Croatia’s gay cruises have been gaining interest in these past years but Croatia is still far away from being a gay friendly country.
There are other resources far more suitable for more information about gay travel, including gay travel guides, accommodation, gay hotels and apartments in Zagreb, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split and Trogir.
For gay travelers to Croatia I personally suggest choosing one of two cruises starting from Split and Dubrovnik to discover all beauties of Dalmatian coast and islands, and to do it alongside like-minded enthusiasts on a specialized cruise with only gay passengers and friendly crew.
Paradise Cruise of Dalmatia
The Croatian coast is among the most beautiful in Europe, so if you would like to cruise along the divine Adriatic coast together with your gay partner, this type of travel might be the perfect choice for you.
If you are single and looking to meet your soul mate, who knows this just might be the right place.
Gay cruise from Split
This 8-day gay cruise starts from Split with a splash, first taking you to a nudist beach for a dip. On your second day you’ll visit Hvar island, a very popular party destination.
Day three will be amazing for everyone who loves great food. Trip will take you to Vis island where you can enjoy local fish or cheeses.
The fortified town of Korcula on Day 4 will no doubt be one of your more memorable experiences in the entire trip. Day 5 and 6 include visits to National Park Mljet, along with cycling around the park and lake.
Day 7 will take you to final destination Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most premiere destinations.
Gay cruise from Dubrovnik
There is no better place to start your unique gay cruise adventure than Dubrovnik. The special charm of this old city will be your unforgettable start.
You will start your first day exploring the Old town and its walls, dipping in the local waters and enjoying a nice evening with drinks.
The real adventure starts on Day 2, with a visit to Mljet. A relaxing day sailing and cycling around and through this pristine National Park will be a wonderful respite from your otherwise busy life.
Korcula’s endless restaurants, bars and stores will be an interesting thing to explore on Day 3. All of this is set in a picturesque environment with fascinating backstreets in the fortified city of Korcula.
Vis island is truly a paradise. Chances are you’ll have a hard time stepping off your yacht, but it will be worth it. A visit to Blue Cave or Stiniva Bay is a must do here, and later on you can visit the town of Vis for more sightseeing or activities.
Day 5 takes you to Hvar, Croatia’s sunniest island. This overly expensive destination is well known for a plethora of clubs and vibrant nightlife for a good night out.
Tiny Maslinica port village on Šolta island is your destination on Day 6. A swim stop and lunch will keep you plenty busy, and later a beautiful sunset vista will be a wonderful way to end the day. Or start a wild night.
Last day takes you to Split where there’s a ton of activities I wrote many articles about. Take a stroll through Diocletian’s Palace or Marjan Hill, explore some of Split’s many attractions, or consider booking one of these guided tours we recommend.
Consider also nudist cruises as alternative to Croatia gay cruises. We have a long history as a naturist friendly country and tons of nudist beaches.
Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
In Roman Catholic Croatia, gays are tolerated but hardly celebrated. The country legalized homosexuality in 1977, but overt homosexual behavior is frowned upon in general and may be met with hostility in rural areas.
In September 2013, global human rights group Amnesty International named and shamed Croatia as one of several EU member states whose laws still insufficiently protect against the discrimination, physical assault or murder of LGBT people.
Croatia is unfortunately not a country where being openly gay is acceptable. And as long as the ruling conservative party has its tentacles everywhere, don’t expect to get any support in case you encounter problems. That may even include the police who are known to be far less sympathetic to gays.
In general I’d say most of Croatia is very safe for any travelers. But, try to avoid openly showing your affection for same-sex individuals, such as holding hands or kissing in public. Avoid shady places after midnight regardless of your sexual preferences.
I wrote some gay-specific tips in my Croatia Safety Tips article.
