There’s a party, then there’s a Croatian party...and let us tell you, you’ve never partied like this before.
During the Croatian summer, the coast starts to buzz with excitement and the nightlife scene well and truly comes alive with people from all over the world. It’s no surprise that Dalmatia has become a favourite for party goers with its incredible clubs found inside caves, castles and on beaches. If you’re looking to party your way through Croatia, then look no further than our insiders guide on the best party islands to visit below!
Table of contentsBest Party Islands In Croatia
If you want to let loose and get amongst Croatia’s magical summer, island hopping with Sail Croatia is the way to go. Not only can you explore the incredible nightlife options and take in some of the best clubs and bars in Europe, you’ll be doing it with people who are looking to experience the same thing! Sail Croatia offers Navigator Party Cruises and Flotilla taking you along the coast to island hop through some of the hottest party destinations in the Adriatic!
Behind every island in Croatia is something fun and exciting to see, but the following locations are serious contenders for the best party islands in Croatia.
Pag
Pag is possibly the best place to be if you want your Croatian holiday to be a combination of mind-blowing parties, great music, and masses of young travellers determined on one thing: having the best time of their lives. The most iconic stop of all is none other than Zrče beach, which is one of the most popular party beaches in the entire country and home to the one and only Hideout Music Festival.
In addition to Hideout, Zrče beach hosts a plethora of renowned parties including Electrobeach, Croatia Rocks and Fresh Island. Zrče’s all-hour night clubs have welcomed music royalty from the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Rudimental and Solomun. One thing’s for sure on the island of Pag, and that’s that there’s never a shortage of parties to attend.
Honorable mentions in the Pag nightclub line-up are:
1. Aquarius
There’s no party like an Aquarius club party! International recognition goes hand-in-hand with Aquarius, continually holding a spot in the Top 100 clubs in the world. This open-air, two floor party hub is one party during the day and transforms to another after dark. As a co-host to the legendary Hideout Music Festival, think awesome pool parties, unforgettable DJ sets and non-stop partying. This is one party not to miss!
2. Noa Beach Club
World class DJ’s, laser shows and fiesty performers, Noa Beach Club has raised the party stakes at Zrče beach! The legendary exotic design sits above the beach waters and gives you the best panoramic views of Zrče and the Adriatic. Need to cool down? Climb down the ladder right from Noa into the Adriatic - doesn’t get closer or better than that! If open water isn’t your vibe, splash around in the few pools scattered throughout. Dance your night away on the huge dance floor rubbing shoulders with travellers from all over the world, and enjoy a drink from the 11 bars that grace this space. Whatever your choice, we’re certain you’ll love Noa Beach Club!
3. Kalypso Club
Pag island royalty, Kalypso Club, was the first club that opened on Zrče beach and launched the now Mecca for partygoers! Celebrating over 30 years of epic tunes and unreal vibes, Kalypso’s party atmosphere can be linked to its entertainment-style design. Built into a cove, and set around a giant pool, enjoy deep house and electronic beats on the large open-air dance floor, around the different bar areas, or take some downtime on their many lush lounges. At Kalypso, it’s music, drink, relax - REPEAT!
4. Papaya
This open-air club is not for the faint hearted! Papaya is renowned as being one of the best open-air clubs in the world and it’s not hard to see why! Think palm trees, pools, dancing platforms, foam and fireworks and you’ve got yourself a mix that makes Papaya sing. Papaya is hugely famous not only for its size - housing a pretty 5,000 party people- but also for its famed DJ line-ups from the likes of Tiesto, Van Buuren and Swedish House Mafia. Get ready for constant cocktails and foam fun but that’s only just the beginning!
5. Cocomo Club
City slickers start your engines! With over 20 years of good vibes, Cocomo Club is a refined party spot perfect to start your night. Located in Novalja, this double-story venue hosts locals and travellers ready to party. Choose from the upstairs terrace to take it slow or the epic dance floor downstairs dancing to tunes from trending hip hop and rnb before making your way toward Zrče beach.
Hvar
Nothing brings the perfect cocktail of sun and fun quite like Hvar. Hvar averages around 260 sunny days per year which is no surprise that it’s Croatia’s sunniest island. A crowd favourite for locals, but especially tourists, Hvar has only recently developed the reputation as a premier party spot. Some of the best night clubs are found in Hvar, and most notably the world renowned Ultra Festival every July.
