With a perfect blend of historical charm, Mediterranean beaches, and family-friendly adventures, Croatia boasts some of Europe’s top family vacation destinations. This guide highlights six of the best places to visit in Croatia for families.
Croatia is one of the safest countries worldwide and one of Europe’s best places to visit. The locals are also warm and friendly towards visitors. Kids of all ages are welcome in the country as many attractions are child-friendly.
So, whether you are traveling with infants, toddlers, or teenagers, here are the best family-friendly destinations in Croatia.
Is Croatia a Good Destination for Families?
Most attractions have reduced rates for children including accommodations.
Traveling to Croatia is more budget-friendly than many other European destinations. Families can stay in tourist apartments with equipped kitchens and washing machines or in hotels like Valamar that offer kids’ clubs with playgrounds and game rooms for infants, toddlers, and teenagers.
While you may not find baby-changing facilities everywhere, some major shops in the city have toilets. Also, dedicated kid’s menus are rare at restaurants or cafes, but options like pizza, pasta, and risotto are available. Alternatively, you can prepare your meals.
Another interesting reason to visit Croatia with family is that most cities are walkable. However, the cobblestones make strollers difficult to use, so I recommend a carrier. Public transport is discounted for kids, but you can rent a car along with a car seat to ease exploring the country.
6 Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Families
From historical cities to sandy islands with turquoise waters, these are my top picks of the best places to visit in Croatia with kids.
1. Dubrovnik
Mount Srd, Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s top family destinations. The vibrant medieval city provides fun activities for kids of all ages including adults.
One of the best things to do as a family in Dubrovnik is a hiking adventure up Mount Srd. Teenagers can hike up the mountain while younger children can ride in the cable cars. Whichever means of transport you take, the kids will still be greeted with breathtaking views of the Old Town’s red terracotta roofs and the Adriatic Sea below.
Next, visit the Old Town. Be prepared to climb stairs to reach the top of the walls and Rector’s Palace.
Dubrovnik Old Town
Take a break from sightseeing by riding a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island to have a family picnic on the sandy beaches. Kids can swim in the stunning waters and may enjoy spotting the island’s peacocks.
If you love Game of Thrones, now is the time to take the kids to see the Iron Throne and snap memorable pictures.
2. Split – Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Families
Klis Fortress, Split
As the second-largest city in Croatia, Split is a fantastic choice for family vacation. The city offers a blend of history, beaches, and kid-friendly things to do.
On your family holiday to Split, be sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. You can explore at your pace or join a guided walking tour to learn more about the history. Either way, kids will likely enjoy the walkable alleyways and beautiful squares.
Diocletian’s Palace, Split
Klis Fortress is another unmissable attraction in Split for families. This iconic military structure sits above a gorge between Mosor and Kozjak Mountains. You can enjoy the beauty of the fortress from the foot as it cannot be climbed.
The shallow waters of Bacvice Beach are great for swimming and watersports like kayaking. Afterward, you can head to Pizzeria Bokamorra to eat some tasty pizza or Fife for delicious calamari.
3. Sibenik
Krka National Park, Sibenik
Next on the list of the best places to visit in Croatia with family is the picturesque Sibenik town. The old town is located along the Adriatic Coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to ancient buildings and pretty cobblestone streets with four imposing fortresses surrounding the old town.
However, for an unforgettable family holiday to Croatia, Sibenik is your choice because of the array of child-friendly activities in the town. One of them is the Sokolarski Centar, a sanctuary for injured birds where kids can observe the birds up close.
Sokolarski Centar, Sibenik
Then, visit some of the parks in Sibenik including the famous Krka National Park where kids can watch the spectacular waterfalls and Kornati National Park.
Another excellent family activity to do in Sibenik is to take the Sibenik Boat Tour, a brilliant way to allow the kids to explore Croatian culture.
4. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park with Family
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest national park in Croatia and the second most visited tourist destination after Dubrovnik. The combination of forests, lakes, and waterfalls makes it one of the best places to visit with kids on your Croatia vacation.
Follow the various trail options to see the enchanting nineteen waterfalls and sixteen interconnecting lakes with the turquoise waters.
I recommend a two-day visit to this park to allow the kids to take in the adventurous setting of the park. There are several great campsites for visitors like Camping Plitvice, having luxury amenities such as a playground for kids and a pool area.
Arrive early at 7 am to enjoy the park before it becomes crowded. Add a little extra excitement to your visit by packing a family picnic. Dine as you watch the cascading waterfalls and beautiful scenery.
5. Zadar – Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Families
Zadar’s Roman Forum
Zadar is a great place to visit in Croatia with kids. It is more of a laid-back vacation spot for families with its historical sites like the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum is situated in the Old Town, allowing kids to run around and play among the ruins.
Wander around the People’s Square, Zadar’s central square that doubles as a museum where you will find historic buildings such as the 11th-century Church of St. Lawrence and the 16th-century Clock Tower. Here you can grab a bite and drink coffee from the bustling restaurants around the Square. They serve delicious pastries like fritule (Croatian donut).
The main highlight of your visit to Zadar will be the Sun Organ. This incredible monument has a huge disc of 300 solar panels set on the floor that soaks up the sun all day. After watching the glorious sunset, you should turn to the floor to watch the patterned lights put up a colorful display at night.
The Sun Organ, Zadar
Another fun thing to do in Croatia with my family is take a trip from Zadar to nearby Ugljan Island. The island is a hidden gem with a spread of green mountains surrounded by olive trees and traditional Croatian houses.
6. Brac Island
Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Families – Brac Island
Take a relaxing ferry ride from Split to one of the best places in Croatia to visit with family – Brac Island. Brac Island is one of the largest islands in Croatia featuring a stunning shoreline and crystal-clear waters.
It is a great beach vacation for families as kids can hike the pristine shorelines. You can dedicate days to snorkeling with the kids and water sports like kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing. Brac Island is also home to one of the best beaches in Croatia, Zlatni Rat. This is a beautiful pebbled beach having a triangular shape. It is great fun to walk around the beach under the sun as you watch the sun’s rays in the turquoise waters.
Sutivan Nature Park, Brac Island
That’s not all! There are many quaint fishing villages on Brac Island. Children will enjoy a visit to the villages and perhaps sample fresh seafood. After that, visit Sutivan Nature Park and the mystical Cave of the Dragon.
Best Places to Visit in Croatia for Families – Conclusion
With so many incredible places to visit in Croatia, choosing the perfect family itinerary can be challenging. These destinations give you a mix of medieval history, adventures, and pristine islands for an unforgettable family vacation.
I recommend you pair Split and Brac Island and let them be the last places you visit on your Croatia vacation. Plan at least 2 days to fully explore these sites with your family.
If you’re still wondering where to travel with kids, read my post on the best places to visit with infants.
Which of these destinations excites you the most? Share in the comments below. If you need help planning your Croatian vacation, let me know in the comments.
