Croatia’s most popular clubbing haunt is set on the notoriously
naughty Zrće beach. From May
through to September,
Noa Beach Club sees crowds of partygoers shuffle until
unmentionable hours. Eleven bars, suspended-over-sea hammocks and
saltwater pools complete the party platoon. A guest list of
international, superstar DJ’s grace the main stage each summer with
highlights from Hideout festival each year. Expect confetti
cannons, laser light shows, teeny, tiny bikinis and an earful of
thumping bass.

Lauded as one of the world’s best clubs by DJ Mag, the open-air amphitheatres hosts bi-daily parties with big names, big crowds and bigger beats. Pleasure seekers come to party alongside like-minded ravers beneath swaying palms, gushing waterfalls and firework-filled skies. A-list artists such as Jamie Jones, Patrick Topping and Loco Dice regularly tear up the dance floor.

Popular with the glitterati set, you’ll rub shoulders with royals, Bey and Jay and Ri-Ri here. Start at Carpe Diem’s swish mainland outpost before catching the water taxi to Stipanska. Make the most of Croatia’s sunniest island climate as you artfully prop yourself up at the waterside beach bar. After topping up your tan (and your glass) slink effortlessly from sun lounger to sun downer, as bottles of rosé are replaced by eye-watering shots of rakija.

Croatia’s nightlife isn’t resigned to raving and misbehaving; between the throng of clubs you’ll find this avant-garde oasis frequented by a more local, creative crowd. Homemade bathtub seats, recycled washing-drum tables, glow-in-the-dark murals and a funky jazz soundtrack join a brunch menu, giving you an excuse to visit morning, noon or night. Don’t hang around out front; instead take your alcohol-spiked smoothie (try mango, yoghurt and white rum) through to the hidden terrace behind the bar.

Arrive early and leave late at this former World War I weapons depot. Earning itself the nickname “the rave cave” by those in the know, the naturally cavernous enclave amplifies the heady electro beats spun by largely French and German DJs. Watch the sunrise from the waterfront terrace.

Rally the troops and hunker down in the 2000-year-old defence force that’s been transformed into a sound-system utopia. With views across the entrance to the Bay of Pula and flanked by a national park on either side, it’s the venue that planted Croatia on the global party radar. Gain access to the three main courtyards (including 3000-capacity dancefloor) via an elaborate tunnel system, before cementing yourself underground for one of the venues infamous tunnel parties.

Housed in a former bank, Cvajner is an artsy hangout that attracts a predominately bohemian (and rather beautiful) crowd. Eclectic Tito-era furniture, faded wall frescoes and an array of art by emerging artists invite you to linger a little longer inside. Then, snag a prime people-watching spot on the terrace overlooking the Roman square.

Sleek, chic and not a pair of box-fresh Nikes insight, La Bodega is a must for oenophiles. Stocking over 250 Croatian wines, pair robust reds with local, spiced prosciutto and truffle cheeses. Hanging hams and garlicky-cured meats are suspended above the narrow bar, which often overspills out onto the cobbled street.

During the day, holidaymakers strip off to top up their tan on
Bačvice Beach, but as soon as the last sun worshipper has shaken
off their towel, strobe lights replace sunloungers and the only
parasols in sight are of the miniature cocktail variety. With a
playlist that flutters between techno, EDM and commercial, the
clientele is older, more refined and likely to remember
Ibiza in its heyday. Get a private speedboat transfer if you
don’t fancy waiting in the water-taxi queue.