Gay Croatia, Europe’s emerging gay hot spot.
Over the past few years more and more gay travellers have been flocking to the beaches of Croatia, attracted by a more relaxed gay scene and better value for money when compared to other Mediterranean destinations.
Croatia has amazing beaches to explore, many of them very gay-friendly!
Croatia is a country with stunning island retreats and a long golden coastline, authentic cuisine, and a mild climate. Croatia is part of the Mediterranean heritage so expect gastronomic delicacies and luscious wines when visiting local restaurants. While the nightly gay scene tends to be on the quieter side, the daytime beaches are full of hot guys looking for fun. Indeed Croatia has some of the top nudist beaches in Europe and is the perfect escape for those seeking a relaxing holiday filled with sunshine and surprises.
Life in Gay Croatia
Homosexuality is legal in Croatia. The gay scene is more developed in the larger cities such as Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Croatia passed the Life Partnership Act in 2014. The Life Partnership Act allows gay couples to receive the same legal benefits as heterosexual couples for just about everything except adoption right.
All of the tourist destinations in Croatia are gay-friendly, although discretion is advised in the more rural villages.
Visit the capital Zagreb
Gay Zagreb is home to some of the country’s busiest gay bars and clubs.
Over the past decade, Zagreb’s gay scene has become more developed and the city more cosmopolitan. While the city is small, the gay scene is quite varied. The city’s longstanding gay venues is Hotpot. During the Summer, Jarun lake has a popular gay nude beach!
Zagreb is steeped in history and the city has some great outdoor cafes on its winding streets, perfect for people watching.
Don’t miss:
- Colorful St Mark’s Church – an iconic attraction because of its chequered-tile roof displaying the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia, brightening the focal square named after it
- Museum of Broken Relationships – bizarre yet popular museum illustrates doomed romantic liaisons by way of the unusual souvenirs, personal letters and strange artifacts that arise as couples uncouple.
- Nikola Tesla Technical Museum – The Technical Museum houses a planetarium, a collection of rare transport, a mock-up of a coalmine and a cabinet of Tesla’s bizarre creations.
- Brunch at Bonk – Bonk is both a vibrant café next to the charming Sunday flea market indulgent pancakes, healthy fruit bowls and a full English breakfast all feature on the extensive menu.
- Dine out in style – Situated at the end of a beautiful courtyard, the high-end traditional restaurant Baltazar will guarantee an exceptional evening with great food.
Gay Zagreb Hotels – our top pick!
Situated between the main pedestrian street and Zagreb’s old town close to Ban Jelacic Square, this hotel is great for exploring the city during the day and the bars at night. Founded in 1827, Hotel Jagerhorn is the city’s oldest standing hotel.
Situated in the real heart of Zagreb, The Hotel Le Premier offers a 5 star luxurious service in the best location in Zagreb.
Clean modern design apartments in the heart of the city, close to the gay bars and Zagreb’s major attractions.
All things Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik
Retake the steps of famous Game of Thrones characters in Dubrovnik
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovkik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,”. Dubrovnik is a medieval seaside town surrounded by massive city walls dating back to the 16th century. The walls hide an inner town complete with narrow, cobblestone streets made famous during the filming of Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik is regarded as the gay-friendliest city in Croatia thanks to the constant influx of tourists and friendly locals . While there is no specific gay scene in this small city, there are many gay-friendly options for a sunset cocktail. The Cele Dubrovnik Gourmet & Lounge, is a mixed gay friendly venue popular for people watching and drinks.
Don’t Miss:
- Walk the City Walls – The walk also has some of the best photo opportunities in Dubrovnik, with epic sea views at every turn. Take a relaxed pace. vist in the afternoon, its not as hot and there are less tourists.
- Cable car up Mount Srđ – Take the bright orange cable car that zooms up Mount Srđ it’s a spectacular ride!
- Visit Lokrum Island – Taxi boats leave every half hour, and you could be relaxing under the pines in just twenty minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
- Island dining – Hop on a boat to escape the hustle and bustle of the gay Dubrovnik to the island of Koločep, one of the three Elaphite Islands where you will find Villa Ruža serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine and offering stunning views.
Dubrovnik Gay Beaches
On the way to Lokrum Island’s Gay Beach near Dubrovnik!
As elsewhere in Croatia, naturist beaches are a popular meeting place for gay guys, especially the one on Lokrum Island close to Dubrovnik. Ten minutes from Dubrovnik by boat, this is a hot spot and busy gay nude beach. If you are looking for the best of the best, this is THE gay beach Croatia should be proud of! Just look out for the sign “FKK” which denotes nude sunbathing.
Where to stay – tips!
If you wish to stay in the centre of Dubrovnik, an apartment may be your best option as there are not many hotels in the old town. Most of the hotels are located outside the city centre. These 4 and 5 star options offer amazing pools, spas and beach-side retreats. Discover the best rates now.
