With its gorgeous beaches, captivating ruins and breathtaking natural beauty, Croatia is a country that little ones can enjoy as much as the grown-ups in your group. But where is the best place to stay in Croatia for families? Here are some of our favourites.
1. The Istrian coast
Children love to be beside the sea, and Istria has some of the best beaches in Croatia. For an idyllic summer holiday spent paddling in the sea and building sandcastles, many consider Istria to be the best place for a family holiday in Croatia. Try the coastal resorts of Poreč or Rovinj and you’ll have loads to keep them occupied without having to venture too far. They’ll love taking the tourist train down to Pical Beach in Poreč, and you can spend your days exploring caves, hunting for dinosaur footprints and sampling local dishes in child-friendly restaurants. Istria is also home to two waterparks (Aquapark Aquacolors and Aquapark Istralandia) – the perfect way for them to cool off in the summer sun.
2. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is a car-free zone, making it perfect for little ones. They’ll love admiring the views as they walk the enormous city walls or take a cable car 700m up the hill. For a paddle in the sea, head down to Banje, the city’s beach, or make the 10-minute bus journey to enjoy the shallow waters of Lapad Beach. You could even take a boat trip over to the car-free island of Kolocep for a bigger adventure.
3. Makarska Riviera
Close to Dubrovnik and Split, the Makarska Riviera is a glorious place for young and old alike, making it one of the best places to stay in Croatia for families. You’ll find 16th century architecture sitting alongside picturesque white sandy beaches, and when they’re not busy on the beach, young ones will love taking a boat trip off the shore. This area is also a great base for getting out into the great outdoors and exploring Croatia’s natural beauty. Take the kids to Brela’s Natural Park Presentation Centre so that they can learn about the geology and wildlife of the region, and have fun investigating some of the area’s renowned caves. Look out for the rare Mediterranean monk seal!
4. Pula
Once the setting for bloodthirsty fights, Pula’s awe-inspiring Roman amphitheatre is sure to capture the kids’ imaginations. It’s one of the largest in the world, and it’s more complete than the Colosseum, making it the perfect place for the children to immerse themselves in Croatia’s far-reaching history.
Furthermore, Pula it’s really easy to reach also from Italy, thanks to our Venice – Pula ferry line.
Finally, if you’re in Croatia for a few days you could also take the kids on the ferry to Venice, where there are even more fun things to do as a family.