Which is the best Valamar hotel for your family?
For a family-friendly escape that feels Croatian to its core, Valamar is the name to know. This is a brand that proves you don’t have to trade authenticity for ease – you get all the big-resort brilliance (kids’ clubs, swim-smart pools, dreamy spas, the works) but with a strong sense of place stitched through every element of your stay. Stretching across some of the country’s most jaw-dropping coastal spots, you’ll find a Valamar hotel, resort or camping hideaway for every brood and budget. Below you’ll find a highlight reel of our favourites
Words by Frankie Collinson
Published: 21st November 2025 | Last updated: 26th August 2026
Your most asked questions answered
What’s all the hype about?
If Croatia had a national treasure in the hospitality world, it’d be Valamar. This homegrown holiday hero makes family getaways as effortless as they are easy on the eye. Think free kids’ clubs for ages 3–12, soft play and affordable babysitting for the tiniest travellers, and Teen Hangout Zones with activities that might even tempt them off their screens. Each Valamar spot brings its own slice of Croatian magic – from Dubrovnik’s history-steeped splendour (and the Adriatic’s largest indoor-outdoor playground) to Hvar’s eco-cool vibes, Rab’s sugar-soft coves, Rabac’s turquoise tranquillity and Poreč’s postcard-perfect sunsets. With local menus worth lingering over, a real focus on sustainability and service with genuine Croatian heart, Valamar nails the sweet spot between resort luxury and local authenticity – and at prices this good, the only thing you’ll be questioning is why you haven’t booked already
To top it off, Poreč has just added a new level of all-inclusive luxury for families with Pical Resort 5*, Valamar Collection
What are the price differences?
When it comes to prices, Valamar has something for every type of family and every size of holiday budget
Want a hotel stay? Valamar Tirena Hotel 4* in Dubrovnik kicks off at just £118 per room per night with breakfast included — perfect for parents who like a combo of exploring and relaxing
Looking for the ultimate steal? The brand-new Arba Resort 4*, Valamar Collection, starts from £208 a night all-inclusive, and the sustainably minded Valamar Amicor Resort 4* on Hvar begins at £217 with Half Board — all of the family finesse, none of the credit card statement cringe
Girandella Resort 4/5*, Valamar Collection starts from £253 a night for family-friendly all-inclusive luxury (but still excellent value for money in our opinion!). While Pical starts at £397, also for all-inclusive, and the price per facility here is pretty unrivalled in our opinion!
And if sleeping under the stars in style is more your vibe, Valamar Camping Istra 5* starts from just £64 per camping home per night
Where are they all located?
Arba Resort 4* sits on Rab Island, famous for some of Croatia’s finest sandy beaches and a charming, lesser-trodden old town. Travel takes a little longer – around 2 hours 40 minutes from Rijeka Airport, including a 15-minute ferry – but trust us, it’s worth every minute
For a taste of southern Dalmatia with kids in tow, Amicor Resort 4* on Hvar serves up sun, sea, and Mediterranean charm in spades. From the UK, it’s a 2.5-hour flight to Split, then about 3 hours of drive-and-ferry combo
Step off the plane and almost straight into holiday mode at Tirena Hotel 4*. Just a 30-minute transfer from Dubrovnik Airport, it’s the perfect base for exploring the walled city and letting kids loose at Maro World
Finally, Istria is the Adriatic’s crown jewel, with its lush green peninsula, sun-drenched coastline, and a multicultural mix of Italian-inspired charm. Looking for style on a shoestring? Valamar Camping Istra 5* near Poreč serves up luxe camping just 40 minutes from Pula Airport. Prefer a traditional resort vibe? Girandella Resort 4/5* in Rabac brings seaside scenery & family-friendly luxury about 40 minutes from the airport. Or, for something seriously slick, Pical Family Hotel 5* in Poreč has just opened, with a huge pool complex, brilliant kids’ facilities and a prime beachfront setting – all around 45 minutes from Pula Airport
When’s best to visit?
Most properties open just before Catholic Easter (late March or early April) and stay open through the late summer – with some, like Tirena Hotel 4* in Dubrovnik, Arba Resort 4* on Rab, and Valamar Camping Istra 5* near Poreč, stretching the season to the end of October half term. Peak beach days fall in July and August, but if you want fewer crowds and gentler temperatures June and September are dreamy. And don’t overlook autumn: locals adore it, prices drop, and the Adriatic is still perfect for a swim, especially further south in Dubrovnik. You’ll find our Croatia weather guide below:
April: 17 degrees
May: 21 degrees
June: 25 degrees
July: 29 degrees
August: 30 degrees
September: 26 degrees
October: 21–23 degrees
In a nutshell, which one is right for me?
