Envision stepping into a realm where the pulsating beats of electronic music harmonize with the serene beauty of Zrce Beach in Novalja. You're about to delve into the intricacies of Hideout Croatia, a festival that attracts devotees from every corner of the globe. From traversing through Zadar Airport to selecting the ideal accommodation, there's much to ponder. What distinguishes this festival, and how do you maximize your experience? Join us as we venture into the essential aspects of planning your ultimate getaway to this vibrant event.
Key Takeaways
- Hideout Festival is held on Zrce Beach, Novalja, Croatia, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning scenery.
- Zadar Airport is the most convenient entry point, located 1-2 hours from Zrce Beach.
- Buses from Zadar to Novalja are recommended, taking 1.5-1.75 hours and costing around €11 via Flixbus.com.
- Festival venues include Aquarius, Papaya, Noa, and Kalypso Zrce, offering diverse music and atmospheres.
- Accommodation options range from budget-friendly guest houses to luxurious villas, with early booking advised due to high demand.
Getting to Hideout
Getting to Hideout is straightforward, with Zadar Airport being the most convenient entry point just 1-2 hours from the Zrce party beach.
To reach Novalja, you can take a bus from Zadar, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, costing around €11 via Flixbus.com. Alternatively, buses from Split take longer, around 4-5 hours, and cost between €25 and €30.
Since direct ferry routes from Zadar to Novalja aren't available, your best options are the bus or renting a car.
Zadar Airport is serviced by numerous airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Lufthansa.
Booking your accommodation early is essential, with prices ranging from under €100 to over €500 per night.
Festival History
The Hideout Festival began in 2011, created by UK promoters who wanted to blend top-tier electronic dance music with a stunning location.
Since then, it's become one of Europe's premier electronic music festivals, consistently selling out and featuring globally-renowned House, Techno, Bass, and Drum & Bass artists.
You'll find it on Zrce Beach, known for its beautiful scenery and vibrant nightlife, making it the perfect backdrop for unforgettable performances.
Origins and Evolution
Launched in 2011 by a group of ambitious UK-based promoters, Hideout Festival set out to blend global-class electronic dance music with the stunning backdrop of Zrce Beach in Croatia.
Since then, it's become one of Europe's leading electronic music festivals. The event quickly gained popularity, selling out each year and showcasing 150 international artists across five open-air venues.
Attendees enjoy daily pool parties, boat parties, and night performances. The festival's success has metamorphosed Zrce Beach into a premier club destination, with local clubs undergoing significant improvements.
Hideout Festival's growth hasn't only solidified its reputation but also contributed to making Zrce Beach a top hotspot for music events globally.
Notable Past Performances
Since its inception, Hideout Festival has showcased an impressive array of performances by some of the biggest names in electronic music. Starting in 2011, the festival has highlighted acts like The Chemical Brothers, Disclosure, and Carl Cox. Over the years, it has continued to attract top-tier talent.
In 2016, the lineup included house and techno heavyweights such as Jackmaster and Jamie Jones.
By 2018, the festival's diverse roster featured the UK bass duo Bicep and Grammy-nominated CamelPhat.
In 2020, Hideout Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with a stellar lineup.
Zrce Beach Overview
At Zrce Beach, you're in for a vibrant party atmosphere that's unmatched, with premier open-air venues like Aquarius and Papaya hosting top DJs.
You can also enjoy various water activities, from jet skiing to paddleboarding, in the crystal-clear waters.
As night falls, the beach metamorphoses into a hotspot for nightlife entertainment, offering diverse music experiences that keep the energy high until dawn.
Party Atmosphere Highlights
Zrce Beach buzzes with energy, offering a non-stop party atmosphere where global-class venues like Aquarius, Papaya, Noa, and Kalypso Zrce host unforgettable electronic music events. You'll find a diverse range of electronic music, from house to techno, all in one spot. The positive energy and friendly vibes make it easy to connect with other festival-goers, predominantly from the UK and Ireland.
To get the most out of your Zrce Beach experience, consider the following:
- Venue Hopping: Don't miss out on investigating different clubs.
- Daytime Beach Parties: Enjoy music by the crystal-clear waters.
