Ultra Europe (Croatia) 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Ultra Europe, the European flagship of the global Ultra Music Festival (UMF) brand founded in Miami in 1999, debuted in 2013 as an expansion into Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, organized by Croatian-Canadian entrepreneur Joe Bašić under Ultra Enterprises Inc. It launched with a three-day event in Split and Hvar, drawing 100,000+ attendees and establishing itself as Europe’s premier EDM destination festival amid Croatia’s booming tourism sector.
• Tradition and Evolution: From its inaugural edition featuring headliners like Avicii, Afrojack, and Armin van Buuren, Ultra Europe has grown into Destination Ultra—a week-long extravaganza spanning Split and islands like Brač, Hvar, and Vis. Early years focused on multi-venue boat parties and beach raves; by 2015, it incorporated RESISTANCE (UMF’s techno/house imprint) and Arcadia Afterburner stages. Attendance peaked at 150,000+ from 140+ countries in 2023, with adaptations like sustainable initiatives post-COVID.
• Cultural Significance: As a “strategically important” event per Croatia’s Ministry of Tourism, Ultra Europe boosts the local economy by tens of millions annually, blending global EDM with Adriatic heritage—think ancient Roman ruins as backdrops for laser shows. It embodies UMF’s “Under the Electric Sky” ethos, promoting PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) while showcasing subgenres from big-room house to underground techno, fostering international raver communities.
• Global Impact: Part of UMF’s worldwide network (Miami, Japan, South Africa), Ultra Europe influences European festivals like Tomorrowland with its yacht regattas and island-hopping format. The 2026 edition, its 14th, promises elevated production amid Split’s UNESCO sites, continuing to draw diverse crowds and integrate local cuisine/art for a culturally immersive EDM pilgrimage.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: 150+ artists across four main stages (Main Stage, RESISTANCE, UMF Radio, Oasis) with non-stop EDM sets from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM; 2026 lineup TBD but expect headliners like past stars (Martin Garrix, Tiësto, David Guetta) in house, techno, trance, and bass, plus live streams via #ULTRALive for global viewers.
• Special Traditions or Features: Week-long Destination Ultra with pre-parties (Croatia Music Week), yacht regattas, and island events like Ultra Beach Brač; RESISTANCE mega-structure for underground vibes; free carnival rides, art cars, and fireworks; eco-focus with reusable cups and waste audits.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Immersive stage designs like the cathedral-like Main Stage with pyrotechnics and holograms; interactive art installations inspired by Dalmatian folklore; VIP beauty bars and kandi-trading zones; beachfront chill areas with Adriatic views, plus boat parties for sunset sets—exclusive to Croatia’s coastal setting.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 10 – 12, 2026
• Duration: 3 days (typically 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM daily, 9 hours per night)
• Note: Gates open at 4:00 PM; Destination Ultra extends to July 5–12 with island events; set times via Ultra app.

Venue / Location

• City: Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
• Main Venue: Park Mladeži (Youth Park), a 750,000 sqm urban green space with stadium seating, perfect for massive stages amid pine forests and sea proximity.
• Notable Areas: Main Stage for EDM anthems; RESISTANCE mega-tent for techno; UMF Radio Stage for radio exclusives; Oasis for chill house; plus food alleys, merch zones, and VIP platforms overlooking the Adriatic.
• Google Maps Address: Ul. Hrvatske mornarice 10, 21000 Split, Croatia

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Online via ultraeurope.com or Front Gate Tickets; mobile e-tickets with personalization; payment plans available; no on-site sales to curb scalping.
• Admission Type: Paid only; no free entry.
• Ticket Pricing in USD: Minimum $195 (3-day GA Tier 1, approx. €179); Maximum $415 (3-day VIP, approx. €379). Excludes fees (~$20–30) and taxes (13%); Passport Pack: Buy 4 get 1 free at Tier 1 rates.
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP (21+ for alcohol areas) includes elevated platforms, fast-track entry, premium bars/restrooms, and gourmet food ($415); VVIP tables ($1,000+ for groups via info@ultraeurope.com); accessibility tickets with companion access via support; lockers $40–$60 for 3 days with charging.
• Additional Notes: 18+ only; max 10 tickets/order; non-refundable; upgrades from GA to VIP possible pre-event.

