Planning a family trip to Croatia: tips for a tailor-made adventure

Thanks to this country’s Mediterranean climate, atmospheric towns, blissful beaches and island-hopping opportunities galore, a Croatia family vacation ticks a lot of boxes. From tots to teens, children of all ages will enjoy the relaxed vibe and al fresco way of life in this sunny strip of sparkling coastline dotted with islands. This is a country plentiful in history, child-friendly cuisine and, perhaps above all, ice cream, perfect for relaxed summer vacations by the sea. If you’re so inclined, a your Croatia trip itinerary can even be dialed up to eleven at one of several themed water and amusement parks within easy reach of the main cities. In this guide, we explore the top sights for you and your pack to explore on a family trip to Croatia.

General tips for traveling with kids in Croatia

Slow travel is a double win for family travel wherever you wander. Spending more time in just one or two places allows you to relax and get into the vacation groove. If you attempt to overfill your trip, then everyone can get tired and fractious. Surely, one of the indicators of a proper vacation is when you’ve completely forgotten what day it is, and there’s plenty of time to wander, meander, build sandcastles and simply be.

Best times to visit for families

For an easy, breezy (and sunny) Croatia family trip, plan to travel during spring and early summer or late summer to early fall. May, June, September and October are all great months to travel in Croatia. Days will be warm and sunny, and the sea will be warm enough for swimming. If you can, avoid high summer to skip the more ferocious heat as well as some of the crowds.

Planning ahead: packing essentials and entry requirements

It’s always best to double-check current entry requirements on the official embassy website, but for most families traveling to Croatia from the US and Europe, you won’t need a visa. As a general rule, make sure that you have six months left on all your passports. You may also need to show proof of funds, accommodation and an onward travel booking.

For a stress-free family vacation in Croatia, be sure to pack plenty of any medicines that your family require and travel with a basic first aid kit. Don’t forget your swimsuits, sunglasses and sun hats, and for sensitive feet bring water shoes, as many of the beaches in Croatia are pebbled. If you have very picky eaters in your group, then a stock of their favorite snacks from home could help avoid any hangry outbursts.

Tips for navigating Croatia with your family: transport options and stress-free travel

In Croatia, children travel for a reduced rate on public transport, so hopping around the cities and up and down the coast by bus and tram is easy and cost-effective. It’s not so simple if you have a buggy, however, particularly because the cobbled streets of the towns and villages can be tricky to negotiate with a stroller (the same goes for wheelie suitcases).

Ferries are a fantastic and fun way to travel up and down the coast and over to the islands, while inland travel by train is scenic and relaxing. If you’re planning on spending time in more rural areas, then a rental car or organized transfers are likely the best option for stress-free Croatia family travel.

Understanding the local cuisine: what kids will love

Croatia is a family-orientated destination, and kid-friendly meals are readily available. Having said that, dedicated children’s menus are rare, and kids in Croatia tuck into main dishes such as pizza, pasta, pancakes, stuffed flatbreads and risotto, with sides of fries and salads. There are plenty of options for sharing, and many restaurants will simply offer half portions for children. Of course, ice cream is always on the menu, too.

Read more: Exploring small yet mighty Croatia: travel tips from a local expert

Top family-friendly destinations in Croatia

Dubrovnik: exploring a historic city

Storybook-esque Dubrovnik, with its fortress walls and watchtowers, will spark the imagination of children and teens alike. This is one of the best places to visit in Croatia for families, with a great mix of things to see and do. Walk the city walls, canoe the coast, ride a cable car high above the city, and then hit the beach for some downtime.

Split: a gateway to adventure

Beautiful Split is another of Croatia’s historic coastal cities, with an atmospheric Old Town, city beaches and a palm tree-lined waterfront promenade bustling with cafes, ice cream parlors, and al fresco dining spots. Don’t miss the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace with its maze of tunnels and secret corners to discover. There are plenty of island adventures to be had too, and catching boats and ferries to not-so-distant shores is always exciting.

Island-hopping thrills

Brac Island: what not to miss

Beautiful Brac is the ultimate Mediterranean escape, with its inland olive groves and vineyards and fine white pebbled beaches. Climb (or drive) to Vidova Gora, the highest point in the Adriatic Isles at just over 2,500ft. From its sunbaked limestone peak, you’ll see the islands and ocean of the Dalmatian Coast spread out all around you in a patchwork of hazy blues and greens.

Korcula Island: a gem for families

For a lesser-known Dalmatian gem, the secret coves, secluded beaches and sleepy towns of Korcula are calling. Not far from Hvar, this is a compact and beautifully green island swathed in oak and pine forests, shady olive groves and vineyards. There’s a UNESCO-protected Old Town of cobbled streets and high medieval walls to explore, and a winding forest-backed coast strung with tiny coves, pebbled beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Hvar Island: activities for all ages

All hail Hvar, just an hour’s ferry ride from Split and boasting some of the sunniest climes in Croatia. This Adriatic gem is the ultimate summer island, made for sunbathing and swims, sunsets and stargazing. Families will adore its sandy beaches and coves, and sun-soaked, carefree days will drift by all too quickly. Inland, there are lavender fields to cycle through, and off-shore, the Pakleni Islands offer even more secluded seaside delights.

Read more: The best Croatian islands to visit on an island-hopping trip

Frequently asked questions about Croatia family travel

How safe is Croatia for traveling with kids?

A family trip to Croatia doesn’t present any particular hazards, and it’s a friendly and safe place to travel. When exploring Croatia’s cities, use similar precautions to those you would in any city. Be careful when crossing roads and use the dedicated crossing areas. In crowded areas, be sure to keep everyone together and arrange a meeting point just in case someone gets separated from the group.

What is the cultural etiquette in Croatia?

Croatian people are friendly but direct, so don’t be perturbed if someone seems a little brusque. Greetings are generally handshakes with good eye contact, with hugs and kisses reserved for friends and family. In terms of clothing, most people dress neatly and overly casual sportswear or beachwear won’t go down well in town.

Is English widely spoken in Croatia?

Croatia welcomes visitors from around the world, and English is widely spoken in most places. The younger generations, in particular, will speak English well, along with anyone working in tourism. It is always polite to learn a few words of greeting and goodbye, and people will appreciate the effort you’ve made. In more remote and rural areas, you’ll find that the older generations won’t have a great deal of English.

Make it happen

Ready for some sunshine? Choose a best of Croatia itinerary, then tailor it to suit your family group with the dedicated help of our local experts.