June 15th marks a couple of things in Croatia: school is out for the summer, the country observes the Feast of Corpus Christi, and the summer tourist season officially begins. And with the tourist season come problems with parking in Split. And for a carefree and affordable vacation in Split there is Split City Parking.
With that said, we thought we’d bring you an updated list of our best beach clubs of 2016, checking in with our favorites from last year to see what’s new this season for the ultimate beach bumming experience. If you are the one who wants to open a new club on the beach and provide an unforgettable atmosphere, everything you need to know about the minimum technical requirements before opening, you can read here.
Zen Beach Club & Lounge (2019 Update - currently closed): Zen, which was first introduced to the beach club scene last summer, quickly became one of the top hotspots in Split to spend your summer days. Located on Žnjan, the deluxe beach club is easily accessible by the 15 bus from town, and using Uber can get you there from the center of the city for around 30 HRK. Zen lives by the motto “the art of doing nothing,” the perfect slogan for a beach club, we think. From breakfast buffets to top DJs, loungers to Sunset Sessions, a "vinoteque" to acrobatic dancers, we believe that Zen should remain in its spot at the top this summer season.
Joe’s Beach Lounge & Bar: Another beach club to enter the scene just last year, Joe’s is located at Kašjuni beach - a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. It’s not so hard to get to Joe’s, and there are a handful options you can take from the center of town including the 12 bus, taxi/Uber from Sv. Frane, or the trusty Joe’s taxi boat which will get you there in less than 20 minutes (for 35 HRK). There’s a lot on offer at this beach club, from a cafe bar and restaurant to cabanas, lounge chairs, massages, and beach parties, and if all that lounging isn’t for you? Joe’s even offers water sports including paddle boarding or sea kayaking.
Beach & Booze: It seems that almost all of the best beach clubs in Split opened last year, and Beach & Booze is yet another one to add to the list. Having officially opened for the summer season from May 22nd, Beach & Booze is located at Split’s most famous beach, Bačvice. While it’s bound to get busy here, Beach & Booze is a perfect place to escape the crowds for a cocktail and a burger, and live DJs will keep the moods high and the vibes strong into the night. A short 10-minute walk from the center of Split, Beach & Booze is in for another busy season.
Mistral Beach Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel: We mentioned this hotel hotspot last year as the ideal getaway from all the noise. A much more relaxed setting, the Mistral Beach Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel is the place to be if you’re looking for all the perks of a beach club but in a much more intimate setting. The Radisson has everything you need from a walk up bar to cabana and lounge rentals, and the Mistral restaurant located just above the beach is your go-to if you’re in the mood for a proper meal. Located at Trstenik, an area that becomes increasingly more crowded each year, we imagine it might be a bit harder to rent those cabanas this summer.
Mistral Beach Bar and Restaurant
Jadran Beach Bar: While we didn’t mention Jadran in last year’s list, we think that this beach bar will be a hit this summer season. With its proximity to the city center (located right next to Sustipan park), Jadran has everything you need for a day of lounging at the beach, from lounge chairs, umbrellas, and mats to a fully-equipped cafe eager to quench your summer thirst. You’ll keep this one close this summer season, believe us.
