Mlini and Zdrilca Bays Pakleni Islands
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Mlini and Zdrilca Bays Pakleni Islands

4.8
·447 reviews·Hvar, Croatia

Tranquil pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters on the Pakleni Islands, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better spots

CrowdLow
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Mlini and Zdrilca Bays Pakleni Islands

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays Pakleni Islands

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better spots

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tranquil pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters on the Pakleni Islands, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

4.8
(447 reviews)

"Fantastic, low-key beach. If you're looking for a party beach, do not come here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Water Taxi Logistics

Water taxis from Hvar Town cost ~€10 round trip. Confirm return times to avoid long waits!

☀️ Sunbed Rental

Rent a sunbed for ~€15 if you prefer comfort over towels. Arrive early for best selection.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Waters

Crystal-Clear Waters

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays

Dive into incredibly clear, refreshing waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The shallow entry makes it accessible for all.

Tranquil Pebble Beach

Tranquil Pebble Beach

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays

Relax on a serene pebble beach, ideal for a low-key day away from the hustle. Enjoy the natural beauty and calm atmosphere.

Open-Air Dining

Open-Air Dining

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays

Savor local cuisine at a charming open-air restaurant, offering a delightful culinary experience with stunning bay views.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key

While beautiful, Mlini and Zdrilca Bays can get packed, especially in peak season. Arrive early, ideally before noon, to snag a good spot on the pebble beach or rent a sunbed. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.

Getting There: Water Taxi Wisdom

Water taxis are the primary way to reach these bays from Hvar Town. While convenient, be mindful of return times, as some only pick up after 4 PM. Booking a boat tour might offer more flexibility and a chance to explore other Pakleni Islands.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better spots
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Go here if you’re staying in Hvar, Croatia, this summer 🌊🐚🪩✨🌸 #summervibes #PlacesToVisit #travelbucketlist #europeansummerguide #travelaestheticvibes #thingstodothissummer #europetravelguide #europeansummerishere #summerseason #luxurytravel #travelaesthetic #europeantravelguide #europetravel #travellife #triptoeurope #europetraveltok #placesinsouthofrance #bucketlisttravel #croatia #croatiahvar #...
@trendielife
27.6K likes • 416.2K views

🚗 Water Taxi Logistics

Water taxis from Hvar Town cost ~€10 round trip. Confirm return times to avoid long waits! TikTokReddit

☀️ Sunbed Rental

Rent a sunbed for ~€15 if you prefer comfort over towels. Arrive early for best selection. Reddit

The best things to do in Hvar, Croatia 🌴🤍 9 of the best things to do on the beautiful Croatian island of Hvar - ✨explore Hvar town with its beautiful old town & harbour 🌊 visit the Pakleni islands 🧡 discover Stari Grad - one of the oldest towns in Europe 🏝️ relax on Dubovika beach 🍽️ eat delicious local food at one of the island’s konobas ☕️ drink great coffee at coffee snob or kvar37 💜 explore t...
@cosinessandadventures
13.6K likes • 546.1K views
Must visit places in Hvar, Croatia if you’re going this summer 🌞🫶🌊 #croatiatravel #hvarrecommendations #traveltok #hvartown #travelitinerary
@trendielife
5.3K likes • 153.5K views

🤫 Keep it Peaceful

These bays are for relaxation! Signs often request no loud music or excessive noise. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear

Bring your own snorkel gear to explore the vibrant underwater world. TikTok

I’m so limited on CapCut but anyways | toaru ik u dying for me to post, love the fixation ✌️ #princalini #shadowslave #shadowslavenovel #shadowslavenephis #nephis #changingstar #starofruin #shadowslavesunny #shadowslavedit #shadowslavefandom #sunless #lostfromlight #lordoftheshadows #guiltythree #webnovelrecommendation #webnovels #fyp #foryoupage❤️❤️ #fypp #foruyou #goviral
@mn.pr1nce
5.3K likes • 56.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Water Taxi Logistics

Water taxis from Hvar Town cost ~€10 round trip. Confirm return times to avoid long waits! TikTokReddit

☀️ Sunbed Rental

Rent a sunbed for ~€15 if you prefer comfort over towels. Arrive early for best selection. Reddit

🤫 Keep it Peaceful

These bays are for relaxation! Signs often request no loud music or excessive noise. Reddit

🤿 Snorkel Gear

Bring your own snorkel gear to explore the vibrant underwater world. TikTok

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

While there's a restaurant, having your own water and snacks is always a good idea. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(447 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Mlini and Zdrilca Bays for their stunningly clear waters and tranquil, low-key atmosphere, making them perfect for relaxation and swimming. While the pebble beach and potential for crowds in peak season are noted drawbacks, the beauty and peacefulness of these bays are consistently highlighted as major positives.

