Croatia in October 2021

Visiting Croatia in October 2021

Summer may have finished, by visiting Croatia in October is still possible…and highly recommended! We take a look at what you can see and do this month in Croatia, as well as what you need to know for travelling there.

Croatia in October 2021

Travelling from the UK to Croatia in October

Negative tests NO LONGER REQUIRED for double vaccinated travellers from the UK

Latest update As of 24th October, fully vaccinated travellers returning to England from Croatia (or indeed, from anywhere else) can book a cheaper lateral flow test or a PCR test for the required day 2 test. See Travel to England from another country during coronavirus on the GOV.UK website for more details – and to check the rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Latest update As of 1st October, double vaccinated travellers from the UK no longer need a negative test to enter Croatia…great news! Obviously, if you are not fully vaccinated and/or cannot prove you have had covid in the previous 365 days, you do still need a negative test to enter the country. Full details of this here: Double vaccinated UK travellers to Croatia no longer need a negative test.

New travel rules for England from 4th October

On Monday 4th October at 4am, the travel rules for England change. The green and amber lists are being combined into one ‘safe list’ whilst the red list remains…red. Croatia is currently on the green list, so will definitely be on the new safe list from this date.

The rules for travelling back from a safe list country – including Croatia – from 4th October vary depending on whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

If you are fully vaccinated, to travel back from Croatia to England, you need:

  • book and pay for a day 2 PCR test (a test to get back into England is no longer required) – we recommend Randox
  • complete the passenger locator form in the 48 hours before returning to England
  • do the day 2 test

If you are NOT fully vaccinated, to travel back from Croatia to England, you need:

  • take a pre-departure test in the 3 days before returning to England
  • book and pay for day 2 and day 8 PCR tests – we recommend Randox
  • complete the passenger locator form in the 48 hours before returning to England
  • quarantine at home/your place of stay for 10 days
  • do the day 2 and day 8 tests

This is a change as, up until 4th October, non-vaccinated and vaccinated had to do a pre-departure test to return to England…and non-vaccinated travellers did not have to quarantine for 10 days.

Travelling from elsewhere to Croatia in October

As well as the major change mentioned above – that double vaccinated travellers from the UK no longer need a negative test to enter Croatia – there have been some additional rule changes as of 1st October 2021:

  • If you are entering Croatia using a vaccination certificate, the second dose of your vaccine (or single dose in the case of single-dose vaccines) must have been administered within the previous 365 days. (This number of days has changed – it was previously 270 days.)
  • If you are entering Croatia using a positive test result from a previous covid infection (at least 11 days must have passed the test result!), this is valid if the test has been taken in the previous 365 days (also previously 270 days)

Take a look at our Croatia Travel Restrictions page for other regulations, and do also take a look at the rules posted on the Ministry of the Interior website.

Flights from the UK & Ireland to Croatia in October

There are still plenty of flights to Croatia if you fancy an October break! They include:

To Zagreb

  • British Airways 5x then 4x/week from London Heathrow for the rest of the year
  • Croatia Airlines 3x/week from London Heathrow for the rest of the year
  • Croatia Airlines 2x/week from Dublin for the rest of the year
  • Ryanair daily from London Stansted for the rest of the year
  • (Note: Ryanair will start flying 2x/week from Manchester, and 3x/week from Dublin from 2nd December)

To Pula

  • Easyjet 1x/week from London Luton until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Bristol until 30th October
  • Ryanair 3/x week from London Stansted until 28th October

To Zadar

  • Ryanair 5/x week from London Stansted until 30th October
  • Ryanair 2/x week from Manchester until 30th October
  • Ryanair 2/x week from Edinburgh until 27th October
  • Ryanair 2/x week from Dublin until 27th October

To Split

  • Easyjet 3x then 2x/week from London Gatwick until 30th October
  • Easyjet 4x then 3x/week from London Luton until 31st October
  • Easyjet 5x/week from Bristol until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Manchester until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Glasgow until 24th October
  • Easyjet 5x/week from Belfast until 30th October
  • Ryanair 3/x week from Dublin until 29th October
  • Wizzair 2x from London Luton until 30th October
  • TUI 2x/week from Manchester until 8th October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from London Stansted until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Birmingham until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 3x then 2/x week from Manchester until 30th October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Leeds Bradford until 16th October

To Dubrovnik

  • British Airways daily from London Heathrow until 31st October
  • Easyjet 3x/week from London Gatwick until 30th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Bristol until 31st October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Manchester until 9th October
  • Easyjet 2x/week from Edinburgh until 6th November
  • TUI 1x/week from London Gatwick until 24th October
  • TUI 1x/week from Manchester until 24th October
  • Jet2.com 3/x week from London Stansted until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Birmingham until 30th October
  • Jet2.com 3/x week from Manchester until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 1/x week from Newcastle until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 2/x week from Leeds Bradford until 31st October
  • Jet2.com 2/x week from Edinburgh until 24th October
  • Aer Lingus 3x/week from Dublin until 30th October

That’s a lot of flights! Take a look at our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland 2021 page for the full schedule.

