By Nika Bogdanic
Over the past couple of years Croatia became one of the top summer destinations in the world. The younger crowd is especially drawn to it since there’s a huge number of festivals and parties featuring the biggest names of the electronic music scene. So if you’re looking for a combination of breath-taking nature, charming historical cities and some great parties: welcome to Croatia.
PULA
Pula is a seafront city in the north of the Croatian coast, on the Istrian peninsula. The exquisite Roman architecture and the incredible coastline make Pula stand out among Croatia’s larger cities. A must see well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Pula dominates the city and functions both as a historical site and as a venue for summer concerts and festivals. The Brijuni Islands – a group of 14 small islands famous for their scenic beauty and a National Park are definitely worth exploring.
Fort Punta Christo located a few km outside the city is an abandoned fort where festivals such as Seasplah, Dimensions and Outlook take place. Seasplash Festival that takes place at the end of July every year is a dub, reggae, ska, dubstep festival known for quite a relaxing vibe. Dimensions Festival at the end of August focuses on underground electronic music and brings some of the biggest names from the techno and house music scene. Last year we’ve enjoyed the exquisite performances of me, Daniel Avery, Delano Smith, John Talabot, Ben Klock and many others. Outlook Festival that takes place at the beginning of September, right after Dimensions is a festival devoted to all kinds of bass music. The announcements for 2016 include names such as Roni Size & Krust, Dynamite MC, Benga, DJ Hype, Novelist, ABRA, Million Stylez etc.
PAG ISLAND
Pag island is situated near Zadar, in the central Croatian coast. The beaches are absolutely breath-taking and there are plenty of wide, shallow coves tucked along its coast. It is also known as “the party island” or the “Croatian Ibiza” due to its famous Zrće beach – where there are non-stop parties going on during the summer. The town of Novalja in the north of the island is also known for its wild nightlife.
Most of the summer festivals in Croatia take place at Zrće beach. Hideout is an underground electronic music festival at the end of July where you can hear artists such as Maceo Plax, Jamie Jones or Seth Troxler spin. Fresh Island is a hip hop music festival held in mid-July which brought Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Nas, Method Man, Mobb Deep and KRS-One to Zrće beach. The last week of July 2016 is reserved for Loveweek Festival where you’ll get to hear Wankelmut, Lost frequencies, Moonbootica and Watermät. Barrakud Festival in August brings Paul Kalkbrenner among many other techno DJs to the stage. Sonus is the most famous underground electronic festival which brought artists such as Dixon, &ME, me, Chris Liebing, Guy Gerber, Ricardo Villalobos, Ritchie Hawtin, Tale of Us, Rødhåd etc.
MURTER ISLAND
The island of Murter belongs to the northern Dalmatian group of islands and is located northwest of Šibenik. It is connected to the mainland by a short bridge, which makes it very easy to reach. The island is most famous for its sandy and gravel beaches and small breath-taking bays. Murter, Jezera and Tisno are the main towns on the island. Tisno is quite famous for the Garden Festival that has been taking place here for years.
In June 2016 a new electronic music festival called Love International will take place in Tisno. Ben UFO, Dixon, Fort Romeau, Joy Orbison, Lord Of The Isles, Midland and Red Axes are just some of the artists you’ll be able to hear. Electric Elephant takes place in mid-July and it brought artists such as David August, Lindstrom and Gerd Janson. Suncebeat Festival at the end of July brings Black Coffee, Detroit Swindle, Henrik Schwarz, Black Madonna and Mannoo in 2016.
SPLIT
The second largest city in Croatia has always been associated with the magnificent fortress-like complex at its centre – the Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Within its white stone walls there are numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, churches, hotels and houses. Besides history this vivacious city offers nature at its best – stunning beaches around the city for those who wish to enjoy the Adriatic Sea, or Marjan hill for those who prefer long walks in the forest.
The famous Ultra Europe Festival takes place on the Poljud stadium in Split on the 15th, 16th and 17th of July 2016. Armin Van Buren, Carl Cox and Solomun are just some of the artists that will make the crowd dance. There’s also an opening party in the Giraffe Palm Beach club on the 14th of July.
HVAR ISLAND
Hvar is the longest and the sunniest Croatian island and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The major places are the towns of Hvar, Stari Grad and Jelsa. Pakleni Otoci (Pakleni Islands) famous for their crystal clear water, deserted lagoons and hidden beaches lie near the southern coast of Hvar. Gothic palaces and Venetian houses surrounded by 13th century walls, a hilltop fortress, paradise beaches, lavender fields, olive trees, fabulous after-beach parties and an insane nightlife are the reasons why the town of Hvar welcomes more and more tourists each year. It is also called “the new St-Tropez” as numerous glamorous yachts glide into this stunning town on daily basis.
Hvar’s Hula Hula is the most famous beach bar in Croatia. During the day you can enjoy some chill out music, cocktails, good wine and excellent food while lying on a sunbed. Later in the afternoon this relaxing lounge area turns into a crazy after-beach dance floor. When the sun goes down, Hvar shines with the best nightlife on the Adriatic with the famous Carpe Diem club among many others. Part of the Ultra Europe Festival called Ultra Beach will take place at Hvar’s Amfora beach resort on July 19th featuring Don Diablo and Robin Schulz.
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