Croatia festivals: everything you need to know

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Zrće Beach’s venues are Noa, Papaya, Aquarius I & II and Kalypso. The trick is to start at one end and finish at the other: Noa’s marina-based layout makes it the perfect place for pre-game cocktail jugs. Papaya is undisputedly the main club on the beach – the pool parties and peak-time headliners play out here. Come 3am when the crush gets too much, head next door to Aquarius I&II. It’s the second stage of the festivals – almost as rammed but you’ll get some space and some bar service. Finally, the best sunrise sessions happen at Kalypso, a former beach bar turned tropical superclub down the other end of the beach.

Food: Zrće festivals have their accommodation in the town of Novalja. There are plenty of pizza and burger joints on the main stretch, but head further, past the boat party harbour or off the main square in front of the marina, for quieter, better quality eateries.

Drink: The cheapest places to drink are restaurants themselves, or once you’re at Zrće beach, Euphoria bar on the left as you leave the bus serves super-strong cocktail jugs of Long Island for around a tenner.

Money: You’ll need ATMs. They’re located along the main strip in Novalja and the road leading to Zrće. Zrće only has one, and the bars and boat parties are cash only.

Local knowledge: Be aware that it’s very hard to get the morning after pill in what is essentially a pretty Catholic country.