Events in Croatia in October

There’s absolutely loads on in Croatia this month! Take a look at some of the highlights below:

  • Autumn is truffle season in Istria! Zigante Truffle Days actually stretches out from 18th September to 14th November 2021; this year, it’s primarily centred around Restaurant Zigante in Livade in northeastern Istria
  • The Zadar Street Food Festival is on now (until 3rd October) – take your pick from food stalls offering delicacies from local restaurants 
  • The annual professional road cycling CroRace is on from 28th September to 3rd October; there are six stages taking place across the country, from Osijek in eastern Croatia to central Dalmatia, to Istria and then finishing in Zagreb on the final Sunday. Pop along if you’re in one of these regions to watch the cyclists whizzing past (or watch it on TV for lovely scenes of Croatia!).
  • Northern Croatian town Koprivnica hosts the Podravski Motivi / Podravina Motfis on 2nd & 3rd October, showcasing items typical from the region (such as naive art) as well as young wine and chestnuts
  • Dubrovnik’s Triathlon will be taking place on land and in the waters around the city on 2nd October – there will be different races for experienced triathletes as well as first-timers 
  • In a similar(ish) vein, the 29th Zagreb Marathon will be hitting the streets of Croatia’s capital on 10th October 
  • Dubrovnik Film Festival is on from 14th to 17th October
  • On the island of Krk, the Baska Outdoor Festival offers outdoor adventures for all abilities and ages over a weekend in mid-October (15th to 17th)
  • Held all over Croatia, Restaurant Week (Tjedan Restorana) is on from 15th to 24th October – participating restaurants (check the website!) offer menus for a special price
  • The Biograd Boat Show, the largest such event in Croatia, is taking place from 20th to 24th October  

Weather in Croatia in October

The weather forecast is looking exceedingly lovely for the first part of October – along the coast (and the further south you go, the better your chances of warm weather) in places such as Split and Dubrovnik, you’ll find temperatures of low to mid-20s Celsius every day. There are occasional rain showers forecast, yes, but most days will see plenty of sun. The long-range forecast for October is the same. Further north up the coast temperatures will be similar if a few degrees less; inland likewise also with more mixed weather (more rain).

Take a look at the Croatian Meteorological Service website for forecasts.

What to See and Do

October is the month that straddles the seasons in Croatia – whilst the early part of the month may well be very pleasant indeed (see under “Weather” above!) the temperature slowly declines. On the coast you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine although it will probably be a little too cold for sea swimming; hitting the pool, meanwhile, should be okay! We would certainly recommend heading to destinations in and around Split and Dubrovnik, as well as Istria, for a holiday this month. The islands, however, will be a bit on the quiet side…so we’d suggest leaving these for another trip next year.

October is traditionally the month that ‘tourist facilities’ (restaurants, bars, cafes and similar catering to visitors) start shutting up shop towards the end of the month before the cold months set in, so you’ll still be able to enjoy these.

This October is Croatian Tourism Month (unfortunately, the website appears to be in Croatian only!). Some tourist services, facilities and venues – including accommodation, restaurants and cultural attractions – across the country are offering discounts of 35% off.

Do be aware that ferry/catamaran schedules (i.e. Jadrolinija‘s) change from high season to low season ones in early October, so take this into account if you’re planning on travelling around. Bus schedules will also see fewer buses on long-distance routes, but you’ll still have plenty of choice.

Plitivice Lakes in autumn
The Plitvice Lakes in autumn

October is a great month to make the most of some of Croatia’s top experiences – without all the summer crowds – particularly with the country taking on an autumnal hue. If you’re able to do, we’d certainly recommend a trip to one of Croatia’s national or nature parks, such as Plitvice or Krka.

Zagreb is an excellent choice for Croatia in October – there’s plenty to explore (sights, restaurants, experiences, even shopping) and it’s a very easy city to navigate.

We hope you enjoy Croatia in October!

What's on in Croatia in October

What’s on in Croatia in October

October may not exactly be prime beach weather, but there’s still plenty to see and do in Croatia in October! Read on below for some of the most interesting events taking place in Croatia this month.