"Fantastic, low-key beach. If you're looking for a party beach, do not come here. This one is more laid back and there are signs to not play music/be loud/etc. Water is perfect and relatively shallow. €15 to rent a sunbed (no umbrellas, however, when we were here). €10 to catch a water taxi from Hvar Town and back."

Jakub Szary

"The beach is easily accessible via water taxi from Hvar which costs 10€ per round trip. The water taxi does not drop you off on the beach, but in nearby bay and then there is a short 5 minute walk.

The beach has very beautiful clear water and is perfect for swimming. It also does not have a steep entrace into the sea, so it does not get deep right away.

It is very crowded in the season and very incomfortable to sit directly on the towel. There simply is not much space to match the high number of visitors so it will feel very packed.

There is some natural shade from trees and it is impossible to set a parasol due to the pebbles.

Alteratively, sun loungers are available to rent for 15€ a day which are more comfortable, though availability is limited as well."

Roxana P

"It was a good place but the water was very cold and the beach small. You can rent chair or lay under a tree. We took a taxi boat in Hvar for 10 euro each including the return. The taxi will bring you on the island between 10 and 1 pm and only take you back after 4 pm, so we found it a little long to wait until that moment. Maybe better to take a tour to see more of the islands and not just stay at this beach for the day."

Michael Boucher

What People Like

Beautiful clear water
Calm and peaceful atmosphere
Great for swimming

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Pebble beach discomfort
Cold water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by water taxi from Hvar Town harbor. These typically run every 15 minutes and cost around €10 for a round trip. Some reviews mention that the water taxi might drop you off at a nearby bay, requiring a short walk to Mlini or Zdrilca. TikTokReddit

Yes, many boat tours from Hvar include stops at the Pakleni Islands, often visiting bays like Mlini and Zdrilca. This can be a great option if you want to see multiple islands in one day. TikTokReddit

No, these bays are located on the Pakleni Islands and are not accessible by car. You must use a water taxi or join a boat tour. TikTok

Mlini and Zdrilca are adjacent bays on the Pakleni Islands, often visited together. They share similar characteristics of clear waters and pebble beaches, offering a tranquil escape. TikTok

Yes, it is possible to anchor a private boat in the bays, but be aware of potential storm conditions as experienced by some sailors. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to access the bays themselves. However, renting sunbeds on the beach incurs a cost, typically around €15 per day. Reddit

The bays are natural areas and are accessible throughout the day. The water taxi services and the open-air restaurant will have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. TikTok

It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a sunbed. While some beds might be available later, they can be limited. Reddit

Yes, many visitors note that these bays are intended to be low-key and peaceful. Signs often indicate that loud music is not permitted to maintain a tranquil atmosphere. Reddit

A round-trip water taxi from Hvar Town to Mlini and Zdrilca Bays typically costs around €10 per person. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The main activities include swimming, snorkeling in the clear waters, sunbathing on the pebble beach, and enjoying a meal at the open-air restaurant. It's a great spot for a relaxed day. TikTokReddit

While the water is clear and refreshing, some visitors have noted it can be quite cold, even in the summer months. Reddit

Both Mlini and Zdrilca are pebble beaches. This means you'll want to wear water shoes for comfort, and sitting directly on a towel can be less comfortable than on a sandy beach. Reddit

The water entry is relatively shallow, which can be good for families. However, the pebble beach might be less ideal for very young children to play on compared to sand. Reddit

Umbrellas are generally not available. Shade is provided by natural trees, and sunbeds may offer some shade, but it's wise to bring your own sun protection. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an open-air restaurant in the bays that serves local food. It's a popular spot for lunch or drinks. TikTokReddit

The restaurant typically offers seafood and other local Croatian dishes. It's known for being a good local spot. TikTok

Compared to some of the more exclusive beach clubs, the restaurant in Mlini and Zdrilca Bays is often considered reasonably priced, especially for its location. Reddit

While there's a restaurant, it's always a good idea to bring some water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend the entire day there. TikTok

Yes, there is a bar associated with the restaurant, offering drinks to enjoy by the bay. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning turquoise waters, the pebble beach, and the surrounding lush greenery. The open-air restaurant also offers picturesque views. TikTokInstagram

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors of the water and landscape. Morning light is also lovely and less crowded. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local advisories before flying a drone in protected natural areas like the Pakleni Islands. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views. Waterproof camera gear or a protective case is useful for water activities. TikTok