Unsurprisingly, partying in Hvar can potentially blow a little bit of your budget, unlike other Croatian islands which are much kinder on your Euros, this is because Hvar is the elite destination in Croatian and a place not to miss. To find out more about Hvar, check out our Hvar Guide.
1. Hula Hula Bar
If you don’t go to Hula Hula, can you really say you’ve been to Hvar? Well yes, but you’d be missing out. This tiki-style bar sits right on the seriously spectacular waterfront and features the perfect spot to take in a phenomenal sunset. If cocktails by the litre are your vibe, look no further than Hula Hula - devour the delicious mixes as you tear up the dance floor listening to the hottest DJ’s of the season.
2. Carpe Diem
You haven’t partied in Hvar if you didn’t swing past Carpe Diem. As the most popular after hours beach bar on the entire coast, you know you’re in for a treat at this world-renowned club. If you’re lucky, you might even find yourself rubbing shoulders with celebrity visitors as Carpe Diem hosts unparalleled VIP sections - seizing the day never looked so good!
3. Nautica Bar
It’s not the complete Hvar experience if you don’t stop at Nautica. Home to the famous flaming Jager train, Nautica offers over 100 tasty cocktails and specialty drinks in its retro ‘outer space’ themed atmosphere. With drinks as colourful as the club, this is the feel-good spot you’ve been looking for.
Rab
A newcomer to the party scene, Rab is a smaller island located right next to Pag that has lived in the shadow of it’s larger neighbour for a long time. Now things are slowly starting to change as visitors are looking for alternatives to the often crowded island of Pag.
Rab rose to fame with outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to explore its lushly dense forest and rocky cliffs - and it still is a hotspot for them. Thanks to the hordes of tourists from Pag, Rab beaches are now lined with beach bars, nightclubs, and discotheques. This is especially true around Barbat, on Pudarice beach, which is flooded with visitors thanks to the fact that there’s always something going on there. Live performances, festivals, cultural happenings, concerts - you name it, Rab has it!
1. Santos Beach Bar
Santos Beach Bar is the perfect outdoor party space for those looking to let loose. Think themed nights, an impressive DJ line-up ranging from locals to mainstream talent, all the while located on the pretty pebble beach just beyond its 4 open walls.
2. Beach Bar Del Mar
True to its name, Beach Bar Del Mar sits on and looks out to Matovica beach. This is one of the more milder party spots, allowing you to enjoy the sea by day and tunes by night when this place transforms into a party haven.
Brač
Party on the most beautiful beach in the world - and we’re not just saying that! Brač’s Zlatni Rat, or commonly known as the Golden Horn, has been voted the Worlds Best Beach in 2019 thanks to its white sand shoreline that changes shape with the wind and waves. Outside of its gloried beach, Brač attracts a wide variety of tourists yearly, and even though it’s not the first choice for party thrill-seekers, Brač still knows how to party from dusk till dawn.
1. Varadero
Found in Bol’s main square this is the open-air cocktail bar you don’t want to skip. This coastal cocktail spot is decked out in wicker chairs and umbrellas that make for the perfect afternoon retreat from the sun. Come night, see this space light up, dance to the DJ’s tunes and enjoy the signature drinks on offer.
Several times a year Bol hosts day-long events at several spots around the island. Everything and everyone starts radiating with positive vibes and people flock to some of the best coastal parties this side of the Adriactic. Be sure to add Brač to your bucket list!
2. 585 Cub
Set deep within the pine forest and located only a short walk away from the world famous Zlatni Rat Beach is Club 585, a nightclub boasting a large outdoor dance floor with impressive DJ’s that play well into the night. The outdoor ambience and impressive styling are sure to create a memorable clubbing experience.
Keep an eye out for the regular and hugely popular events held at 585 Club!
Mainland Party Hot Spots
Of course, the entire Croatian coast comes alive during the summer, and while island hopping has its appeal, we couldn’t leave out some of our favourite party hotspots located on the mainland!
Dubrovnik
As a destination, Dubrovnik attracts travellers near and far for its unbelievable terracotta Old Town. With so much to do and see, Dubrovnik actually has an abundance of bars within its walls, but you may have to look a little more closely for its clubs. However, once you do find them, prepare to be impressed! To find out more about Dubrovnik, check out our Dubrovnik Guide or learn more about a Dubrovnik Cruise.
