Go Inside Croatia’s Unknown Festival
Croatia’s Unknown Festival is a vibrant and colorful festival with lots of great acts and fabulous scenery. The festival takes place in Rovinj which is found on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. The number of festival-goers is comparably very small compared to the large numbers which festivals such as Glastonbury and Benicassim attract. Unknown Festival only accommodates around 6,000 people making it a much more intimate festival experience.
People go to Unknown Festival not just for the music but for the weather and the views. The festival is set right on the beach with camping available within the wooded forest. If camping isn’t for you there’s also 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments available onsite for an added bit of festival luxury. Other facilities include an onsite restaurant, bar and swimming pool. You’ll also find lots of activities going on throughout the day including face painting, tug of war and a paint party. Or, you could simply relax on the beach and catch a tan.
Music-lovers are well catered for especially if you enjoy house/electro/indie genres. Last year saw big names such as Jessie Ware, Disclosure and SBTRK as well as lots of smaller acts and DJs. The festival comprises three stages: the main stage right by the beach, a pool stage and a woodland stage. As the festival is relatively small, it’s easy to walk from act to act.
In the forest you’ll find lots of special delights. Quirky sculptures are scattered throughout the festival, as well as fairy lights and hammocks amidst the trees.
The festival is held during early September and although the weather is hot enough for shorts and a t-shirt, I would recommend taking a pair of sturdy shoes and a pack-up anorak just in case. Last year saw heavy torrential rain which washed away tents and caused quite a bit of damage to the stages! Of course, the show still went on but it’s good to be prepared.
Traveling to and from the festival can be easily arranged through the official website and shuttle buses are available from the airport. There are also opportunities to volunteer at the festival if you want to gather a little work experience.
Overall, Unknown is a fantastic festival experience and a great one to try if you’re used to larger festivals.