Croatia in October

The CroRace

Formerly known as the Tour of Croatia (and having previously taken place in April in the last four years), CroRace will tour Croatia from 1st to the 6th October. Starting from Osijek and ending up in Zagreb, this year’s race will feature a number of Croatia’s beautiful national and nature parks (fourteen in total!) – including Plitvice, Krka Paklenica national parks, and Papuk, Ucka and Medvednica nature parks. A number of top teams, including last year’s winner Bahrain Merida, will be taking part as will cyclist Maciej Paterski who won the first event in 2015. If you’re in Croatia during this time and near the route, pop along to cheer on the cyclists! If you’re not, you can still view beautiful Croatia on TV – the race will be televised all over the world; in Europe, Eurosport will have coverage.

Croatia in October – Chestnuts Galore

October is a top month for a number of food-related festivals in Istria. One of the most popular is Marunada in Lovran (close to Opatija), which is dedicated to sweet chestnuts. First held in 1973, this festival is dedicated to a special type of chestnut – ‘Maruni’ – which grows in the Opatija Riviera; these chestnuts are larger, sweeter and can be peeled more easily than other types of chestnuts. Marunada offers the chance to sample all sorts of products made from chestnuts – cakes, pancakes, puree, pies, even chestnut goulash! And if you haven’t even ever tasted roasted chestnuts, you’re really missing out! There’s also plenty of other food to sample at this festival, and other things to enjoy – including live music and sports. Marunada will be helf in Lovran from 11th – 13th October 2019, and then in nearby Dobrec on 19th & 20th October and in Linganj on 26th & 27th October. Ask locally for more details, or see some more info at the Lovran Tourist Board website or the official Marunada website.

Croatia in October – Truffle Season

Istria is rich in truffles and October is the best month of the year for white truffles, which are the most valuable kind. Although events celebrating truffles are held in various locations throughout autumn, it’s in October when you have plenty of choice for different festivals – these include the Zigante Truffle Days held in Livade in inland Istria, close to Motovun. Actually held over ten weekends from the 14th September to the 17th November (which means every weekend in October!), you can sample all sorts of delicacies made from truffles as well as other gastronomic delights from Istria. You can even enjoy a guided truffle hunting tour in the Motovun forest, and on one weekend (19th & 20th October) there’s the International White Truffle Hunt Competition at which you can watch the master (human and dog!) at work, searching for truffles.

Motovun itself hosts the one-day Festival of Teran Wine and Truffles (19th October 2019) which showcases the local Teran wine as well as truffles.

Gastro Delights in Dubrovnik

So, your mouth may be salivating at the thought of all the above mentioned culinary masterpieces…but what if you’re visiting the opposite end of the country to Istria i.e. Dubrovnik? You’re still in luck! The Good Food Festival (14th – 20th October 2019) is now in its sixth edition and will feature a number of tours, lectures, presentations and workshops (for example, on making special Croatian dishes). Numerous Dubrovnik cafes, bars and restaurants will also take part, either hosting special tasting events or offering special menus for the week-long event. One of the main components of the Festival is the ‘Dubrovnik Table’ (usually on the Sunday) in which a table the length of Stradun (!) is used by local restaurants and businesses to show off their gastronomic delights – you can buy a reasonably priced ticket and then sample many of these delicious items!

More details can be found on the Dubrovnik Tourist Office website.

The Dubrovnik Film Festival (15th – 20th October) also takes place in the city at roughly the same time as the above!

Istra & Craft Beer Festival

If you don’t care so much about food and a cold beer is more your kind of thing, the second Istra & Craft Beer Festival will take place in Porec in the first week of October (actually, 28th September to 6th October). The best Croatian independent and craft brewers will showcase their beers; live music and food will also be there for you to enjoy! See the official website for more details: www.istracraftbeer.com.

Boating and Sailing Enthusiasts

Croatia’s largest boat fair (and, in fact, the largest in Central and Eastern Europe) is the Biograd Boat Show, taking place in this sweet little town, famous for its expansive marina, that’s close to Zadar. The 21st Show will be held from the 17th to 20th October 2019 and will likely have over 300 exhibitors and over 300 boats on display.

Outdoor events

If you’re an outdoorsy-activity kind of traveller, you may well be interested in the Baska Outdoor Festival held in and around Baska on the island of Krk, 11th to 13th October 2019. There’s mountain biking, zipling, trekking and more! A full programme of all the events of the Festival can be downloaded from the Baska Tourist Office website.

Other Events in Croatia in October

Here’s a few more events taking place in Croatia in October!

  • International Prosciutto Fair, Tinjan, Istria (18th – 20th October)
  • The 28th Zagreb Marathon takes place in the city on 13th October – pop along to see elite athletes pounding the streets.
  • Close to Zagreb is the town of Ivanic-Grad where the 15th ‘Bucijada’ Pumpkin Festival will take place on the weekend of 4th to 6th October. As well as a fair showing pumpkins and pumpkin products, there’s workshops, music and fun for kids.

Do also check out our Events in Croatia page for more events taking place in the final months of the year!

