Nightlife in Croatia: Where to Party in Hvar Town

A lazy day at the beach exploring the Pakleni Islands is only half the fun in Hvar Town. Shower, change and prepare for the evening party. Here's where.

The main decision on where to party in Hvar Town is: island or town? For while the whole town comes alive, the two main destinations for people looking to party are Veneranda and the Carpe Diem Beach Club across the water at Stipanska.

Veneranda

With a capacity for a thousand people, Veneranda is THE place to party the night away in Hvar Town. Open daily from 1000 to 0500 from July 1 to September 3, the 2011 season has a star-studded line-up already, with confirmed names David Morales (July 8), Victoria Metzger (July 16), Arno Cost (July 23), Shapeshifters (July 30), Tom Novy (August 4), Freemasons (August 13), Gramophondzie (August 19) and Milk and Sugar (August 27).

Much more than a night club and an all day venue, it is most famous for its night time action. Walk past Hotel Adriana and keep going until you hear the best. It is advisable to get at least some drinking done prior to arrival as drinks are understandably pricey.

Carpe Diem Beach Club

For those looking for a little night time action away from Hvar Town, head out to Stipanska and the Carpe Diem Beach Club, where the chilled beach club by day turns into one of the best beach parties on the Adriatic by night.

With regular water taxis to the beach from the town, access is no problem, and the impressive list of international DJs lined up for this season ensures some wicked nights in store. The highlight of the Carpe Diem Beach nights are the Full Moon parties, which are growing in reputation and size each year. This year's parties are planned for June 16, July 15, August 14 and September 12.

Pink Champagne

A new nightclub is due to open in Hvar for the 2011 season. Interestingly located in a basement opposite the island's main police station (behind the bus station and Alviz restaurant), the club will be aimed at a more genteel target market.

La Struya

Revellers willing to make the trek up the hill on the new road to Stari Grad can dance the night away at La Struya, a nightclub on the hill overlooking Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands. Things are fairly quiet until 2am.

Jazz Bar

Visitors looking for a more relaxing form of musical entertainment should head to the Jazz Bar, hidden away in the back streets close to the Arsenal. Opposite Junior Restaurant is a tiny alley and the bar is on the right. Open from 2100 - 0200.

Adriana Top Bar

Arguably Suncani Hvar's nicest bar, the top terrace of the Hotel Adriana has splendid views of an evening's revelry in a modern and sophisticated ambience. Open to non-residents.

Kiva

There are numerous bars overflowing with party lovers every evening in season, and among the most popular is Kiva, tucked away in a side street past Hotel Adriana. Be prepared if ordering anything with tequila which requires slamming: the accepted practice is to don a hard military helmet and bear the brunt of the slamming directly.

Carpe Diem

Still the coolest and hippest place on the waterfront, Carpe Diem is synonymous with Hvar chic. The best chance of mixing with celebrities is here, although at 43 - 63 kuna for a cocktail, mingling with the stars may be a short-lived experience for the cash-strapped backpacker.