Where the Kids Roam

Family Guide to...

Croatia

Croatia, nestled at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, is a captivating travel destination with a stunning mix of historical charm and natural beauty.

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The Best of Croatia...

Best Nature to Visit

Amazing Things to do in Dubrovnik

The Best Place to Stay in Croatia

Best One-Week Croatia Itinerary

Best time to visit Croatia:

Summer if you don’t mind crowds and want to swim; Spring if you want less crowds and don’t mind cool water. 

New to Croatia?

Start in Dubrovnik! 

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What are the Main Things to do with Kids in Croatia?

Croatia offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions that make it an excellent destination for a vacation with kids. Here are some main things to do in Croatia with children:

  1. Plitvice Lakes National Park: Explore the stunning Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its interconnected lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. The park is easily accessible and features walking paths suitable for families.

  2. Dubrovnik Old Town Walls: Walk along the historic walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town for panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Kids can enjoy the medieval atmosphere and pretend to be knights or princesses.

  3. Diocletian’s Palace in Split: Wander through the ancient Diocletian’s Palace in Split. The atmospheric narrow streets and hidden corners can be exciting for kids to explore.

  4. Beach Time: Croatia has numerous family-friendly beaches with clear waters. Some popular options include Zlatni Rat Beach (Bol), Bacvice Beach (Split), and Copacabana Beach (Dubrovnik).

  5. Sea Organ in Zadar: Experience the unique Sea Organ in Zadar, an architectural sound art installation that produces musical sounds using sea waves. Kids may find the concept fascinating.

  6. Island Hopping: Take a family-friendly boat trip to explore Croatia’s beautiful islands. The Kornati Islands National Park and the Elafiti Islands are popular choices.

  7. Trampolining in Rovinj: Rovinj, in Istria, has trampolines set up near the waterfront, providing fun for kids while offering beautiful views for parents.

  8. Cave Tours: Visit the Blue Cave on Biševo Island or the Modrič Cave near Rijeka. These natural wonders can capture the imagination of children.

  9. Dolphin Watching: Take a dolphin-watching tour from various coastal towns like Pula or Rovinj, where you may spot dolphins and other marine life.

  10. Bike Tours: Explore the countryside with family-friendly bike tours. The Istrian Peninsula and Krka National Park offer scenic cycling routes.

  11. Amusement Parks: Visit family-friendly amusement parks like Mirnovec Park near Biograd na Moru, which features various rides and attractions.

Croatia is famous for a diverse range of attractions, including its stunning coastline, historical sites, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Here are some things Croatia is particularly renowned for:

  1. Adriatic Coastline: Croatia’s coastline along the Adriatic Sea is famous for its crystal-clear waters, picturesque islands, and charming coastal towns. The Dalmatian Coast, in particular, is celebrated for its beauty, with destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar.

  2. Historical Cities: Croatia boasts well-preserved historical cities with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dubrovnik’s Old Town, with its medieval walls, and Diocletian’s Palace in Split are prime examples.

  3. Plitvice Lakes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its cascading waterfalls, interconnected lakes, and lush forests. It’s one of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders.

  4. Island Life: Croatia has over a thousand islands, each with its unique charm. Popular islands include Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Vis, offering a mix of beaches, history, and local culture.

  5. Cuisine: Croatian cuisine features a diverse range of dishes influenced by Mediterranean, Italian, and Balkan flavors. Try local specialties such as pasticada, cevapi, and seafood delicacies.

  6. Wine Regions: Croatia has several wine regions known for producing quality wines. Istria and the Pelješac Peninsula are famous for their vineyards and wine cellars.

  7. Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Dubrovnik served as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones, attracting fans to explore the iconic scenes and settings.

  8. Sea Organ in Zadar: The Sea Organ, an architectural sound art installation in Zadar, produces musical sounds using the sea’s waves, creating a unique and relaxing experience for visitors.

  9. Plavac Mali Wine: Plavac Mali is a red wine grape variety indigenous to Croatia, known for producing robust and flavorful wines. The Pelješac Peninsula is a notable region for Plavac Mali wines.

  10. Klapa Music: Klapa is a traditional form of a capella singing in Croatia, often performed in groups. It’s recognized as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

  11. Nature Parks: In addition to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia has several other nature parks and reserves, including Krka National Park and Brijuni National Park, offering diverse landscapes and outdoor activities.

Several locations in Croatia served as filming locations for the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Some of the key filming locations include:

  1. Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was used extensively for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Locations within Dubrovnik’s Old Town, such as Fort Lovrijenac and the city walls, were featured prominently.

  2. Split: Diocletian’s Palace in Split was used as the setting for the city of Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen spends a significant part of the series. The palace’s basement halls and other areas were transformed for various scenes.

