Is Croatia LGBTQIA+ friendly?
An LGBTQIA+ person is one who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or questioning and for members of this community, travelling to Croatia is considered to be fairly safe. While there are still laws that victimise members of this community (largely due to the country's more catholic ideologies), LGBTQIA+ rights have come a long way with many bills also being passed to protect members against harm, abuse, and discrimination in recent years. These bills include the Same-sex Life Partnership Act (enabling same-sex couples to officially recognise their relationship before the law), the Gender Equality Act, the Anti-Discrimination Act, and the Media Act (prohibiting any program media from encouraging or glorifying inequality based on sexual orientation).
On a more social level, acceptance and support for the community have also strengthened with public displays of affection between same-sex couples no longer frowned upon in larger, metropolitan cities such as Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Rijeka. However, if you're travelling to lesser populated cities or more rural and conservative areas of the country, the same public displays of affection may be met with hostility. This hostility could manifest itself as insults, disparaging looks, and refusal of service so be mindful of that when you're out and about.
Queer culture in Croatia
Up until recently, Zagreb was the only destination that offered any kind of queer culture and while that's changed slightly, the vibrant city is still leading when it comes to gay-friendly venues. These venues include a range of bars, clubs, gatherings, and events with popular hang out spots being Funk Club, Kolaž, and Caffe Bar Kic Klub. Luckily for LGBTQIA+ travellers, more and more cities are getting on the gay-friendly bandwagon with bars and clubs catering for the community opening in Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Hvar, Rab, Rovinj, and Dubrovnik in recent times.
The cities of Zagreb and Split both organise and put on pride parades every year in June to coincide with pride month. These celebrations have been getting stronger and stronger each year with increased participation and sponsorship showing how far the country has progressed when it comes to embracing and accepting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Solo travel and room sharing
As an inclusive tour operator, it's important to us that everyone who books a trip feels comfortable and welcomed, both in Croatia and in other destinations around the world. If you're travelling by yourself, we'll automatically pair you with a fellow solo traveller of the same gender (as detailed on your passport) for all accommodation throughout the trip. If this doesn't suit you or you're uncomfortable with this arrangement for any reason, please let us know at the beginning of the booking process. Individual rooms may be available on some tours if you'd also rather have a room to yourself.
Read more about Europe
Jun 07, 2018
Why Italy is an amazing destination...
Thought you had to skip the pizza, pasta and gelato? Think again.
Jan 08, 2019
Why Palermo is Italy’s best-kept secret
Palermo is the gateway to Sicily, and is the Sicilian capital of culture, food,...
Nov 10, 2016
Stockholm vs Copenhagen: Which should...
Are you a stylish nature lover who likes security and convenience, or a hipster...
May 12, 2017
Split: The Croatian city that should...
While Split may never shine as brightly as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ by tourist...
Jul 31, 2017
10 must-see places when you visit...
From the peaks of the Caucasus mountains to Kakheti’s rolling semi-deserts, the...
Feb 28, 2018
What to pack for a trip to Iceland:...
No matter what time of year, no matter how clueless you are, no matter whether you...
Nov 17, 2017
Why Iceland is the dream destination...
This island destination features soothing hot springs, majestic wild horses and...
Oct 07, 2019
Dunes, DJs and disaster in the Sahara...
Like most disasters, it began with what I thought was a good idea at the time....
Jul 26, 2022
What is Greece known for? A deep dive...
Greece is known for many things including the invention of democracy, mythology...
Jul 27, 2022
The planet-friendly way to stretch...
Getting to and from your trip’s start and end points should be part of the journey...
Sep 10, 2019
How to do the French Riviera on a budget
The words ‘French Riviera’ and ‘budget travel’ don’t usually squeeze into the same...
Dec 18, 2017
I’m on a boat: the Intrepid guide to...
There are a lot of myths about sailing the high seas, but with Intrepid's handy...
May 15, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From hiking in US national parks to going on safari in South Africa, here's your...
Mar 16, 2017
We rank the 7 best breakfasts in Paris
If you’re after something a little more nourishing than a croissant (or simply...
Oct 31, 2016
Seven days sailing on the French Riviera
Sunshine, retro swimsuits, striped umbrellas, aquamarine Mediterranean waters and...
Aug 31, 2015
A walking tour of Paris’ best foodie...
When I landed in Paris for the first time, I spent a happy few hours Googling the...
Jul 29, 2018
Why cycling the French Alps is what...
I’m lucky enough to live an hour’s drive from the French Alps and can honestly say...
Mar 10, 2017
6 cities in France to visit before...
There's just so much more to France than its capital, Paris. Here are six of the...
Sep 08, 2017
5 European day hikes everyone should...
Europe’s varied geography lends itself to hundreds of day walks that require...
Apr 10, 2022
Where to celebrate Pride in Europe 2022
With European summer just around the corner, it’s time to get your Pride plans in...
Jul 05, 2017
A local’s guide to the hidden gems of...
We all know the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées, but discovering lesser-known...
Mar 27, 2019
10 weird and wonderful facts about...
Sandwiched by Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia – Belarus occupies a...
Sep 03, 2019
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
Whether you’ve always wanted to slurp schnapps at a Swedish celebration, track...
Nov 30, 2017
Calling all explorers: 5 uncharted...
On the hunt for your next big out-there adventure? These might make your decision...