Tailor-Made Croatia: Split to Dubrovnik

Bordered by the Adriatic Sea with plenty of stunning beaches spilling into it, Croatia is a dream destination for sunseekers, though its tranquil national parks, rich history and bustling cities make it an ideal destination for just about any traveller. History buffs will love exploring the walled city of Dubrovnik and the majestic ruins of Split, while those who prefer a slow pace of life might feel more at home in the charming fishing town of Ston or on one of Croatia’s paradisiacal islands. Regardless of your travel interests, you’ll adore the capital of Zagreb, where you can gain an insight into Croatia’s past and cultural legacy, from the prehistoric to the post-communist.

On a seven-day trip to Croatia, you can admire Napoleonic forts, early Slavic churches, Roman ruins, Viennese mansions and socialist realist sculptures, not to mention glittering waters, almighty mountains, sandy stretches and countryside vistas. And, because homosexual activity and same-sex marriage are both legal, you don’t need to worry too much about any stigma or discrimination, provided you know the basics of travelling in Croatia.

Croatia at a Glance

In Croatia, homosexual activity has been legal since 1977 and same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2014. Additionally, same-sex couples can legally adopt, and the age of consent is the same for everybody. Equally as advantageous for gay men is the fact the LGBT discrimination has been illegal since 2003 in Croatia, but it’s still worth following the local customs and traditions as hostility towards the gay community isn’t unheard of, especially in rural areas.

While Croatia is mostly accommodating to the LGBT crowd, the Catholic church still wields immense cultural and political power. Consequently, attitudes in the nation are generally socially conservative; tolerant as it may be, Croatian society tends to frown upon public displays of affection. Zagreb, the nation’s capital, is the only city that’s home to openly gay clubs, though many more nightlife venues attract homosexual crowds primarily. Pride celebrations take over the streets in June. Other cities that are popular with gay travellers include Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split and Rovinj, but you’ll likely find accommodating locals in any town that depends on tourism.

The best time to visit Croatia is in spring or autumn, when the weather is inviting and crowds of tourists are manageable. While summer is the busiest season, it’s also the best time to visit Croatia’s naturist beaches and mingle with gay all-over sunbathers. Many tourist attractions close from October to March, which is often the best time to see the sights of places like Split and Zadar. From mid to late May, the ocean is a delight. Expect a lot of rainfall throughout December.