Space. The final frontier. This is the article about stargazing in Croatia. Its continuing mission is to inform you about everything stargazing-related, to discover you best places to observe vast spaces above us and to encourage you to boldly go into the dark for the best possible view of the dark sky. And so on.
I’ve been obsessed with the space for as long as I remember. I grew up listening to the Andromeda radio show in Croatia which is all about space. Through the years I developed a huge interest in anything space-related and as soon as I started to do photography, astrophotography became my hobby. Even now I sometimes get out in search of the dark skies and do some astrophotography in Croatia. All of the images you’ll see in this article were made by us during a clear starry night.
Croatia is famous for its beautiful nature, stunning beaches, and historic landmarks, but it’s also a perfect place for stargazing enthusiasts and astrophotographers. With minimal light pollution in many rural and mountainous areas, Croatia offers spectacular views of the night sky.
Let’s explore the universe together.
Why Croatia is Great for Stargazing
Croatia is perfect for many things, stargazing included. There are many places with low light pollution and there are few ‘Dark Sky’ parks in Croatia which are protected areas with almost no light pollution at all.
Here’s what makes stargazing in Croatia one of the great activities to enjoy during your vacation:
- Low Light Pollution: Many rural and remote locations in Croatia have little to no artificial lighting, thus providing clear views of the stars and the Milky Way.
- Mild Climate: Croatia’s Mediterranean climate offers clear skies for most of the year, especially in summer and autumn. The Milky Way is also visible during the summer months. Winter can also bring some nice weather for stargazing in Croatia, especially after the Bura wind, but it’s way colder during that period.
- Stunning Backdrops: You can easily combine stargazing with stunning landscapes of Croatia, ranging from Adriatic coastlines to mountainous regions. If you are into astrophotography, you can make some nice material in Croatia.
Best Dark Sky Locations in Croatia
While there are many places where you can enjoy a dark sky in Croatia, there are a few of them that stand out. Basically any place far away from the city lights will do just fine. I remember the first time I had ever seen truly a dark sky. It was during my trip to Dinara mountain – the highest mountain in Croatia. It’s something I will never forget, totally out of this world. You can see so many more stars when in places like this.
Here are a few of the most famous locations for stargazing in Croatia:
1. Petrova Gora
- Location: Central Croatia, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Why Visit:
- Minimal light pollution and an elevation of over 500 meters.
- Perfect for observing deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
- Tips: Combine your visit with a hike to explore the historic Petrova Gora Monument during the day.
2. Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park
- Location: Southern Dalmatian Coast.
- Why Visit:
- Recognized as one of the darkest spots in Croatia.
- Ideal for viewing the Milky Way galaxy on a clear night.
- Tips: Stay overnight on Lastovo Island for uninterrupted stargazing and bring a camera and tripod for some great astrophotography shoots.
- Location: Near the city of Makarska on the Dalmatian Coast.
- Why Visit:
- High-altitude location with expansive views of the night sky.
- The Biokovo Skywalk attraction offers a unique stargazing platform.
- Tips: Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains during the night. Even on the hot summer days.
4. Kornati Islands National Park
- Location: Northern Dalmatian Coast, near the cities of Zadar and Šibenik.
- Why Visit:
- Remote and secluded, the islands of the Kornati National Park are free from light pollution.
- A boat tour during the day can be paired with a night under the stars.
- Tips: Check for guided stargazing tours offered by local operators.
Interesting Facts About Stargazing in Croatia
In a world of rising light pollution stargazing is becoming a future tourist product. I know a lot of people who lived in the cities for the whole of their lives and never saw the real dark skies. I know many of them who stood jaw-dropping when seeing it for the first time. If you are already in Croatia for vacation, why not spend at least 1 night enjoying the starry night, especially if you’re living in a light-polluted city and don’t have the chance to admire the night sky so often?
- Dark Sky Parks: Croatia is home to several specially designated dark-sky areas that ensure minimal light pollution for optimal stargazing. It’s even forbidden to put any artificial light source at some of these before getting all the permits.
- Astrotourism: Many Croatian regions, including Lastovo and Biokovo, are actively promoting astrotourism with guided tours and events. We believe that there will be more and more of these in the future.