Dubrovnik Hotel Recommendations
Just 5 minutes’ walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this beachfront 5-star hotel is a local landmark. It offers a luxurious 850 m² spa and 3 restaurants. Hotel Excelsior offers elegant rooms with modern amenities and is the perfect base to explore the city’s historical centre.
This is the perfect hotel if you want to escape each day from the hustle of the city streets. Great pool. Large rooms.
The Zelenci apartments are located right in the centre of Dubrovnik Old Town perfect for those wishing to explore the city.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Villa Magnolia features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking. The Villa is perfect for groups and special occasions.
Split, Croatia’s city by the beach
Split with its famous sea-front promenade.
Split is a charming town complete with its own gay pride parade. The entire centre is one huge historical site with narrow cobbled streets that date back to the roman era. In the centre lays a complex known as Diocletian’s palace. Ghetto Bar is the unofficial Split gay bar
Duilovo beach in Split is a popular gay beach during the Summer and comes complete with a cruising spot nearby. Kasjun beach is even more popular.
Don’t Miss:
- Diocletian’s Palace – The living, breathing heart of Split, dotted with scores of shops, cafés and restaurants, tucked down curious passageways and hiding in corners of enclosed courtyards.
- Cruise the Riva – The Riva is where Spličani stroll, pose, meet, greet, chat, interact, sit, watch and, most of all, take coffee.
- Uje Oil Bar – More than just bistro –first class olive oils and wines paired with seasonal dishes, divine!
Split Hotel Recommendations
If you are after a room with a view, this hotel won’t disappoint. The Marvie Hotel has a spa centre, a rooftop outdoor pool, and a restaurant, and is just 1.5 km from Diocletian’s Palace and 650 m from the nearest beach. Free WiFi access is provided in all areas.
One of the few hotels located in the centre of Split with a stunning pool, large rooms and great facilities.
Perfect location, the Jupiter offers luxuriously decorated rooms and feature free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.
Gay Map of Split
Dosud 10 21000 Split, Croatia
Ghetto Bar is the unofficial Split gay bar you will not want to leave
popular gay beach
popular gay beach with a cruising spot nearby
Grabovčeva širina 1, Split
Jupiter Luxury Hotel is situated inside the UNESCO-protected Diocletian Palace, near the Temple of Jupiter. Free sauna facilities are available on site, as well as an à-la-carte gourmet restaurant. Hotel’s rooftop terrace offers a stylish lounge bar and an outdoor hot-tub.
All rooms are luxuriously decorated and feature free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. They also feature a minibar, a safe and LCD satellite TV. All come with an iPod docking station. Modern bathrooms feature a shower or hot tub, while the rooms overlook Split Old Town.
Hatzeov perivoj 3, Split,
Built in 1921 and completely restructured in 2015, the Hotel Park Split is a traditional first-class hotel in the centre of Split, right next to the famous Bačvice beach. It offers an outdoor pool and an upscale restaurant. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
Each of the air-conditioned rooms is a combination of contemporary comfort with traditional elegance and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a safe. Spacious bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Perišića 1, Split, Croatia
Opened in July 2017 and offering a spa centre, a rooftop outdoor pool, and a restaurant, Marvie Hotel is located in Split, 1.5 km from Diocletian's Palace and 650 m from the nearest beach. Free WiFi access is provided in all areas.
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Hvar – Croatia’s Party Town
The turquoise-blue seas of Hvar are breathtaking.
Hvar is one of the most visited Croatian islands, famous for its vibrant nightlife scene and beautiful natural landscapes with tourists enjoying the outdoor restaurants and bars, creating a real holiday vibe.
A ferry ride will take you from Split to this island off the Dalmatian coast. When you get to the Island, rent a boat (with our without a Captain) and explore all interesting beaches dotted across Hvar’s coast.
Jerolim is the most popular gay hangout, with a rocky but busy gay nude beach. In summer, regular taxi-boats depart from the old harbour (journey time: 10 minutes; note that all visitors must leave by sunset). Rent a scooter and explore the best the island has to offer.
Don’t Miss:
- Visit the Spanish Fort – a prime location for panoramic shots of the town below, as well as views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Lunch at Dubovica Beach Bar – a secluded gem with a simple and fresh seafood menu – get your fish straight from the hot coals.
- Explore Stari Grad – the fortress-esque summer residence of Croatian Poet Petar Hektorović
- Sunsets to remember – Hula Hula Beach Bar is the place to experience your first sunset in Hvar, with unadulterated views of the sun setting over the nearby Pakleni Islands.
- Dine at Dalmatino – if you can get a table, grab i. Great fish and meat options.
Where to stay in Hvar
Located in Hvar and featuring a private pool and a furnished terrace, Hotel Villa Rosmarinus is just 300 m from the nearest beach. Sea views are provided from all rooms, while free WiFi is accessible through the property.
The oldest hotel on Hvar, framed by St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Hvar Theatre. Perfect location.
Situated on a secluded bay, this luxury hotel is located near a beach and features a multi-level pool.
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