| Pakleni | |
| Map: | Croatia |
| Native Name: | Pakleni Otoci |
| Native Name Link: | Croatian language |
| Nickname: | Škoji |
| Location: | Adriatic Sea |
| Total Islands: | 16 |
| Major Islands: | Sveti Klement, Marinkovac |
| Area Km2: | 7.165093 |
| Highest Mount: | Vela glava |
| Elevation M: | 94 |
| Country: | Croatia |
| Country Admin Divisions Title: | County |
| Country Admin Divisions: | Split |
The Pakleni (pronounced as /pǎklɛniː/) or sometimes referred as Paklinski (pronounced as /pâkliːnskiː/) islands are located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, Croatia, opposite the entrance to the Hvar (city) harbour. Usual local name is Škoji, which means Islands. The name is popularly translated as Hells' islands (pakleni: hellish), but it originally derives from paklina, an archaic word, from which pakleni is derived. too. "Paklina" means "tar", and in this case refers to the pine resin once used to coat ships that was harvested on these islands.
The islands are (from west to east):
| Island | Area (km2)[1] | |
|---|---|---|
| Vodnjak Mali | 0.252666 | |
| Vodnjak Veli | 0.008198 | |
| Travna | 0.009661 | |
| Paržanj | 0.039529 | |
| Borovac | 0.021666 | |
| Sveti Klement | 5.275844 | |
| Dobri otok | 0.297313 | |
| Vlaka | 0.021316 | |
| Stambedar | 0.029945 | |
| Gojca | 0.021471 | |
| Borovac | 0.167533 | |
| Marinkovac | 0.680662 | |
| Planikovac | 0.100836 | |
| 0.207144 | ||
| Galešnik | 0.014612 | |
| Pokonji Dol | 0.016697 | |
| Pakleni Islands | 7.165093 |
The chain of islands is approximately 10km (10miles) 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 94m (308feet). 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.