Croatia Insider's Guide: Neil Diablo (El Diablo's Social Club)

Image: Electric Elephant 

Croatia is home to an abundance of picturesque locations that have been transformed for festivals, Tisno being one of them. Home to The Garden site and a selection of close-knit festivals with a real family atmosphere, the small town is a firm favourite with revellers from across the globe.  

As with all holidays abroad, it's nice to get the low down before a visit, so we quizzed a Tisno regular and an all-round Adriatic festival enthusiast, Neil Diablo. His name gives away who he's tied to within the music scene - he's been a key player for the Manchester-based El Diablo's Social Club since 2003. 

Neil has been treating crowds on both home soil and foreign to his signature fusion of feel-good disco and funky house (listen to his set below for a taste). His sound wholly suits Croatian festivals and over the years he's played alongside some of the genre's greats including Greg Wilson and Todd Terje. 

Where do you stay in Tisno when you're there and why?

The last couple of years I've stayed just near the bridge in the middle of Tisno. It's good because its far enough away from the festival site that you feel you can escape it if you need to, and close enough to feel like you're in the thick of it still. Plus it's great for the shops, bars and restaurants round there. 

What makes Croatia so special?

Even after 7 years of playing out there it still feels fresh. Musically it's great and hasn't become too commercial. 

Where are your favourite places to eat?

Antonio's is an absolute winner and seems to be a favourite hang out for DJs. The grilled squid there is probably the best I've had in Croatia. It's a good place to have a dip in the sea too.

Carmen is a little harder to find but well worth searching out. The food is top notch there and the seaside terrace is stunning at night.

And the best places to drink before hitting the festivals?

The festival site is open all day and is great to hangout at and listen to DJs in the daytime. But if you go over the bridge on the island of Murter and keep walking to the left there is a place which I like to call Euro bar, you will know what I mean if you go.

It's a locals place and the music is generally dreadful euro trance but the cocktails are great and very cheap. You can get a water taxi easily from there too.

What do you think will be the musical highlight in Croatia this year?

Obviously the Crazy P vs El Diablo's Social Club boat party will be the highlight for most people, ahem, but DJ Harvey's 12 hour set Barbarellas between The Garden and Electric Elephant will be my highlight I think. It's a good job they do good ribs at the club otherwise I'd have to pack a hefty packed lunch for that one.

If you're travelling by water taxi or renting a boat to get around, where would you recommend visiting?

Water taxis are a great way to get into the site from most places around the resort. Think Duran Duran's 'Rio' video. This is a good way to get to Barbarella's at night to beat the coaches. 

Zadar is also worth a visit. There are some great restaurants and the sea organ is worth checking out. The Garden Zadar which is owned by The Garden Festival people is really good too.

For someone about to come to Croatia for the first time, what are the three things they must do before their time is up?

1. Go on at least one boat party. there is nothing better than raving on the sea.

2. Eat the traditional Dalmatian dish of grilled squid Blitva which is Swiss chard potatoes and garlic. It's well nice and gives you rave strength.

3. Have a post Barberellas pint at what is generally known as Burgerellas or the Burgerhain. It's the raviest burger stand I have ever seen. 

What’s the country's greatest hidden secret?

In addition to its lovely unspoiled scenery I think it's the freedom - open air clubbing throughout the night and daytime beach raving haven't been banned yet like they have in places like Ibiza. 

And finally, what one bit of advice would you give someone hitting Croatia for the first time?

Watch out for sea urchins! They can almost ruin your holiday if you stand in a load of them. Get some jellies!

For more on Neil Diablo including his upcoming gigs, head here. 

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