When J, N, and I decided Split, Croatia, would be our destination for N’s stag do, the choice left us both confused and curious. Split? For a stag? Typically, we’d be eyeing somewhere grittier with neon signs and plenty of places where the taps run cheap lager. But Croatia? With the Mediterranean sun, actual culture, and clear blue water? Bold, uncharted territory for us
Spoiler: it was pure chaos with a sprinkle of “only on a stag do” kind of moments. The sort of memories that you think about with equal parts pride and regret
Airbnb Arrival: Enter the Great Iron Hunt
First things first, we touched down in Split ready to tear it up, but step one was, of course, figuring out our Airbnb. There’s something humbling about standing outside a locked door, slightly delirious from the journey, fumbling around like a team of toddlers trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Where’s the key? Which door? How does Airbnb even work? We were out of our depth
After finally getting in and dumping our bags, the realization hit us: we might actually need an iron. You know, just in case we wanted to look like we hadn’t flown in on a broomstick. Trying to sort this out with our host who had limited English was the start of an adventure all on its own.
We attempted every description under the sun, asking if she had “a thing to make clothes flat” and finally resorting to sending her a picture of an iron off Google. She replied with a simple “Yes.” You can’t beat a moment like that a simple one-word answer to our chaotic energy. Iron in hand, we felt ready. Kind of.
Yacht Week Surprise: More Bachelorettes Than a Reality Show
Turns out, Split has a little secret: Yacht Week. Yes, Yacht Week. Picture the city suddenly bursting with yacht parties and oceans of people in nautical outfits. We, expecting a chill scene, walked right into what felt like a Mediterranean bachelorette parade. For a group of dudes on a stag do? Jackpot.
The vibe on Split’s Riva promenade was pure revelry. Music, laughter, strangers making instant friends it felt like the entire city was in stag and hen party mode. N, of course, thrived in this environment, bouncing from group to group like he’d been invited to each yacht party personally. It was the sort of night where you felt like anything could happen… and a few hours in, it did.
Food, Drink, and Classy Stag Do Vibes (Sort Of)
As far as food goes, stag dos usually mean hunting down the nearest kebab van or pizza joint at 3 a.m. But Split? Completely different game. We stumbled upon damn good food that made us feel downright sophisticated. Even got a few vegetables in there no small feat.
Now, let’s talk drinks. Croatian wine? Surprisingly solid. And rakija? Let’s just say rakija is not for the faint-hearted. It’s like they distilled the essence of “big night out” into a single shot glass. One rakija shot in, you’re dancing. Two shots in, you’re invincible. Three? Questionable decisions are being made. A few rakija nights later, we realized it had the power to either make or break you. But when in Split…
Reflecting on Split as the Oddly Perfect Stag Destination
When we first booked Split, it was a mystery, but now? It’s honestly the stag do destination to beat. The city was an unexpected mix of beach vibes, nightlife, and pure chance encounters (hello, Yacht Week). You’ve got sunshine, a party scene that stays on the right side of fun, and just enough history in the old town to make you feel like you’re in the middle of a movie set.
If you’re ever in the market for a stag do that’s a bit off the beaten path but still packs the antics, go for Split. Just make sure you bring a backup iron—or at least a picture of one. You never know when you’ll need it.