- Top Performances: Catch sets from international and local artists.
- Nighttime Clubbing: Experience the electric atmosphere once the sun sets.
Water Activities Available
You'll find a multitude of water activities to enjoy at Zrce Beach, adding an exciting twist to your festival experience. The stunning Adriatic Sea offers the perfect backdrop for various water sports.
You can try jet skiing, paddleboarding, or even parasailing to get a bird's-eye view of the beach. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, rent a kayak or take a leisurely swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Furthermore, the beach hosts vibrant pool parties during the day, providing a sun-soaked celebration atmosphere. Exclusive boat parties are also available, letting you dance on the water and enjoy breathtaking views.
These activities guarantee that your time at Zrce Beach is filled with both adventure and relaxation.
Nightlife Entertainment Options
After a day of exhilarating water activities, the excitement continues into the night with Zrce Beach's global nightlife entertainment options.
Home to world-class open-air venues like Aquarius, Papaya, Noa, and Kalypso Zrce, Zrce Beach is a hub for electronic music lovers. These venues are all ranked highly in DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs, ensuring top-tier entertainment. The proximity of these venues allows you to easily hop between them, experiencing a diverse range of electronic music.
Visit Aquarius for its renowned DJs.
Head to Papaya for a beachside clubbing experience.
Check out Noa for its unique over-water dance floors.
Enjoy Kalypso's vibrant atmosphere and stunning visuals.
Travel by Plane
When planning your trip to Hideout Croatia, flying into Zadar Airport is the most convenient option. Located just 1-2 hours from the Zrce party beach, Zadar Airport is well-serviced by multiple airlines. You can fly with Ryanair, EasyJet, Austrian Airlines, LOT, Luxair, Eurowings, Titan Airways, Lufthansa, Croatia Airlines, Skywork, Vueling, and Flybe/Stobart Air. A return flight from London Stansted to Zadar airport costs around £200.
| Airline | Service Available |
|---|---|
| Ryanair | Yes |
| EasyJet | Yes |
| Lufthansa | Yes |
Hideout offers airport transfers for £20 per person each way, making it easy to reach your destination.
Travel by Bus
Taking the bus is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Zadar or Split to Novalja. Buses from Zadar take about 1.5 to 1.75 hours and cost around €11 via Flixbus.com.
If you're coming from Split, expect a longer journey of 4-5 hours, costing between €25-€30. Unfortunately, no direct ferry routes from Zadar to Novalja exist, making bus travel your best bet.
To make your bus journey smooth, follow these tips:
- Book tickets in advance on Flixbus.com.
- Verify the schedule to guarantee timely departures.
- Pack essentials like snacks and water for the trip.
- Arrive early at the bus station to avoid last-minute rushes.
Accommodation Options
Finding the perfect place to stay near Hideout Festival is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. You've got plenty of options, from hotels and guest houses to apartment rentals available on Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb. Prices range from under €100 to over €500 per night.
The town of Novalja, just 4 km from the festival, offers the closest and most convenient accommodations. Early booking is a must since accommodations fill up quickly.
Hideout also offers its own shared housing options. For a different choice, you can book through the EUFest (Sunturist agency), which has studio apartments for €595 per week, located just a 5-10 minute walk from Novalja town center.
Budget Stays
If you're looking to save on accommodation without sacrificing convenience, several budget-friendly options in Novalja will keep you close to the Hideout Festival.
Apartmani Kristijan: Affordable apartments with prices under 100€ per night. Ideal for those who want comfort without breaking the bank.
Hostin Gajac: Offers guest house accommodations around 100€ per night. It's a great option if you prefer a homey atmosphere.
Liberty Hotel: Features rooms in the 100-200€ per night range, providing basic amenities while staying within budget.
Apartments & Rooms Danivan Pool Villas: Provides budget-friendly options starting around 100-200€ per night, perfect for travelers who want a bit more space.
These options guarantee you stay close to the festival without spending too much.
