Compared to family holiday resort favourites in Spain, France and Greece, Croatia is relatively unknown, but is gradually starting to attract large numbers of UK tourists as regular flights increase from UK airports. Being quite a large country of coastal towns and resorts, it can be difficult to find information on the best places to visit if you want a traditional Croatia family holiday by the beach. We’ve assembled the best resort areas and islands for a Croatia family holiday to help you decide on the best place to visit.
We always look for the following when considering family resorts:
- Easy to get to
- Large pool and close to the beach
- Family friendly hotels
- Plenty of things to see and family activities/kids club
- Things to keep the adults entertained
- Affordable and spacious accommodation
- Shops and restaurants within a short walk
Based on the above and our experience holidaying in Croatia, we recommend the following resorts for families looking for an exciting introduction to this beautiful country.
Cavtat, near Dubrovnik
Cavtat is a short ferry ride south of the majestic port of Dubrovnik. This quieter area of the district has a number of hotels, local bars/restaurants and an idyllic, clearwater bay where the kids will love to swim. The resort is close enough to Dubrovnik to explore this historic city a few times during your stay and has a number of nearby excursions, including island tours, boat rental and sightseeing itinerary’s.
We recommend staying in the large hillside resort of Hotel Croatia Cavtat. It has a number of amenities, a private beach/bay area and large outdoor pool. The food choices are also very good for both kids and adults. Our top recommended Cavtat activities for families are snorkelling in the bay, sea kayaking and a stroll around the old town.
Recommended hotel: Hotel Croatia Cavtat
Bol, Brac Island
The island of Brac is easily accessible via the Split ferry (fly to Split Airport) and is one of the most beautiful islands to visit. The Bol area has numerous hotels, nice beaches and plenty of things to do for the family, such as Chimpy Adventure Park and beginner water sports and sailing classes. Our recommended hotel, Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa, is only a short walk to the famous Zlatni Rat beach, which you may recognise from the photos.
Bol is small but provides a fun Croatia family holiday of island relaxation, away from the busy cities of the main land. You can always stop in Split for a spot of sightseeing on the way there/back. This island is best for families who want to relax on the beach most of the time but also get involved in activities a few times during the holiday.
Recommended hotel: Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa
Babin Kuk, Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most frequented areas of Croatia for UK holiday seekers and just outside the historic old town centre are a variety of coastal resorts. Valamar Club is a family focused hotel just north of the city in a quiet bay area. The hotel is excellent value, has a good food selection, plenty of family focused activities, a swimming pool and is close to Copacabana beach, which is perfect for families and is arguably the best beach in the area.
Dubrovnik old town is also easily accessible by bus for those who wish to indulge in some family sightseeing. This resort is the best of both worlds for families who want plenty to do but also stay in a more relaxing area away from the busy city. The must see attraction for Dubrovnik is the City Walls walk. Take your family in the morning whilst the weather is still relatively cool and take plenty of drinks and snacks for the trek.
Recommended hotel : Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Hvar Island
The island of Hvar is slightly further south of Brac and is also accessible by the Split ferry/catamaran service. Hvar attracts luxury yachts from around the world, has a beautiful, small marina surrounded by restaurants and shops and has a number of nearby islands to explore by boat. Our recommended hotel, the Amfora Grand Beach resort, is surprisingly cheap for a 5 star hotel and has a plethora of facilities for you and the kids. It features multiple pools and its own shallow bay and pebble beach. It also offers family activities, water sports and water taxis to the nearby islands.
You’ll fall in love with this small island and everything is within a short walk so there’s no need to catch any public transport or taxis. Hvar is an island which generally caters to adults but it can be the best of both worlds for a Croatia family holiday. Adults can enjoy the luxurious bars and restaurants; the kids are at home with the excellent pools and beaches and the whole family can bond together on a rented boat trip.
Recommended hotel: Amfora Grand Beach Resort
Orasac, north of Dubrovnik
Being one of the most popular coastal areas for tourism in Croatia, Dubrovnik and the surrounding area have no shortage of hotels and resorts. A short drive north of the city is the picturesque town of Orasac. The resort is a quiet retreat and has a number of large hotels full of facilities for the family to enjoy. It’s also within walking distance of plenty of local and international cuisine restaurants to try out. This is the place perfect for those who want a relaxing Croatia family holiday by the pool. You have everything you need in one place, but you also have the option to take a short trip to Dubrovnik and explore the city and surrounding islands (which you definitely should do!).
Our recommend hotel, the Sun Gardens, has large family rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and is very much an all-in-one resort for those who don’t like to venture too far and would rather spend their week chilling out.
Recommended hotel: Sun Gardens Dubrovnik
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