Local Insight: The Pakleni Islands archipelago, Hvar’s playground, translates to “Hell’s Islands”—not for their beauty, but because “paklina” was the pine resin locals once harvested from its forests to waterproof ships. Today, these 21 isles are a paradise of hidden coves and crystal waters.

Hvar boasts over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, making it Croatia’s sunniest island. This golden light transforms the Adriatic into a spectrum of blues, from deep sapphire around Vis to the luminous aquamarine of the Pakleni lagoons—best seen from the deck of a boat.

The “Red Rocks” (Crvene Stijene) on Hvar’s south coast are a fiery-hued cliff formation only accessible by boat. It’s a favorite for cliff jumping and snorkeling in electric-blue water—a dramatic contrast you won’t find on typical Hvar island tours.

An ocean safari from Hvar isn’t just a boat ride—it’s a front-row seat to nature’s theater. You might spot playful dolphins racing the bow, glide past secret sea caves, and swim in water so clear you can see the sandy bottom 10 meters below.