Pelegrin

Pelegrin is a cape and peninsula at the western tip of the island of Hvar, one of the wildest and least populated corners near Hvar town. A rocky headland covered in pine forest, with hidden coves, sea caves and a landmark lighthouse, it draws visitors looking for quiet away from the busy old town.

How do you get to Pelegrin?

The most common way is on foot or by bike, following the coastal path west from Hvar town through the bays of Zaraće and Dubovica. The hike typically takes one and a half to two hours each way, so bring water and sturdy shoes, since parts of the trail climb over rocky ground. An easier alternative is by boat or rented jet ski — several local operators in the harbor run round-trip excursions along the coast, letting you see the cliffs and grottos from the water without the walk.

What is there to see?

The main landmark is the Pelegrin lighthouse, built in 1909. Its octagonal stone tower stands 10 meters tall, with the light itself positioned 21 meters above sea level, giving three white flashes every 10 seconds visible from 8 nautical miles away. The lighthouse was automated in the 1990s and still functions as an active navigation aid for boats sailing the Hvar channel.

Northeast of the lighthouse lie the remains of a medieval church dedicated to St. Pelegrin, which gave the cape and peninsula their name. A stone cross was placed along the steps leading up from the sea in 2015 to mark the site. Nearby, in Parja bay, sits the well-known Markova cave, a popular diving spot valued for its clear water and underwater rock formations.

The peninsula also has several pebble beaches tucked between pine trees, looking out toward the Pakleni Islands and Pribinje bay. It's a crowd-free stretch of coast, good for a quiet swim followed by rest in the shade.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are ideal — warm enough for a swim, mild enough for the hike, and without the peak heat and crowds of July and August. During those months the trail is quieter, and the cliff views are especially striking at sunset, since Pelegrin, as the westernmost point of the island, is one of the best spots on Hvar to watch the sun go down.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reach Pelegrin by ferry or water taxi? There's no scheduled ferry service, but in summer local operators from the port in Hvar town run boat trips along the coast that pass by the cape.

Is there anywhere to eat near the lighthouse? The lighthouse itself is unmanned and automated, but nearby toward Pribinje bay there's a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Pakleni Islands — a good stop after the hike.

Is the trail to Pelegrin difficult? It's a long walk (several hours round trip) without extreme climbs, but it still calls for reasonable fitness, good footwear, and enough water, especially in summer.

Is Markova cave worth diving? Yes, it's one of the more popular dive sites near Hvar, known for its clear water and interesting rock formations inside the cave.