- Meteor Showers: Croatia’s dark skies are ideal for viewing meteor showers like the Perseids in August. It’s one of the best stargazing events to observe while staying in Croatia.
Stargazing at the Neretva River Delta
How to Prepare for Stargazing in Croatia
Stargazing implies night, which further implies a bit colder temperatures, even during the summer. If you plan to go stargazing in Croatia, you have to be prepared and know what to expect.
- Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for stargazing. Unless you want to enjoy cloud gazing. Use forecast apps for accurate forecasts that will let you know what to expect during a particular night.
- Choose a New Moon: For the darkest skies, plan your stargazing trip around a new moon. A full moon means lots of light and you won’t be able to see much of the stars.
- Avoid Urban Areas: Stay away from city lights for the best visibility. The further away you’re from the city, the better the night skies will look and more stars will be visible.
- Arrive Early: Familiarize yourself with the area in daylight and set up before nightfall.
Near the old cottage on Dinara Mountain – highest mountain in Croatia (this is in the highland known as Brezovac)
What to Bring for Stargazing
There are not many things you need for a simple stargazing in Croatia. Eyes are the most important thing to bring. Since the nights can be cold, there are other things to carry, and we’ll name few of them. If you are into astrophotography, you probably already know what equipment to bring with you.
- Blanket or Camping Chair: For comfortable viewing while lying on the ground.
- Warm Clothing: Even summer nights can get chilly in remote areas so make sure you put extra layers in the backpack, just in case.
- Red Flashlight: Preserves night vision while providing illumination. Most of the flashlights have the red mode so you can use these.
- Star Maps or Apps: Tools like Stellarium or SkySafari help identify constellations and planets with ease. These can come in handy if you are looking for a specific star or stellar body.
- Snacks and Water: Keep hydrated and energized during your stargazing session.
- Binoculars: Optional but great if you want to add another dimension to your stargazing in Croatia. It will make it much more stars visible and seem closer as well.
In the Paklenica National Park – most popular place for rock climbing in Croatia
Tips for Astrophotography in Croatia
Another great aspect of stargazing in Croatia (or anywhere else) is astrophotography. For a long time, it was reserved for people who have professional equipment like DSLR cameras, special lenses, tripods, and so on. Nowadays, it’s easy to take a good photo with your smartphone since many allow you to set them in the long exposure mode.
Don’t expect professional results, but still, it’s a huge leap forward. If you want to do real astrophotography in Croatia, here’s what to do:
- Use a Tripod: Stability is crucial for long-exposure shots that can be up to 30 seconds. Still, try to keep it below 15 seconds since everything above that will add star trails which you usually want to avoid.
- Choose the Right Camera Settings:
- ISO: Start at 1600 or higher.
- Shutter Speed: 15-30 seconds.
- Aperture: As wide as possible (f/2.8 or lower).
- Focus Manually: Autofocus struggles in low light, so set your lens to infinity focus.
- Experiment with Foregrounds: Include mountains, trees, or buildings to add depth to your photos and make them more interesting.
- Shoot During Meteor Showers: Capture stunning streaks of light for dynamic images and blend them together making one image with many meteor trails.
View from the Biokovo mountain above Gradac
Additional Tips for Stargazing in Croatia
Almost there, here are just a few more considerations when it comes to stargazing in Croatia:
- Respect Nature: Avoid leaving any waste behind and keep noise levels low. Always follow the Leave No Trace Principles.
- Join Guided Tours: Many dark-sky locations offer stargazing tours with telescopes and expert guides. If you want to see more and learn more, these are great starting points.
- Plan a Multi-Day Trip: Stay overnight in remote areas to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Tulove Grede is a great place for stargazing in Croatia
Before you venture into the stargazing experience
Ready to enjoy this free activity that can make your vacation in Croatia much more memorable? Stargazing in Croatia offers a magical escape into the cosmos. No matter if you are an astrophotographer or just want to enjoy gazing at the dark sky, Croatia has many places for both. We believe the images from this article will make you consider spending at least 1 night of your vacation in Croatia in stargazing.
Enjoy finding new worlds above you!