Night of the Full Moon offer a Croatia cruise beach party like no other

Held against the picturesque backdrop of the city Zadar, the Night of the Full Moon provides those on a Croatia holiday with a taste of everything that is good in this magical nation.Scheduled for early August, the festival dates back centuries, providing a celebration of the happy cohabitation of the island and also the coastal cultures that exist within it.

It remains a part of the heritage of Zadar and something its inhabitants embrace with true vigour each year. All public lighting on the city’s quay is shut down during the celebrations, with lanterns and candles providing a serene tone to the evening’s exertions.

Meeting under a symbolic full moon, those in attendance are invited to soak up the culture on display, most prominently through a variety of mouth-watering local delicacies sourced from the nearby Adriatic sea.

Lobsters and crabs are just two of the culinary delights likely to be on offer while the widely available local wines offer a quality drink that’s sure to complement the occasion.

Arguably the most famous of these dishes comes from the beach-side restaurants set up for the festival and offering gigantic fish to fill the belly and the soul.

Music and dancing make up much of the evenings other festivities, with the iconic waterfront of Zadar offering plenty of room for candlelit dinners and a variety of memorable spectacles sure to live on long in the mind.

Meanwhile the stalls and taverns spread across the seashore offer the chance to purchase cheese and wine, while fresh tuna and sardines will also be on offer for those eager to take a taste of their Croatia holiday with them.

Come daytime and Zadar also offers the usual range of Adriatic cruises for anyone seeking a sailing holiday in Croatia. You may want to stay around for the evening too, with the city famed for providing one of the Balkans greatest beauty spots.

As WhatsOnWhen revealed: “Director Alfred Hitchcock said that his favourite location to watch a sunset was on Zadar's waterfront (Riva), where the Night of the Full Moon celebrations take place.”

With all this and more on offer – the Night of the Full Moon is not one to miss.