Hideout Festival 2026: accommodation and travel guide

Why Hideout 2026 is unmissable

Hideout 2026 brings sun-soaked days and starlit nights to Zrće Beach on Croatia’s Pag Island, blending open-air dancefloors, boat parties, and top-tier musical acts across multiple beachfront stages. Expect high-energy events, production that rivals the world’s biggest festivals, and a crowd of friendly festival‑goers who come for sunrise sessions and stay for the legendary afters. If you love basslines with your sea breeze, this edition of Hideout is the one to secure early.

Highlights you can look forward to:

• Ocean-facing stages and beachside bars with crystal-clear Adriatic views
• Boat parties cruising past rugged coastlines at golden hour
• Late-night sets under the stars and sunrise finales
• A compact layout: short hops between venues and your stay

Where to stay near Zrće Beach and in Novalja

You’ll find a broad spread of accommodation options on Pag, from wallet-friendly shared rooms to villa escapes with pools. The sweet spot for most party-lovers is Novalja and the surrounding areas, putting you minutes from Zrće while keeping creature comforts close.

Best areas and what they suit:

• Novalja town: Ideal for first-timers. Tons of apartments, hotels, eateries, and ATMs. 5–10 minutes to Zrće by shuttle or taxi.
• Gajac: Closest residential area to Zrće. Great for walking or quick rides to the clubs.
• Stara Novalja: Quieter bays and calmer nights; perfect if you want sleep between sessions. 10–15 minutes to the action.
• Caska: Small, beachy, and super convenient for Zrće access.
• Metajna and beyond: Scenic coves and lower rates, but plan on longer rides.

What to look for when you book:

• Air-con in every bedroom, blackout blinds, and soundproofing
• Reliable Wi‑Fi and late check-in options
• Pool access or a terrace for pre-drinks
• Clear house rules (security deposits, noise policies)
• Walkable distance to shuttle stops

Typical late-June price ranges (guide only):

• Hostels: €35–80 per bed/night
• Mid-range apartments: €140–300 per unit/night
• 2–3 bedroom apartments: €220–450 per unit/night
• Hotels: €160–350 per room/night
• Villas with pools: €600–1,500 per night (sleeps 6–12+)

Booking strategy and price timeline

Demand spikes fast once lineups drop and ticket phases advance. Accommodation inventory near Zrće gets snapped up months ahead, so locking it in early saves serious money.

Smart booking tips:

• Reserve early with a flexible rate or low deposit; set calendar reminders for your final free-cancellation date.
• Midweek arrival (Mon–Wed) often beats weekend pricing.
• Check minimum-stay rules (common: 4–7 nights).
• Split larger groups between two neighboring apartments if villas are sold out.
• Always confirm wristband collection logistics and transport options with your host.

Getting there: flights and best airports

Pag Island is linked to the mainland via the Pag Bridge (no ferry needed), making airport access straightforward. Two popular gateways:

• Zadar Airport (ZAD): Closest choice. Typical road time to Novalja: 1.5–2 hours, traffic permitting.
• Split Airport (SPU): Wider route network. Road time to Novalja: roughly 3–3.5 hours via A1 and the bridge.

Seasonal routes expand dramatically for summer, with extra flights from the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Scandinavia, and CEE hubs. If you’re chasing deals, compare midweek arrivals and check both airports’ schedules. For the smoothest experience, align your landing time with your pre-booked transfer window.

Airport transfers: private, shared, minibus and taxis

Once you land, you’ll choose between private airport transfers, shared shuttles, minibus transfers for groups, or on‑demand rides.

From Zadar Airport (guide prices):

• Private car (1–3 pax): ~€140–200 per vehicle
• Minivan (up to 7–8 pax): ~€160–240 per vehicle
• Minibus transfers (8–16 pax): ~€180–300 per vehicle
• Shared shuttle: ~€30–50 per person
• Airport taxis on the spot: often €150–220 to Novalja, depending on time of day

From Split Airport (guide prices):

• Private car (1–3 pax): ~€240–350 per vehicle
• Minivan (up to 7–8 pax): ~€280–420 per vehicle
• Minibus transfers (8–16 pax): ~€300–500 per vehicle
• Shared shuttle: ~€45–75 per person
• Airport taxis on the spot: commonly €260–380

Pre-booking perks:

• Fixed pricing in peak hours
• Meet-and-greet with live flight tracking
• Space for luggage, DJ gear, or inflatables
• Option to add a quick supermarket stop en route

Group hack: fill a minivan or a small coach and split the fare—often cheaper than individual shuttles.

Driving and car rentals

Hiring a car offers flexibility for supermarket runs, beach-hopping, or exploring Pag’s moonlike landscapes.

