Whilst you may have heard of the shimmering Adriatic Sea, impressive Croatian cuisine and the otherworldly beach clubs that Croatia is famous for, you may not realize that this delightful country, located directly opposite Italy, is the perfect destination to visit with kids of all ages! With its safe beaches, balmy Mediterranean weather and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s our top pick for travelling as a family with young children and teenagers alike!
Table of contentsWhy go on a Family Holiday to Croatia?
There are so many benefits to holidaying in Croatia, and whilst we can’t list them all, you can find our top 4 reasons why you should go on a family holiday to Croatia below!
Enjoy the Mediterranean Weather
With the weather in Croatia ranging from 19 - 30 degrees between June and September in the Split region, Croatia is the ultimate vacation destination if you’re looking to soak up the sunshine! In August, the sea temperature sits at a pleasant 25 degrees in August, ensuring it’s the perfect temperature for the little ones to splash around and cool off at the beach!
Get out in the Great Outdoors
Croatia is a playground for nature lovers, with the coastal regions offering stunning beaches, underwater caves and even wildlife encounters (cue - dolphins!). Head inland and you’ll be greeted with lush National Parks, waterfalls and plenty of excursions to occupy your time. For those travelling with teenagers, the adrenaline inducing activities are plentiful in this part of Europe! Zip-line across a canyon, go white water rafting as a family, or kayak your way to secluded beaches and hidden coves. No matter how much, or how little of the great outdoors you want to explore, Croatia has you covered!
Croatia is Easily Accessible
With international Croatian airports dotted along the coast, and travel hubs such as Zagreb located inland, there are plenty of airports to choose from when planning your trip to Croatia. Thanks to the plethora of airports available, low-cost airlines often offer cheap flights in and out of Croatia, connecting Europe and the rest of the world with cost effective flights. Not only can flying into Croatia be budget friendly, but thanks to direct flights operating from most European travel hubs, it's also a little easier with children!
The Beaches!
The Adriatic coast is famed for its turquoise waters, pebbled beaches and calm, shallow bays. In Dalmatia, particularly, most of the beaches are protected, making them a safe haven for kids of all ages. On most beaches you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and stake your claim of the beach, or if you’d prefer more of a private beach experience, you can often score your own little piece of paradise by arriving at the beach early in the morning, or visiting the quieter islands and beachside villages. If you’re planning on basing yourself in Split, check out our guide to the best beaches in Split.
Thing to do on your family holiday in Croatia
Go River Rafting
The Cetina River is a naturally fed river that weaves its way through the coastal mountainous town of Omis. River rafting on the Cetina is an exhilarating experience that's suitable for the whole family (children must be confident swimmers aged 6+), with a variety of graded rapids (1 - 3) along the rafting route. Safety equipment and professional guides are provided, and transfers can be organized to and from Split.
Island Hop
If you’ve based your Croatian family holiday around the coastal hubs of Split, Dubrovnik or Zadar, then an island hopping adventure is an easy one to undertake! Using the local ferry system, you can easily island hop to explore nearby islands, towns and villages, and within budget too! Modern ferries and catamarans make this mode of transport a fun and comfortable way to explore with smaller kids in tow! If you’re traveling with older children, why not consider a family cruise for the most hassle-free way to explore multiple islands in one week!
Visit the National Parks
Hiking, swimming and chasing waterfalls should all be on the list for active families holidaying in Croatia! Our top tip is to visit Krka National Park, located only 1.5 hours away from Split. Although you aren’t able to swim within the grounds, the lush park flora, fauna and impressive waterfall are well worth the visit!
Go Sailing
There’s nothing better than using the power of the wind to sail through the water and transport yourself to locations that are off the beaten track. If sailing sounds like the perfect way to explore a destination, there are plenty of full or half day tours on offer that you can pre-book in advance or even book on the day. Alternatively, we’d recommend taking the plunge and booking a week-long private sailing experience for you and your family, complete with a local, experienced skipper. Sailing in Croatia will be an experience you’ll never forget!
Visit the Blue Cave
Located just off the coast of the island of Vis is Bisevo Cave, or more commonly known as the Blue Cave. This impressive cave system is only accessible by a small boat when the tides are just right. Once inside travelers are able to take in the refracted blue light bouncing between the cave walls and the turquoise sea - a truly magical experience for kids and adults alike!
Slip & Slide at a Coastal Waterpark
Inflatable water parks are a mainstay along many Croatian beaches throughout the summer months. These water wonderlands can occupy the kids for hours - and you might even be tempted to join in on the fun! Many beachfront towns, such as Makarska, offer these facilities for kids of varying ages, making it a great choice for a beachside family holiday.
Where to go on your Family Holiday in Croatia
Family Holidays in Split
The waterfront city of Split is steeped in history, architecture, foodie culture, and of course, wonderful beaches, making it the perfect choice for a family vacation.
The international Airport is located only 30 minutes away from Split Old Town, making for an easy journey between the airport and the main tourist hub. There are bus, taxi and transfer services available which make it even more convenient for travelling with children.
You can spend hours exploring the impressive Old Town, enjoy relaxed family-friendly dining or discover the many nearby beaches within walking distance of Diocletian's Palace.
Once you’ve explored every inch of Split Old Town, take a ferry to a nearby island! Brac, Solta and Hvar can all be reached within a few hours on a local ferry! Not only is Split well connected for island hopping, with multiple ferry and bus routes operating in and out of the city, but it is also the starting point for most excursions, day trips and boat tours, making it the perfect place to base your family for a Croatian adventure.
Family Holidays in Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic, as Dubrovnik is affectionately known, is an ideal family destination. Perfect for teenagers, or older children that are happy to pound the pavement and learn all about Dubrovnik’s fascinating history, you can spend many hours exploring the Old Town at your leisure.
When you’ve all had enough of walking, take the cable car up Mt Srd for impressive views across the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, and enjoy a cold drink overlooking the ancient town below you!
Another great family friendly destination is Lokrum Island, located just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Jump on a 15 minute ferry and explore this mystical island, complete with peacocks, botanical gardens, quiet beaches and a monastery.
Like Split, Dubrovnik is a great base to explore the nearby islands, which are easily accessible via ferry. Islands such as Mljet and Korcula can be reached within a couple of hours and are just waiting to be explored!
We’re convinced that a Croatian vacation is the ideal way to relax and unwind as a family! Regardless of whether you’re travelling with young children, or young adults, Croatia has something for everyone!