If you’re looking for an easy all-inclusive beachfront escape: Pical Family Hotel Valamar Collection 5*, in Istria, Arba Resort 4* on Rab Island or Girandella Resort 4/5* in Rabac, Istria
If you’re after a gorgeous glamping or camping villa getaway, complete with private heated pools: Valamar Camping Istra 5* in Poreč, Istria
If you’re searching for a charming old-town stroll, spacious family rooms, and half board that nudges you to eat local: Amicor Resort 4* on Hvar
If your goal is to show the kids one of Croatia’s most beautiful towns while they enjoy the Adriatic’s largest indoor-outdoor playground: Tirena Hotel 4* in Dubrovnik
Our Insider Intel
Pical Family Hotel 5* brings a slicker, more contemporary take on the Croatian family resort. The big win here? It’s brilliantly easy. You’re just around 45 minutes from Pula Airport, so no long ferry crossings or three-hour transfer marathons, and you can stroll straight out of the resort and into Poreč’s charming old town when you fancy a change of scene. Back at the hotel, there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained, from its huge pool complex and sandy beach to brilliant kids’ facilities and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s a great choice if you want the facilities of a big family resort without feeling like you’ve been dropped in the middle of nowhere
Best bits:
- Just 45 minutes from Pula Airport, making it one of the easier Croatian island-free escapes
- A gorgeous seafront setting, with direct access to the beach and a huge choice of pools
- Walkable to Poreč old town, so you can easily swap pool days for an ice cream, dinner or wander around the harbour
- Brilliant family facilities, including Maro World, kids’ clubs (3+) and heated pools designed for different ages
- A more contemporary, polished feel than many traditional family resorts
Bear in mind:
- The second bedroom in the Family Hotel (the all inclusive option) is separated by sliding doors rather than a solid wall
- The food offering is a little more nuanced than a standard all-inclusive – Pical Family Hotel’s Quattro Terre buffet covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plenty of Mediterranean and Istrian options, but some of the resort’s more exciting restaurants are part of the Dine Around/paid-for experience rather than included as standard
Your reviews
As huge Valamar fans after Amicor and Tirena we couldn't wait to try their brand new all inclusive 5* Pical Resort... and it absolutely delivered. Brand new and spotless it was seriously stylish with minimalist Scandi interiors and Shoreditch House-style pool vibes. The MARO Kids Club was fantastic, with friendly staff and great activities, while we managed to sneak off to enjoy the huge spa, Technogym-equipped gym and rooftop bar with gorgeous sunset views. We travelled with two other families and we're already looking at dates for next year. Valamar really do know how to create a family holiday that parents actually get to relax on
@itsonlysarahe
We stayed in the family hotel part, which is all-inclusive. For a dash more, you can upgrade to the V Level Suites, although these are half-board. We had one room for 2 adults, a 5 year old and a baby and it worked just fine. We paid a bit more to have a garden which was well worth it for us, it was right next to the two storey ball-pit which my eldest practically lived in, a bar and backed onto the sprawling wooded play park which was great. It’s a five-star resort, so the food is good, although perhaps not quite at IKOS level (hard to beat!). The baby and toddler food was excellent, there were loads of options for children, and beer and wine are included at lunch, dinner and snack time. There’s also a dine-around scheme, so you can eat at a local restaurant one evening. Would we recommend to other parents? Absolutely. Such good value for money, it was outstanding. Definitely going back to either that resort or another Valamar one next year!
@lhastilow
Our Insider Intel
Perched on Rab Island’s emerald shores, Arba Resort 4* is the ultimate sandy beach escape in Croatia. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Alpine-style family hotel… on a beach, this is it. Newly opened, gleaming, and seriously stacked with family facilities, it knocks most of its European competitors out of the park. Think indoor and outdoor pools, baby pools, splash pads, pirate ships, and Maro World spanning over 1,500 m². The ease of all-inclusive means you’ve got a perfect excuse to totally fly and flop, although, in our opinion, it would be a shame to miss the charm of Rab’s old town, just a 5-minute drive away
Best bits:
- Located on one of Croatia’s best islands for sandy beaches
- Six heated, themed pools for all ages, including splash pads
- A top pick for multigenerational getaways, with everything on-site to keep tots, teens, parents, and grandparents happy – whether you’re looking for an active or horizontal holiday
- All-Inclusive dining with Dine Around service
- V Level service, gives guests exclusive corners of the resort to call their own, plus a little extra pampering – think reserved sunbeds, priority restaurant bookings, and upgraded in-room touches
- Five kilometres from Rab town, with affordable transfer available
- Rooms and family suites sleep two to six, all comfortably modern with balconies and cracking views
Bear in mind:
- Nestled in a peaceful forest setting, so don’t expect a multitude of cafés or shops on the doorstep, but resort features its own shop with chic design gifts and island produce and a few bars, including a patisserie
- Arrival and departure need a little planning – it’s around a 3-hour journey from the airport in total
- There’s just one main buffet and a second restaurant reserved exclusively for V Level Guests, but the food is local and top-notch
