The Croatia of Tito’s time becomes more and more a thing of the past and, despite the state policy of not privatising the Yugoslav-era seaside resorts, luxurious tourism and nightlife that compete with those of Ibiza are blossoming on its hundreds of islands and along its remarkable Adriatic coast.

The old favourites like Opatija and Dubrovnik have retained their charm, but they are now joined by new hotspots, created for a five-star tourism experience, led by Hvar and Brač.



Designer hotels, spa centres, renovated medieval stone houses built during the Venetian Republic, combined with the dark blue waters of the Adriatic, criss-crossed by white sailboast add to Croatia’s ever more convincing image of a top destination, especially outside of the busiest season between mid-July and the end of August.

A bit further to the north, Šibenik has been turning for a few years now into a cult destination for those that like to go wild around Europe’s night clubs, even though popular DJs are transforming the evenings in most of the larger resorts along the coast into endless parties.

The most important clubs along Croatia’s coast:

Aurora, Šibenik: The largest club along the coast, it accommodates up to 2,000 people, including international VIPs. June’s programme features DJ Todd Terry and Electro-Funk Festival for the season’s opening on June 28. There is a view and a pool.

Hacienda, Šibenik: With its impressive parties, this club also attracts a great amount of people in a good mood. The DJs are world-class, with Hector Romero having been a guest last year.

The Garden, Zadar: This British-owned club has already spread to the entire city into the interior of the Venetian fortress walls, and has four separate stages. On July 2, DJs will be the people who make London’s summer underground secretsundaze - James Priestley and Gilles Smith.

Carpe Diem, Hvar: This club, on Hvar’s port, is mostly frequented by people who come with yachts, making it one of the most luxurious venues on Croatia’s coast. The summer season’s opening is on May 25.

Several top hotels in Hvar and Brač:

The Riva-Hvar Yacht Harbour, Hvar: This is one of the cheapest, by comparison, among the most luxurious hotels and part of the Leading Small Hotels of the World group. With a view of the sparkling yacht harbour and the Pakleni Islands and the frequent sound of live jazz, the hotel is housed in an elegant stone building from the eighteenth century. Prices for a double room start at 180 euro.

Hotel Adriana, Hvar: This is one seriously luxurious hotel – the erstwhile hotel Adriatic, now renovated by several million euro-worth of investment. Its features include a heated seawater pool on a rooftop terrace, a chill-out bar with a DJ and a spa centre. Prices for a double room start at 290 euro.

Palace Hotel, Hvar: Hvar’s oldest hotel combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture and, as such, is a good example of Dalmatia’s specific charm. With a view of the historical square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Prices for a double room start at 70 euro.

Hotel Kaštil, Brač: Housed in one of the historical buildings in the town of Bol, this three-star, immaculately maintained hotel offers splendid views from the rooms on the third floor. It is located 20 minutes away from one of the most impressive beaches on Croatia’s coast, Zlatni Rat, though it is better to avoid it during the busy season. Prices for a double room start at 65 euro.

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Hi - I've been driving down to Croatia for the pas 7 years and am always trying to find good , fairly priced campsites along the Dalmatian coast. As the place has become more and more popular, so the prices have exceeded many great camps in Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Do you have any archive articles or ny recommendations of good camps between Zadar and Split? I would rather spend my money on going to Aurora and so on - as per your nightlife article but need to find a base to stay at first! :) Thanks if you can help Julie Brown Dear Julie Brown, It is true that the prices in Croatia recently soared, and unfortunately this also affects low-budget travellers. Yet there are many campsites around Split and Zadar that you will surely be able to find an affordable spot for yourself. The one we've heard good feedback about is Planik in Razanac, near Zadar. Their highest price for a single tent is 3.40 euros, and they charge 4.30 per person. There is a bus line between Razanaz and Zagreb, which connects the two places five times a day during the weekdays, three times on Saturdays and once on Sunday. You could also check this site, which contains information about many camping sites, although the smallest ones are not included. The site of Croatia's tourist board is another source of information, it contains a list of the ten best campsites of Croatia (mostly four stars), which in the high season maintain prices of around 6,5 euros per person per night, and 15 to 16 euros per pitch. Have fun in Croatia! BalkanTravellers.com