12 Best Nightlife in Central Dalmatia, Croatia

Whipping up what are arguably the best cocktails on the island, this craft bar sits four minutes southwest of Hvar Town's main square in a beautiful stone alleyway location. The expert mixologists cover the classics, offer signature blends, and cater to guest requests, using natural ingredients and high-class liquor brands. It's closed October through April. 

A legendary beach club popular with twentysomethings, this has been Hvar Town's top party destination for years. Go during the day at no entrance fee for a more relaxed vibe, great views, and the best people-watching. The serious partying starts around 5 pm and continues until early morning. To reach this club on Stipanska, a small island off the coast of Hvar, you can simply catch a taxi-boat (about €10; at night the transfer is included in the club entrance price) from the harbor next to the Hvar-side Carpe Diem Bar, which also has parties. A good selection of food is available at the on-site restaurant, with sushi being served until 9 pm. The club is closed October through May.

The name of this snazzy spot isn't a play on the word "marvelous," though the wine bar definitely is that; it's named after Marko Marulić, one of Split's most famous Renaissance-era writers. Conceptualized by Croatian-Argentinian poet Tin Bojanić and offering a delicious wine list, free library, and fantastic live music (think violins and acoustic guitars), Marvlvs is one of the coolest, artsiest, and twangiest places in town.

With a colorful bohemian interior and a courtyard garden lit with flaming torches, Academia pulls in the cool, young, artsy crowd. It hosts occasional exhibitions and concerts.

On the city's waterfront, Azimut is an underground bar within the otherwise mostly peaceful walls of historic Šibenik. Its focus is on alternative music, covering genres from rock to techno (often live) all night. With a spacious dance floor and a number of courtyard tables, this hidden gem also offers delicious cocktails.

Twenty- and thirty-something travelers looking for a good time favor this boozy backpacker bar set within Diocletian's Palace. Big drinks-in-a-bucket, loud tunes, fun-loving staff, and cool hand-painted murals on the walls have people lined up at the door some nights.

One of Split's most happening clubs offers all the party-hard requisites: a big dance floor, strobe lights, and blasting speakers—right within the Old Town. The name refers to the year construction of Diocletian's Palace was most likely finished. Open every night, it plays a mix of techno, pop, and hip-hop. Crozzies club-to-club crawl, run by Croatian-Australians and a favorite among young travelers, also kicks off from here every night before heading to Vanilla. 

While you can stay at the adjacent Amadria Park Jure Resort (Amadria Park Hotels owns the club), people like to visit this beach club just to party poolside and seaside at the same time. The pool complex is right next to the sea and dotted with bars, restaurants, and snack stands, all of which you can enjoy while you dip your feet in the water. Though it closes at 9 pm, En Vogue has a true party vibe. It's a 15-minute drive outside of the city center.

Built into the rocks overlooking the sea, this wooden beach bar attracts bathers throughout the day with its chill music, lounge chairs, VIP tables, and massages. Many stay for the sunset as the beach club transforms into a dance party with DJ music and cocktails. Even Beyoncé has been spotted here. Note that reservations are only possible on-site, and payment is cash only.

Part of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, trendy Mistral is open to the public as well. Guests can rent sun chairs, cabanas, or VIP lounges here to relax and sunbathe, grab a cocktail and a bite to eat, and let loose to DJ entertainment. Live dancers are often present, too. The club closes at sunset, but the buzzy vibe drawing crowds of twenty- to forty-somethings is that of a club that replaced strobe lights with the sun's rays.  

Close to the Golden Gate, this small café-bar with an exposed-stonework-and-wood interior is popular with highbrow locals who come here to leaf through the piles of international newspapers and magazines. It also has tables outside in summer for sipping your coffee, wine, or cocktail.

This veteran of Split's party scene, located about a 25-minute walk from the center of town near the public pools, often puts on concerts by big names in the regional music scene. It's also a trendy place for fans of all sorts of music from international hip-hop and techno to turbofolk and Croatian pop.