Croatia family adventure vacations

Our Croatia family vacations are the antithesis of the traditional vacation kids’ clubs that you find in big resorts. You will never come across face paint on these trips, and nor will you ever have to dress up for a theme night. Plus, you will be together all the way. They are run by expert, local instructors who understand the mountains and the waves, and whose passion for such landscapes and pushing our boundaries within them is totally infectious. It’s exhilarating rather than exhausting, and with guides around at all times to ensure safety, you can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that your kids are having a ball too.

Our vacations are often based on, and in, the water. Think sea kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, rafting or wild swimming. Given their reliance on good quality water, these vacations support projects to keep Croatia’s sea and rivers clean, whether that’s helping to organise cleanups, or getting involved with community environmental education programs. Other activities might include guided hiking and mountain biking, and rest days are often factored into the itinerary so that you can do your own thing as a family once in a while. Or just do nothing if you prefer – the pool’s thattaway.

If your kids are a little older, then we also have vacations that are specifically designed for families with teens. These trips tend to move a bit faster, and the activities tend to be a bit more full-on than they would be if they needed to accommodate young children. That might mean slightly earlier starts, traveling greater distances, and tackling more adventurous obstacles. Our vacations are accompanied by brilliant local guides who are adept at engaging with older kids, helping them to confidently test their abilities.

There are probably nicer ways to see Croatia than from the deck of a catamaran, the wind in your hair, the whoosh as you skip through the waves. If you know of one, please do write in and tell us. Until then, however, we’ll recommend this as THE most pleasant thing to do with the family. Sail out in style to the Elaphiti Islands off Dubrovnik, or to Hvar and Korcula, bikes and kayaks safely stowed for impromptu exploring, the fridge well stocked with locally sourced produce for beach picnics, and the vibe dial turned firmly to Relaxed.

On our family vacations in Croatia you’ll be on a small private vessel. With just a few passengers, the crew have a great deal more freedom in where they can go, avoiding the busiest areas. You can drop anchor in quieter harbours, find less-busy walking trails. You can also travel further afield to communities that lie beyond the major tourist routes, stopping at quieter restaurants and beach bars. And when the motor does need using, coming into harbour or when the wind drops, the fact that you’re on a smaller, modern vessel means that it is less polluting than the larger boats that pepper Croatia’s coast. You can go on a combination cycling and sailing vacation, pedalling island trails or along the Peljesac Peninsula, dropping in at friendly local vineyards (just a grape juice for the kids, mind), then hoisting the bikes back onto the boat in the afternoon and sail off into the sunset.

Croatia’s scenery is breathtakingly photogenic. There are idyllic archipelagos strung along the Dalmatian Coast. Of note are the Elaphiti Islands, just off Dubrovnik, and if your family loves to walk, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Islands such as Lopud and Sipan are dotted with historic chapels and churches, and there’s an invigorating swim at the end of practically every trail. Some of our most delightful Croatia family vacations are based on the island of Vis. You take the short hop over from Split on the ferry, and once you arrive at the harbour your hosts take over. Stay in a family-run stone villa for a week of sea kayaking, cycling, hiking, paddleboarding and yoga by the seashore. Group numbers here are kept to nine, so that you have company, but you don’t feel like just a few among many.

The island of Korcula is a fab location from which to explore the Peljesac Peninsula, snorkelling, kayaking and swimming into sea caves. The blue waters are so pristine and warm that the urge to leap off your boat for a swim is irresistible. Skippers know this, of course, so they stop as often as they can. On the Split Riviera, meanwhile, you’ll find more thrilling water sports along the Cetina River. Our base for adventures here has a pool with a sun terrace, and is just a short walk to the beach, and the local restaurants. With canyoning, rafting, river tubing and ziplining on the menu, it’s a great choice for the more intrepid amongst you.