Jerolim Beach (Pakleni, Hvar) — the traditional naturist island

If you’ve heard about nudist beaches in Croatia and you’re in Hvar, the name that always comes up is Jerolim. It’s the region’s historic naturist island, open to nudism since the 1960s when German tourists discovered the Adriatic, and it still keeps some of that original spirit today. What surprises many people when they arrive is that the dress code is mixed: there are clear naturist areas and clothed areas, and everyone gets along perfectly naturally.

In this guide I explain what the island is really like, what to expect from the naturist scene today (more relaxed than mythical), how to get there from Hvar and why it’s still a good option even if nudism isn’t your thing.

Jerolim Beach at a glance

Location	Jerolim Island (the closest in the Pakleni archipelago), opposite Hvar harbour
Distance from Hvar	~800 m · 10 min by water taxi
Water taxi price (one way)	5-8 € per person
Dress code	Mixed: naturist areas + clothed areas
Type of coastline	Rocks and natural platforms (no sandy beach)
Facilities	Simple restaurant by the jetty, basic shower
Vegetation	Dense pine woods down to the shore (natural shade)
Best time	June-September
Good for	Naturists, couples, quick escapes from Hvar, snorkelling

What Jerolim island and beach are like

Jerolim is a small island (barely 600 metres long) and the closest of all the Pakleni to Hvar harbour. In fact, on calm days you can see it clearly from Hvar’s quay as a green patch 800 metres out to sea.

It doesn’t have a single beach in the classic sandy Mediterranean style. What it does have is an accessible rocky coastline with several spots to settle in: the main jetty with natural platforms for sunbathing, small coves on both sides of the island, and a coastal path running all the way round linking the different areas. The seabed is mostly rocky with some pebbly patches, ideal for snorkelling but less so for walking into the water barefoot.

What sets Jerolim apart from other Pakleni beaches:

• The silence: no beach club, no electronic music, no party groups. The atmosphere is calm and respectful.
• The pines: the island is covered in dense pines that reach right down to the water. Plenty of natural shade at any time of day.
• The view: from several points on the island you can see Hvar harbour across the channel. Being so close gives it a special charm.
• The naturist atmosphere: though not compulsory, part of the island keeps up the tradition.

The dress code on Jerolim

It’s worth being clear about this, as it often raises questions. Jerolim was officially nudist in the 1960s-70s when FKK (the German naturist movement) arrived in Croatia. Today the reality is:

• The main jetty and the restaurant area are clothed. Most visitors who only come for lunch keep their clothes on.
• The side coves and the areas further south on the island are where the naturists gather. There are no signs or officially marked zones — it works on common sense and custom.
• The code is relaxed and respectful: clothed bathers and naturists share the space without any problem, no funny looks, no warnings from staff.
• If you go naturist, do so in the obvious areas (not on the jetty or next to the restaurant with families).
• If you’re clothed and come across a naturist area, simply respect other people’s choice.

For visitors from countries with little naturist tradition, Jerolim can be a gentle, respectful introduction to the scene, without the pressure of an exclusively nudist beach.

Jerolim’s restaurant

There’s a small family-run restaurant next to the main jetty, open from June to the end of September. The menu is classic island fare: grilled catch of the day, squid, salad, home-made bread, Hvar wine. Prices are reasonable: 20-35 € per person for a full meal with wine.

It’s not a chef’s restaurant. It’s what many people look for on a small island: simple, fresh food with sea views and no pretensions. There’s a free outdoor shower for customers.

In July and August it’s worth booking a table the day before for peak hours (13:30-15:00).

How to get to Jerolim from Hvar

1. Water taxi (recommended)

The simplest option and the only realistic one for most people. The water taxis leave from the quay in Hvar’s old harbour between 9:00 and 18:00 (a little later in July and August). The trip takes just 10 minutes and costs between 5 and 8 € per person — the cheapest in the archipelago, as it’s the closest island.

Frequent departures in season: you’ll rarely wait more than 20 minutes on the quay.

2. Kayak

At 800 metres, it’s the perfect distance to paddle over by kayak. There are rentals in Hvar harbour (10-15 €/hour) and the crossing takes 20-25 minutes at a gentle pace. An excellent option for active couples.

3. Licence-free boat hire

If you want to combine Jerolim with other Pakleni islands on the same day. A Pasara 5HP licence-free one can be hired for 80-150 € a day and lets you explore Jerolim, Mlini, Stipanska, Zdrilica y Palmižana.

