gay travel in croatia

Queer Eye For The Croatian Island-Hopping Guy… Or Girl!

Posted on Last updated: December 1, 2023

Categories Croatia , Queer Holiday Inspiration

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

Croatia may not rank as one of the top gay-friendly countries in Europe, thanks to its largely conservative Catholic nature, but don’t let this deter you from seeing this from a spot of Croatian Gay Travel and experiencing this beautiful nation with pride. 

You’ll find that most of the big tourist cities and popular islands in Croatia are quite welcoming of the LGBTQIA+ community. There are actually now two pride parades held during the summer, one in Zagreb and one in Split .

Croatian gay travel often begins in Split since it puts you in a prime position to do some incredible island-hopping, where you’ll discover many gay-friendly spots to enjoy some trendy summer fun. Here are a few of the top islands in Croatia to put on your fabulous itinerary. 

In this article we will cover...

Hvar makes an easy first island to hit, with the roughly 1-hour ferry from Split to Hvar being one of Croatia’s most popular ferry routes with numerous daily sailings during summer. Many say Hvar was the first Croatian island to be labeled “Gay Friendly”.

This rather small island is easy to get around, and the nightlife is exceptional. Whether you like to dance or simply hold a cocktail in your hands, you’ll find the main area of town packed with bars and clubs, and while there are sadly not yet any dedicated gay bars, the energy and atmosphere are still excellent. 

One of the best daytime beach bars can be found at Hula Hula Hvar Beach Club, which offers up VIP tables, an open-air massage pavilion, and plenty of sun loungers to work on your tan. You can also grab a bite from one of the many cafes or restaurants in St. Stephen’s Square.

Take a quiet walk with your partner through the side streets, or make your way to the Spanish Fortress, aka Tvrdava Fortica, for some killer views over the city. The fort dates back to the early 16th century and even has cannons. There is also an old prison you can tour at the fort, just don’t drop the soap, or maybe do!

Visiting during summer also means you can walk through the local lavender fields, and you can always take a water taxi to explore one of the nearby Pakleni Islands, like Jerolim, where there is a popular nude beach. 

Nestled in-between Split and Hvar is the island of Brač. Here, you’ll find one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, which is known locally as Zlatni Rat Beach or by many tourists as Golden Horn Beach. Known for its famous shape that is constantly changing, it’s not only a great place to relax but also for water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing.

Brač is perfect if you love being active outdoors and working up a sweat. There are a number of great hiking trails on the island, including one that will take you to the summit of Vidova Gora, which is not only the highest point of the island but of all the Adriatic Islands. You’ll find the trailhead in the town of Bol, and the hike will take up about half a day. 

Another interesting hike which can only be accessed via a guided tour, takes you to the intriguing 15th-century Dragon’s Cave with its carvings of dragons and angels. If you prefer two wheels instead of lacing up hiking boots, there are also a number of challenging mountain bike trails to tackle.

Visit one of the local wineries, which produce both red and white varieties, to relax after a long day of outdoor recreation or continue to burn calories while also embracing your inner child at the local inflatable water park. 

Moving down the coast to Dubrovnik , we then have Lokrum Island, which is just a short 15-minute ferry ride offshore. The island is home to the most popular, mostly male, gay beach in Croatia, which can be found just beyond the end of the main nude beach. It’s a beautiful secluded spot surrounded by nature and a highlight of any Croatian gay travel. 

There are no cars on Lokrum, nor are there any accommodation options. It’s just a day-visit island which is probably all you’ll need. After working on your head-to-toe and everything in-between tan on the nude beach, head inland to cool down as you float in the shallow salt lake known as the Dead Sea. 

Scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed on Lokrum, you may recognize parts of fictional Qarth, and you can even sit in a replica of the Iron Throne, which is set in the local Benedictine Monastery.

There is also a lovely botanic garden where you can challenge the resident colorful peacocks to a strut-off. The gardens and peacocks are from a time when Austrian Archduke Maximilian, brother to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria , had a holiday home on the island. 

It will take you a few hours to reach Vis from Split since it’s the most remote inhabited island off Croatia’s mainland. Less touristy and more exclusive in feel, the island showcases many remnants of the various empires that have ruled it over the centuries. 

There are a number of great beaches here, the most notable being Stiniva beach which is popular with both lazy sunbathers and adventurous cliff jumpers. The island has largely escaped mass tourism to date thanks to only having been open to tourism for the last 30 years. 

Life on Vis is a relaxing affair, where you can check out the local wineries or seek out filming locations from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again . Many of the highlights of a trip to Vis are actually found offshore though.

The best way to visit the many top sites around Vis is via a full-day boat tour that will take you to various nearby islands. You can, of course, choose to do just simple trips to individual islands as well if you’d prefer. 

The main natural sites to see include the magical Blue Cave of Biševo Island, and Ravnik Island, which offers up a Green Cave where, unlike the Blue Cave, you can swim and snorkel. 

Travel Guide

• Things to Do
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Getting Around
• Regions in Brief
• Calendar of Events
• Tips on Accommodations
• Getting There
• Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism
• Escorted & Package Tours
• Health & Insurance
• Tips for Families
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Tips for Senior Travelers
• Tips for Single Travelers
• Tips for Student Travelers
• Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
• Tips for Women Travelers
• Staying Connected
• Active Pursuits
• Suggested Itineraries

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Croatia

Gay & Lesbian Travelers

In Roman Catholic Croatia, gays are tolerated but not celebrated. The country legalized homosexuality in 1977, but overt homosexual behavior is frowned upon in general and may be met with hostility in rural areas. Except for a few places in Zagreb, gay clubs are almost nonexistent, though some nightclubs and discos are patronized almost exclusively by homosexuals. During the summer, many gays frequent FKK (nudist) beaches, the city of Dubrovnik, and the island of Hvar. As in many other cities worldwide, the last Saturday in June is Gay Pride Day in Zagreb.

