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Croatia’s rare blend of glamour and rustic authenticity has made it a premiere European sun destination since the end of a heated war of independence. Your daily dilemmas will include whether to bask in the sun on a glistening yacht, or to explore the history and architecture of the nation’s Venetian cities. Regardless of which way things go, you’ll be on the most stunning coast on the Adriatic, so either way you win.
Croatia legalized homosexuality in 1977. While the LGBT community can’t marry, and homosexuality remains generally frowned upon, common-law marriage rights are given to same-sex couples who have lived together for over three years. Finally, while sharing a double hotel room in larger cities won’t ruffle feathers, it may cause a stir in small cities.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Civil Unions
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Single gays may adopt, but gay couples may not.
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Equal Age of Consent: Equal
There’s a small, but growing, gay scene in Croatia’s larger cities and tourist destinations such as Zagreb, Split & Rovinj. Keep in mind, public displays of affection could attract negative attention.
Gay Villages
There are no gay villages in Croatia.
Pride Festivals
Zagreb Pride: Annually in May/June.
Best Gay Bars
Zagreb: Hotpot
Zagreb: Rush
Zagreb: G-Bar
Best Lesbian Bars
We are not aware of any Lesbian-specific bars or parties.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park
18km of boardwalk snake around a series of postcard-perfect waterfalls, cascading together into the country’s famous lakes.
4. Zagreb
From Upper Town’s red-roofs to Lower Town’s neobaroque and art deco buildings, Zagreb is an architecture fanatics dream destination.
3. Bol
This tourist-heavy island is home to some of the Dalmatian Coast’s best beaches, not least of which includes Zlatni Rat.
2. Hvar
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage region of Stari Grad Plain on the fertile island of Hvar to wallow in the long-lasting impact of Greek colonization in Croatia.
1. Dubrovnik
Beloved Dubrovnik has seen a new rise in tourism thanks to HBO harnessing the city’s grand beauty as a major filming location for Game of Thrones. Wander the grand city walls for an awe-inspiring view of Dubrovnik’s limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless azure Adriatic.
Best Time to Visit: June and September
Electricity: C- and F-type sockets
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Sarajevo, Skopje, Warsaw, Zagreb
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Croatia, there are no vaccinations needed.
Visas: Visit Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website for up-to-date information on Visa requirements.
LGBT Rights in Croatia
Croatia legalized homosexuality in 1977. While the LGBT community can’t marry, and homosexuality remains generally frowned upon, common-law marriage rights are given to same-sex couples who have lived together for over three years. Finally, while sharing a double hotel room in larger cities won’t ruffle feathers, it may cause a stir in small cities.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Civil Unions
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Single gays may adopt, but gay couples may not.
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Equal Age of Consent: Equal
Gay Croatia Travel
There’s a small, but growing, gay scene in Croatia’s larger cities and tourist destinations such as Zagreb, Split & Rovinj. Keep in mind, public displays of affection could attract negative attention.
Gay Villages
There are no gay villages in Croatia.
Pride Festivals
Zagreb Pride: Annually in May/June.
Best Gay Bars
Zagreb: Hotpot
Zagreb: Rush
Zagreb: G-Bar
Best Lesbian Bars
We are not aware of any Lesbian-specific bars or parties.
Best Places to Visit in Croatia
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park
18km of boardwalk snake around a series of postcard-perfect waterfalls, cascading together into the country’s famous lakes.
4. Zagreb
From Upper Town’s red-roofs to Lower Town’s neobaroque and art deco buildings, Zagreb is an architecture fanatics dream destination.
3. Bol
This tourist-heavy island is home to some of the Dalmatian Coast’s best beaches, not least of which includes Zlatni Rat.
2. Hvar
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage region of Stari Grad Plain on the fertile island of Hvar to wallow in the long-lasting impact of Greek colonization in Croatia.
1. Dubrovnik
Beloved Dubrovnik has seen a new rise in tourism thanks to HBO harnessing the city’s grand beauty as a major filming location for Game of Thrones. Wander the grand city walls for an awe-inspiring view of Dubrovnik’s limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless azure Adriatic.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: June and September
Electricity: C- and F-type sockets
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Sarajevo, Skopje, Warsaw, Zagreb
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Croatia, there are no vaccinations needed.
Visas: Visit Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website for up-to-date information on Visa requirements.
A deep dive into the cities, towns and ports Out Adventures visits on its annual Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise.
Read MoreMemories from Out Adventures’ Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise.
Read MoreBeloved staff writer Lino DiNallo joined Out Adventures’ fifth annual gay Croatian cruise. He belly flops off the top deck in this memoir gone awry.
Read MoreFor our 8th-annual Croatia gay cruise, we’ve reserved the elegant Black Swan. The luxurious private yacht exudes sophistication, style and design.
Read MoreThis was my first time traveling as part of an organized, large group and it exceeded my expectations. Croatia is an incredibly beautiful country, especially once you reach the Adriatic (Dalmatian) Coast. Arid mountains, clear azure waters, big sky, sheltered coves and historic towns and villages. The landscape, the architecture, the history and the people, all wonderful. The pure joy of that experience, including the endless laughter shared among old friends and new, I will cherish forever. Kudos to Rob, Out Adventures and our Croatian expert guide Livio. They were truly committed to ensuring that each and every person had the very best experience possible. Traveling by sea is most definitely the way to see Croatia. And I look forward to my next trip with Out Adventures.
What a great way to see you Croatia, meet new friends and all done with style & class!! It was one of my most memorable vacations ever. My favorite part of the trip; waking up each morning to an up front and close view of the Croatian coast line. The small towns/ villages, the mountains and the crystal clear Adriatic were simply amazing; every morning was more spectacular than the last. The city tours in the afternoons were always well organized and full of local history facts. A very big thanks to Out Adventures for organizing this truly awesome trip!! Great memories and met some really awesome guys. I can’t wait for my next Out Adventure!!
I INSIST that you go on the next gay Croatia trip with Out Adventures! It combines the best parts of a private chartered cruise and a large cruise ship experience. Don’t be afraid!
This was hands down the best run, most relaxed and restorative holiday I’ve ever taken. At no time did I ever feel like I wasn’t being looked after or needed to worry about anything. Truly exceptionally well planned and executed
Croatia is a beautiful and vibrant country that has stoically overcome war and adapted quite well to a massive influx of tourists. The food was amazing. Every meal used fresh produce that was locally sourced and organic. My favorite meals were peppered with fresh herbs and Istrian truffles. Each new port city I visited had its own unique energy, and walking the narrow streets of these cities was both haunting and fascinating. I really enjoyed my free time swimming off the yacht, taking in the beauty of the Croatian coastline, and tasting the local cuisine. However, what made this gay Croatia cruise even more memorable was all of the new friendships I made along the way.
Greatest time EVER!! Love everything about the gay Croatia cruise, especially the time aboard the yacht and swimming daily in the Adriatic Sea. Heaven!!