Snorkelling and swimming on Jerolim

Thanks to the island’s rocky geography, Jerolim is one of the best snorkelling spots in the Pakleni. The natural platforms and submerged rocks attract lots of marine life: white bream, salema, octopus hiding in holes, and now and then shoals of silvery anchovies.

The visibility is excellent (10-15 m on windless days) and the depth varies a lot depending on where you go in: there are 2 m areas ideal for beginners and 5-8 m areas for experienced swimmers.

There are also rocky ledges to jump into the water from at moderate heights (1-3 metres), popular with younger groups in July and August.

Best time to visit Jerolim

June and September are ideal: water at 22-24 °C, no crowds, a more relaxed atmosphere and better conditions for naturists (no masses).

July and August is the busiest time, but the island copes well because there are several areas to spread out. Water at 24-26 °C.

May and October: water at 18-20 °C, too cold for many. The restaurant may have reduced opening hours.

From November to April everything closes and water taxis run much less often.

What to bring to Jerolim

• Water shoes or water sandals (the rocks and pebbles make them almost essential)
• A large towel (you’ll be sitting on rock, not sand)
• Your own snorkel if you have one — the island is excellent for it
• Sun cream and a cap (the glare off the pale rock intensifies the sun)
• Water and a picnic if you want to save money (you don’t have to eat at the restaurant)
• Cash in euros and a card
• A light T-shirt for family areas or if you want to switch between clothed and naturist
• A hat and a book — Jerolim is for taking it slow

Jerolim vs other Pakleni beaches

• Jerolim vs Stipanska: Stipanska is party time, Carpe Diem and electronic music. Jerolim is silence, naturism and respect. Complete opposites.
• Jerolim vs Mlini: Mlini is family-friendly with children. Jerolim is for adults (even if you go clothed, it’s not a typical family atmosphere).
• Jerolim vs Palmižana: Palmižana is fine dining for couples. Jerolim is simple food and total switch-off.
• Jerolim vs Zdrilica: both quiet, but Zdrilica is pebbly and family-friendly; Jerolim is rocky and naturist.

Jerolim FAQ

Do you have to go naked on Jerolim?

No, not at all. The code is mixed: there are naturist areas (the sides and the south) and clothed areas (the jetty, the restaurant, almost everything you see when you arrive). Clothed bathers and naturists share the island respectfully.

Can I go to Jerolim with children?

Yes, but it’s best to stay in the clothed areas (jetty, restaurant). Even so, the atmosphere isn’t the most natural for families — if you’re travelling with children, Mlini o Zdrilica are better options.

Is there sand on Jerolim?

No. The coastline is rocky with natural platforms and pebbly patches. Water shoes are almost essential.

Are there showers and toilets on Jerolim?

Yes, the restaurant by the jetty has toilets and an outdoor shower free for customers and, in practice, for visitors in general.

Can I swim to Jerolim?

Technically yes (it’s 800 m), but it’s not recommended because of the heavy boat traffic between Hvar and the Pakleni. Better by kayak (20-25 min) or water taxi (10 min).

What is Jerolim’s naturist tradition?

It was one of the first places in the Adriatic where the naturist movement (German FKK) officially settled, back in the 1960s. It keeps some of that historic spirit, but today it’s more relaxed and mixed.

Are there mosquitoes or insects on Jerolim?

Usually not, thanks to the constant sea breeze and the lack of standing water. On very still August evenings the odd mosquito may appear near the pines.

What time is the last water taxi back to Hvar?

The last water taxi from Jerolim to Hvar usually leaves around 18:00-19:00 in high season, earlier in May and October. Ask about the last return time when you arrive.

Is Jerolim worth visiting?

If you’re interested in the Adriatic’s naturist tradition or simply looking for the quietest and closest of the Pakleni islands, Jerolim is a must. It’s one of the few islands in the Adriatic where the historic naturist atmosphere has survived without becoming commercial.

If, on the other hand, you’re after a sandy beach, a party atmosphere or an elegant restaurant, there are better options in the archipelago: Stipanska for partying, Palmižana for food, Mlini for families.

For the full picture of the archipelago, read the guide to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar.

Book your day in the Pakleni Islands

• Pasara 5HP boat hire in Hvar — licence-free, up to 5 people.
• Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour from Hvar — full-day group tour.

Personal support via WhatsApp, payment by PayPal/card, free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Message us at +34 600 988 287.

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