The horizon of Hvar has always stayed close, and yet Sveti Klement (the largest island of the Pakleni archipelago, in Croatia) is home to a landscape that surprises with intense green, a rarity along many stretches of the Dalmatian coast. Pine forests, agaves, figs, centuries-old olive trees and aromatic shrubs cover much of its landforms, creating a natural mosaic that guides the eye toward bays painted in turquoise hues.
About 3 km long, it has for centuries served as a shelter for sailors and fishermen, so much so that it became a reference point for navigation along the Adriatic. Here, among other things, there is no motor vehicle traffic, and the sound of the wind among the pine needles together with the song of cicadas accompanies much of the day. Sveti Klement thus offers a face of Croatia that still preserves the charm of the small Dalmatian islands.
What to see and do on Sveti Klement
Few travelers know that Sveti Klement hides a complex weave of internal routes originally traced by shepherds and fishermen to move from one side of the island to the other without facing the currents. These paths intersect weathered dry-stone structures built to defend the scant arable land from wind erosion.
Much of the charm, in fact, stems from the balance between nature and human presence: villas tucked into the greenery, ancient konobe, trails and small berths tell a story begun many centuries ago and still clearly recognizable.
Palmižana, the heart of the island
Palmižana represents the emblematic place of Sveti Klement. Its marina welcomes boats from all over Dalmatia and hosts one of the most appreciated marinas in the central Adriatic. The small village is beloved for its elegant yet relaxed charm, with sea-facing restaurants, art galleries, villas hidden among the vegetation and terraces shaded by pines.
The Meneghello family’s botanical garden
Among the island’s great singularities is the botanical garden created by the Meneghello family in the early 1900s. The botanist Eugen Meneghello, in fact, transformed part of the island into a true open-air green laboratory, introducing hundreds of species from various continents.
Palms, cacti, bamboo, bougainvillea, aloe, agave and numerous tropical plants coexist with the Mediterranean vegetation in a surprising ensemble. Over time this place has become also a meeting point for artists, painters and musicians, contributing to the bohemian fame of Palmižana.
Vinogradišće, the emblematic bay of the Pakleni
On the southern slope opens Vinogradišće, probably the most photographed bay of the entire archipelago. The water takes on tones ranging from emerald green to turquoise, while pine trees reach almost to the shore.
Numerous boats choose this anchorage thanks to its sheltered position and its proximity to some of the area’s best-known restaurants. A trail crosses the forest, linking Vinogradišće to Palmižana in a few minutes, offering continuous viewpoints over the sea.
Vlaka, the island’s oldest face
On the northern side appears Vlaka, a small settlement that preserves the atmosphere of Sveti Klement of yesteryear. Between stone houses, a simple chapel and ancient agricultural plots, the island’s rural past resurfaces, when olive groves and vineyards represented the main livelihood. A historic konoba, moreover, keeps the Dalmatian gastronomic tradition alive through recipes handed down through generations.
The paths through the Mediterranean scrub
A dense network of paths cuts through the interior of the island, linking coves, forests and viewpoints. Along the way, the scent of sage, lavender and rosemary accompanies the panorama of the Pakleni, of Hvar and of the channel that separates the island from the mainland.
The most beautiful beaches of Sveti Klement
The coast of this Croatian islet presents a distinctive morphologic layout, alternating rugged limestone sections with sheltered coves where the sea takes on blue and emerald tones: indeed, the coves change their appearance throughout the day due to the light reflecting off the Adriatic.
- Palmižana: it is one of the very rare natural sandy beaches of the archipelago. The entry into the sea is particularly gentle, a feature that makes it highly appreciated by families.
- Vinogradišće: famous for crystal-clear water and for the vegetation that reaches the shore, it offers a transparent seabed that provides excellent conditions to observe fish and small marine organisms.
- Mlini: nearby, on the island of Marinkovac, is a tranquil bay characterized by calm and transparent waters, surrounded by pines that offer broad shade during the hottest hours.
- Taršće: located in the western part of the island and preserves a particularly quiet atmosphere. The hills covered with vegetation protect this cove, which is very frequented by recreational boaters.
- Zdrilca: situated between Sveti Klement and the island of Marinkovac, showcases seafloors rich in rocks and sandy stretches that make the water extraordinarily clear.
Where it is and how to get there
Sveti Klement belongs to the Split-Dalmatia Region and is part of the Pakleni archipelago, arranged in front of the southwestern coast of Hvar almost like a necklace of pearls. The simplest connection departs from Hvar harbor via taxi boats that make frequent runs during the tourist season. The vessels reach Palmižana in about 10–20 minutes, and numerous daily excursions are available that also include stops at the island’s main bays.
Many visitors also choose to rent a small boat, a solution that allows exploring the numerous coves scattered along the coastline with more flexible timings. Those navigating Dalmatia will find in the ACI Marina Palmižana one of the most appreciated harbors of the central Adriatic.
The sheltered location, nautical services and proximity to Hvar have transformed this harbor into a virtually mandatory stop for many routes between Split, Vis, Korčula and the other islands of the region. Sveti Klement is often described as the greenest face of the Pakleni, a nickname that perfectly captures its character: among botanical gardens, sea-carved bays and a nature that remains a protagonist, this small corner of Dalmatia is the true cradle of the calm that made the Croatian islands famous long before international tourism arrived.
