Fun and entertainment Istria

Timetable

Most of Istria's nightclubs are located on the west coast, with the exception of the Magnus club in Pazin. On the east coast, dancefloors have been opened mainly by large hotels, cocktail bars and beach bars. There are plenty of them in Opatija, Medulin and Premantura, but also in Pula, Rovinj and Poreč. Open 7/7 in summer, they close completely in winter or reduce their opening hours (weekends, from 10pm, but people arrive after midnight). Similarly, most casinos are run by the Admiral Hotel group, especially on the west coast, in Buzet and Opatija. Pula's elegant casino belongs to the Spanish Lucia Gaming Group.

Budget & Tips

Entrance fees to discos and concert halls vary from €10 to €15, depending on the evening and the artists and DJs invited. Cocktail bars and beach bars include musical entertainment in the price of drinks. Cocktails start at €6. For the big electronic music festivals in Umag or Pula, for example, which target European tourists, ticket prices are high, at around €100 for a three-night pass (without reservation). Specialized online agencies sell single tickets or packages including accommodation and transport.

As part of the summer festivals offered by the municipality, concerts and entertainment are free in Pula, Poreč, Rabac, Medulin and elsewhere. Concerts in historic monuments are subject to a charge, ranging from €5 to €15 a ticket, or even more depending on the musicians or DJ invited. In summer, beach bars take over for seaside parties.

As part of the summer festivals, Pula, Poreč and Rabac have a packed schedule of free concerts and events. Musical and festive evenings offered by the municipality.

Tickets for classical music festivals (Poreč) and film festivals (Pula or Motovun) can be purchased online or on site on the evening of the show.

To be booked

For ticketed shows, tickets can be purchased from tourist offices, on the official websites of the programmers or on the website of the historic monument, as at the Pula Arena. For big music festivals and concerts by international stars, it's best to book in advance. Tickets and packages are still very expensive. Organizers and tour operators offer discounts of up to 50% forearly birds. Specialized online agencies sell tickets alone or packages with accommodation. Infos : www.destinationclubbing.com - www.festicket.com/fr/festivals

Night transport

In Pula, intercity buses run until 10-11pm, depending on the line, and resume service in the morning from 5-6am.

Age restrictions

In Croatia, the legal drinking age is 18, and only people of legal age are allowed to enter a café-bar or discotheque in the evening.

What's very local

All along the Adriatic coast, beach bars are the delight of summer visitors. It's a real pleasure to swim, and right next door you can order a drink, an ice cream or a snack while listening to the DJ sets, which go on until late into the night.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited inside clubs, theaters and casinos, but is permitted in separate, ventilated rooms. A wide tolerance is allowed on terraces.

Tourist traps

As with sporting events, the resale of tickets for major concerts or festivals at a price higher than the original price is considered an offence, punishable by a fine. To avoid ending up with counterfeit tickets, therefore. On the other hand, resale for the same price or less than the original price is authorized, if justified.

Recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Croatia, as are opiates, cocaine and synthetic drugs. However, these illicit products are very much in evidence, particularly at electronic music festivals.

Paid discotheques must display their prices at the entrance. Beware of special tourist prices! If you suspect abuse, ask the local clientele before entering.