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner, 4th November 2016

This year’s British Croatian Society Annual Dinner will take place on 4th November at the wonderful Queen’s Club in West London. The private members club is the first multipurpose sports complex ever to be built anywhere in the world, and is situated in a both tranquil and charming setting.

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner 2016

A drinks reception will be held from 6.30pm, followed by a dinner at 7.30pm. Dress code is lounge suit/smart casual.

Tickets for the annual dinner cost £45 for members or £50 for non-members.

If you’d like to book a ticket, please email britishcroatiansociety@gmail.com with your name and that of anyone else in your party. Payment for tickets can be made on the British Croatian Society website at www.britishcroatiansociety.com/events.

The British Croatian Society hopes to see you at the dinner!

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner
Friday 4th November 2016
The Queen’s Club
Palliser Road
London
W14 9EQ
www.britishcroatiansociety.com

British Croatian Society on Facebook

Membrain Festival comes to Croatia’s coast this August

There’s another new name on the Croatian festival scene this summer – Membrain Festival (18th to 21st August 2016)! Taking place near Sibenik, Membrain is a festival of bass culture with some of the best-known names of the European Underground bass scene appearing on the bill. The festival’s rich line-up will also include educational lectures and workshops, a wonderful location making the most of the local environment, and catering consisting of the best local Dalmatian produce.

Membrain Festival

Membrain will be taking place in the bay of Minerska, which is around 10km from Sibenik. The festival site is an abandoned ex-military base surrounded by thick pine forest; next to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic sea and a beautiful beach, there’s plenty to do all day long.

Membrain Festival

Membrain Festival

Membrain Festival’s Line-Up

The artists on Membrain Festival’s line-up will all be performing for the very first time on Croatia soil, solidifying Membrain’s unique concept. The bill will see a very wide spectrum of bass music genres; on the festival’s three main stages and a solar stage there will be more than sixty European and regional artists. Drum and Bass, Liquid, Dubstep, Dub, Ragga, Jungle, Jump-up, Grime, Global and more will all entertain the bass addicted audience.

The best-known headliner is surely UK duo Hybrid Minds. Having gained considerable critical acclaim over the last few years, they’ve reached the top of the underground scene with their recognisable liquid dnb sound.

Membrain Festival 2016 Promo 02 from Membrain Festival on Vimeo.

Sub Zero is the UKBass champion of the danceable Drum and Bass, known in wide circles of the scene around the world and performing regularly at festivals & clubs.

Levela is a Drum and Bass producer best known for his collaborations with some of the biggest names on the dubstep scene including Datsik. He’ll be at the Membrain Festival as part of his fully booked summer Sensory Tour.

Italian DJ/Producer/MC collective Numa Crew is the main representative of the Italian independent bass scene. They are known for their collaborations with artists such as Dub FX, General Levy, DJ Vadim, and many more.

Membrain Festival

Tickets for Membrain Festival

Regular tickets for the four day event cost €80, whilst you can splash out on VIP tickets for €120. You can also attend any one day of the festival for €40. Buy all these ticket options below:



Membrain Festival

More on the Membrain Festival

Check out the official Membrain Festival website and do also look them up on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Soundwave Croatia Boat Parties and New Acts!

One of Croatia’s top summer music festivals, Soundwave (Thursday 4th to Monday 8th August 2016), recently announced exciting details of new names that have been added to their line-up…as well as info about the all important Soundwave Croatia boat parties!

Soundwave Croatia

Already bursting with top names on the bill for the festival’s eighth edition – see our post on the latest artists added to the Soundwave bill – the three new acts to be added to the line-up are LTJ Bukem, Congo Natty and Jazzanova. They’ll join acts performing at Soundwave such as Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Craig Charles, Gentlemen’s Dub Club, Channel One Sound System and many, many more.

Soundwave Croatia - LTJ Bukem
LTJ Bukem

Drum and bass pioneer LTJ Bukem is one of the UK’s most iconic names, with his Good Looking label embracing the jazzier, more atmospheric side of the scene. And leading the Jungle Revolution is the amazing Congo Natty; the lauded Rebel MC blends African-inspired rhythms and heavy urban beats in his rousing sets. And the revered eclectic collective from Berlin, Jazzanova, have been busy producing, composing, arranging, remixing and DJing for many years, continuing to create magic in clubs, the airwaves, their studio and live on stage, with their label Sonar Kollektiv one of Europe’s most respected.

Soundwave Croatia Boat Parties

But what about the boat parties, you say? As ever, these will all take place on the legendary vessel The Argonaughty and are a core part of the festival – what’s better than partying it up on the Adriatic waters? With sun-kissed frivolity by day and star-speckled mayhem at night, make sure you snap up www.soundwavecroatia.com for one (or more!) or these parties quick!

