FAQs

• Q: When is the conference?

  The third annual Adriatic Writers Conference will take place in Croatia at five-star Hotel Bellevue on the island of Lošinj from May 23-29, 2027.

• Q: How many participants are there in a workshop?

  We aim to keep workshops small, between five and seven participants per workshop, with craft discussions on the days where there is only one participant being workshopped. See the Workshop & Schedules section for more information.

• Q: Can I workshop my memoir?

  This year, we are thrilled to announce the addition of a Memoir Workshop with New York Times bestselling author Isaac Fitzgerald (DIRTBAG, MASSACHUSETTS; AMERICAN RAMBLER).

• Q: Who should apply?

  Kristin Vuković created Adriatic Writers Conference in 2025 with the intent to bring emerging writers and world-class instructors together on an extraordinary island in Croatia—a country that has captured her heart and imagination for 25 years. Her vision was to gather some of the best writers in the business to help emerging writers bring their fiction to the next level professionally. Writers who are working on developed novels and memoirs and who can participate in advanced craft discussions are encouraged to apply. See application for more details.

• Q: What makes AWC different from other writing conferences or retreats?

  In addition to the intimate nature of the conference with intensive small-group fiction workshops (between 5-7 participants per workshop) focusing on developed projects and advanced craft, AWC focuses on the practical aspects of building a writing career. Master Classes and panels on author marketing and publicity, the business of publishing, and revision—led by award-winning and bestselling authors—give aspiring and published writers insight into how to navigate the ever-shifting world of publishing, building on each author's individual strengths.

• Q: How do I get to the island of Lošinj?

  If you choose to take the group shuttle transfer with other participants—which is the most affordable option—you need to be ready to leave Zagreb Airport at 2:30pm on Sunday, 23 May, 2027.

  The shuttle is 4.5 hours long, arriving to Hotel Bellevue at approximately 7:00pm. Roundtrip price per person TBD, is around 150 Euros per person roundtrip, depending on the number of participants per van (max 7).

  If you would like to stay a night or two on Lošinj before or after the conference (see below), private transfers can be arranged in advance if you are flying into Rijeka Airport, Pula Airport, or Zagreb Airport. Private transfers can be booked in advance through the hotel.

• Q: What happens if I miss the shared group shuttle?

  We highly recommend staying in Zagreb for a night or two prior to the Sunday shuttle departure to make sure you are on time. If you decide to risk it and your flight is delayed, you’ll need to arrange an Uber or taxi, which will be pricey (around $550 one-way!)

  *If you would like to share a private transfer with another participant(s) you can email the group to see who is interested.

• Q: If I decide to stay a night or two in Zagreb prior to the conference, where should I stay?

  Past participants have stayed at Hotel Aristos (around a 15-minute drive from the airport) and Hotel Esplanade Zagreb, located near key attractions. Hotel Dubrovnik is in the heart of Zagreb, walking distance from all the major sites.

• Q: What should I pack?

  Layers! And a jacket (ideally a windbreaker). Bring comfortable shoes for walking, biking and hiking, and don’t forget flip-flops and a bathing suit for the outdoor and indoor pool/jacuzzi and award-winning spa. And also pack something nice to wear for the welcome and farewell dinners.

• Q: What is the weather like in late May in northern Croatia?

  Weather in northern Croatia in May is variable, usually with mild spring weather during the day (63-72 degrees Fahrenheit) and cooler nights—but it can be rainy! Many people find the water too cool for swimming, but you can always dip your toes into the Adriatic Sea.

• Q: What are the options for “lunch and dinner on your own”?

  There are plenty of places to dine on Lošinj, inculding restaurants at Hotel Bellevue and nearby Hotel Alhambra. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Tavern Cigale

  2. Steakhouse Diana

  3. Lanterna restaurant

  4. Rosemary

  5. Za Kantuni

• Q: Can I bring a guest?

  A single occupancy Superior Park Side room is included in the conference fee. If you would like to bring a guest who would share the room with you, it is an additional $850 fee, which includes the double room occupancy fee and a full daily breakfast for your guest, as well as the welcome and farewell sparkling wine receptions and three-course wine-paired dinners—plus the sunset boat cruise!

• Q: Is there a discount if two participants share a room?

  A: Unfortunately, we can’t offer a discount if two participants opt to share a room. Conference pricing is based on each participant having their own room, and the hotel offers us use of their conference facilities based on a minimum room occupancy.

• Q: Can I upgrade my Superior Park Side room to a Superior Sea Side room?

  Yes! The upgrade fee will be approximately $100 per night, and will be arranged by the hotel after acceptance to AWC. You will pay for the upgrade fee separately, in addition to any incidentals incurred during your stay.

• Q: Can I stay extra days at Hotel Bellevue before or after the conference?

  Yes! Additional nights before or after the conference can be arranged through the hotel with a reduced Adriatic Writers Conference rate. You must also arrange your own private transfer to and/or from the island (see above).

• Q: What can I do in my free time?

  See Island Activities for some suggestions!

• Q: Are kids allowed?

  We love kids! And we have them! However, this retreat is designed to provide a place (and space) to really get some new work and revisions done in an inspiring, gorgeous location, providing a true break and escape for writers (and parents!)