Contact Information

• Email: info@ultraeurope.com (general/tickets); support@ultraeurope.com (cases/FAQs); press@ultraeurope.com (media); travel@travel2ultra.com (packages).
• Phone: Not listed; use portal at support.ultraeurope.com for chat/cases (24–48 hour response).
• Website: https://www.ultraeurope.com (tickets, lineup); https://travel2ultra.com (accommodation/transfers).
• Social Media: @ultraeurope (Instagram, TikTok for teasers); @UltraEurope (Facebook, Twitter for updates); Ultra Europe (YouTube for live sets, Apple Music playlists).
• Key Staff: Organized by Ultra Enterprises Inc.; contact info@ultraeurope.com for queries (e.g., Joe Bašić, founder).
• Press/Volunteers: Media applications via site; volunteers TBD spring 2026 via email (roles in logistics/safety).
• Note: English/Croatian support; CAPTCHA verification for submissions; newsletter for lineup drops.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions: Ultra Europe fuses UMF’s high-energy rave culture with Croatian coastal life, where attendees “ultranaut” in PLUR spirit—exchanging kandi, joining conga lines, and toasting with rakija amid ancient Diocletian’s Palace vibes.
• Music: EDM spectrum from euphoric trance (Armin van Buuren-style anthems) to gritty techno (RESISTANCE sets by Carl Cox), reflecting global influences while spotlighting Balkan beats in fusion acts.
• Costumes: Festival flair reigns—neon fishnets, LED wings, and body paint mixed with nautical themes (sailor hats, seashell accessories), encouraging bold, inclusive expression under starry Adriatic skies.
• Local Customs: Embraces Croatian hospitality with communal feasting on peka (slow-cooked meat/veggies); eco-rituals like “Leave No Trace” align with Dalmatia’s preservation ethos; safety teams promote consent and hydration in the heat.
• Interactive Elements: Art cars roaming like pirate ships; DJ meet-and-greets; wellness zones with yoga overlooking the sea, blending party excess with mindful recovery for a holistic cultural dive.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties: Croatian ćevapi (grilled sausages in somun, $8), black risotto with cuttlefish ($12), and burek pastries ($5); global twists like vegan falafel ($10) and poke bowls ($15).
• Beverages: Local Karlovačko beer and water ($4); signature Ultra cocktails (rakija-based, $12); White Claw seltzers ($7); hydration stations free for reusables.
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free abundant (e.g., octopus-free seafood alternatives); medical exceptions with doctor’s note via support; no outside food except prescriptions.
• Payment System: Cashless via Aircash wristbands (load via app/card); reusable cups for $1 deposit/refund to cut waste.
• Variety: 50+ stalls from Dalmatian grills to Asian fusion; VIP gourmet trucks with truffle pastas ($20+).

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Split Airport (SPU), 25 km (~20 min taxi); Zadar (ZAD), 160 km (~2 hours); Dubrovnik (DBV), 230 km (~3 hours).
• Public Transport: Festival shuttles from SPU (€10–15 round-trip, book via site); buses from Split harbor (€5, 15 min); ferries to islands for Destination Ultra (€20–50).
• Parking: Limited on-site ($25/day); accessible spots via support; carpool from A1 highway—follow “Ultra” signs.
• Taxi/Rideshare: Uber/Cam Taxi from SPU (~$30); drop-off at Park Mladeži gates; surges expected—pre-book.
• Bike/Walking: Bike rentals in Split ($10/day, racks at venue); 2 km walk from old town—scenic but crowded.
• Navigation Tip: Use the Ultra app for shuttles/GPS; avoid peak hours (4–6 PM); ferries are key for island legs.

Accommodation Options

• On-Site Camping: Galeb Campsite in Omiš (20 km away, $295–$315 for 3–4 nights incl. GA ticket); tents/mobile homes with showers; combos via site.
• Hotels: Budget: Hotel Split ($100–150/night); Mid-range: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa ($200–300, beachfront); Luxury: Le Méridien Lav ($400+, spa access).
• Packages: Travel2Ultra bundles (hotel + GA from $400/person); Destination Yacht ($2,000+ for groups, incl. boat parties).
• Airbnb/Hostels: Apartments in Split old town ($150–350/group); hostels like Design Hostel Goli & Bosi ($80–120 shared).
• Booking Tips: Book via travel2ultra.com for official perks; early for July surge; prioritize Split center for walkability.