Inside Europe's secret party town with beers for £2 and open-air clubs

06 May 2023 , 09:05
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Pag is one of Croatia
Pag is one of Croatia's top clubbing destinations (Image: Paris Match via Getty Images)

If you're looking for a gorgeous spot to party the night away this summer but don't want to break the bank, we might just have the perfect holiday destination.

The island of Pag on the Dalmatian coast in Croatia isn't just beautiful it's one of the top clubbing destinations in the country - with a host of incredible open-air party venues. And you can buy a bottle of beer for as little as £2 out, or around £1.10 in a supermarket.

Croatia is known for its stunning beaches and clear waters, so revellers can soak up the rays and take a dip in the sea during the day, before hitting the dance floor each night.

For some of the island's best beach clubs, head to Zrce Beach in Novalka. One of the most famous is Kalypso which has been going for 20 years.

Kalypso has a massive open-air dance floor, various levels to chill on and lots of bar areas. In the centre of the club is a swimming pool so you can go for a dip while sipping on cocktails. The club also hosts events, mini-festivals and pop-up DJs.

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Inside Europe's secret party town with beers for £2 and open-air clubsRevellers on Zrce beach (Paris Match via Getty Images)

Also on Zrce Beach is Papaya and Aquarium – both are open-air clubs and welcoming revellers from mid-June t August. Parties at all of the clubs run until the early hours of the morning and past guests have included Swedish House Mafia.

The island hosts a number of festivals each year, including Hideout, Fresh Island Festival, Sonos Festival and Barrakud.

Compared to major party spots like Ibiza, Croatia is relatively cheap. At a restaurant or bar a bottle of domestic beer will cost around £2 (€2.40)and imported beer is slightly costlier at around £2.30 (€2.65), reports Numbeo. Beer is even cheaper at supermarkets ranging from €1.30 to €1.70 (£1.15 to £1.50).

Inside Europe's secret party town with beers for £2 and open-air clubsThe town of Novalja on Pag with its clear waters (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

An inexpensive meal out in Croatia costs from around €8 (£7) while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant getting three courses will cost around €40 (£35).

Drinks in the clubs may cost more than these, but TripAdvisor reviews call them “decently priced”.

One reviewer of Kalypso club said: “Clubs at Zrće beach [are] among world TOP 100 clubs.

They added: “That says many things [about] what you can expect here. Many music festival, party monsters, sea, sun, fun!”

While another posting a review of Zrce beach said: “You can find the world’s best DJs and enjoy phenomenal music. I had a great time and it was a wonderful experience.”

A Hungarian woman named Mika added: “Me and my friends every year come to visit the amazing Zrce Beach with the beautiful landscape and good party places. The usual parties are free but the drinks are not.

“Anyway we love it! And the best is it’s open not only the night but all day long.”

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An Austrian man said: “Great place to party with friends. Tons of young people having a great time. Great atmosphere. Nice beach.”

Inside Europe's secret party town with beers for £2 and open-air clubsClubbers partying at Noa Beach Club on Zrce Beach (Paris Match via Getty Images)

Another fan added: “Zrce is a club beach few kilometres from city Novalja, from which buses drive regularly during the whole day.

"The beach provides a gym, bungee jumping, clubs are new, modern, great for day or all-night-long parties. Boat parties available, too.”

You can get flights to the nearest airport cheaply as well. Pag is closest to Zadar airport and return flights cost around £57 (£28 each way).

Meanwhile, accommodation isn't too costly either. You can stay in a double room in Novalja from just £25 a night between two people – that’s £12.50 each on booking.com.

Alternatively, stay for three nights in an apartment by the beach with flights included from £322 on Last Minute.

Sophie Foster

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