Pokonji Dol Lighthouse

Pokonji Dol Lighthouse sits on a tiny islet of the same name, barely 500 meters south of Hvar town, at the eastern tip of the Pakleni Islands archipelago. Its white tower is one of the most recognizable sights around Hvar — visible from the harbor promenade, from a boat deck, and from nearly every hillside in town.

Why was the lighthouse built here?

The Pakleni Islands are a chain of small, mostly uninhabited islets shielding Hvar from the open sea. Pokonji Dol sits at the very eastern edge of that chain — exactly where ships arriving from the open Adriatic first meet the calmer waters of the Hvar channel. The lighthouse went up in 1872 to mark this exact spot and guide sailors safely toward the harbor. It has done the same job ever since, though today its light works alongside modern satellite navigation rather than replacing traditional seamanship entirely.

How do you get to Pokonji Dol?

Because the islet sits so close to town, the easiest way to reach it is by rented kayak, a small jet ski, or one of the water taxis that run regularly from the harbor during the summer season. Many sailors simply pass the lighthouse on their way further into the Pakleni Islands, heading toward the coves of Palmižana or Stipanska. The islet itself is small, and the lighthouse remains an active navigational structure, so it isn't set up for interior visits — the real draw is the view from the water rather than a walk-through tour.

What is there to see nearby?

The water around the lighthouse is clear and calm, making it a popular short stop for snorkeling during a coastal boat trip. From the water you get a clean view back toward Hvar's old town, the Fortica fortress on the hill above it, and the string of islets stretching further into the archipelago. Sunset is the best time for photos here — the white tower against a pink sky and dark blue sea is one of the most photographed frames in the area.

When is the best time to visit?

The sailing season runs from May through October, with the best conditions for swimming and boat rentals falling between June and September. In peak summer, an early morning or late afternoon trip out to the lighthouse means lighter boat traffic and softer light for photos. Outside the season the area is nearly empty, which suits travelers looking for quiet, though fewer boat rental operators are open then.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No — it remains an active navigational aid and isn't open for interior visits. The appeal is the view from the water and the stop itself as part of a boat trip.

How long does it take to reach it from Hvar? At roughly 500 meters from the harbor, it's only a few minutes by kayak, jet ski, or small boat — one of the shortest sea trips available from the town center.

Is Pokonji Dol part of the Pakleni Islands? Yes, it's the easternmost islet of the Pakleni Islands archipelago, acting as a natural marker for ships approaching from the open sea.

Is it worth combining with a visit to the other islands? Definitely — most kayak and boat trips from Hvar treat Pokonji Dol as the first stop before continuing on to Palmižana and the other coves of the Pakleni Islands.