Babies & toddlers

Best areas: Istria (Rovinj & Pula), Zadar region, Split & the Dalmatian coast

Why it works: These are some of Croatia’s easiest corners for little travellers, with calm waters, family-friendly beaches, short transfers and plenty of space to settle into a slower holiday rhythm. Rab is a particular winner for toddlers thanks to its famous sandy beaches and shallow bays, while Istria offers relaxed coastal towns, easy days out and excellent family-friendly hotels without too much travel faff

Our favourites for babies & toddlers:

Family Hotel Amarin, Rovinj

Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora

School-age children

Best areas: Dubrvonki, Brač, Hvar & Rab

Why it works: This is the age where Croatia’s islands really start to shine. You can stretch to slightly longer transfers and ferry journeys because the payoff is huge – think swimming in crystal-clear bays, boat trips, snorkelling adventures and exploring beautiful harbour towns that feel like something from a storybook. Rab is a particular family favourite thanks to its rare sandy beaches and shallow waters, while islands like Brač and Hvar bring the wow-factor of island life without being too tricky to navigate

Our favourites for kids:

Valamar Tirena Hotel 4*, Dubrovnik 

Amicor Resort, Hvar

Tweens & teenagers

Best areas: Hvar, Dubrovnik, Split, Istria & Korčula

Why it works:Hvar and Korčula bring island-hopping, boat trips, snorkelling and pretty harbour towns to explore, while Dubrovnik adds the kind of history and scenery that even the most reluctant teenager might admit is impressive. Split is a great all-rounder, with beaches, restaurants and plenty happening, while Istria offers a more laid-back mix of beaches, adventure and incredible food. Add in kayaking, watersports, cliff jumping spots and sunset boat trips, and Croatia has mastered the art of making teenagers feel like they’re on a proper adventure (rather than just being dragged on a family holiday)

Our favourites for teens:

President Hotel, Valamar Collection

Arba Resort 4*, Valamar Collection, Rab

Still not sure where would work best for your family? We’ve rounded up our favourite family hotels in Croatia, matched by age and stage, here

Flights from the UK to Croatia are refreshingly quick, usually taking between 2 and 3 hours depending on where you’re heading. Popular coastal destinations like Dubrovnik and Split are typically around a 2 hour 30 minute flight from airports including London, Manchester and Birmingham, while islands and northern regions such as Hvar, Brač and Istria are also easily reached within around 3 hours, often with direct summer routes available from across the UK

Croatia enjoys one of the most rewarding holiday seasons in Europe, with warm, sunny weather typically starting in May and stretching right through to October and in southern regions like Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast, you’ll often still find pleasant, beach-friendly days well into late autumn

For families looking for classic summer conditions, June to early September is the sweet spot. During peak season, destinations such as Split, Hvar and Brač regularly see temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s. If you’re travelling with younger children or prefer a gentler pace, May, early June and September can be some of the best times to visit, with warm seas, fewer crowds and more comfortable sightseeing temperatures

The Istrian Peninsula is especially lovely in late spring and early autumn, thanks to its slightly milder climate, rolling green countryside and family-friendly coastal towns. Meanwhile, Dubrovnik and the southern Dalmatian islands are ideal for extending the summer feeling into October, when the sea is still warm and the old towns are far more relaxed

For families wanting sunshine without the intensity of peak heat, areas like Istria, Krk and the northern Adriatic tend to feel a little cooler in midsummer thanks to refreshing sea breezes. They’re a great option for active families who want a balance of beach time & exploring historic towns

Croatia is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is 1 hour ahead of the UK (which is on Greenwich Mean Time, GMT). During British Summer Time (BST), both move forward an hour, so the one-hour difference remains the same. It’s a small adjustment, which makes travel with kids even easier!