  3. Šibenik: The historic city of Šibenik was used for the filming of Braavos. The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik was a notable filming location.

  4. Trsteno Arboretum: Located near Dubrovnik, the Trsteno Arboretum was used for the gardens of the Red Keep in King’s Landing. The arboretum features beautiful gardens and a historic villa.

  5. Lokrum Island: Lokrum, a small island near Dubrovnik, served as the location for Qarth, a city featured in the series. The botanical gardens on the island were showcased in various scenes.

  6. Klis Fortress: The Klis Fortress, situated near Split, was used for the exterior shots of the city of Meereen.

  7. Krka National Park: Scenes in the city of Meereen, particularly those featuring Daenerys’s dragons, were filmed in the Krka National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls.

If you have only two days, you might consider focusing on a specific region or city to make the most of your time. Here’s a sample itinerary for a short visit:

Day 1: Explore Dubrovnik

  • Spend your first day in Dubrovnik, exploring the historic Old Town and its iconic landmarks, such as the city walls, Stradun (main street), and Fort Lovrijenac.
  • Visit Dubrovnik’s historical sites, including Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Cathedral of the Assumption.

Day 2: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

  • If you’re interested in nature, consider a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and lush landscapes.
  • Take a walk along the park’s wooden pathways to enjoy the natural beauty and take a boat ride on one of the lakes.

Keep in mind that this is just a suggestion, and your choice of destinations depends on your interests. If you prefer coastal areas, you might consider Split or the Istrian Peninsula. If you’re interested in history and culture, Zagreb, the capital, could be another option.

However, for a more comprehensive experience of Croatia and to explore multiple regions, a longer stay would be recommended. Croatia’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and coastal beauty are best enjoyed with a more extended visit.

 

Spending a perfect day in Dubrovnik involves a combination of exploring its rich history, enjoying the stunning views, and savoring local cuisine. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a perfect day in Dubrovnik:

Morning: Old Town Exploration

  1. Early Start: Begin your day early to beat the crowds, especially if you’re visiting during the high tourist season.
  2. City Walls Walk: Embark on a walk along the city walls. The panoramic views of the red-roofed buildings, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. Allow 1-2 hours for this activity.

 

Late Morning: Old Town Highlights

     3. Stradun (Placa): Explore Stradun, the main street of the Old Town. Admire the Baroque architecture, shop for local crafts, and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

  1. Rector’s Palace: Visit the Rector’s Palace, a historic Gothic-Renaissance building that once housed the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa.

 

Lunch: Local Cuisine

     5. Lunch in the Old Town: Choose a local restaurant or konoba to savor Croatian cuisine. Try seafood dishes, pasticada (beef stew), or peka (baked meat and vegetables).

Afternoon: Cultural Immersion

     6. Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury: Explore the Dubrovnik Cathedral and its treasury, home to religious art and relics.

  1. Sponza Palace: Visit Sponza Palace, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance building that now serves as the State Archives.

 

Late Afternoon: Relaxation and Scenic Views

     8. Banje Beach: Head to Banje Beach for some relaxation. Enjoy the sun, swim in the Adriatic, or simply take in the views of the Old Town and the city walls.

  1. Dubrovnik Cable Car: Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.

 

Evening: Sunset and Dinner

   10. Sunset at Fort Lovrijenac: Head to Fort Lovrijenac for a stunning sunset view. This fortress offers a unique perspective of the Old Town against the backdrop of the setting sun.

  1. Dinner with a View: Choose a restaurant with a terrace for dinner, preferably overlooking the city or the sea. Enjoy a relaxing meal as you soak in the evening ambiance.

 

Night: Old Town Lights

   12. Stradun at Night: Take a stroll along Stradun at night when the buildings are beautifully lit. It’s a magical time to enjoy the ambiance of the Old Town.

Remember that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it based on your interests and preferences. Dubrovnik offers a wealth of experiences, whether you’re interested in history, culture, cuisine, or simply enjoying the stunning coastal surroundings.

Croatia is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area. If you are a citizen of an EU member state or a country within the Schengen Area, you typically do not need a visa to enter Croatia for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for tourism, business, or family visits.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU or non-Schengen country, visa requirements may apply. The specific visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Croatia has its own visa policies, separate from the Schengen Area.

Croatia uses the standard European Type C and Type F electrical outlets. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Type C outlets have two round pins, while Type F outlets have two round pins with the addition of grounding clips on the sides.

If your electrical devices use a different type of plug, you will need a travel adapter to fit the Croatian outlets. Additionally, check the voltage requirements of your electronic devices to ensure they are compatible with the local electrical system. Most modern electronic devices, such as laptops and smartphones, have dual-voltage capabilities and can handle the European voltage.

Croatia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. It has a relatively low crime rate, and violent crime is uncommon. The country is known for its friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.