Split and Hvar are basically Croatia’s “I came for the culture, stayed for the cocktails” duo.

Split is where the volume gets turned up. It’s waterfront promenades, old stone streets, bars, beach clubs, and the kind of nights that mysteriously end around 4am. Think: daytime wandering, spritzes on the promenade, and “how did we end up in this bar again?” energy.
 
In between, we’re doing a full boat day as we make our way along the coast: stupidly pretty coves, swim stops, sun-drenched decks, music, and just enough alcohol that everyone suddenly becomes a lifestyle vlogger. Consider it our floating gay ferry from chaos to calm.
 
Hvar is our escape from the summer heat and crowds. We’ll be up in the hills in Pitve: stone houses, olive trees, cooler air, and big views over the Adriatic, with a compound all to ourselves. When we want a little more energy, Jelsa is just down the mountain—easy swims, waterfront cafés, and long sunset walks by the harbor.
 
So what do you pack for a trip that’s part coastal postcard, part gay disaster reunion?