Thursday 4th August

BOAT 1. DUB TO JUNGLE
Plates Records & Circles.
13:00 – 18:00

BOAT 2. THE DISCO BOAT
Bedmo Disco, Origins & Harvey Sutherland.
19:30 – 23:00

Friday 5th August

BOAT 1. THE CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL BOAT
Craig Charles, Bitesize DJs & Jack Tyson Charles
13:00-16:00

BOAT 2. THE SUNSHINE REGGAE BOAT
Channel One Sound System & Lively Up
16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. TUCKSHOP SUNSET BOAT
Jazzanova / Manu & Ando / Russ Ryan / Tappa / Mentú
20:00-23:00

Soundwave Croatia Boat Parties

Saturday 6th August

BOAT 1. SFSC & GOODLIFE PRESENT THE HIPHOP BOAT
Josey Rebelle / Menendez Brothers / TwoGood / Dj Mylz / Bloxed Beats
13:00-16:00

BOAT 2. EGLO RECORDS BOAT
Alexander Nut, Fatima & Noah
16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. THE SOUNDCRASH BOAT
Special Guest TBA, Bamboomann, Mo Fingaz & Bobafatt
20:00-23:00

Sunday 7th August

BOAT 1. TRU-THOUGHTS VS. FIRST WORD RECORDS
With J-Felix, Harleighblu, Gilla

BOAT 2. THE SOUL BOAT (HOW x STFD)
With Dan Shake, Flo Real & Jordan Rakai
16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. DUB TO DRUM&BASS BOAT
DRS / Eva Lazarus / GDC Sound System / Rich Reason (LVLZ)
20:00-23:00

Monday 8th August

BOAT 1. RIOT JAZZ BRASS BAND ON A BOAT
Riot Jazz, Taste The Diff’erence, Chunky & Rich Reason
15:00 – 18:30

BOAT 2. CLOSING BOAT
Staff, friends & family, Dan Shake & Harleighblu
19:30 – 23:00

More on Soundwave

Take a look at our guide to Soundwave, or check out the official www.soundwavecroatia.com where you can find all the info you need. And look them up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest festival news!

Soundwave Croatia Dan Medhurst
Credit: Dan Medhurst
Soundwave Croatia 2016

Win tickets to Soundwave Croatia 2016!

The eighth edition of Soundwave (4th – 8th August 2016) returns to the wonderful location of The Garden Tisno with a fantastic line-up – and here’s your chance to win tickets to Soundwave, plus tickets to a boat party and entry to the legendary on-site nightclub, Barbarella’s!

Soundwave Croatia 2016

Soundwave Croatia

Known for the eclectic range of acts on its bill, Soundwave brings together a mix of broken beat, reggae, afro, acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, drum and bass and more to the Adriatic coast – but also sets itself aside from some of the other festivals in the region with a more edifying and spiritually enriching experience for festival-goers.

Soundwave Croatia 2016
Credit: Dan Medhurst

Soundwave is held at The Garden Tisno – and anyone who’s been there before can attest that it’s one of the most idyllic places in the world for a festival! With beautifully clear waters, a private sandy beach and endless hours of sunshine by day and star-lit skies by night, nature really plays its part. And with the incredible water-side beach bar, stages built around their surroundings (including the Olive Grove stage, nestled under a canopy of trees) and the open-air night-club Barbarella’s, you’ll have an amazing time practically any time, day or night.

Soundwave 2016 Line-Up

The headline act at this year’s Soundwave is Pharoahe Monch, formerly a member of New York City duo Organized Konfusion. Having developed a reputation as one of underground hip-hop’s preeminent lyricists, Pharoahe Monch is also an incisive political and social commentator, using hip-hop as a platform for political engagement. Calibre will also be headlining; with his distinctive sound that takes on elements of jazz, funk, dub and techno, Calibre is responsible for some of the most beautiful and sublime tracks in drum and bass.

Soundwave 2016 - Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch

But that’s just the start of things when it comes to the line-up! Digital Mystikz’s Mala will be returning, as will funk and soul DJ and one of 6 Music’s lead presenters, Craig CharlesFatima & The Eglo Band will be performing live, and Gentleman’s Dub Club will also bring their energetic and exhilarating live show to Tisno. Channel One Sound System will also be at Soundwave – they’ve been regulars at the Notting Hill Carnival for over 30 years and are the UK’s most prominent and respected reggae crew; the Red Bull Culture Clash winners will bring their ground-shaking bass to the festival.

The Riot Jazz Brass Band will swoop in with their peace-lovin’ aggro jazz, hip-hop samples, funked-up favourites and re-interpreted dubstep too, dropping drum and bass and dancefloor bangers that always have everyone dancing. Romare blends Afrocentric beats and global inspirations, as encapsulated in his brilliant Projections album. The incredible voice of Harleighblu – one of the UK’s brightest new names – will enchant the Soundwave crowds. Italian producer C. Crisci’s Clap! Clap! project samples African tribes, bands and singers, creating tribal rhythms through drum machines and synths. And BAFTA and MOBO award winning artist Akala is a rapper with heart, soul and steel, a historian who brings a touch of lyrical grace and edge to Soundwave.