Good to know:

• Route: A1 motorway toward Posedarje, then the Pag Bridge.
• Tolls: Apply on the A1; carry a card or cash.
• Parking: Limited near Zrće in peak hours; use official lots and avoid unsafe shoulders.
• Safety: Designate a sober driver; police checks are routine during large events.
• Alternative: Park at your apartment and rely on night shuttles/taxis to the clubs.

Local transport once you’ve arrived

Moving around is easy and doesn’t need to be expensive:

• Festival shuttles: Frequent buses connect Novalja, Gajac, and Zrće Beach, running late into the night and often 24/7 during peak days.
• Local taxis: Quick and convenient after sets; queue early at closing time to avoid waits.
• Rideshares: Operate intermittently; don’t rely on them at peak exit.
• Scooters/bikes: Fun for daytime beach-hopping; lock them securely.
• Walking: From Gajac or parts of Novalja, you can stroll to Zrće, but plan for a taxi back after sunrise.

Tickets, add-ons and wristbands

Hideout’s ticketing usually rolls out in phases (early-bird, general release, final), with pricing stepping up as each allocation sells out. Secure your passes via the official website or reputable partners and add extras early.

Popular add-ons:

• Boat parties: Sell out first—grab your slot as soon as they go live.
• Pool and day parties: Often bundled; check packages if you’re going to multiple events.
• Shuttle passes: Multi-day wristlets can be better value than single rides.

Wristband collection:

• Bring photo ID matching the name on your tickets.
• Screenshot confirmations in case of roaming issues.
• Collection points are typically at Zrće or in central Novalja; arrive before peak hours to skip lines.

Resale safety:

• Use verified fan-to-fan platforms only.
• Avoid screenshots or barcodes sent via messaging apps.

Budgeting for a smooth week

Estimated costs per person (typical ranges):

• Stay: €45–120/night in shared setups; €80–200+ in private rooms
• Transfers: €30–75 each way on shared shuttles; lower if you split a group vehicle
• Local transport: €3–5 per shuttle ride; €10–20+ for short taxi hops at night
• Drinks: €4–7 for beers; €8–14 for mixed drinks; premium more
• Sunbeds/lockers: €10–30 depending on day and location
• Food: €8–15 for fast bites; €15–30 for sit‑down meals

Payment tips:

• Cards widely accepted; keep some cash for smaller kiosks.
• ATMs are available in Novalja and near the beach but can run busy—withdraw earlier in the day.

What to pack for beachside partying

• Light layers for breezy nights and sunrise finishes
• Swimwear, a spare towel, and reef‑friendly sunscreen
• Comfortable sneakers or strapped sandals (beach pebbles)
• Earplugs and a compact power bank
• Waterproof phone pouch for boat parties
• EU plug adaptor and spare charging cable
• Reusable bottle (check venue rules) and electrolytes
• Photocopies or digital backups of ID and booking confirmations

Sample stay plans you can copy

3-night sprint (great for early ticket-holders):

• Day 1: Fly into Zadar, pre-booked airport transfer to Novalja, check-in, sunset warm-up and first night at Zrće.
• Day 2: Late breakfast, beach time, afternoon nap, boat party, headline set, sunrise wind‑down.
• Day 3: Explore Pag town or Lun olive groves, pool hang, closing sprint at your favorite stage.

5-night deep dive:

• Day 1: Arrive via Split, group minibus to your apartment, stock up on groceries, welcome session.
• Day 2: Beach club day pass, evening main stage, afters.
• Day 3: Boat party, sunset dining, late-night marathon.
• Day 4: Recovery morning, secret cove swim near Metajna, second wave of sets.
• Day 5: Brunch, souvenir sweep, final night blowout, pack for early transfer.

FAQs for first-time festival‑goers

• When should I book? As soon as the first ticketing phase appears. Prices climb and the best apartments go first.
• Which airport is better? Zadar for proximity; Split for more flight choices. Choose based on schedules and total transfer time.
• Are airport transfers available late? Yes—pre-booked airport transfers, minivans, and airport taxis run for late arrivals. Shared shuttles also add overnight services in peak weeks.
• Is the beach sandy? Expect mostly pebbly beaches and platforms; water shoes help.
• How hot does it get? Warm days and cooler nights with coastal breezes—pack light layers.
• Is tap water drinkable? Generally yes in Croatia; many still opt for bottled during heavy nights out.
• Can I walk back after the headliner? You can from Gajac or some parts of Novalja, but most people use shuttles or taxis after sunrise for safety and ease.

Ready to lock it in? Get your place reserved, line up your flights into Zadar Airport or Split’s airport, and secure a pre-booked minibus transfer or a shared shuttle so you glide straight from runway to beach. With tickets, wristbands, and accommodation sorted ahead of time, you’ll spend less time planning and more time dancing by the Adriatic.