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Top 10 Beaches Around Hvar Island Only Locals Know About

Hvar is known for its lavender fields, buzzing nightlife and sunny coastline — but some of its greatest treasures are the stunning beaches tucked away along the rugged southern shore and scattered across the Pakleni archipelago. Most of these spots have no road access and are the kind of places only locals know about — which means you'll need a boat to reach them. That's where the real magic starts.

Below are ten of our favourite beaches that we visit regularly on our private boat tours — the spots locals keep coming back to. Each one offers something different, from dramatic cliff backdrops to soft sandy shallows perfect for families.

1. Dubovica

A postcard-perfect pebble beach set inside a deep bay on Hvar's southern coast. A crumbling stone manor sits just above the waterline, giving the whole cove a timeless, cinematic feel. The water here is an almost unreal shade of turquoise. It's accessible by a steep footpath from the road, but arriving by boat means you skip the hike entirely and usually have the best spots to yourself in the morning.

2. Palmižana (Pakleni Islands)

Palmižana is one of the Pakleni Islands' most popular stops — but most visitors only see the main beach near the restaurant strip. If you anchor on the western side of Sveti Klement and walk five minutes through the pine forest, you'll find quiet coves where it's just you, the pines and the Adriatic. Our skippers know exactly where to drop anchor.

3. Jerolim

The closest of the Pakleni Islands to Hvar town, Jerolim is a nature lover's paradise. Flat rocks lead into crystal-clear shallows, and the island is dotted with quiet sunbathing spots among the trees that only locals frequent. It's also one of Croatia's most well-known clothing-optional beaches, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

4. Stiniva (Vis Island)

Voted the best beach in Europe by a European Best Destinations poll, Stiniva is a narrow pebble beach enclosed by towering limestone cliffs that almost touch at the entrance. It's part of our full-day Blue Cave tour itinerary, and the approach by boat through the narrow gap between the cliffs is unforgettable.

5. Malo Zaraće

On Hvar's northeastern side, Malo Zaraće is a pair of small bays framed by dramatic rock formations. The boulders create natural shade and shelter, making it perfect for a swim stop even on windier days. Very few tourists make it out here — it's mostly local fishermen and people who know the coastline well.

6. Milna

Not to be confused with Milna on Brač, this small sandy bay on Hvar's south side is a local favourite for families. The water is shallow and warm, and there's a small beach bar that opens in the summer months. Arriving by boat gives you the flexibility to combine Milna with a stop at nearby Dubovica in the same morning.

7. Lučišća

A truly wild and untouched cove at the western tip of Hvar. There are no facilities here, just a quiet pebbly beach surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean scrub. The silence is the main attraction — you can hear nothing but the water lapping against the rocks. We recommend it for couples looking for solitude.

8. Robinson Beach (Ždrilca)

Tucked between Marinkovac and Sveti Klement in the Pakleni Islands, this tiny strip of sand got its nickname from how remote it feels. You're just a few minutes by boat from Hvar harbour, but the dense island greenery makes it feel like you've been dropped on an uninhabited island.

9. Zaraće Velo

The larger neighbour of Malo Zaraće, this beach features a distinctive rock arch that's become something of a local landmark. The swimming is excellent, and the underwater visibility makes it one of the best snorkelling spots on the whole island. We often stop here on our Pakleni Islands & Red Rocks tour.

10. The Red Rocks

Our personal favourite and a highlight of our signature tour. These striking red-hued cliffs on the southern edge of the Pakleni Islands contrast beautifully with the deep blue Adriatic. There's a small pebble beach at the base where you can swim, snorkel and take in the colours. It's the kind of place that doesn't photograph quite as well as it looks in real life — you really have to be there.

Want to see these beaches in person? Our Pakleni Islands & Red Rocks tour covers several of these spots in a single day. Book your trip and let us take you there.

Blue Cave Guide: Best Time to Visit & What to Expect

The Blue Cave on Biševo island is Croatia's most famous natural wonder and one of the top attractions in the entire Adriatic. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening and refracts off the white limestone floor, filling the cave interior with an otherworldly blue glow. It's one of those rare experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype.

We run Blue Cave tours from Hvar several times a week during the season, and we've put together everything you need to know before you go.

Where is the Blue Cave?

The Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) is located on the eastern coast of Biševo, a small island just southwest of Vis. From Hvar, it's about a 90-minute boat ride. The cave itself is quite small — roughly 24 metres long and 12 metres wide — which is part of what makes it feel so intimate and special.

Best time to visit

The blue light effect is strongest between 11:00 and 13:00 on sunny days, when the sun is high enough for light to pass through the underwater opening at the right angle. We time our tours so that we arrive at the cave entrance during this peak window. Overcast days still produce a glow, but sunny mornings are when the colour is most intense.

