Croatia family holidays travel advice
TRIP TIPS
Activity tips
Xania Wear of Wear Active, one of our sea kayaking suppliers 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.”


If you'd like to chat about Croatia family holidays or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Rosy & team.
01273 823 700
Maria Budimir-Bekan from our supplier 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

Ana Vujakovic from our Croatian supplier, 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.”
Small ship cruising advice

Inland tips
Maria Budimir-Bekan from our supplier Green World Holidays 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.”
Health & safety
Travel safely WITH YOUR FAMILY IN CROATIA
Health
- It gets seriously hot in summer, so stay hydrated and wear a hat. The wind is deceptive on the coast and some don’t realise how hot they are getting. Hydration backpacks are great, especially for children as they usually make them drink more than they would otherwise. Tap water is top quality in Croatia, and in many national parks you can drink neat spring water direct from source – but always check with your guide first.
- A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will allow you to access Croatian public healthcare at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free. But always take out comprehensive travel insurance as well, and ensure that it covers all activities you may be participating in.
- If you are hiking, look out for ticks. Especially in all those private areas, which you will see best in the shower. Carry tweezers so you can remove carefully, apply a deterrent and then antiseptic cream afterwards. See the NHS site for more details. There is also a method whereby you rub around the tick with a damp cotton bud. Just do a search for a video on this. Gross but good.
- Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Croatia, so avoid touching animals.
Safety
- If you are sea kayaking or sailing, always wear a buoyancy aid and ensure it is fastened properly. Especially with children, who can slip out of them easily. A responsible holiday company will do stringent checks on your jackets before going out to sea.
- It is important to really listen to safety briefings from your activity instructors as they really know what’s what when it comes to Croatian terrain and weather conditions. Same goes for your skipper if you are going on a small ship cruise holiday around the islands.
- There are a few remote areas that still have suspected land mines in them after the 1990s wars. They aren’t in tourist areas, but just be wary if you decide to go off the beaten path. And if you see a sign, obey it.
- The Croatian coasts can be very rocky, so rubber shoes are a must, and carry antiseptic spray and plasters to the beach, as cuts do happen.
CROATIA FAMILY HOLIDAYS TRAVEL ADVICE
TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS
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.
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.
“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
“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
Photo credits: [Activity tips - Xania wear: Benjamin Hollis]
[Activity tips - Maria Budimir-Bekan: Andy Powell]
[Itinerary tips - Ana Vujakovic: rom@nski photo]
[Inland tips - Maria Budimir-Bekan: Nikolaj Potanin ]
[Review 1 - Bridget Smith: Martyn Kilbryde]
[Review 2 - Hannah Whibley: Matt Zimmerman]
Croatia activity holiday for families with teenagers
Rafting, kayaks, canyons & beaches. Family action in Croatia
From
£995
8 Days
ex flights
Croatia family activity holiday, Korcula
Croatia multi activity Private family luxury holiday
From
€1750
8 Days
ex flights
Croatia family adventure holiday, 2 weeks
The Croatia 2 week activity holiday, designed for families!
From
£1990
15 Days
ex flights
Dubrovnik & islands walking holiday, Croatia
Walking holiday in Dubrovnik and islands in Croatia
From
€670
8 Days
ex flights
Family sea kayaking holiday in Croatia
Relaxing & fun family kayaking holiday on Croatian islands
From
€785
8 Days
ex flights
Croatia island family activity holiday for teenagers
Croatia adventure island, land & sea activities for families
From
£995
8 Days
ex flights
Dubrovnik & Islands activity holiday
Multi activity adventure holiday,Dubrovnik, Croatia
From
€670
8 Days
ex flights
Water multi sport holiday in Croatia
Kayak, canoe, rafting and hike, plus nature and culture
From
€720
8 Days
ex flights
Croatia family activity week
Family 'relaxingly active' holiday on Vis island, Croatia
From
€1090
7 Days
ex flights
Vis Island activity holiday in Croatia
An active holiday on the beautiful island of Vis
From
€799
7 Days
ex flights
Croatia holiday, activity week
'Relaxingly Active' holiday with flexible Island activities
From
€1090
7 Days
ex flights
Croatia multi sport tour
Dubrovnik to Zagreb with daily outdoor activities
From
€1290
8 Days
ex flights