It's the hottest party destination on Hvar, Carpe Diem is a Croatian lounge landmark for nouveau-jetset looking for long summer nights. Infamous for its portside dance scene and iconic façade, the club has been a consistent fixture for visiting celebrities and European socialites. Opened in 2008, Carpe Diem branches out to the inlet-island of Stipanska for its first ever summer beach club. Stipanska was already a popular outing for those visiting Hvar, especially the nudists, seeking the casual beach eatery and tiki lounger that formerly occupied the beach.
No more than a 5-Euro and 5-minute trip by water taxi from the main port, guests arrive to a pristine rocky cove with large sand beach dotted with palm-thatch umbrellas and teak lounge chairs available for daily rental. The beach club features a small rectangular swimming pool with redwood deck and waterfront promenade to scout out embarking singles arriving in their designer swimwear or sometimes even topless. A large indoor lounge is decorated in all-white lounge furnishings with fabric-draped ceiling, antique candelabras and DJ pumping original electronic dance anthems till 7pm.
Tips
It’s the closest thing Hvar has ever had to a real beach club complete with ultra-chic lounge, manicured beach club and DJ-fueled party atmosphere that rages from June through September.
Last Word
Don’t arrive expecting the champagne to flow just yet; Croatians still prefer their white wines in lieu of anything sparkling. Skip the snacks and just drink. The beach club has yet to perfect its menu of snacks; instead of the jetset favored sushi samplings expect heavy grilled meats and the mediocre tossed salad.
