Croatia family travel advice

Activity tips

Xania Wear of Wear Active, one of our sea kayaking partners in Croatia: “Sea kayaking is great for families because it’s inclusive for everyone. We have double and single kayaks, which means that younger paddlers can sit in front of the kayak and take occasional breaks while parents do a bit more of the work. Everyone therefore has a chance to close to nature... then you need to decide if you want to kayak for mileage or if you want to a slower pace to explore Croatia's amazing coastline.”
Vanja Kelemen, from our partner Huck Finn Adventure Travel in Croatia: “We always make sure there is a great mix of activities so a daily itinerary usually includes some hiking, cycling and sightseeing. The Adriatic Sea is warm and perfect for swimming and snorkelling too. Our trips are a week long, which gives complete beginners enough time to get used to their kayak and develop kayaking skills. We use single and double kayaks so kids can make sure their parents know what they are doing and keep them from capsising.”
Maria Budimir-Bekan from our partner Green World Holidays is expert on family activity holidays, especially around the Cetina River: “On this holiday we never cycle for more than 35-40 minutes in one go. There are lots of stops at the river, with time to jump in and refresh yourself, because it is not just about cycling all day, it is about using bikes to explore inland… Mums are usually worried and have lots of questions, and sometimes they need to be encouraged to say yes to canyoning. Because it is the most challenging activity of the week, but the most rewarding one at the same time.”

Itinerary tips

Tomi Coric of our partner Epic Croatia: “Some people think that they can visit everything in seven days. But you can't see it all in one trip, especially with kids. It is much better to concentrate on a small area, and not try to do too much. Lopud Island has nice sandy beaches, no cars on the island and is an excellent place for the families and Sipan Island is also very nice, with beaches, hiking and biking.”
Ana Vujakovic from our Croatian partner, Huck Finn Adventure Travel: “One of the national parks we recommend the most is Velebit National Park – interesting for its biodiversity and untouched nature as well as having no crowds.”

Inland tips

Maria Budimir-Bekan is from Trilj, on the Cetina River. She knows all about Croatia’s inland idylls: “The sun is strong here in summer, and so spending time around the river water, still with a really good temperature, around 20°C, is the perfect combination. So, children can enjoy the adventure and still relax afterwards, and they really like that. I enjoy my work because I can see that everyone really enjoys this balance.”

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CROATIA FAMILY TRAVEL ADVICE

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Croatia family holiday travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
Depending on flight times, you may have to wait for the ferry to Lopud from Dubrovnik, so arrive prepared with hot weather clothes (including swimming stuff) and enjoy a day in the city.
– Hannah Whibley
“Our 11 year old son and 13 year old daughter benefited from the experience, not only because of enjoying and feeling challenged by the activities but also because of the place itself being so easy to navigate. They could enjoy a bit of holiday freedom without worry or feeling overly supervised by us, the parents... The tour organizers and guides were exceptional, in fact. Some of the best we've had after decades of guided tours around the world. Visit Sutivan. It's a world away and pristine. Absolutely charming.” – Jeneva Patterson on a family adventure holiday

“Water shoes are a must. It’s hot – sun cream. You don’t need a lot of clothes, It’s quite relaxed setup and no need to dress up...The most exciting part? Out of the activities it would be cycling, but in general it would be all the lovely people we’ve met.” – Chris Calvert on a family adventure holiday

“Ask questions before you book the holiday, some parents were not moderately fit and couldn’t keep up with their kids.” – Janice Allard on an activity holiday with teenagers

“Make sure that you take a day or two off to recover afterwards! The holiday is fantastic mix of activities followed by fun in the evening though it may require a bit of R&R afterwards.” – Clayton Black on a water sports holiday

“Matko and his team are very relaxed and happy for you to do whatever you want. You can use their help or explore alone. They are very good at judging how much you want or need them to be helping or accompanying you. Don't be shy to just say what you want even if it is to be alone or veg out on the beach. You don't have to rock climb a mountain and then freedive to 50 metres, every day!” – Mathew Blumler on an activity holiday on Vis

“Don't worry about fitness level or ability. They will tailor each activity to suit everyone’s needs and help those who need it. Take several waterproof disposable cameras, There is so much to photograph. Be prepared to have lots of fun and laughs and make good friends... every day was memorable and exciting.” – Richard Hall
Written by Catherine Mack
Photo credits: [Page banner: Green World Holidays] [Activity tips: Wear Active] [Itinerary tips: dronepicr] [Hannah Whibley quote: Geio Tischler]