Croatia used to be the hidden gem of Europe, hiding the most beautiful beaches and the most interesting mix of Roman and Slavic culture but now it has become a well-known destination in the world.
During the warmer part of the year, many people decide to spend a week or two exploring the sights and the food but which location is ideal to do so? It’s a pretty obvious answer that everything depends on who you’re going with and why are you traveling… Will you party all night? Is it a romantic trip? Are you celebrating an important event or just relaxing? If you’re looking for a nice place to have a family vacation, make sure to take into consideration our favorite kid-friendly and pet-friendly destinations on the Croatian coast!
Table of Contents
1) Rovinj
Istria, Croatia’s biggest peninsula, it is one of the most interesting parts of the country. Rovinj is a special town on the west of the peninsula and it has a very spectacular history.
Greeks, Etruscans, and Histris, along with the Romans, are just a few nations that left a touch on the city. If you’re keen on visiting some cool-looking architectural pieces (perfect for adventurous children who love history), make sure to check out St. Eufemia’s Church. The wonderful copper statues and the fairytale-like story about this saint will surely leave you wondering.
If you are more into adrenaline, parasailing is your best option! In Rovinj, you can experience this unforgettable sport and have some good cuisine after! If your family is all about nature, the Postojna Cave and the Predjama Castle will surely catch your eye. How many shapes can you see in the cave? Maybe you’ll make a new world record!
If you’re having some extra time on your hands, make sure to visit Brijuni: the Dinosaur island. Ocean caves, observatories and dinosaur footprints will surely be very thrilling for both the old and the young!
The prices in Rovinj are lower than those in South Jadran (especially Dubrovnik) so don’t worry about your extra trips to the restaurant!
2) Makarska Riviera
Those who don’t like to settle in one place usually enjoy visiting Makarska Riviera, a fancy part of the Dalmatian Coast. You’re going to be enjoying 60 kilometers of pure beauty while driving right under Biokovo, one of Croatia’s most remarkable mountains.
What’s great about this part of the coast is that there are many high-quality hotels and apartments that are also very flexible with their time and prices, suiting the spontaneous type.
This part of the country has been inhabited since the Copper era and therefore there are many architectural sights and museums. Brela is your first destination and you’ll be enjoying very peaceful and secluded beaches here (perfect for kids and pets).
Those who have a particular interest in nature and herbs will fall in love with park Biokovo, an amazing fairytale protected by the UNESCO organization.
Baška Voda is well-known for the idyllic environment, perfect for those who crave for a bit of peace after a long day of traveling and sight-seeing. The architecture is still true to its beginnings, so you’ll be seeing a lot of modest houses of old fishermen.
The Kačić square in Makarska, the Mediterranean market next to it and the astronomical observatory are interesting as well, but have you heard about Makarska’s „The corpulent vs. Skinny football matches“? Kids love these, but make sure to pop in at the right time.
3) Dubrovnik
Who doesn’t know about the wonderful Dubrovnik? The fantastic place where Game of Thrones was made: the home of the Lannister family! Many agree that the „lion” sign this family holds is very familiar to Dubrovnik itself since it has been independent and strong many times in history!
The Old City walls where many famous actors used to hang out are probably the most famous part of the town. Just don’t come in during the hottest part of the day since you’ll be directly in the sun!
Strolling along Stradun, the biggest street in the town, you’ll have the chance to buy food, souvenirs, toys, and similar stuff, but you’ll also enjoy the many performances of „pirates”, dancers and violin players. It’s like every building is alive!
If you’re looking for a castle-like experience, the Dubrovnik Cathedral is your go-to place. The fantastic decor will make you feel as if you were living in the 16th century! You’ll be leaving Dubrovnik with many memorable pictures from The Square of Loggia, of course, where you have to touch Orlando’s Column.
Although the prices are what bothers people the most, it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity, really. Once you catch a glimpse of the phenomenal Summer festival, you’ll be alright!
4) Hvar
Hvar is one of those islands that are both enjoyable for luxury clubbing and peaceful vacations. It’s a medieval town made from cobbles and you’ll soon notice that it holds many secrets.
For some architectural enjoyment, visit Fortica, a medieval fort. Your kids will love counting the stairs to get up! Although you won’t be as excited to be climbing, you will surely enjoy the view.
The Blue Cave of Hvar is one of the most popular mysterious places to visit. Go on a tour and learn a bit about the place: the history, the legends, and the myths. Also, don’t forget to take pictures while you look like smurfs!
Hvar is pretty peaceful during early summer and late summer, so make sure to visit then if you’re looking for a fairytale. Only 20-minute boat ride from Hvar, you can get to one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia – the Palmižana beach on Sveti Klement island. Definitely worth a visit!
5) Pag
The island of Pag is well-known for being one of the most popular summer destinations in Croatia. With many music festivals going on in Novalja and Zrće, you or your teenage kids will be able to experience some of Europe’s best performers.
If you’re more into peaceful and quiet options with your youngsters, the Pag city is your deal. Why? Because it’s a big center with many facilities and places to visit. The Church of the Assumption is an often visited place, as well as many of the wonderful beaches like the Bosana Beach that is perfect for little kids.
If you want to feel the wind in your hair, make sure to visit the Robinzon tours to get a perfect cruising experience.
If you’re more of a land-type, the Old Town Walking Tour has amazed many and it also has a fantastic price tag! It’s very affordable even for big families.
6) Omiš
Last, but certainly not the least, is Omiš: the perfect combination of land and sea. Some families like to be adventurous, and that’s why you need to have all of your options on the table. In Omiš, you can try rafting on the Cetina river, which is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have!
Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and visiting the zipline polygon above the Cetina river will be just a few of the options your active kids will love!
You can visit „The Romans and the Pirates“, which is a tour that will bring you back to the glorious days of these one-legged rebels but also show you a lot of Omiš’s natural beauty. Not too far from Omiš, you’ll enjoy seeing Diocletian’s Palace located in a nearby city called Split.
Although it may sound fast and furious, Omiš is a actually pretty peaceful place where you can get fabulous food and accommodation for a good price. It makes an ideal destination for families with children.
Hopefully, this list will help you find your next destination for a family vacation in Croatia. Happy traveling!
