The ULTIMATE Tisno Festival Guide

Are you a Tisno festival virgin? Well, look no further than this ultimate guide to answer all your questions about the Croatian electronic music festival capital.

As a veteran of 3 different festivals in Tisno, I can tell you that making the journey to Tisno is well worth your while.

We are going to cover all you need to know, including which festivals call Tisno home, the nightlife and clubbing scene, getting to and from Tisno and accommodation possibilities for every budget.

By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to book your next festival abroad with complete confidence you’re making the best choice. So let’s get into it!

🏟️ Festivals in Tisno

Where to begin?! Tisno offers a smorgasbord of electronic music events to delight even the most discerning music lovers.

• Love International Fetsival
• SunceBeat Festival
• Dekmantel Selectors
• Dimensions Festival
• Outlook Origins Festival
• Defected Croatia

All of the above festivals take place at The Garden Resort. The venue has a capacity of 5000 people, so it keeps an incredible intimate vibe in a unique boutique festival style.

Think of the venue as one big carnivalesque festival site. The beach stage makes for perfect starlit night skies. The Olive Grove, surrounded by old olive trees, has seen many a cracking DJ set. And the main stage is the pièce de résistance in the centre.

🪩 Tisno clubs & nightlife

Tisno is home to one of Europe’s best-kept clubbing secrets, the much-celebrated Barbarella’s Discotheque. This open-air club has a capacity of 2500 people and is famed for parties lasting well into the morning.

It has become affectionally known as ‘Barbs’ by those that frequent the venue, and it typically provides the nighttime programming for the festivals that happen nearby.

It’s a short drive out of town, and there are more than enough taxis to ferry you back and forward between the festival site and the nightclub.

There are some other small bars and cocktail places along the waterfront in Tisno that you can enjoy. Be sure not to miss a daytime session at Vortex Beach Club for some Mediterranean shenanigans.

However, the main focus of nightlife in the area is at Barbarella’s.

🗺️ Getting to Tisno, Croatia

Tisno sits along the glistening Adriatic Sea in the municipality of Šibenik-Knin County. The area has everything to make a memorable summer holiday.

The town itself sits on the island of Murter, which is a popular summer holiday spot among Croatians due to its azure waters and majestic beaches.

World heritage locations like the magical Krka National Park and Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik are all within practical day-trip range.

Travel by air

There are two airports with good connectivity to Tisno, Croatia from the rest of Europe and the UK.

• Split International Airport is just over an hour’s drive from Tisno. In addition, there are plenty of flights from most major UK airports, including; Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted.
• Zadar International Airport is roughly a 1-hour drive/transfer from the Garden Resort. Zadar is connected to major European hubs. However, there are fewer flights to choose from.

Travel by road

The drive from Split city centre to Tisno is 115km or about 1.5 hours. Click here for directions from downtown Split.

If you have flown into Zadar, then the journey distance is 80km which translates into about an hour. Follow this link for instructions from Zadar.

Alternatively, you can take the hassle-free option and book a transfer from either city.

By coach/bus

You can also get to Tisno using coach services from Split and Zadar airports. This is the cheapest way to get there and back. Catching the bus is a great way to meet some like-minded souls making their way to the festivals.

How much is a taxi from Split to Tisno?

Prices for this transfer are typically per vehicle, so the more crew members you have, the cheaper it becomes. One-way fares begin at €85 (*at the time of writing*), but it’s worth remembering that you’ll need to pay this in the equivalent Croatian Kuna.

Is Tisno near Split?

Yes, Tisno is close to Split. The journey distance by road is 115km from the centre of Split.

Does Tisno have an airport?

Tisno does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Zadar International Airport (ZAD). Split (SPU) is the next closest airport after that.

🏕️ Accommodation options in Tisno

Tisno is a summer resort town, so prices are high during the peak season by default. However, the town itself has plenty of different accommodations for you to choose from.

There are scores of 2 and 3 bedrooms apartments just a short walk from the festival site. These are your budget-friendlier options and can be a bargain if you go with a group.

If you are a couple, then you’ll find several hotel options. Be aware that these fill up months in advance, so you should lock your dates in early.

On-site accommodation

If you want to be right amongst the vibe, then look no further than staying on-site at the Garden. They offer everything from glamping and Airstreams to air-conditioned apartments.

Staying on-site is a popular option, and you’ll need to book early to avoid disappointment.

Off-site accommodation

The stunning seaside fishing town of Tisno has plenty of off-site availability to offer festival-goers.

Budget: If you want to keep expenses limited, then look at an apartment on the island of Murter. You may be a little further away from The Garden Resort, but you get a better deal.

Baller: The Heritage Hotel Tisno is a top choice for those looking to treat themselves. Closely followed by Hotel Borovnik.

💭 Final Thoughts

Sizzling sunshine and all-night dancing on the Dalmatian Coastline await festival-goers heading to Tisno.

There aren’t many places quite like it anywhere else in Europe. Throughout the peak summer months, there is a week-long festival taking place here almost every week.

Croatia has quietly become a true slice of heaven on the European music festival circuit with Zrce Beach and Tisno.

In summary, we looked at everything you need to know, including

• The selection of boutique electronic music festivals on offer.
• The best nightlife venue in Tisno (and possibly the world) is Barbarella’s Disco.
• Travel options – airport transfers from Split or Zadar are your best bet.
• Accommodation is plentiful but in high demand in peak season, so book early.

Which festival have you got your eye on? Leave a comment below and head over to the dedicated festival guides for more info on each.