I have just returned from my first visit to Croatia, I went to Tisno for the Suncebeat festival. I have nothing but positive things to say about this festival in particular and Tisno as a location. Suncebeat, for those that don't know, is organised buy the team behind The Southport Weekender and the Liverpool Disco Weekender. They have 25 years behind them as a promoter and because of this Suncebeat attracts a lot of veterans/mature clubbers. As a 41 year old I think this is a good thing, thats not to say it isn't attended by all ages though. It attracts a clued up crowd and everyone is really friendly, I made new friends nearly every day. Musically its House/Soulful house and Disco, and a bit of Hip Hop/Soul. For me it was right up my street. Highlights were Danny Krivit, Louie Vega disco set as the sun came up at Barbarellas, Mad Mats, Jamie 3:26, Ge-ology and Marcellus Pittman. Although there was loads more good stuff over the week. Jamie 3:26 played multiple times and he might just be my new favourite DJ. A lot of the DJ's stay the week and hang out and mingle with the punters. The venue The Garden is really good. Its split into 3 separate areas Main stage, Beach stage and Olive Grove stage. The Beach stage is right on the water, how I never fell in the sea I don't know! They also have daily boat parties.They have onsite accommodation but it is a bit basic. We stayed in Tisno, on the edge of town and would definitely do this again. Barbarellas is an awesome club with a cracking function one soundsytem. I'd forgotten how good dancing until dawn in an open air club is!
Tisno itself is a lovely little town and the surrounding area is great too. I can't recommend it enough. Great food, good weather, friendly people and beautiful scenery. No high-rise Vegas style hotels to be seen.
Lots of things that Ibiza doesn't offer anymore are here, open air clubbing, dancing on the beach, after-parties that start at 6 am if you know where to look, a non pretentious vip free environment. All for a reasonable cost. In a week I spent about half the amount I would normally spend in a week in Ibiza. Connections for supplies are easy to come buy too.
Apart from dance music and hot weather there are no other comparisons with Ibiza, Croatia is a totally different place. I highly recommend you go and experience it for yourself. Will I be going back? definitely. Will it replace Ibiza? Probably not.
But i'm lucky enough to be able to do both. If I had to choose one I might just pick Croatia!