The contrast between the clear blue water and the white pebbles is a signature shot. The view from the water taxi approaching the bays is also very scenic. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays can be a good option for families looking for a relaxed beach day. The shallow entry into the water makes it safer for younger children to paddle and play. The clear waters are also great for spotting small fish. However, the pebble beach might be less comfortable for toddlers to play on compared to sand, so bringing a beach mat or renting a sunbed is recommended. Consider packing water shoes for everyone to protect their feet. Reddit

While there's a restaurant, it's wise to bring snacks and plenty of water, especially for younger children. The water taxis are generally accommodating, but confirm return times to ensure a smooth departure. For a more structured family outing, a boat tour that includes stops at various islands might offer more activities and amenities suitable for children. TikTokReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Mlini and Zdrilca Bays offer a more affordable alternative to Hvar's pricier beach clubs. Opting for the water taxi (€10 round trip) is significantly cheaper than private boat rentals. While sunbeds cost €15, you can save money by bringing your own towel or mat and utilizing the natural shade from trees. Reddit

Packing your own food and drinks can also help cut down on expenses, as restaurant prices can add up. Look for deals on boat tours if you want to explore multiple islands without the cost of a private charter. The natural beauty of these bays is free to enjoy, making them an excellent choice for experiencing the Pakleni Islands on a budget. TikTokReddit

couples seeking tranquility

If you're a couple looking for a peaceful escape, Mlini and Zdrilca Bays are ideal. Their low-key atmosphere and emphasis on quiet relaxation make them perfect for unwinding together. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday can help you secure a more secluded spot on the pebble beach. Reddit

Enjoy a leisurely swim in the crystal-clear waters, perhaps with some snorkeling to explore the underwater world. Sharing a meal at the open-air restaurant with bay views provides a romantic setting. The gentle lapping of waves and the natural beauty create a serene backdrop for a romantic day out. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Pakleni Islands

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays are just two gems within the stunning Pakleni Islands archipelago, a chain of 16 islands and islets off the coast of Hvar. These islands are a popular destination for boaters and day-trippers seeking pristine nature and secluded coves. While Mlini and Zdrilca offer a more relaxed vibe, other islands in the chain, like Jerolim and Stipanska, are known for their beach clubs and livelier atmosphere. TikTok

Many visitors opt for a boat tour or rent a small boat to explore the various bays and beaches scattered across the Pakleni Islands. This allows for flexibility to discover hidden spots and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in different locations. Some popular stops include Palmižana, which has a botanical garden and several restaurants, and Jerolim, known for its nudist-friendly beaches. TikTok+1

When planning your island hopping, consider the type of experience you're looking for. If you desire tranquility and natural beauty, Mlini and Zdrilca are excellent choices. For a more vibrant scene with music and amenities, explore other islands like Stipanska. Regardless of your choice, the Pakleni Islands promise breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear Adriatic waters. TikTok+1

The Charm of Pebble Beaches

Mlini and Zdrilca Bays are characterized by their pebble beaches. Unlike sandy shores, pebble beaches offer a unique texture and often incredibly clear water, as the small stones filter the water effectively. The clarity of the water here is frequently highlighted by visitors, making it ideal for swimming and observing marine life. TikTokReddit

While beautiful, pebble beaches can be less comfortable for lounging directly on a towel. Many visitors opt to rent sun loungers, which are available for a fee (around €15). These provide a more comfortable base for a day of relaxation. Alternatively, finding a spot under the natural shade of the trees can offer respite from the sun. Reddit

For those planning to visit, it's recommended to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the pebbles, especially when entering and exiting the water. Despite the unique terrain, the stunning natural beauty and the pristine condition of the water make these pebble beaches a worthwhile experience. TikTokReddit

Water Taxi vs. Boat Tours

When heading to Mlini and Zdrilca Bays from Hvar Town, you have two primary options: water taxis or organized boat tours. Water taxis offer a direct and relatively quick way to reach the bays. They typically run frequently and provide a round-trip service for a set price (around €10). However, be aware that some water taxis have fixed return times, which might limit your flexibility if you wish to stay longer or explore further. TikTokReddit

Organized boat tours offer a more comprehensive experience. These tours often include stops at multiple Pakleni Islands, allowing you to see more than just Mlini and Zdrilca. They can also provide more flexibility in terms of timing and may include amenities like snorkeling gear or even lunch. Some tours might even offer cliff jumping opportunities, which is a popular activity for adventurous travelers. TikTokReddit

The choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you want a simple, cost-effective trip to a specific bay, a water taxi is ideal. If you're looking for an adventure that covers more ground and offers a guided experience, a boat tour is likely the better option. TikTokReddit

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