene waters that are ideal for snorkeling. However, it is important to come prepared. The path leading to the bay can be rocky, so it is advisable to wear walking shoes or trainers for better grip. 

Want to stay on Sveti Klement?

Zori Timeless Hotel

Zori Timeless Hotel

Zori Timeless Hotel is a luxurious boutique bolthole tucked away behind palm trees overlooking the stunning beach of Palmizana. This hidden gem offers an intimate and exclusive experience, with only four suites that each boast enormous terraces. The main highlight of the hotel is the Cloud Residence, which features a private ground floor pool, a rooftop pool, and a hot tub, ensuring ultimate relaxation and tranquility.

With a rich history spanning 70 years, the hotel was once a favorite spot for pirates, which adds a sense of intrigue and charm. Additionally, Zori Timeless Hotel boasts a fine dining restaurant that overlooks the beach and offers flavors borrowed from around the world. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey and enjoy exquisite dishes prepared by skilled chefs. 

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Palmizana Meneghello hotel

The Palmizana Meneghello hotel is a boho chic escape located within a beautiful botanical garden. With its picturesque views overlooking a pebble beach cove, the hotel provides a truly idyllic setting.

The hotel features two open-air restaurants that offer delicious cuisine amidst stunning surroundings. The grounds of the hotel are adorned with aromatic herbs, pines, palms, and orange trees, and the restaurant terrace showcases a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists.

The accommodation at Palmizana Meneghello hotel consists of six bungalows and six villas, each uniquely themed around a specific color. Each room also boasts a secluded terrace, perfect for enjoying the surrounding natural beauty and serenity. 

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