Soundwave Croatia 2016 - Gentleman's Dub Club
Gentleman’s Dub Club

But that’s not all! Other names on the bill include Rinse FM presenter and DJ Josey Rebelle, Eglo Record’s boss Alexander NutHenry Wu  from 22a Records, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, Flo Real (Mahogani Music), Chunky, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams White, Bobbafat, Gilla, DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, CC Disco, Taste The Difference, So Fresh So Clean, Plates and Tuckshop.

Win tickets to Soundwave Croatia!

If all of the above is whetting your appetite, here’s a wonderful opportunity to win a pair of tickets to this year’s Soundwave Festival. And that’s not all – included as part of the prize will be two tickets to the boat party of your choice, plus entry for two to Barbarella’s every night of the festival!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question:

What is the name of the festival site in Tisno, Croatia, where Soundwave takes place? 

a) The Field
b) The Park
c) The Garden

To enter, email us on webmaster@visit-croatia.co.uk with the answer, as well as your name and country of residence.

Only one entry per person. The competition will close at 12pm (midday) on Friday, 27th May 2016. The winner will be notified by email soon after this date.

More on Soundwave

If you’re not lucky enough to win tickets to this year’s awesome Soundwave, you can snap up a festival pass at www.soundwavecroatia.com for £125 for 5 days (club and boat parties extra).

Or if you’ve already snapped up tickets and want to know more about getting to Soundwave, check our our guide to the festival.

Be sure to also look up Soundwave on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner, 13th November 2015

The British Croatian Society will be hosting its Annual Dinner on Friday 13th November 2015 at the East India Club in London. This year, the dinner will be raising money for the London Supplementary School for Croatian children.

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner

The dinner costs £45 for members, £50 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased by emailing the Society directly on britishcroatiansociety@gmail.com and payment can be made online at www.britishcroatiansociety.com/events.

A drinks reception will be held from 6.30pm, and dinner will be served at 7.30pm. Dress code – lounge suit.

The East India Club is a private members club that has a long history of welcoming visitors from around the world.

The British Croatian Society hopes to see you at the dinner!

British Croatian Society Annual Dinner
Friday 13th November 2015
16 St James’s Square
London
SW1Y 4LH
www.britishcroatiansociety.com

British Croatian Society on Facebook

Istria

Visiting Croatia in September

Although the summer holiday crowds have gone home, many travellers come to Croatia to visit this month. That’s no surprise – there’s a lot to be said for visiting the country in late summer/early Autumn. But what’s it like visiting Croatia in September?

Rovinj
Rovinj

Getting to Croatia in September

Travellers shouldn’t have any problems in reaching Croatia in September – most airlines that operate flights from the UK and the rest of Europe continue their summer schedules well into September, if not into October too. (Some even to early November!) Take a look at our Flights to Croatia from the UK & Ireland to see the full operating dates of all routes from these two countries to Croatia.

Getting around Croatia in September

Likewise, most transport options – with buses and ferries being those that travellers will most likely use when visiting Croatia – still continue with high season or special ‘summer’ schedules in this month too. For example, Jadrolinija – the largest ferry operator in Croatia – continues its high season schedule until the end of September. Kapetan Luka – operator of the very popular catamaran service that travels from Split to Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik (and return too, of course!) still continues to operate this service daily in September. (Note: it changes to being a three-times a week service in October.)

Some seasonal bus routes may have stopped operating at the end of August, although most of these of are of the kind that take (domestic) holidaymakers from inland Croatia to the coast. Check out our Bus Travel in Croatia section for help in planning bus routes.

Visiting Croatia in September - Plitvice Lakes

Accommodation in Croatia in September

Not to sound like a broken record…but since absolute peak season is now over, accommodation should be slightly cheaper in Croatia in September. But seeing as it’s still a busy month, it’s not the time for bargains! Check out our Accommodation in Croatia section if you need some help with planning and booking where to stay.

Weather in September in Croatia

This is a big one – what’s the weather like during the ninth month of the year? Well, traditionally, summer temperatures and conditions normally do stretch out well into September if not beyond. This is one reason that many choose September as the month to visit Croatia – especially as the summer holidaymakers have gone. Sea temperatures will also be warm, given waters have been heating up for a number of months!

Southern and Central Europe was undergoing something of a heatwave in early September, with temperatures reaching into the 30s Celsius. However, mid-20s C is a more normal temperature for this time of year – and it looks like this sort of weather has returned to Croatia and will stay.

