Palmižana Beach (Pakleni) from Hvar: how to get there, what to do and where to eat
How to get to Palmižana from Hvar (water taxi, prices), what you'll find in its two bays, Vinogradišće and Marsala, restaurants, best time to go and practical tips.
Quick answer
Palmižana is the largest island in the Pakleni archipelago, opposite Hvar (15-20 min by water taxi, 7-10 € per person). Two sheltered bays: Vinogradišće (with the legendary restaurants Toto’s, Meneghello and Laganini) and Marsala (quieter). No cars, rocky seabed (bring water shoes), crystal-clear water. Best time: June and September.
By Mario Fajt — Founder of A Croacia
Croatia travel portal since 2005 · Tours since 2014 · Last updated: June 2026
Palmižana at a glance
| Location | Sveti Klement Island (Pakleni archipelago), opposite Hvar harbour |
| Distance from Hvar | ~3 km · 15-20 min by water taxi |
| Water taxi price (one way) | 7-10 € per person |
| Main bays | Vinogradišće (the lively one) and Marsala (the quiet one) |
| Seabed | Rocks and pebbles (bring water shoes) |
| Top restaurants | Toto’s, Meneghello, Laganini |
| Marina | ACI Marina Palmižana (~200 berths) |
| Best time | June-September |
| Good for | Food, couples, sunsets, half-day escape |
Palmižana is the largest island in the archipelago of the Pakleni Islands, right opposite Hvar harbour. In fact, when someone says “I’m going to Palmižana” they mean one of its two bays —Vinogradišće o Marsala— both with turquoise water, rocky seabeds, legendary restaurants and an atmosphere that blends bohemian with understated luxury. It’s the easiest option for a half-day escape from Hvar.
What Palmižana is really like
Forget the idea of a “sandy beach”. Palmižana is two sheltered bays on the north side of the island, linked by a path of about 15 minutes through pine woods. There are no cars on the island. The water is very clear and shallow near the shore, ideal for snorkelling.
- Vinogradišće is the main bay: here you’ll find the best-known restaurants (Toto’s, Laganini, Meneghello) and the famous Meneghello family botanical garden.
- Marsala is on the opposite side and quieter, with the Carpe Diem Beach club next door on the neighbouring island of Marinkovac.
The seabed is rock and pebbles, not sand. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet.
How to get to Palmižana from Hvar
There are three ways to get there, and each makes sense depending on what you’re after.
1. Water taxi from Hvar harbour (the most common)
The water taxis leave from Hvar’s quay (Riva) every 30-60 min in season (June-September). The trip takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around 7-10 € per person one way, depending on the operator and season. No need to book, but keep an eye on the last return time (usually around 19:00-20:00).
2. Organised day trip from Hvar
If you’re only in Hvar for a few days and want to see more than Palmižana, the best bet is a speedboat tour from Hvar that combines Palmižana with other Pakleni islands, the Blue Cave on Biševo and the beaches of Vis. In a single day you see the best without wasting time on transport.
3. Your own or a hired boat
The marina ACI Marina Palmižana has around 200 berths and excellent facilities. If you’re sailing, it’s one of the best anchorages in the central Adriatic.
Things to do in Palmižana
Swimming and snorkelling
The water is crystal-clear and in places you can see fish from the surface. The best snorkelling is along the rocky edges of the bay, away from the main jetty.
Visit the Meneghello botanical garden
The Meneghello family has lived on the island since 1906 and has created one of the most interesting private botanical gardens in the Adriatic. It combines Mediterranean vegetation with tropical plants (cacti, palms, eucalyptus). Access is usually allowed when you eat at one of the Meneghello restaurants.
Walk between the two bays
The path linking Vinogradišće and Marsala crosses pine woods and viewpoints looking out to Hvar Town. It’s 15 minutes with no major climbs. Wear comfortable shoes.
Where to eat and drink in Palmižana
Toto’s Beach Restaurant
The classic and best-known. Fresh grilled fish, black cuttlefish risotto, big salads. Average price: 30-50 € per person. Relaxed atmosphere, seafront terrace.
Meneghello Restaurant
Inside the Meneghello family estate, with a more intimate feel and greenery all around. Carefully prepared Mediterranean cuisine. Average price: 40-60 € per person. Booking recommended in July and August.
Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House
The most “premium” and fashionable. Fish carpaccio, lobster, oysters and a list of Croatian wines. Lounge vibe with a DJ in the afternoon. Price: 50-90 € per person. Ideal for a special meal.
Best time to visit Palmižana
June and September are the best months: the water is already warm, the restaurants are open and it’s less crowded than in July-August. In May it’s quieter but the water can be cold (18-20 °C). In July and August it’s very hot and restaurants can be full without a booking.
Practical tips
- Bring water shoes: the seabed is rocky.
- The natural shade is scarce, so bring a cap and sun cream.
- Some restaurants only accept cash, so bring euros or kuna just in case.
- There are no supermarkets or pharmacies on the island, so come prepared.
- Check the time of the last water taxi back when you get off the boat.
Palmižana or the other Pakleni beaches
If Palmižana feels too lively, other nearby options are:
- Mlini and Zdrilica: quieter bays, fewer restaurants.
- Stipanska (Carpe Diem Beach): party atmosphere, music and cocktails.
- Jerolim: the most secluded, historically nudist.
You’ll find the full guide in our article on the Pakleni Islands from Hvar.
Palmižana FAQ
How much does it cost to get to Palmižana from Hvar?
The water taxi from Hvar harbour costs between 7 and 10 € per person each way, depending on the operator and season. Prices go up slightly in July and August. If you’re in a group, hiring a licence-free boat (80-150 € per day) can work out cheaper.
Is there sand at Palmižana?
No. The seabed is rock and pebbles, not sand. To get into the water comfortably, bring water shoes, especially if you have sensitive feet.
Do I need to book a restaurant in Palmižana?
At Toto’s, Meneghello and Laganini, yes, especially in July and August. Book at least 1-2 days ahead. In May, June and September there’s usually room without a booking.
What’s the difference between Vinogradišće and Marsala?
Vinogradišće is the main bay, home to the legendary restaurants and the Meneghello botanical garden. Marsala is on the opposite side of the island, linked by a 15-minute path through the pines, and is much quieter.
Is there nudism at Palmižana?
In the main bays (Vinogradišće and Marsala) the code is clothed. If you’re looking for a nudist beach in the Pakleni, the traditional option is Jerolim, on another island in the archipelago.
Can you stay overnight in Palmižana?
Yes. The Meneghello family rents out villas and bungalows on the island, a rather unique experience (no cars, no noise, just pine woods and sea). In high season you need to book months ahead.
What should I bring to Palmižana?
Water shoes, a cap, sun cream, water and cash in euros (some small beach bars don’t take cards). Your own snorkel if you have one. There are no supermarkets or pharmacy on the island.
What time is the last water taxi back to Hvar?
The last water taxi usually leaves between 19:00 and 20:00 in high season, earlier in May and October. Ask about the last return time when you get off the boat so you don’t get stranded.
Is Palmižana worth visiting?
If you’re spending more than one day in Hvar, yes. It’s the best quick escape for crystal-clear water, good food and switching off without going too far. If your time in Croatia is short, combine it with the Blue Cave on Biševo and other stops on a speedboat day trip from Hvar and make the most of the whole day.