Croatia family holidays travel advice

• 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.

• 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.

“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