1. Revelin
The club of all clubs. Set in a 16th century fortress, does it get anymore epic than that? No, not really. Laser lights, fiery champagne bottles and confetti for days, Revelin is a hub for electronic vibes and deep EDM tunes. Get ready for a night to remember in an unforgettable space!
2. Skybar
For the club experienced, the party literally starts at midnight at Skybar! For the electronic and loud music enthusiasts, get ready for the craziest party in Dubrovnik. Just outside the Old Town, at Skybar you’ll find yourself enjoying the best beats, indulging in drinks by the bucket - literally - all while partying into the early hours.
Makarska
Makarska has some of the best nightlife in Dalmatia, however this inconspicuous destination is often missed by travellers! Hosting some of the best party places, you can’t miss Makarska on your summer adventure. To find out more about Makarska, check out our Makarska Guide.
1. Club Deep
The most iconic of them all is none other than Club Deep. Built into an actual cave, Club Deep gets the party started. Home to the famous Pirate Party on our Navigator Cruises, it’s not hard to see why this hotspot is a crowd favourite - you also can’t pass up the chance to say you partied in a cave! Blaring music, ocean views, and cocktails by the bucket, this really is party paradise.
2. Petar Pan
Is the name a coincidence? Probably not. This neverland of rnb, electronic and dance tunes attracts partygoers who are looking to party all night long. It’s the mainland's open-air club that still channels the same intensity as its coastal cousins like Hvar and Pag.
Split
An unmissable stop on your Croatian holiday, Split’s nightlife shouldn’t be missed either. Between all night dancing, drinking and top-notch tunes, the city itself parties with you wherever you go. During the summer, Split comes alive in a whole new way - don’t be surprised if your night starts on the Riva and you make your way through many of these hot spots as it progresses! To find out more about Split, check out our Split Guide.
1. Vanilla Club
Look no further for Split’s most popular club. Vanilla Club is notorious for providing the best night out in Split and remains a crowd favourite for locals and travellers. Get ready for limitless entertainment at this open-air venue lit up by performers and unforgettable beats.
2. Charlie’s Bar
For the mellow traveller looking for a great night, Charlie’s Bar is where to begin. It’s easy-going atmosphere is the perfect place to start your night with reasonably priced drinks catering to both locals and travellers. Found in an ally just outside the Palace, it’s one to add to your list
3. Central Club
During the summer, Central Club is invigorating. With world class music performed by renowned DJ’s, Central is an oasis for serious party people. The industrial interior is designed to provide the best sound system,so everyone can enjoy the music to the fullest. With 4 bars and various VIP sections, the choice of how to party your night away is yours!
4. Ultra Music Festival
While technically not a club, we couldn’t miss out mentioning one of the hottest parties in Croatia - Ultra Music Festival! This is the world famous electronic fiesta that is a dream for tens of thousands of partygoers. Ultra lures travellers from all over the world who are ready to let their hair down and listen to the hottest artists over 3 nights. From music moguls David Guetta and deadmau5 to Steve Aoki and Alesso, Ultra kicks off with hypnotic laser shows and dynamic pyrotechnics. If you’re visiting Split in July, this experience is unlike any other.
Tisno
A little coastal town, close to Zadar, Tisno is quietly turning into a party powerhouse. Hosting some of the best festivals in Croatia such as Garden Festival, Soundwave, Electric Elephant and Movement Croatia, Tisno will soon become the next hotspot travellers can’t pass up.
1. Barbarellas Discotheque
This seafront, after-hours club was named one of 25 best clubs in the world by The Guardian! Tisno may be humble in size, but what they lack in breadth they make up for with Barbarellas Discotheque. Packed with party-seekers looking to dance until dawn, Barbarellas have put Tisno on the map for being one of the best clubs loved by locals and visitors. Hosting epic parties with famed DJ’s, whilst you may have not heard of Tisno until now, it’s definitely one to remember!
Wherever your Croatian adventure takes you, rest assured that if you’re looking for epic beats, renowned talent, delicious drinks, and the ultimate party venues, Croatia’s party hotspots won’t disappoint!
2. Defected Croatia
Defected Croatia is one of the biggest music festivals to hit the coastal town of Tisno. A weeklong festival bringing house music heavyweights from all over the world to play at this waterfront paradise. The festival celebrates the hottest dance and house music talent and a unique approach to hedonism.
