30 Croatia Travel Tips for Families (2024 Guide) |

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30 Croatia Travel Tips: Explore Croatia with Kids (2023 Guide)

Croatia is a great choice for a family holiday! It has something to offer everyone, from stunning beaches and crystal-clear water to historic towns and bustling city life. If you’re thinking of taking the family to Croatia think Croatia! Here are our best Croatia travel tips to help you make it an exciting and adventurous holiday.

#1: Where To Go With Your Family

There are many beautiful places to visit in Croatia. Some of the most visited places include Dubrovnik, Spit, and Zagreb. If you’re traveling with young children, it’s worth considering somewhere that has a good mix of activities on offer. All the popular destinations will have a variety of activities. The old town of Dubrovnik is a perfect destination along the Dalmatian Coast, which stretches all the way to Split. In addition to being one of 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, there are also plenty of places to keep the kids entertained in Dubrovnik, such as the Lokrum botanical gardens and the Dubrovnik Cable Car.

Our tip to Croatia focussed on Pula and Zagreb. We enjoyed the old town and the Italian flavors found in Pula. It was a little taste of Italy! From olive oil to truffles and wine, Pula will not disappoint! After doing a day trip to travel inland by bus we spent several days in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. I love visiting the capital city of countries as they always have the best national museums and cultural centers that reflect the country as a whole. Zagreb is no different. This city has the best places for history, shopping, and music or film festivals. There is truly something for everyone in the family! Do make sure to include bo of these places in your Croatia itinerary. You will love it!

#2: Choosing When To Go

Although Croatia is a year-round destination, the best time to visit if you’re traveling with children is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and there are plenty of activities on offer. If you’re planning on spending time at Croatia’s beaches along the Adriatic Coast, bear in mind that they can get very crowded during the high season. As a world-schooling family, we prefer the shoulder season of April, May, and September. But, there won’t be normal activities for kids provided in many European countries. But, the payoff is fewer crowds than in peak season.

#3: Croatia Travel Tips: Getting Around Efficiently

If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling within Croatia, renting a car is usually the best option for families. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop off wherever takes your fancy.

#4: Be aware! Croatian roads can be quite windy – something that can be tricky if you’re not used to it! Since there is no efficient train travel along the coastline, day trips via car are the best way for families wanting to keep an eye on their budget. Public transportation is quite good and affordable too if you prefer a more cultural experience through Croatia’s small towns.

#5: Taking a road trip using a bus service is the perfect way to see a beautiful country if your family is in need of a recovery day away from loads of walking and museums. Children and students can get discounted and even free tickets in Croatia, so remember to bring their student ID, to save even more.

#6 As of October 2022, a pilot project for free public transportation for all primary and secondary-aged children was launched. While it is only until 31-December-2022, it will be interesting to see the outcome and how they move forward with affordable transportation for all. We found this information about bus tickets and travel times very helpful.

#7: Choosing Where To Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options available in Croatia, from camping and self-catering apartments to hotels and resorts.

#8: If you’re traveling with young children, it might be worth opting for somewhere with facilities such as a swimming pool or kids club, so that they have something to do if they get tired of sightseeing. The coastal towns have affordable hostels and rentals available to suit your family’s needs while still being close to the sandy beaches and outdoor activities.

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#9 Croatia Travel Tips: What to Eat

Enjoying and trying the local food, is always fun, but rest assured that there are plenty of options for the picky eaters that would be happy with yummy pasta, pizza, or a burger.

#10: Croatian food is delicious – but if you’re traveling with picky eaters, you’ll want to grab some familiar snacks from a local grocery like Studenac or Konzum. Major cities offer a broad selection of restaurants.

#11: On the Istrian Peninsula, you will find regional favorites that reflect their Italian heritage. Pula is known for its truffles and delicious Croatian wine, so make sure you enjoy the small town, and local foods by visiting the open markets. These are generally located in or near the center of medieval towns. If you can’t find it on a map, ask a local, they are sure to know. It is important to know that open-air markets generally only take cash and the local currency (the Croatian currency is the Kuna until January 2022).

#12: So, along with your credit cards, it’s a good idea to have a bit of cash on hand as well. Now that Croatia is part of the European Union, the Euro is the currency of choice starting in January 2022.

#13: Keep an eye on the exchange rate to help maximize your budget.

#14: Croatia Travel Tips: Excursions And Day Trips Around Croatia

Croatia offers families a wide range of activities, from the historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split, to the beaches of Hvar and the national parks. Further north is Pula, and inland ia Zagreb, each with its own interesting activities and attractions to enjoy.

As a family that loves to homeschool, travel, and learn using the world as our classroom, I want to make sure you know about one of Croatia’s most famous scientists and inventors – Nikola Tesla. ~Shannan, Homeschool Mom

#15: Croatia Travel Tips: National Parks & Famous Cities

There are many historical sites, excursions, and day trips that can be taken from Croatia with kids.

#16: You’ll want to have a bit of variety to keep your kids interested. So include some of Croatia’s national parks to explore outdoors and save some of the museums and historical sites for the hot afternoons. Here are some of my favorites:

17: The Plitvice Lakes National Park tour: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The park is home to 16 lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

#18: The city of Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is known for its well-preserved Old Town, which is surrounded by medieval walls. Dubrovnik is also home to many museums, galleries, and churches.

#19: For those studying ancient or medieval history in the homeschool curriculum or world schooling adventures, it is a perfect place to explore and enjoy the up-close and hands-on experiences of visiting the places you are staying.

#20: The island of Hvar: Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. The island is known for its Mediterranean climate, scenic beauty, and historical landmarks. Hvar is also a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy its nightlife and beaches, but there is much to offer families as well..

#21: The city of Split: Split is a city in Croatia’s Dalmatian region. The city is known for its Roman ruins, including the Diocletian Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split is also home to numerous museums and art galleries, so grab your sketch pad or journal and take time to capture the best things you experienced on the coast of Croatia!

#22: Croatia Travel Tips: Finding The Best Beaches

Croatia has some of the most family-friendly beaches in Europe. With clear water, plenty of sunny days, and the Croatian islands and beaches offer plenty to keep the kids entertained. It’s no wonder that Croatia is such a popular destination for families.

#23: However, it should be noted that it is perfectly legal and commonplace to go topless on Croatian (and many European beaches). Keep this in mind when planning your family-oriented beach trips.

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Here are our top picks for the best beaches in Croatia:

#24: Zupa Beach – Dubrovnik
This sheltered beach is perfect for families with young children. With crystal-clear water and a playground onsite, it’s a great option for a day out.

#25: Riva Beach – Split
Riva Beach is located right in the center of Split, making it perfect for families who want to combine a beach day with exploring the city. The beach has a playground and plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

#26: Banje Beach – Dubrovnik
Banje Beach is Dubrovnik’s most popular beach, and it’s easy to see why. With stunning views of the city, it’s perfect for a relaxing day by the water. There are also several restaurants and cafes on the beach, as well as a water sports center where you can try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking.

#27: Zlatni Rat Beach – Bol
This golden-hued beach is one of Croatia’s most iconic sights. With its distinctive shape and clear turquoise waters, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s also great for families as there are several restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as a playground and a water sports center.

#28: Lokrum Island Beach – Dubrovnik
If you want to escape the crowds, head to Lokrum Island, just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik Old Town. The island has several beautiful beaches where you can relax in peace and quiet, as well as plenty of hiking trails if you want to explore further.

#29 Can’t Travel Just Yet? Go Virtually!

Yep! You can visit Croatia virtually! You’d love the virtual tours that have popped up! Go ahead! Learn as much as you can before you get there and you’ll enjoy it even more!