The Blue Cave season typically runs from April through October, with the best conditions from May to September. Rough seas can close the cave, as the entrance is only about 1.5 metres high and boats need calm water to safely enter.

What happens inside?

Visits are managed by the local authorities on Biševo. Small boats (holding around 10 people) carry visitors into the cave in groups. You'll spend about 10 to 15 minutes inside, which is plenty of time to take in the surreal blue light, snap some photos and let your eyes adjust. Swimming inside the cave isn't allowed, but trust us — the visual experience more than makes up for it.

What else is included in a Blue Cave tour?

Our full-day Blue Cave tour from Hvar doesn't just cover the cave itself. After Biševo, we continue to several other incredible stops:

• The Green Cave (Zelena Špilja) on Ravnik island — here you can actually swim inside the cavern while green-tinted light filters through the ceiling
• Stiniva cove on Vis — one of Europe's best beaches, enclosed by towering cliffs
• Lunch stop in Komiža, the oldest fishing village in Europe, located on Vis island
• Swimming stops in the Pakleni Islands on the way back to Hvar

Practical tips

• Bring sunscreen and a hat — you'll be on the water for most of the day
• The cave entrance ticket is included in our tour price, so you don't need to buy it separately
• Wear swimwear under your clothes — you'll want to be ready for the swimming stops
• Bring a light layer for the boat ride in the morning, even in summer
• Cameras and phones are fine, but no flash photography inside the cave

The Blue Cave is one of those bucket-list experiences that actually delivers. If you're spending any time in Hvar, don't miss it. Check out our Blue Cave tour page or get in touch to book.

Pakleni Islands: The Ultimate Boat Trip Itinerary

The Pakleni Islands (Paklinski Otoci) are an archipelago of around 20 islands and islets scattered just off the southwest coast of Hvar. Despite being only a 15-minute boat ride from Hvar harbour, they feel like a completely different world — pine-covered, largely uninhabited, and surrounded by some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.

Whether you're booking a half-day or full-day tour with us, here's a look at the places we love to take guests and why each stop is worth your time.

Morning: Departure from Hvar (10:00)

We meet at the harbour and head out towards the Pakleni archipelago. The first thing you notice as you leave Hvar's bay is how quickly the crowds disappear. Within minutes, you're cruising past rocky islets with nothing but the sound of the engine and the sea breeze.

First stop: Jerolim & Marinkovac

These two islands sit closest to Hvar and are perfect for an early-morning swim. Jerolim has flat rocks and shallow turquoise water that warms up fast in the sun. Marinkovac is home to a couple of beach bars tucked among the pines — great for a cold drink before the day heats up.

Second stop: Palmižana

The heart of the Pakleni Islands. Palmižana is on the island of Sveti Klement and has a beautiful sheltered bay with a sandy bottom. There are a few excellent restaurants here where you can enjoy freshly grilled fish right by the water. Beyond the main beach, trails lead through a botanical garden and into quiet coves on the other side of the island.

Third stop: Vlaka & the Red Rocks

This is the highlight for most of our guests. The Red Rocks (Crvene Stijene) are dramatic, rust-coloured cliffs on the southern side of the archipelago. The contrast with the deep blue sea is extraordinary. We anchor nearby and guests swim, snorkel, float on our inflatables, and explore the rock formations up close. If you're into photography, this is your moment.

Lunch break

Depending on the itinerary, we either stop at one of the Palmižana restaurants or enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the boat. All our tours include water, soft drinks, beer and local Croatian wine — so there's plenty to keep you refreshed.

Afternoon: Local coves & swimming

After lunch, we explore the quieter western islands of the archipelago. Your skipper will pick the best spots based on wind conditions and sea state. These are the places only locals know about — untouched bays, underwater rock formations perfect for snorkelling, and silent stretches of coastline where you can float in complete peace.

Return to Hvar (17:00–18:00)

We cruise back to Hvar harbour in the golden afternoon light. Most of our guests agree that this is the moment it really sinks in — sun-warmed, salt-haired, completely relaxed. It's the kind of day you'll remember long after you've left Croatia.

Half-day vs full-day?

Our half-day Pakleni Islands tour covers the main highlights in about four hours — ideal if you want to combine a boat trip with exploring Hvar town in the same day. The full-day Pakleni Islands & Red Rocks tour gives you time to visit more stops, swim at a slower pace, and really soak in the islands without rushing.

• Half day — best for families with young children, or if you have afternoon plans in Hvar
• Full day — best for couples, groups of friends, or anyone who wants the complete Pakleni experience

Ready to explore the Pakleni Islands? Browse our tours or send us a booking request — we'll help you pick the perfect itinerary for your group.