Pakleni is a chain of small islands lying off the coast of Dubrovnik, in Croatia's Dubrovnik-Neretva County. It is a destination for people who want to leave the old city behind for a few hours and spend the day on the water.
The islands are known for their clear water and quiet, secluded beaches set in natural surroundings. Because the chain is made up of many small islands rather than one, a visit often means moving from one shore to another, with a different stretch of coast and a fresh patch of sea at each stop.
What a visit involves
- Boat trips are the usual way to reach the islands and to hop between them.
- Swimming in the calm, clear water is the main pleasure of the day.
- Beach hopping lets you choose a quieter cove or a more lively spot, depending on your mood.
Because the islands are natural and largely undeveloped, it is wise to bring what you need with you, such as water, shade and sun protection, and to take your rubbish home.
Around the islands
Most visitors reach Pakleni from Dubrovnik, so a trip pairs well with time in the city itself, whose old town and sea walls sit a short way along the coast. Planning the day around a boat departure and a swim is a simple and rewarding way to see this part of the Adriatic.