The Croatian Meteorological Service website is a great website to check out weather forecasts (although I’m sure you already have your own favourite weather website or app!) – but do be sure to take a look at their current sea temperatures page.

What’s on in Croatia in September

Plenty!

Korcula is the location of the 4th Korkyra Baroque Festival, 5th to 12th September.

The 20th Split Film Festival – an international festival of new film – will be taking place in Croatia’s second city from the 12th to 19th September.

The 9th Giostra Festival will take place in Porec, 9th to 11th September 2015. Over the three days of the event, around 250 participants celebrate costumes, culture and events from the 18th century.

If you’re in Istria towards the end of the month, look out for the Parenzana Bike Race (25th – 27th September), a World Cycling Federation event. Or if you’re feeling active, join in on the recreational ‘race’ on the Sunday!

The Food Film Festival will be held in Zagreb from 11th to 20th September, combining two wonderful items – food and film! Films with a gastronomic focus will be shown. Also in Zagreb is the 48th International Puppet Festival (14th – 19th September) and music and food event RujanFest (literally, ‘SeptemberFest’) from 11th to 20th of the month.

Nightlife and festivals in September in Croatia

Outlook Festival, held in Fort Punta Christo near Pula from the 2nd to 6th September concludes the festival season for Croatia for the year…so if you planned to attend one of these gatherings, you’ve kind of missed the boat!

Most of the island clubs (such as in Novalja) also normally close for the season at the end of August. But if clubbing’s your kind of thing, we’d advise sticking to one of the larger cities or towns in the country – such as Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik.

Enjoy your September visit to Croatia!

Kalypso - Color Sensation

The 2015 party season at Zrce Beach’s Kalypso club, including brand new Stereo Forest Festival

Novalja’s Kalypso Club – the very first beach club in southeast Europe that now has nearly thirty years of clubbing experience – has announced a very exciting party season for 2015! Alongside a number of exciting festivals – including the first edition of Croatia Rocks, little sister to Ibiza Rocks, Kalypso will be hosting its own festival for the first time this year. Named Stereo Forest, the festival will held on the dance floors, stages and party pools of Kalypso from 2nd to 6th August 2015, bringing together some of the best names from the electronic dance music scene.

Another special announcement for 2015 is that every Monday Kalypso will also host Garden of Art, a spectacular cirque performance art experience that will mix top DJs and live acts with talented dancers in extravagant costumes, amazing artistry and fire shows – everything to delight both your eyes and ears. Catch the spectacle as you chill at Kalypso by day, or dance away to EDM beats by night. Garden of Art will be rounded off for the summer by a BIG closing party on the 22nd August.

Kalypso - Stereo Forest

Stereo Forest Festival

Not just a festival…but a whole festival event! Top name DJs are guaranteed, as are party events day and night…you’ll barely have enough time to catch your breath!

Garden of Art will also be held during the Stereo Forest Festival (on Monday 3rd August), whilst the following day (4th August) will see a Color Sensation party. This Indian-style colour celebration will see the sky turned pink, yellow and blue as colourful ‘paint’ rains down – and with the glimmering Adriatic sea behind you and the sun or stars above, you’ll get lost in an immense party vibe. (The Color Sensation party is included in the price of a Stereo Forest ticket, although you can also purchase tickets just for the party itself.)

The first line-up announcements for Stereo Forest include R3HAB – Holland’s hottest artist, who’s been catapulted into the limelight with a string of successful original material and remixes – and Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman, two young and very promising producers from Sweden that have received a great deal of attention for their remix of Coldplay’s The Scientist, plus their new single Roll The Dice.

Kalypso - Color Sensation

Watch out for more line-up announcements plus Stereo Forest ticket news at kalypso-zrce.com.

About Kalypso

The first ever club to open on Novalja’s (and Croatia’s!) famed Zrce Beach almost thirty years ago, club Kalypso is now a world renowned party and festival destination. With a huge open-air dance floor, go go platforms, plenty of different levels and numerous bar areas, there’s something to delight everyone and plenty of space for you all! Kalypso is of course also open by day – you can lounge by the pool sipping cocktails and relaxing in the sun whilst you gear up for the party night ahead!

Kalypso Club

Kalypso has been home to some of the best festivals in Croatia for a number of years now, with Hideout, Sonus, Barrakud and Fresh Island Festival all also taking place this summer as well.

As mentioned above, this year Kalypso will host its own festival for the first time; Stereo Forest will merge the brand new visual identity of the club with its lush natural surroundings, alongside an art sculpted stage and the club’s party pools.

