| Native name: Paklinski otoci Nickname: Pakleni otoci |
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|---|---|
Paklinski islands from the city of Hvar: Galešnik, Sveti Jerolim and Marinkovac (far right) |
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| Geography | |
| Location | Adriatic Sea |
| Total islands | 16 |
| Major islands | Sveti Klement, Marinkovac |
| Highest elevation | 94 m (308 ft) |
| Country | |
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Croatia
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| County | Split |
The Pakleni (pronounced [pǎklɛniː]) or Paklinski ([pâkliːnskiː]) islands are located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, Croatia, opposite the entrance to the Hvar (city) harbour. The name is popularly translated as Hells' islands (pakleni: hellish)[1], but it originally derives from paklina, an archaic word, from which pakleni too is derived, that means "tar", and in this case refers to the pine resin once used to coat ships that was harvested on these islands.[2]
The islands are (from west to east): Vodnjak Mali, Vodnjak Veli, Travna, Paržanj, Borovac, Sveti Klement (also called Veliki otok or Big island), Dobri otok, Vlaka, Stambedar, Gojca, Borovac, Marinkovac, Planikovac, Jerolim, Galešnik and Pokonji Dol.
The largest island, Sv Klement has 3 settlements, Palmižana, Momica Polje and Vlaka. There is a large, well protected yacht marina at Palmižana.[3]
The chain of islands is approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) long, formed of limestone, with a very indented coastline and low pine forest with black pine, and aleppo pine. The highest point on the islands is 94 metres (308 ft). The islands are a popular destination for visitors with smaller craft, especially yachts, providing numerous peaceful coves for diving, underwater fishing, swimming and water sports.[4]