Part of our Croatia guide.
Hideout Festival takes place on Zrce Beach in Novalja, on the island of Pag, and the Makarska Riviera stretches for 60 kilometers along the Dalmatian coast. These are two very different experiences of Croatia’s summer season, each with its own timing and appeal.
Related travel guides: Where To Eat In Croatia and Things To Do In Croatia.
Hideout Festival Review + Guide: All You Need To Know For Croatia
Hideout Festival is an acclaimed electronic music festival held on Zrce Beach in Novalja, on the island of Pag. The festival combines a beach vacation with a lineup of top-notch DJs and performers, drawing music lovers from around the world. Zrce Beach is a popular party destination, and the island of Pag offers picturesque landscapes and vibrant nightlife that make Croatia a go-to spot for festival-goers. If you are looking for an unforgettable summer experience, this is the place to be. The event typically takes place in the peak summer months, when the weather is warm and the sea is inviting. For those who want to extend the party, Novalja itself has a lively bar and club scene, and the surrounding beaches offer quieter spots during the day. Many visitors combine the festival with a longer trip to explore other parts of the island or the nearby mainland. The festival’s location on Zrce Beach means you can go from the dance floor straight into the Adriatic Sea. Accommodation ranges from campsites and apartments near the beach to hotels in Novalja town, a short walk or taxi ride away. The island of Pag is also known for its unique lunar landscape, cheese, and lamb, so there is more to discover beyond the festival grounds. If you are planning your trip, consider arriving a day early to settle in and explore the town. The festival atmosphere is relaxed during the day and ramps up as the sun goes down, with parties often continuing until dawn. For those interested in Hvar nightlife, that island offers a different, more upscale scene, but Pag’s Zrce Beach remains the epicentre of Croatia’s electronic music festival circuit. The combination of sun, sea, and sound makes Hideout a standout event in the European summer calendar.
Summer Playground: The Best Makarska Riviera Beaches
The Makarska Riviera stretches for 60 kilometers along the Dalmatian coast, with a backdrop of majestic mountains and picturesque landscapes. It boasts a diverse range of beaches, from secluded coves to vibrant and lively shores, so there is a beach to suit every preference. The warm Mediterranean climate means long, sun-kissed summers, making it a perfect destination for a beach getaway. The riviera’s main town, Makarska, has a long pebble beach with a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. Further south, the beach at Brela is often cited as one of the best in Croatia, with clear water and pine trees providing natural shade. The beach at Tucepi is popular with families, while the coves around Podgora offer more privacy. Many of the beaches have shallow water close to shore, making them safe for swimming. The riviera is also a base for boat trips to the nearby islands of Brac and Hvar, as well as the Biokovo mountain range for hiking and the outdoors in Croatia. The coastal path from Makarska to Brela is a pleasant walk with views of the sea and mountains. For those who want to stay active, there are opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The town of Makarska has a lively evening scene, with bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local wine. The Makarska Riviera is well connected by bus to Split and Dubrovnik, making it easy to reach. Accommodation ranges from hotels and apartments to private villas, many with sea views. The peak season is July and August, when the weather is hottest and the beaches are busiest. For a quieter experience, June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. The riviera’s beaches are mostly pebble or shingle, so water shoes are recommended. The clear, clean water is ideal for snorkelling. The area is also known for its local produce, including olives, figs, and wine. For those looking for travel inspiration in Croatia, the Makarska Riviera provides a classic Dalmatian summer experience. If you are planning a longer trip, you can use the riviera as a base to explore the nearby islands or the Biokovo Nature Park. The combination of mountain and sea makes this one of the most scenic stretches of coast in the country. For a full trip, consider your perfect 5 day travel itinerary for visiting the riviera and its surroundings, allowing time for both beach relaxation and exploration. The beaches here are among the best in Croatia, and the setting is truly idyllic.
