Jarun nudist beach and The island of Croatian Youth (Jarunska nudistička plaža i Otok hrvatske mladeži)
A gay beach does not exist in Zagreb. However, there is nudist part at the Jarun lake which is also known as a gay cruising area.
If you're looking for some more straightforward action, you should visit the island across the nudist beach - its forest, bushes and south beaches are known as Zagreb's prime place for open-sky fornicating, regardless of orientation :) Prime gay spot is the south-eastern forest. The island's name is Otok hrvatske mladeži (The island of Croatian youth). Unfortunately, the name has little to do with the average visitors' description :)
You can enter the island by crossing the bridge at its eastern end. If you're at the nudist beach, just follow the roller's/biker's road about 1 km towards east, and then at the crossroads keep on going straight ahead (ie don't turn right). The "gay forest" is on your left as soon as you cross the bridge.
This is an unofficial but accurate and up-to-date gay guide through Zagreb. I created it 'cause there is no official or factual gay guide on my hometown.
As you can see, I have no profit interest through this web site nor is there any copyright on any part of it. Therefore, you are free to copy whatever information you find to whatever place you wish.
If you'd like to leave a comment or inform me about a possible incorrect information (the latter highly unlikely :), please use the link "Comments" at the end of any post.
Zagreb may not have a very thriving gay life, but what we have can give you an amazing time! Have fun in Zagreb! :)
Links
Gay.hr
The largest gay web-site in Croatia. In Croatian.
Net.hr kalendar
An up-to-date guide of what to see and do in Croatia. In Croa-tian.
Google translate
A usefull web-tool for those of you who don't speak Croatian.
DHMZ
A weather forecast service for any part of Croatia. In English.
Advice
No smoking!
Recently, an anti-smoking law is enforced throughout Croatia. It is prohibited to smoke in any closed area (including bars, clubs, etc.) and some open areas that surround public institutions like hospitals, schools etc. The police is in charge of the fines which start from 500 kn (68,34 €) for the smoker.
Stay safe
Zagreb is a safe city, much safer than most of the European capitals (Eurostat statistics). However, walking alone during the night through the lonely streets or parks is not recommended.
Unfortunately, Croatia is a conservative country whose people are very religious and not very open-minded (only 7% highly educated people). If you are a black, expect many staring looks, as the majority of people have never seen any race other than Caucasian (at least not outside of TV).
The same goes for any kind of extravagant and unacceptable behaviour, which includes holding hands, kissing etc. with a person of the same sex. Therefore, although there are laws against gay discrimination and bashing, it is not recommended to express your homosexuality in public. To the majority of people, such acts are considered perverse and can provoke a violent attack, regardless of the location or time of the day.
Zagreb Pride
Every year in mid-June "Zagreb Pride" takes place at Zagreb's centre. Instead of being a parade of joy, as it is in most of world's capitals, Zagreb Pride is very much a sort of a protest for acknowledgment and recognition of gay community in Croatia. Every year (2009 was no exeption), during or after the parade, it is accompanied by some sort of direct violent attack against participants, some of whom get serious physical injuries. It is therefore heavily guarded by the police forces. However, it has been shown throughout history that police protection is not something you should rely yourself on completely. Partici-pating in Zagreb Pride can be an exciting experience, however, it is something you should do on your own responsibility, being aware of the risks it brings.
Should you (at any circum-stance) become a victim of any kind of violence, you are free to call the police at +385 1 92 or 112.
About me
I'm a 20-something-year-old student from Zagreb, in love with my boyfriend, Scandinavia, Harley-Davidsons and practically everything about life :)
I dedicate this website to Jonasy, the author of a very amusing blog which I've been reading for a very long time. If you understand Croatian, I whole-heartedly recommend you to check it out: gay-iskreno blog