Although many agencies offer tours and travel itineraries specifically for gay and lesbian travelers, few include Croatia on their list of destinations. The IGLTA/International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (www.iglta.org; tel. 954/630-1637 ) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and it offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses and tour operators. For Croatia-specific tips, check out the Friendly Croatia website www.friendlycroatia.com, which includes destination guides for gays.

Gay Travel (www.gaytravel.com; tel. 858/504-7132 ) is an agency specializing in the LGBT community and helping them find gay-friendly destinations. Zagreb and Dubrovnik are included in the agency’s portfolio.

Out Adventures (www.out-adventures.com; tel. 866/360-1152 ) specializes in LGBT travel. In 2014, it included a 10-day Croatia Gay Cruise & Tour in its portfolio.

Out Traveler (www.outtraveler.com) is an LGBT travel site that posts occasional articles about Croatia.

British travelers should click on the “Travel” link at thegayuk.com for advice and gay-friendly trip ideas.

The following travel guides are available at many bookstores, or can be ordered from any online bookseller: “ Spartacus International Gay Guide, 2014–2015” (Briand Bedford; www.spartacusworld.com), and the “ Damron” guides (www.damron.com), with separate annual books for gay men and lesbians .

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Gay Croatia: A Guide to a Summer Paradise Feb. 13 2021 by misterb&b

Croatia! The birth place of Nikola Tesla, the tie and the parachute. But, for sure, these are for not the reasons why you're planning on this being your next vacation spot! Known for having the cleanest waters, Croatia is currently one of the most desirable place to visit in Europe, partly thanks to being featured so heavily in TV series Game of Thrones .

But where should you visit while you're in gay Croatia and where should you stay? Here's our round-up of the top four Croatian hotspots to rest your head while you're visiting this beautiful country. From the best gay beaches Croatia has on offer, to dreamy sojourns in Dubrovnik, here's how to make your gay Croatia travel experience one to remember...

DUBROVNIK A place made beautiful by its 16th-century stone walls, it's an easy land to navigate by foot. Entering through the Pile gate will transport you to a wonderful spot to travel to for your honeymoon or your next Mediterranean cruise.

To add some culture to your adventure, visit Dubrovnik Aquarium and Maritime Museum. Wake up at one of the many hotels facing the Adriatic Sea. This is the land of history. It can get very crowded in summer, especially when cruise ships dock at the new port.

Places of interest: Placa (Stradun) in the old town: A cobbled stone street where you can get local hand-crafted goods and a bite to eat. Walk the walls Look down at the mortals below you as you get to see the city in full view (entry fee around 15 euros). Old port Breakwater Porporela is said to be the place for lovers. Indeed, it's a popular place for couples to take long, romantic walks. Buža I or II Two open-air bars cut directly into the rocks, facing the sea. Lokrum island 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!

ZAGREB The capital of Croatia, where the gay community is thriving. With plenty of men-only saunas to rejuvenate yourself after exploring the country with Uroboros mountaineering club, or from checking out the nightlife. This is truly gay Croatia at its best. Spend your days exploring the city's main sights, before discovering the Croatia gay bars about town.

Places of interest: Jarun lake A gay nude beach. The upper town Don't miss this walk through the winding streets of Zagreb. It climbs a little! Museum of the Broken Relationships A unique museum revolving around the concept of failed relationships and their ruins.

SPLIT A sweet provincial town. In the center lays a complex known as Diocletian’s palace. It was erected (go ahead and giggle) in the 4th century by one of the last Roman emperors. Split is the second place to have its own pride day after Zagreb, proving that gay life in Croatia is out and proud in the main. We recommend checking out The Croatian National Theatre (built in 1893), or, if you're planning on visiting during the summer, check out the tunes at the Split Music Festival.

Places of interest: The old town The entire city center is one huge historical site, with narrow, cobbled streets that  bring you right back to Roman times. Marjan Hill It's a symbol of Split; the perfect place to take a break from the hectic lifestyle of the city, especially during the high season in July and August. Academia ghetto club Not strictly gay, but gay-friendly. Duilovo beach Sadly not one of the many places to get rid of a tan line, but has a cruising spot near by, so counts as a solid gay beach Croatia. Kasjun beach Very cruisy hot spot, and one of the top gay beaches Croatia will show you.

HVAR A ferry ride can take you from Split to this island off the Dalmatian coast, where the main square (also the largest in Croatia) is paved in stone bricks. This is the place to rejuvenate yourself, take deep breaths of clean air and have it taken away from the spectacular green hills.

Take a hike up to Španjola Fortress; don't worry if the trip takes a bit out of you as there's a small eatery in the center of the fortress. Some parts have narrow streets taking you back in time. You'll want to rent a boat to explore the pristine coves of Hvar and the islands around. Or just watch the massive yachts in the port and hope to stumble into a visiting celebrity.

Places of interest: Jerolim island A five-minute boat ride from Hvar Town, Jerolim is the most popular gay hot spot, with a very popular rocky gay nude beach. Pakelni islands A sucession of coves and beaches, a few restaurants and beach clubs, to be discovered by boat. Carpe Diem : A nice lounge bar out on the harbor where you can dance if you want to and leave your friends behind. They also have a beach, accessible by boat, day and night.

Croatia isn't a gay utopia yet but it has been making great strides. While Croatia was ranked 17th in overall LGBTG rights out of 49 observed European countries by the ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association), the country's active local scene, along with its history and unparalleled beauty make it a noteworthy destination to visit. Have fun exploring, learning, and making new friends in Croatia. ●

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