A cold beer sounds like a perfect refreshment recipe after an event-filled hot and sunny day in Croatia. Of course, you have probably heard about the amazing Croatian wines and delicious cuisine, but what about Croatian craft beers? 

For the last few years, the beer scene in Croatia has been booming. With over 80 craft beer breweries, unique recipes, and top taste, it would be a shame not to try at least one Croatian craft beer during your stay.

We'll introduce you to the most popular ones that are not only approved by the locals but will also ensure the best craft beer tasting experience. Let's go!

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The Best Croatian Craft Beer Breweries

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THE GARDEN BREWERY

This award-winning microbrewery is a must-visit place in Zagreb. Not only are the Garden Brewery's beers excellent, but the pub's interior is like you stepped into a new world; with over 50 trees and plants from all over the world, it looks like Narnia. The Garden Brewery uses only the best ingredients and doesn't filter or pasteurize the beer to keep that unique taste and aroma. They offer over ten craft beers such as Sour, Wet Hop, Red Rye, etc. You can also shop their amazing craft beers on their webshop. Click here.

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MEDVEDGRAD

Founded in 1994, Medvedgrad is one of the oldest microbreweries in Croatia. They are known for their top-quality beers. So whether you are looking for something full of flavor and heavy or something fruity, crisp, and refreshing, Medvedgrad has a perfect craft beer. We recommend the Croat's favorites, dark lager Grička Vještica, rich in flavor Fakin IPA and fruity Baltazar. Shop them here.

5th ELEMENT

Nope, this is not another Bruce Wills movie! 5th Element is the name of one of the most popular Croatia breweries in the city of Daruvar. Why 5th Element? Well, as they explained on their website, there are four main beer ingredients, but they added one more: love. They offer up to nine different beers, such as Voodoo, Aba, Stout, Lela, etc. You can find 5th ELEMENT beers in almost any Croatian supermarket.

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ZMAJSKA PIVOVARA

Zmajska pivovara (The Dragon Brewery) has been declared by RateBeer, as one of the best ten new breweries in the world, and that's in the first year since its foundation. They offer various craft beers, from the India Pale Ale, Porter, American Wheat Ale, German Pills, etc. The beer is a MUST TRY!

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VARIONICA

Founded in 2014 by Matija Mrazek and Davor Simicic, Varionica, or in English 'Brewhouse' is an award-winning Croatian craft beer brewery. Their three beers, Deep Dive IPA, Neon Stout and Siesta Session IPA won four gold medals at European Bear Challenge in London, 2021. You can shop Varionica's tasty and refreshing craft beers on their webshop.

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Where to Buy Craft beer in Croatia

As we mentioned, there are over 80 Croatian craft beer breweries, most of which you can find in supermarkets, but some you can even order online. Here are the best two online shops in Croatia for craft beers.

‍BEERSHOP  has an amazing selection of Croatian craft beers but also over 200 beer labels from all over the world. 

‍CROCRAFT is another online shop perfect for beer lovers! Here you can find regular craft beers or specials, from light, dark, unfiltered, ipa, dipa, apa, and even gluten-free. 

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