True colours
Date: 24.08.2010.
Little more than an hour to the south-west hides Petrcane, a secluded fishing harbour looking out on the north Dalmatian coast. For most of the year the village is quiet but, come July, one of the best party seasons in Europe kicks off.
If you’re going to experience any of the many festivals held here, the Garden Festival should be top of the list. Gearing up for its fifth year, the two-week party (July 2-11) is an infectious mix of relaxation and raving. Currently, only a few thousand people pass through the Garden each season. This year, as always, the festival boasts an eclectic dance line-up, including Mr Scruff, Moodymann, Horse Meat Disco and Daddy G.
Although a small site, the grounds of the Hotel Pinija offer a main stage at the terrace, a 1970s circular nightclub, lovingly restored, and a beach bar with a dance floor overhanging the sea. It’s quite a setting. While partygoers sun themselves with fruity cocktails during the day, they can get down with harder beats at night. The Garden Festival also boasts twice-daily boat parties with top DJs to entertain revelers.
The sun-bleached Adriatic coast is dotted with deserted islands to explore –
the ideal antidote to a fortnight of hard partying. But it’s steadily becoming the worst-kept secret in the festival calendar, so get into the Garden before everyone else finds out about it.