Mid-Range Stays
When you're looking for mid-range accommodations in Novalja, several excellent options offer a balance of comfort and affordability. Liberty Hotel showcases rooms from €100-200 per night, an outdoor pool, and a terrace. Apartments & Rooms Danivan Pool Villas provide self-catering accommodations in the same price range. The Joel Hotel, with rooms starting at around €200 per night, is conveniently situated near the Zrce Beach festival site. For a bit more, Apartments SKODA I and SKODA II offer rates from €200-500 per night.
| Accommodation | Price Range (€) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Hotel | 100-200 | Outdoor pool, terrace |
| Apartments & Rooms Danivan | 100-200 | Self-catering |
| The Joel Hotel | ~200 | Proximity to Zrce Beach festival |
| Apartments SKODA I and SKODA II | 200-500 | High-end, spacious apartments |
Luxury Stays
For those seeking a more opulent experience in Novalja, luxury stays promise unparalleled comfort and exclusivity.
Novalja Bay Villas: Enjoy lavish villa accommodations with private pools, starting at over €500 per night. These villas offer privacy and stunning views.
Joel Hotel: This 4-star boutique hotel, located just 4km from Zrce Beach, provides rooms ranging from €200 to €500 per night. It combines elegance with convenience.
Apartments SKODA I and SKODA II: Near the festival site, these high-end apartments offer luxury and comfort, priced between €200 and €500 per night.
Liberty Hotel: A 3-star property with rooms in the €100-€200 range, conveniently located close to the festival site.
Festival Venues
When delving into the festival venues at Hideout, you'll find yourself at the heart of Zrce Beach's vibrant nightlife.
These popular event locations, including Aquarius, Papaya, Noa, and Kalypso, are all within walking distance, making it easy to hop between them.
Each venue offers a unique festival experience, contributing to the comprehensive energy and atmosphere that makes Hideout so special.
Popular Event Locations
Situated along the vibrant Zrce Beach, Hideout Festival's four stunning open-air venues—Aquarius, Papaya, Noa, and Kalypso Zrce—promise an unforgettable experience for every music lover. These venues are all ranked highly in DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs and lie within a few hundred meters of each other, making it easy for you to hop between them and enjoy a diverse range of music.
To make the most of your festival experience:
- Visit all four venues to experience different atmospheres.
- Take advantage of the proximity to immerse in various music styles effortlessly.
Enjoy the beachfront location with its crystal-clear waters.
Immerse in the vibrant nightlife that Zrce Beach is famous for.
Your festival experience will be unparalleled at these global-class locations.
Unique Festival Experiences
You'll find that Hideout Festival offers unique experiences at each of its four stunning open-air venues, making every moment unforgettable.
Located on Zrce Beach, these venues include the renowned Papaya, Noa, and Kalypso clubs. The close proximity of these world-class spots allows you to easily move between them, providing a diverse range of musical experiences.
During the day, enjoy lively beach parties and poolside events. As night falls, the venues morph into epic rave scenes.
The scenic beachfront location and compact venue layout create an unparalleled atmosphere for music lovers. This unique arrangement enables you to seamlessly navigate between stages, uncovering a wide array of electronic music acts in one place.
Food and Drink
Exploring the vibrant food and drink scene at Hideout Croatia, you'll find a delightful mix of local Croatian specialties and international cuisine served by various bars, beach clubs, and food vendors.
To make the most of your culinary experience:
- Use your wristband: Load it with cash to easily pay for drinks and food.
- Stock up: Alcohol prices are higher at the festival than in Novalja, so consider buying supplies beforehand.
- Stay hydrated: Purchase water from vendors or use the free water refill station.
- Bring proper containers: Glass bottles aren't allowed, so bring reusable water bottles or buy drinks in cans or plastic.
Enjoy the diverse offerings and stay refreshed throughout the event!
Festival Tips
To guarantee you have the best experience at Hideout Croatia, some essential festival tips to keep in mind:
Exchange currency for Croatian kuna well in advance, as many exchange bureaus sold out towards the end in previous years.
Look into alternative airport transfers beyond the official Hideout options; returns from Novalja Bus Station can be considerably cheaper.
Consider the benefits of a VIP ticket if it fits your budget; perks include queue jumps, separate areas, and better views.
Book your accommodation and flights early to get the best prices.
Familiarize yourself with the festival layout and venues ahead of time to make the most of your visit.
Following these tips will help ascertain a smooth and enjoyable festival experience.
