Croatia with children: 10 tips for a family vacation

Crystal-clear, azure waters lap the over 1.000 islands and is branded on a coast length of 2.000 km to the picturesque shores of the Adriatic Sea: Croatia is considered a dream destination within Europe for beach vacationers. But the country has much more to offer with its historic old towns such as Pula or Dubrovnik and varied national parks. Travelers with children like to visit the numerous aqua and amusement parks and set out on exciting boat tours. Also the possibility to arrive by own car is a plus for many families. Let the selection of suitable destinations for a family vacation in Croatia convince you:

Porec

A successful mixture of sightseeing and bathing vacations can be found in Porec on the Adriatic Sea. The Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century is a must. You will also see the towers of the medieval fortification of the city. Typical for Croatia are many beaches made of pebbles, such as the beautiful city beach or the beach Delfin in the Zelena Laguna. Especially if you are traveling with small children, the 200 m long sandy beach Lanterna is a good alternative. The turquoise shimmering water invites you to cool down and splash around. With slides, pools and playgrounds, the water park Aquacolors will delight you. Only a few kilometers outside of Porec you can explore the stalactite cave Grotte Baredine with your loved ones. Guided tours, on which you can go 300 m deep into the halls of the natural wonder, also take place in German.

Impressive: In the stalactite cave of Baredine near Porec

In the north of Croatia, on the peninsula of Istria, you will find Pula, a true gem. In the oldest city in the country you can take a trip back in time to the Romans. The monumental amphitheater, where once gladiators fought, will delight even young visitors. The Triumphal Arch, the former city wall or the Augustus Temple are further sights of Pula. After exciting tours, the beaches offer a welcome change of pace. The beach Valkane with its shimmering turquoise water is awarded with the Blue Flag. If you travel with youngsters with diving license, Kanion Beach is the right place for you, where underground caves make divers' hearts beat faster. The Green Garden go-kart track is also an experience for older children. In addition to karting and quad biking, paintballing is also possible there.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

You can feel like in paradise on walking tours through Plitvice Lakes National Park. You will come across shimmering emerald green waters and picturesque waterfalls. Not for nothing was the protected area declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The paths lead over small footbridges and wooden bridges and besides fish you can often catch a glimpse of a nimble otter in the water. Since Winnetou was also filmed here, little explorers can walk in the footsteps of the famous hero of the novel and perhaps find the treasure in the Silver Lake.

Entertaining hiking trails through the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Krk is considered one of the most beautiful islands of Croatia and offers something for every taste. Also famous as the golden island, you can choose between secluded, natural bays and lively sandy and pebble beaches for your bathing days. Portapisana beach and Stara Baška beach are also very popular. There the shore slopes particularly shallowly into the water, so that small children can enter the water without any problems. An exciting excursion can be made to the stalactite cave Biserujka, whose stalagmites partly resemble cypresses. You can discover the underwater world by snorkeling or by taking a ride on one of the semi-submarines, the lower part of which is underwater and has a glass bottom.

Zadar

Zadar is located on a promontory jutting into the Adriatic Sea. The historic old town is connected to the mainland by a drawbridge. A special attraction for visitors of all ages is the so-called sea organ. This consists of steps into which a system of flutes and whistles has been embedded. Through this the arriving waves play a natural melody. No less fascinating is the greeting of the sun: Three hundred glass plates in the cobblestones transform the waterfront in the evening into a true light show.

Zadar: The evening "greeting of the sun

Split

Split is famous for the majestic Diocletian's Palace, which should not be missed on a city trip. Likewise the four imposing city gates belong to the Must-sees. Young and old also like to stroll along the Mediterranean promenade Riva. Along the waterfront several cafes tempt you to have a delicious ice cream. Even more cooling in beautiful sunshine is possible in the azure sea – BaCvice, Trstenik, Bene and Kašjuni are just some of the beaches in the vicinity. Teenagers can visit an Escape Room or visit the Game of Thrones Museum. A curiosity is the Froggyland, where over 500 stuffed frogs are presented in everyday human situations.

Split: Teenagers can discover Game of Thrones locations

Kornati National Park

The archipelago of the Kornati National Park includes 89 islands and reefs. Small bays offer lovely secluded spots for a swim and you should also have snorkeling gear ready to explore Croatia's pristine underwater world. For hikes especially the larger islands are suitable. Again and again you can enjoy a magnificent view from high places.

Perhaps the most unusual beach on the Mediterranean awaits you on the island of Brac. The Zlatni Rat at the Golden Horn rises bright white into the deep blue water – a dreamlike sight. Since the gravel gently slopes into the sea, many families cavort here. Supetar Bay, on the other hand, is characterized by its slides and the bouncy castle right on the water. Boat trips, kayaking or snorkeling trips are just some of the other activities on the island. A short hike up the hill Vidova Gora is rewarded with wonderful views and the small zoo and nature park Sutivan provide additional leisure time fun.

The famous "Golden Horn

Unspoiled nature, clear water, lavender fields, olive groves and historical places form the backdrop on the island of Hvar off the Dalmatian coast. The best beach for families there is Pokonji Dol, where you can relax all day thanks to good infrastructure. In addition, the entrance to the crystal clear water is particularly shallow. With smaller children you can start to boat trips, with fit school children are discovery tours by canoe or kayak announced.

Dubrovnik

The harbor city delights with its historical flair not only adults. Young travelers are also fascinated by the UNESCO protected old town with its medieval walls and gates. The cathedral and the Sponza Palace are further highlights of the so-called Pearl of the Adriatic Sea. On the hunt for souvenirs go to the great shopping mile Stradun. By boat you can reach the 13 offshore Elaphiti Islands with their flowering gardens, which invite you to go for a walk.

Impressive for old and young: View of the old town of Dubrovnik