Where to go on a family vacation in Croatia

Deciding the best place for a family vacation in Croatia can a tough one, simply because there are so many suitable destinations, from riverside fun to island-hopping and stunning national parks. We’ve put together our Croatia family vacations map and highlights to help you work out where to go, and we’ve also added some useful tips about what to do on family vacations in Croatia.

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Where to go on a family vacation in Croatia

Not only does Croatia have an archipelago, it has several archipelagos. It also has an island national park, namely Mljet, and seven inland national parks, with mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is a family fest of fun, whether you are sea kayaking around Vis Island, the most far out inhabited island, or paddling around the ancient walls of Dubrovnik; white water rafting down the Cetina River, or plunging into waterfalls in Plitvice National Park. So, when working out where to go on a family vacation in Croatia, there are plenty of ways to escape the summer crowds and still be cool, in all respects of the word.

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1. Brac Island
2. Dubrovnik
3. Kolocep Island
4. Krka National Park
5. Lopud Island
6. Mljet Island
7. Mreznica River canyon
8. Paklenica National Park
9. Plitvice Lakes National Park
10. River Cetina
11. Sipan Island
12. Vis Island

Brac Island

1. Brac Island

Most famous for its sublime beach at Zlatni Rat – Brac also boasts the Adriatic’s highest peak, Mount St. Vid (780m). So not only are sea kayaking, windsurfing, swimming and snorkelling a treat here, but so is hiking and rock climbing among the island’s limestone landscapes. It also has buildings and monuments dating back to Roman times, so Brac is not lacking in culture either.

Brac Island

Dubrovnik

2. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is steeped in history, but also has the sea at the end of the street to keep non-historians in the family happy too. It gets very crowded when the cruise ships descend, so do your sightseeing in the early mornings or late afternoons, and escape to the nearby Elaphiti Islands during the day.

Kolocep Island

3. Kolocep Island

Very popular with walkers, the dramatic scenery of high cliffs and rocky beaches that stretch out to nearby reefs means there is never a shortage of stunning views or sublime swimming at the end of a walk. The Blue Cave is a must for the latter. With idyllic waterfront villages Gornje Celo and Donje Celo, the ruins of an ancient basilica and various chapels, your hiking will also be rewarded with superb seafood.

Kolocep Island

Krka National Park

4. Krka National Park

Krka National Park is popular for day trippers going to admire the 44m-high Skradinski Buk waterfall. But our Croatia family vacation experts know better than just to spend 24 hours here. By staying in nearby Skradin you can have a whole week of cycling through the park, discovering other waterfalls and boating across Lake Visovac to its island, home to a Franciscan monastery.

Lopud Island

5. Lopud Island

Popular with day trippers visiting from Dubrovnik, you can wave the boats goodbye at the end of the day as you settle in for a week of family sea kayaking and local, chilled out life. Kayak around the island to secret spots, go swimming in sea caves and remote coves, try SUP and discover other nearby islands in this Elaphiti chain by kayak, such as Kolocep and Sipan.

Lopud Island

Mljet Island

6. Mljet Island

In many ways this island is like a film studio with many different sets. Apart from the fact it is an island idyll, with the north part covered in dense, green forest, it also has two stunning salt water lakes, one of which has a 14th century monastery on it. Mljet is Croatia’s only island national park where you can not only go walking or cycling on wonderful trails, but also swim in the lakes.

Mreznica River canyon

7. Mreznica River canyon

Another natural funderland, the Mreznica River is a superb spot for white water kayaking and rafting, depending on the time of year, flow of water and ages of your group. With narrow gorges where you can touch the gleaming white limestone cliffs, waterfalls to plunge under (there are 93 along the river’s course) and, the highlight for many, canyoning down slippery slopes into glistening pools.

Mreznica River canyon

Paklenica National Park

8. Paklenica National Park

Nearly 100km² of karst limestone valleys and canyons, including Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica canyons. Due to the limestone terrain, climbing is a big sport here, with a maze of hiking trails through ancient beech and pine forest or to the park’s highest peak, Vaganski Vrh (1,757m). The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, partnered with nearby Northern Velebit, makes one big Velebit Nature Park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

9. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice is plunging and plodding paradise, with 16 freshwater lakes, 90 waterfalls and a landscape like a crown packed with jewels. If you want to convince anyone that Croatia family vacations are not just about the coast, show them photos of Plitvice. In this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can go mountain biking, white water kayaking, canyoning and swimming in waterfalls and lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

River Cetina

10. River Cetina

One of Croatia’s best-kept secrets, the River Cetina begins on the slopes of Mount Dinara, then speeds through canyons and karst limestone valleys all the way to the Adriatic. It’s wonderful for canyoning, hiking, climbing, white water rafting, waterfall hunting and swimming, such as at Gubavica Falls. Family adventurers can base themselves in Trilj, right on the river, for fun in the sun.

Sipan Island

11. Sipan Island

The mother of all Elaphites, as this island chain is referred to, it’s a family free for all. Almost car free, cycle around a plethora of romantic towns, up to the medieval Beccadelli Castle, or kayak from cove to cove as well as across to neighbouring Ruda Island. It is also popular for families keen on walking and mountain biking, taking on routes such as the one up to the highest point, Velji vrh.

Sipan Island

Vis Island

12. Vis Island

Vis boasts a prolific slow food movement, with orchards and vineyards all around. And a healthy appetite you’ll have, with an exciting roster of activities open to you, including sea kayaking, snorkelling, biking and slacklining over turquoise waters. Vis also has several beautiful beaches where you can snooze with the sand in your toes or get a family game of cricket going in your downtime.