10 Top Tips for Visiting Croatia With Children

Brela, Kroasia (Flickr Creative Commons / Sergiu Bacioiu)

By Desiree Michels

As everybody gears up to book family holidays to Croatia, those who’ve never visited this wonderful country may have some apprehensions as to the reality of its 'child friendliness'. Rest assured it is, in my experience, one of the most family friendly destinations you could choose in terms of its safety, accommodation and many accessible attractions.

Of course, any destination becomes a little less daunting if you have some insider knowledge, so I'd like to share a handful of helpful tips that I have offered clients over the years to make their family holidays to Croatia run smoothly.

1. Language: If English is your first and only language, you're in luck! Tourism is one of the major drivers of the economy, so English is widely spoken and understood. You should not encounter any difficulties communicating while you are holidaying in Croatia, except possible in some of the very rural areas – in which case the universal sign language should work a treat! The fact that most people you encounter will speak a little English will also help younger children feel at ease in their unfamiliar surrounds. (But take note of my last tip coming up as well.) 2. Accommodation: Being such a family friendly destination, many of the best hotels and resorts cater specifically to youngsters, with aspects like connecting rooms, children's clubs and onsite babysitting services. With so many historical attractions to explore, there may be times you'll want to take advantage of the latter for some adult downtime.

3. The people: Despite a fairly rocky recent history you'll find the locals very friendly, if perhaps a little reserved at first. As a rule they're extremely amenable, very helpful to tourists, and every Croatian I've ever met adores children.

4. Baby supplies: If you're travelling with a toddler or baby, the DM market (just outside the walls in Dubrovnik) is an excellent go-to source of baby products, but, generally, you can find anything you need in local pharmacies. Fresh milk is readily available at local markets or supermarkets.

5. But be prepared: Having said that, for those holidays to Croatia situated in some of the more rural (or the smaller islands), make sure you stock up on supplies like nappies, formula and baby wipes before you head off.

6. Food: All holidays to Croatia should include many opportunities for trying the more unusual foods (I especially recommend you sample some of the unique seafood even if you can't convince the children to do so!), there's no need to be nervous of the local cuisine – even for children. Familiar foods are readily available and much of what you'll find on the menu has a very Mediterranean bent to it – like pastas, pizzas, rice dishes, vegetables and grilled fish.

7. Driving: Hiring a car for a road trip along the stunning coastline of Croatia is an absolute joy, and one that should not be missed. But if you're on a tight time schedule you'll need to factor in the element of traffic, as the roads can get very busy in the peak season. This should be considered if your children are inclined to get restive in slow moving traffic. Remember to drive on the right hand side of the road and that most of the usual British rules apply: like compulsory seatbelts and using your mobile phone only when the vehicle is stationary.

8. Playing pedestrian: On the other side of the coin, it's prudent to keep your wits about you and a firm grasp on your child’s hand as a pedestrian as well. Croatians are not so much sticklers for the rules as the Brits, so never assume that just because you're about to step on to a pedestrian crossing, motorists will necessarily stop. Check and double check.

9. Taxi! Getting around by taxi can be a convenient mode of transport for short distances and to get you to and from the airport, but if you're travelling with younger children, be aware they do not come equipped with car seats. You'll also be charged for carrying luggage, and it's important to ensure that the driver actually turns on the meter before you set off.

10. A few useful words: Finally, while English is widely spoken, knowing a few words of the language (and at least having a go) will certainly endear you to the locals, and most children usually find it great fun as well. Some are easier than others…

•hello – zdravo •please – zadovoljavati • thank you - hvala •emergency – kriticno •taxi - taksi • doctor – doktor •bathroom – kupaonica


In my many years of visiting Croatia I've found it to be a warm, wonderful and entirely fascinating country and, no matter how many times I return, every trip brings it just a little closer to my heart. I've no doubt your family will find it to be the same.


