18 essential tips to optimise your experience!
FESTIVAL TIP 1
🔥 It Gets Hot at Balance Croatia – Literally.
We’re looking at temps between 30°C and 35°C across the festival, with a real feel pushing 38°C — so take care of yourselves and each other. The heat hits both on and off the dancefloor.
☀️ A few essentials:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
- Wear a hat (or grab a fresh one from the Balance Merch Store — they’ve got a brand-new range and a pop-up onsite).
- Pack electrolytes or pick up a Happy Tuesday Post-Rave Wellness Pack to help you bounce back strong.
- Hit up the on-site shop for cold hydration drinks.
- Water taps are located at the camping block: turn left just before the Olive Grove and go past the massage station.
Let’s keep the vibes high — and the body temps reasonable.
FESTIVAL TIP 2
👟 A Quick Note on Footwear
The Garden surfaces are a mix of dusty gravel, uneven paving, and grass.
Barbarella’s is much the same.
The boats? Wet decks — and not always friendly to flimsy soles.
And once the sun goes down, lighting is low, and dancefloors get packed — toes will get stepped on.
So... think about your footwear. Many people go with trusty, worn-in trainers — something comfy, sturdy, and okay to get dusty.
Be you — but be safe and comfortable doing it.
FESTIVAL TIP 3
🗣️ Language Tips
Good news: around 90% of people speak English, so you won’t run into major language issues.
That said, staff can sometimes come across as abrupt — but it’s usually just the language barrier, not rudeness.
Still, learning a few local phrases goes a long way and is always appreciated by Croatians.
Check out this handy quick guide here and drop a “hvala” (thank you) when you can — it means a lot. 🙏
FESTIVAL TIP 4
☕ Service Culture in Croatia
Service at cafes and restaurants might feel a little slow if you’re used to rushing — but that’s the point. When it’s 30°C+, no one’s in a hurry… and honestly, why should they be?
In Croatia, coffee is a ritual.
People sip slowly, chat, and watch the world go by. No one’s going to rush you — in fact, if you want another drink, you’ll probably have to ask for it.
You’ll usually find macchiato, espresso, or Americano on offer, and milk alternatives are available in most places.
And yes — there are no Starbucks in Croatia. The locals prefer it that way. 🖤
FESTIVAL TIP 5
🚻 Toilet Tips at The Garden
There are toilets located all around the site:
- Proper toilet blocks can be found at the Admin Office and Camping Area
- Port-a-loos are available near the Main Stage and along the side path to the Beach Stage
We highly recommend packing a few wet wipes — trust us, they’ll come in handy. 🙌
FESTIVAL TIP 6
💊 Health Info – Pharmacy & Medical Help
Tisno is a small village, so there’s just one pharmacy in town:
🕒 Opening hours:
- Weekdays: 07:30 – 16:00
- Saturdays: 07:30 – 13:30
- Website
📍Google Maps
📞 +385 22 438 512
There’s also a paramedic station right next door to the pharmacy.
For anything more urgent, additional pharmacies can be found in Murter, Betina, and Pirovac.
👉 EU citizens: bring your ID
👉 Non-EU citizens: bring ID + proof of travel insurance.
Stay safe, stay smart — and look after each other. ❤️
FESTIVAL TIP 7
💆♀️ On-Site Massage Tent
Feeling the dancefloor in your calves? There’s a massage tent on site to help you unwind and reset.
📍 Located right next to the festival shop
📅 Booking recommended — it fills up fast
💳 Pay with your festival wristband
Prices
Back : 30min / €40
Legs : 30min / €40
Deep Tissue : 45min / €70
Cupping : 40min / €50
Reflexology : 45min / €70
Shiatsu : 60min / €80
Relax : 60min / €70
Head & Face : 45min / €70
Pedicure : 45min / €50
Treat your muscles — they’ve earned it.
FESTIVAL TIP 8
🛍️ The Balance Merch Store
We’re bringing the Balance Croatia merch store — stocked with new gear and essentials for your festival weekend, including:
👕 T-shirts & tank tops
👒 Bucket hats & sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen, hand fans & earplugs
🌿 Happy Tuesday Post-Rave Wellness Packs
Find us beside the decking, between the food court and the beach.
🕛 Open Thursday–Sunday, 12:00–22:00
Come early — the good stuff goes fast.
FESTIVAL TIP 9
🛒 Grocery Guide for Balance Croatia
You’ll find plenty of small grocery stores in Tisno and surrounding villages. They’re generally open 07:00–21:00 or 22:00 — but be aware, the windows are often covered, so just push the door to check if they’re open!
🏪 In Tisno
Only small grocery stores, open daily from 07:00–21:00 or 22:00.
🛍️ On Murter Island
- Large Tommy and Plodine hypermarkets (open 07:00–22:00 daily)
- Smaller Tommy stores and independents in Murter, Betina, and Jezera
🛒 In Pirovac
- Brand new Plodine hypermarket opposite the Hotel Miran (festival hotel site), open 07:00–22:00 daily
- Several smaller grocery stores in the village
🏙️ In Vodice
- Tommy, Plodine, and Lidl all open daily from 07:00–22:00
- Plus many small convenience stores
🔍 Pro tip: On Google Maps, search “Djelo”, “Tommy”, or “Plodine” to find the nearest options.
