LGBTQIA+ travel in Croatia
Everyone has the right to experience the joy of travel – here's what you need to know about Croatia as a LGBTQIA+ traveller.
Croatia is a safe and widely welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers, but there can be variations in public attitudes in more rural areas. This is primarily due to the country's more catholic ideologies. While same-sex civil partnerships are legal, some more conservative regions may be less tolerant, so it can be helpful to be aware before you travel.
Is Croatia safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?
LGBTQIA+ travellers are widely accepted in Croatia, and LGBTQIA+ rights have come a long way in recent years, with many bills also being passed to protect members against harm, abuse and discrimination. Homosexuality has been legal in Croatia since 1977; however, unfortunately, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be met with unwelcome responses in lesser-populated cities. Gay venues are virtually non-existent outside Zagreb, but this is improving every year.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel. You can also check out the following websites for more LGBTQIA+-related information and advice:
Smartraveller (Australia)
SafeTravel (New Zealand)
US Dep of State (USA)
FCDO (United Kingdom)
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. 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.
Like much of Europe, the best time to experience Italy’s LGBTQIA+ culture is during Pride season (June to August), especially in Zagreb and Split, which organise pride parades every June. These celebrations have been getting stronger and stronger each year, with increased participation and sponsorship showing how far the country has progressed in embracing and accepting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Travelling with us
We know safety is one of, if not the top, concerns for LGBTQIA+ travellers. But when you travel with us, you can rest assured we’ve got your back.
Intrepid travellers span all ages and backgrounds, and regardless of local laws or attitudes, our leaders are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. We don’t tolerate discrimination, violence or harassment – either between travellers, with our partners or with local people.
Even in countries with limited LGBTQIA+ rights, you'll always be welcomed and supported by us.
Twin-share is the standard arrangement on our trips. We pair solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender listed on your passport. If you identify differently from the gender on your passport, please get in touch to discuss rooming options. If you’d like your own space, individual rooms are available on most trips for an additional cost.
Double beds are available in some destinations. If you’re travelling with a partner and would prefer a double, let us know and we'll do our best to arrange it for you.
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