It’s quite hard to decide on the best destinations to visit in Croatia for a family because there are so many to choose from. Croatia has something for everyone.
You get to experience wonderful locations packed with history, stunning scenery and great food. We’ve prepared a shortlist to help you make a decision on some of the places to visit. For photographers, it’s an Instagrammers dream! If you’re a foodie, this is one of the most underrated destinations, packed with some of the best fresh food and farm-to-table restaurants in Europe. If you’re a writer, don’t forget to get thesis help from the best experts before starting your travel if you plan on noting down your adventures.
Let’s take a look!
Best places to visit Croatia coast
Dubrovnik
Do you wish to experience a magical destination? Dubrovnik is an absolute must-see for anyone who is visiting Croatia. This old town will ensure you experience the full glory of historic Croatia.
You can spend a couple of days here with your family; wandering through the city and discovering new locations. You won’t run short of sights to see or charming restaurants to eat in. If you’re a Film or TV buff, you should recognise the old town from Game of Thrones, Star Wars episode VIII and the more recent Robin Hood movie.
Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved walled cities in the world and the walls are a must-do for any visitor. Just choose your time wisely as the scorching sun might be a bit much if you go during the middle of the day. Get in early before the cruise ships arrive is the best plan of attack. You don’t need to do the full circuit, as there are 3 different entry and exit points. But if you choose to complete the loop, it should take you about an 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you plan on visiting a few museums, then get the Dubrovnik card as the walls are included in the price, as well as public transport.
If you plan on visiting a few museums, then get the Dubrovnik card as the walls are included in the price, as well as public transport.
If you plan on visiting a few museums, then get the Dubrovnik card as the walls are included in the price, as well as public transport.
The cable car has been back in operation in recent years again, so for spectacular views, it’s definitely worth the price of admission. You can also grab a bite to eat and a drink in the restaurant as part of the old 19th Napoleonic fort as well.
One of the biggest drawcards to Dubrovnik is the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic. If you’re into watersports, head to Lapad beach. There are plenty of fun activities for the family to choose from right on the beach itself. Kayaking tours are another option for a water-based day out or afternoon. Closeby to Lapad beach, you will find plenty of coffee bars and restaurants, perfect for lunch or dinner. The sunsets are incredible, so choose one with a view and indulge in some Dalmatian delights as the sun goes down.
Plenty of day trips and excursions are on offer. You could do some island hopping around the Elaphiti Islands. Bring your swimmers and a towel and spend the day exploring the nearby archipelago.
One of the biggest drawcards to Dubrovnik is the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic. If you’re into watersports, head to Lapad beach.
One of the biggest drawcards to Dubrovnik is the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic. If you’re into watersports, head to Lapad beach.
The closest island is Lokrum; ferries go back and forth from the old port all day. Once there, you can take the walking paths and check out the old Monastry originally constructed in the 11th century as well as the 19th-century summer villa built by Emperor Franz Josephs brother, Maximillian of Mexico.
Note that this old town is the number 1 attraction, so it tends to get crowded. Keep the kids close when you are outdoors so they don’t get lost. If the crowds get to much, consider heading south to Cavtat. You can take a boat or the bus and enjoy the charming ancient town, without the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik Stari Grad.
Plitvice Lakes
Second, on our list is an amazing natural wonder most have on their list to see on their visit to Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National park will give you a sneak peek into Croatia’s Flora and Fauna. You get to experience the legendary 16 interconnected lakes, surrounded by cascades and waterfalls with your family by your side.
Consider finding accommodation right by the park so the kids can wake up to nature’s beauty. Plitvice Lakes gives you the opportunity to show your kids how majestic nature can be. Another tip is to enter the park when it opens in the morning. This way you can avoid most of the tour groups that will arrive by the busload as the day progresses. Your time in the UNESCO protected park can be used to teach them about environmental conservation, so they grow into environmentally conscious adults. Plus they are bound to love the natural beauty of the place itself. Just remember, it’s a protected park, so you’ll need to leave the swimming for when you are on the coast.
Istria
Lastly, consider visiting the Istria region. The whole place is so magical that it’s difficult to single out just one location to visit. It’s a little bit like Tuscany in Italy, filled with hilltop towns surrounded by vineyards and Olive groves, plus historic coastal communities from the Roman and Venetian period. Your visit should include towns such as Rovinj, Porec, Pula and Motovun to name a few. Thanks to the Karst topography, the area is filled with caves, something the kids should enjoy. If you visit, look out for the Olms (human Fish), these little fellas can live up to 100 years old and are endemic to the area. If you’re interested in animals, then perhaps consider visiting the Brijuni national park. These islands are not only beautiful but feature an animal safari park too.
It’s a little bit like Tuscany in Italy, filled with hilltop towns surrounded by vineyards and Olive groves
It’s a little bit like Tuscany in Italy, filled with hilltop towns surrounded by vineyards and Olive groves
Whichever Istrian town you stay in, we recommended hiring a car to get the most out of your time to explore.
So, if you’re planning a family holiday with the kids, you should definitely include Croatia on your list. We hope this list helps you decide on some of the destinations to visit.