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Split: An Ideal Family Holiday Destination

Split, Kroasia (Creative Commons Pixabay)

By Desiree Michels

Safe, accessible, family friendly and with an absolutely beautiful landscape to boot, holidays to Croatia have always been among my top recommendations for anyone travelling with children. The lovely city of Split, on the Dalmatian Coast, is ideal for family holidays to Croatia – with just the right blend of beaches, fun activities and relatable historical attractions.


Below are a few ideas to get you started on a foolproof child friendly itinerary that also promises to be fun for the parents as well.

Non-Stop Beach Fun

One of the primary attractions of most holidays to Croatia is the fact that you'll be able to enjoy some of the safest, best-facilitated beaches in the world. While there are certainly a lot from which to choose, two stand out for me in terms of accessibility and child friendliness.

Bacvice Beach: This is the city's main beach and, with a coveted Blue Flag status, it's very popular with both locals and tourists. The leisure park has a range of fun trampolines, slides and an inflatable castle, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. My insider tip is to make sure you don’t miss seeing a round of the traditional beach ball game of 'picigin', which was invented in Split. Your children might even like to get involved themselves and it's great fun – if very energetic!

Znjan beach: While it's a little further away, half the fun is getting the short 5km bus ride to Znjan Beach. The newest beach to be developed in Split, it is purpose made for family fun. There's a play area for very young children, along with paddleboat slides, electric scooter rides, a bouncy castle and trampolines. There's also an indoor arcade if young ones need some fun out of the sun for a change. (Take bus number 15 from the city centre to Znjan Beach.)

A Submarine Tour

Yes, it actually is as much fun as it sounds, and this ingenious attraction – the Marijeta – offers a fascinating glimpse into the marine life around Split. The beauty of the Marijeta is that it's actually semi-submersible, so you can either be up on deck admiring the fantastic views of Diocletian's Palace, or down in the hull in the observatory, where the children will be right in the midst of the exciting underwater life. (Tours run day and night and leave from the Riva promenade, on the waterfront.)

Split Aquarium

If that underwater adventure proves popular, a visit to the Split Aquarium should also be on the cards. Newly opened in 2014, I've found this to be a really impressive aquarium. Encompassing 800 square metres and 22 separate aquariums, children can get up close and personal to sting rays, eels, lobsters, sharks and a host of other interesting creatures that make the Adriatic Sea their home. (The Split Aquarium is at Obala Pomoraca, 21211, Vranjic and is open 10am-10pm every day.)

Klis Fortress

If you can coax them away from the beach, a day trip to Klis Fortress will bring out your children's inner prince or princess. At just 5km from the centre of Split, it's really easy to get to by car or bus (numbers 10, 35 or 36), and this impressive medieval military structure will have you in as much awe as your offspring. Built right into the side of the rocky landscape, it's been an important stronghold as well as the seat of royalty throughout history. The onsite museum is full of armour and interesting artefacts and you'll also get fantastic views over Split and out to the Dalmatian Islands. (The fortress is open from 10am-4pm, closed Mondays.)

Marjan Hill Park

If you need to wear the young ones out a little, a walk up Marjan Hill will do the trick and they won't even cotton on to your cunning plan! As the backdrop of the city, the views from here are, of course, exceptional, but there are also plenty of rewards for making the picturesque walk. There are lots of nature paths, where you'll encounter local flora and birds, plenty of places to stop for a snack (you'll have to pack your own though), and several playgrounds to distract when walking loses its appeal. There are a few different pathways you can take up the hill, and in summer there's even a mini-train, which children love.

Carobni Grad

In the unlikely event of bad weather, or if the children just fancy some indoor entertainment, I can recommend the Carobni Grad, which is a massive indoor playroom. Over two levels of heaven for small people, each playroom has its own theme – so whether you've got mini pirates, chefs, builders, sportspeople or climbers, they'll find hours of fun to amuse them. (Carobni Grad is located at the Poljud Stadium – so there's scope for a little grown-up sightseeing as well.)


Split is absolutely ideal as a base for family holidays to Croatia. Along with some excellent accommodation that really takes young visitors into account, it has a host of attractions perfectly suited to enquiring minds and all that youthful energy.


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