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Croatia at night – The land of refinement and relaxed nighttime activity
Away from the boutique dance spots and the teeming streets of some of Croatia’s bigger cities like Split, Zagreb and Rijeka, there are tranquil, relaxed locations that are perfect for refined, intimate nighttime entertainment.
Whether it be gazing at the stars in the clear night sky, enjoying some live jazz, dining on the local, regional cuisine and wine, or even just going for a pine-scented stroll around the coastal edge, you can guarantee that Croatia at night offers refined and relaxed entertainment that suits your tastes, on your terms.
These kinds of after-dark excursions are dotted all over Croatia, so with our expert insider knowledge we have put together our top tips and ideas for enjoying the balmy evenings at a slower, more leisurely, but no less enjoyable pace!
Stargazing in Croatia
Despite boasting only a handful of large cities, most of Croatia’s population is concentrated in the metropolises, leaving great swathes of the country devoid of any light pollution.
This means that Croatia is perfect for stargazing under bejewelled skies, with the map of the cosmos easily viewable and ready to make jaws drop.
However, there are certain locations throughout the country that give you a better chance of capturing some of these spectacular views. Places like Gacko polje (a valley in northern Croatia near to the Northern Velebit National Park) are perfect spots to marvel at the night sky, while hiking to the Vojak at the Učka mountain peak also offers fine views of the stars.
Another top tip is to check out the Petrova gora forest, which is renowned for its beautiful dark starry skies in relative proximity to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. This makes it an attractive destination for astronomy and science-related activities to the majority of the country’s population.
It has earned international Dark Sky Park (IDSP) certification and is the first International Dark Sky Place in Croatia. Petrova gora joins 15 other International Dark Sky Places in Europe that strives to protect the night sky and preserve the beauty of starry skies for current and future generations. It’s safe to say that this is the country’s premium stargazing spot.
Sunset tour of Zadar by speedboat
Is there really any better endorsement than that?
Zadar is an ancient town full of Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes and beautiful museums, set on a small peninsula on the Adriatic coast. Zadar is the perfect location to enjoy a microcosm of what Croatia at night can offer, without the teeming crowds.
The perfect way to see the rectangular town and its archipelago? Why not take a speedboat tour at sunset to experience truly stunning views of the town, the shimmering Adriatic and much more.
Sunset tours typically last up to three hours and take in the likes of the small port of Foša, the fountain of Kolovare (the only Sphinx north from Egypt), the numerous islands dotted around the peninsula and, of course, the town’s world-famous Sea Organ monument. It’s the perfect, luxury way to unwind and experience a different perspective of Zadar and the Adriatic.
Tickle your tastebuds in Primošten
Situated north of Split and south of Šibenik, the picture-postcard town of Primošten is a splendid location in which to experience authentic, local food and delicious, world-class wine, all within a fairytale-like maze of adorable and evocative cobbled streets.
Live music echoes around the main square in the summer, but Primošten is also the perfect town to taste Croatia at its best. Sumptuous local fish and shellfish dishes are made from freshly-caught fruits of the sea, while grilled meats and steaks are also popular local Dalmatian alternatives. The town’s surrounding ‘stone lace’ vineyards also provide oodles of delicious wine that can help to wash down a tasty evening meal, and unwind after an unforgettable day of exploring.
Our Tip: Looking for that perfect Adriatic view for dinner? If you time it right, these restaurants look out onto the perfect sunset setting
A nighttime stroll in Lovrencina
Throughout Croatia, there are picturesque walking trails that help you see towns and cities in a new perspective, and help walk off the substantial local food and wine you’ve just consumed!
One such trail is near Lovrecina Beach and situated in a beautiful, forested bay, only four kilometres from Postira on the island of Brač. Country trails and paths meander along the sea edge under the trees from Postira, so it’s possible to cycle or walk if the mood takes you.
Visit the Pula Colosseum in the summer
Often known as the best-kept secret in Croatia, Pula is the capital of Istria – one of the four historical and cultural regions of the country.
Walk down its narrow, cobbled streets towards the harbour’s edge and you’ll stumble across the magnificent Pula Arena, a stunning Roman amphitheater that dates back to between 27BC – 68AD.
If you’re in the town during the summer, the amphitheater is home to wonderful laid back festivals and performances. Everything from film festivals, concerts, opera, ballet and sport take place within these incredibly well-preserved Roman walls.
And, while the tunnels were once used by the gladiators, these same tunnels are now home to regular exhibitions of viticulture and olive growing in Istria.
Dubrovnik summer festivals
The Renaissance-Baroque city of Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a must-visit on any trip to Croatia.
Throughout the summer, visitors can experience a program of classical music, theatre, opera and dance performances all under the warm summer sky. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a magical backdrop to the world’s most illustrious and revered musicians, dancers and composers, who flock to the city to take part in this special annual event.
Live jazz in Istria
Located in the town of Poreč, in the northern region of Istria, the Valamar Jazz Festival is an event for those with a more discerning ear.
Held annually in venues like the Lapidarium Jazz Club, the stunning Euphrasian Basilica and on the small island St. Nikola, the festival is a must for those who not only love this style of music, but also those who love live music in stunning locations amidst a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
We also appreciate that there is a lot to consider with post-COVID 19 travel, so if, like us, you are raring to go and experience Croatia at night in 2021, please contact our expert team today who can talk you through all the measures we have taken to ensure safe and secure travel in 2021.
