Sailing to Hvar: Nightlife, Anchorages & the Pakleni Islands

Hvar is the see-and-be-seen island of the Adriatic — a beautiful walled town, buzzing bars, and a reputation for glamour. By boat you get the best of both worlds: the town when you want it, and the serene Pakleni islands a ten-minute hop across the channel when you don't.

The Pakleni islands

This little archipelago right off Hvar town is the highlight for most sailors: clear turquoise coves, the Palmižana marina and its famous konobas, and easy anchoring. Many crews base here for a night or two and take the taxi-boat into Hvar town for the evening — far less stressful than fighting for a spot on the town quay.

Mooring in Hvar town

Hvar's town quay is limited and in high demand from June to September. Options: book a berth well ahead, pick up one of the buoys in the bay, or do the Palmižana-plus-taxi-boat approach above. Arrive early in the day in peak season.

Around the island

Beyond the town, Hvar rewards exploring: Stari Grad's long sheltered bay, the wine and lavender villages inland, and quiet southern coves. It pairs naturally with Vis to the west and Brač to the north on a week out of Split or Trogir.

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