FESTIVAL TIP 10
🛍️ On-Site Shop Info
Need essentials? We’ve got you covered. The on-site shop stocks:
💧 Water & chilled drinks.
🍺 Beer, wine & snacks.
🧴 Basic groceries, cigarettes, condoms, ice cream & more.
📍 Located halfway between the Main Stage and the Olive Grove, just off the main path on the left.
🕗 Open daily from 08:00–18:00.
⚠️ It might look closed — but just try the door. 😉
FESTIVAL TIP 11
🍴 Food at The Garden
Hungry? You’ve got options.
Wabi Sabi, the on-site restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with drinks — perfect for a relaxed sit-down meal.
There’s also a Food Court with a variety of outlets offering lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks to fuel your festival flow.
🥗 Vegetarian and vegan options available at all vendors.
Eat well, dance better.
FESTIVAL TIP 12
🌉 Tisno Bridge Info – Important for Island Guests
The bridge in the centre of Tisno connects the mainland to Murter island — where you’ll find the Borovik Hotel, apartments, and the villages of Jezera, Betina, and Murter.
⏰ Bridge opening times (daily):
- 09:00–09:20
- 18:00–18:20
During these 20-minute windows, the bridge lifts for boats — meaning no cars or pedestrians can cross.
🚗 If you're staying on Murter island (including the island side of Tisno), make sure to plan around these times so you don’t miss your favourite artist — or that boat party departure!
FESTIVAL TIP 13
💳 Festival Wristband = Your Wallet
You’ll use your festival wristband to pay for everything at Balance Croatia — food, drinks, merch, everything.
💰 Top-Up Info:
- At The Garden: Use card, Apple Pay, or Euro cash at top-up kiosks
- At Barbarella’s & on boat parties: Top up with card or Apple Pay only
- No app — everything is done on-site
🔁 Refunds:
- Refunds for any unused balance are available on the last day of the festival and for two days after it ends
🧾 Pro Tip:
- You can check your wristband balance at any bar, food outlet, or kiosk
- Always ask for your balance before and after topping up to avoid any surprises!
FESTIVAL TIP 14
💶 Cards, Cash & Tipping – What You Need to Know
Outside the festival, most places accept cards, and many also take Apple Pay.
That said, it’s smart to carry a bit of cash, especially for:
- Local taxis & water taxis – they often prefer cash, even if they accept cards
- Smaller cafés – some are cash only
- Airport transfers – check in advance; some drivers may require cash payment
💸 Tipping etiquette:
- Cafés & restaurants: Tipping is appreciated — up to 10% is plenty
- Elsewhere: It’s up to you
Having a little cash on hand will go a long way.
FESTIVAL TIP 15
📶 Stay Connected – SIM & eSIM Tips
If you're travelling from outside the EU, it's worth considering an eSIM — most modern phones support them.
🌍 For international coverage:
HolaFly offers eSIMs with global data plans that work throughout your journey to and from the festival.
👉 Website here
🇭🇷 For use within Croatia:
Hrvatski Telekom provides a local eSIM that’s great value for festival-goers.
👉 Website here
📱 No eSIM? No problem:
If your phone supports dual SIM, you can pick up a Croatian tourist SIM card with data:
Stay connected, skip the roaming fees, and save your data for the dancefloor.
FESTIVAL TIP 16
🔋 Stay Charged – Bring a Power Bank
There are no mobile charging points on site, so bring a power bank to stay connected and capture every moment.
Don’t have one yet? Now’s the time to grab one — you’ll thank yourself later.
✈️ Important: Power banks must go in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage when flying.
FESTIVAL TIP 17
🌊 Water Shoes = Happy Feet
Some beaches in Croatia have sea urchins, so we highly recommend bringing water shoes to protect your feet.
🩴 You’re after the type with a solid sole — they’re lightweight, cheap, and make a big difference.
🛒 You can find them on Amazon (pro tip: they tend to run large, so size down if unsure), or pick up a pair from shops in Tisno once you arrive.
Trust us — your toes will thank you. Croatia has some seriously good food and drink — don’t miss the chance to explore what’s local:
FESTIVAL TIP 18
🍽️ Try the Local Flavours!
Croatia has some seriously good food and drink — don’t miss the chance to explore what’s local:
🐟 Seafood Highlights:
- Branzin (sea bass) – light, flaky, and delicious
- Scorpion fish – meatier, rich in flavour
- Squid & octopus – grilled, stewed, or fried — always a good choice
🥩 Meat Lovers:
- Ćevapi – mini grilled kebabs made with spiced minced meat. Think Balkan-style koftas. A must-try!
🍻 Local Beers:
- Ožujsko and Karlovačko – Croatia’s two classic lagers
- Pan – slightly maltier, smooth and easy drinking
🍸 Spirits:
- Old Pilots Gin – award-winning and made in Croatia
- Trut Gin – another excellent local option worth sipping
🍷 Croatian Wines:
- Red: Try Plavac Mali or Dingač if you like something bold
- White: Go for Pošip – crisp, fresh, and perfect with seafood
Eat local, drink local — and let your tastebuds join the party.