Kalypso Club

Latest Kalypso news

  • Kalypso has been named in the top three of Beatport’s 13 Mind-Blowing Festival Destinations from around the world! Check out details here.
  • Croatia Rocks recently unveiled the second phase of their festival line-up, which now includes names such as Clean Bandit, The Vaccines, Kate Tempest, Rudimental, Gorgon City, Zane Lowe and special guest Fatboy Slim. More details at www.croatiarocks.com.

Stereo Forest Festival
2nd – 6th August 2015
Kalypso Club
Zrce Beach, Novalja, Pag, Croatia
kalypso-zrce.com

Soundwave Croatia 2015

Latest artists added to the bill for Soundwave Festival 2015 – get all the details!

This year’s Soundwave Festival – which is already in its seventh year – recently revealed the latest acts to be appearing at the event in Tisno this August. This builds on plenty of exciting news about new elements of the festival, as well as the announcement of the ‘Run to the Sun’ tours that will be held in Europe in the week leading up to the festival.

Names such as Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village; British producer and DJ Mr Scruff; one of the UK’s finest voices, Andreya Triana; and 6 Music’s Craig Charles, who’ll be playing the best in funk and soul, have all recently been added to the line-up of this year’s Soundwave Festival. That’s in addition to acts such as Alice Russell & Fatima; LTJ Bukem and DJ Marky; Channel One Soundsystem; Alexander Nut; and Mala that are already on the bill.

Soundwave Croatia 2015

This year’s Soundwave also has a number of exciting additional elements to it – including an art programme and film scrennings. Street artists, mural artists and illustrators from across Croatia and the rest of Europe will be on hand to transform the walls of apartments and buildings in the festival site, turning them into living and evolving pieces of art. Point273 from independent art collective BestJoinedUp and Sri McKinnon (an affiliate of The Institute of Contemporary Arts and the The Hayward and Tate Britain Galleries) are two of the artists that will be working their magic during the run of Soundwave.

The festival will also be home to an open air cinema that will show a programme of independent and Croatian cinema over the five days. This means there’s absolutely plenty to do day and night at this year’s Soundwave, besides enjoying the main line-up of acts, the club nights at the legendary open-air Barbarellas Discotheque, the boat parties, beaches and all the usual fun!

Soundwave Croatia 2015

And just in case you’re after something a little ‘kitsch ‘n’ Croatian’ – the annual and long-running Tisno International Donkey Racing Championships take place in town on the same weekend as Soundwave. Why not pop along and cheer along the entries at this global competition?!

Even more than that, in the week leading up to the Festival the five route ‘Run to the Sun’ party tours will take place. They follow five specific routes in Europe… all ending at the festival itself, of course. The routes include:

Route 1 – London (3rd August) > Amsterdam (4th August) > Munich (5th August) > Soundwave (6th)
Route 2 – London (3rd) > Paris (4th) > Milan (5th) > Soundwave (6th)
Route 3 – Berlin (4th) > Prague (5th) > Soundwave (6th)
Route 4 – Krakow (4th) > Budapest (5th) > Soundwave (6th)
Route 5 – Zagreb (4th) > Zadar (5th) > Soundwave (6th)

The parties are a great way of fully getting into the Soundwave mood; what better way of cranking up the festival spirit than by starting your holiday early and tracing a party route down to Croatia? Full details of the events taking place on each day of each route can be found at www.soundwavecroatia.com/travel-accommodation/the-run-to-the-sun.

Soundwave Croatia 2015

Soundwave also takes slightly later this year – in early August – which means the summer holidays will have well and truly started by then. That’s great news for revellers you and old!

Tickets for Soundwave Festival 2015 cost £125/€165 (sorry – early bird tickets have sold out!); you can also buy group tickets (5 tickets for the price of four) or packages that include entry and accommodation. See the festival’s tickets page for full details: www.soundwavecroatia.com.

There’s a range of accommodation available – from camping to apartments to airstream trailers, Shikar tents and wooden yachts – with something for all tastes and budgets. And Soundwave’s incredibly easy  to get to as well, as Tisno is located roughly halfway between Zadar and Split which are both linked to the UK and the rest of Europe with a whole heap of flights.

What have others said about Soundwave?

“One of the highlights of the Festival season” FACT
“A beach party with incredible music” GRAZIA
“Soundwave is rapidly emerging as one of the finest boutique festivals that Europe has to offer.” CLASH
“One of Europe’s biggest parties.” DAZED & CONFUSED
“More than just a festival, Soundwave is a great way to go and experience a beautiful part of the world. ” STYLIST
“One of Europe’s hottest festivals.” GQ
“You will not want to miss this extended weekend of hedonism’ TIME OUT

Do also check out our guide to Soundwave for more info on reaching the festival.

Otherwise, get all the latest Soundwave news on soundwavecroatia.com, or on Twitter and Facebook!

Soundwave Festival 2015
6th – 10th August 2015
Tisno
soundwavecroatia.com