Your reviews
Honestly, it’s the best Valamar hotel I’ve stayed at so far and definitely one of my favorites in the “affordable luxury” category. The sea is just outstanding – sandy beach, super easy access with small pebbles, and that turquoise water… by far the best I’ve seen, even compared to places like Ikos Olivia, Westin Navarino, or other Valamars. Another highlight is the chance to explore the surroundings – either walking or by bike. The bike center is excellent, with brand-new bikes and plenty of trails. It reminded me a bit of Hvar, though here you don’t really have a town you can reach on foot. Food is good, even if it’s buffet style (of course not at Ikos levels). And finally, I think the resort is ideal for families with little ones (0–5 years old). There are tons of activities for that age group, though older kids will also find plenty to do. Overall, it’s been a really positive surprise
@lucapu1984
The decor was beautiful, light and lots of open space. It was so chic but still managed to be totally kid friendly and relaxed. Being a new hotel everything was spotless. Where to start on the family facilities?! Incredible pools, including a baby and kids pool. Wonderful outside play area and best of all - the Kids Club which open 8am-10pm and included a soft play / sensory zone / drop in area / gaming lounge and more formal supervised session. We had a few rainy days and this was a total life safer. My favourite thing was the little bikes the kids could just zoom around on. We hired bikes and trailers at the hotel and cycled to a hidden cove, it was just stunning. I would 1000% recommend
@isabelleasante
After hearing so many glowing reports about Valamar Amicor, I knew I had to visit their newest addition, Valamar Arba, on the breathtaking island of Rab. Nestled on the edge of a Geo Park, only a 9-minute drive from Rab town and hugging a scenic shoreline, it feels like the hotel has been designed by parents who want both kids and adults to enjoy it. It was super affordable—compared to a lot of luxury hotels, we got this at a fraction of the cost, which made the trip even sweeter. There is a full wing of the hotel dedicated to kids of all ages, starting with a giant climbing net next to the bar so parents can have a cocktail while the kids play. From busy boards, art stations, engineering activities, computer game rooms, and a theatre, there is plenty to do just inside. The kids club is for ages 3+, but younger kids can play with a parent, and there is also a park. There are six pools altogether, with three being kids’ pools, all very close together. The hotel beach is a five-minute walk away, next to the beach bar and tennis courts. The beach is pebbled, but there are lots of steps to access deeper water. The cove is beautiful and is next to a trail where you can explore more mini beaches. The spa was heaven. The hotel is all-inclusive, covering everything. They have a specialist baby nutritionist who makes all of the baby food from scratch with healthy ingredients, as well as a smoothie room, a wood-fired pizza oven, and snacks all day long. It’s only a nine-minute drive from Rab Old Town, which is well worth a visit
@freyaelizabethlund
Our Insider Intel
If you’re after relaxed holiday camp vibes (and prices) without compromising on family facilities, Amicor Resort 4* on Hvar is a total win. Newly built and beautifully designed, it’s all suites and villas, so there’s space, calm, and a seriously stunning setting. Luxury here isn’t staff on call or flashy trimmings, it’s gorgeous surroundings, clever design, and brilliant value for money. Kids are utterly spoiled, from waterslides and splash pads to playgrounds on every corner and a charming stay-and-play Kids Club, all wrapped up in a small, boutique-feeling resort. There’s only one buffet restaurant onsite, but a 5-minute water taxi or 20-minute stroll takes you into restaurant-rich Stari Grad, so you can effortlessly hit the ultimate holiday trifecta: sightseeing, swimming, and snoozing
Best bits:
- Eco-designed villas and family suites for up to 4+2 people, some with private pools or jacuzzies
- 450 m² Aquamar water park featuring heated pools, mini slides, sprinklers, and fast-paced flumes
- Multiple kids’ zones, including a Kids Club, with supervised sessions for 3+ and a “stay & play” invite for parents of tiny tots, alongside trampolines and trikes to borrow at every turn
- Stay Fit activities for adults, including SUP yoga and kayak tours
Bear in mind:
- While the transfer might look long on paper (circa 3 hrs), in our experience it breezed by
- The resort has just one onsite restaurant, with half board included as standard. However, the menu changes nightly, keeping things fresh, and local restaurants are super easy to reach
- There’s no spa, but you can enjoy the outdoor spa a neighbouring hotel (additional charge)
- If you’re after traditional 5* hotel service, this isn’t it. The staff shine at cooking, cleaning, and caring for the kids—but when it comes to ordering food and drinks, fetching towels, or little extras, it’s more of a relaxed, self-service vibe
Your reviews
There's no denying it - I fell for Amicor Resort, big time (to be honest, I think anyone would). It's gorgeously laid back, filled with lush foliage, and boasts light, chic and spacious villas & suites, right above the sparkling sea. What really shines through is that kids aren't just an afterthought - Amicor embraces it's smallest guests with commendable enthusiasm. The kids club is casual, colourful and packed with toys for all ages. The pools are super warm, shallow, and full of slides and sprinklers, the evening entertainment captivates them while you eat in peace, and there's even little trikes and bikes for them to whizz (instead of walk) around. It's the first time I've been anywhere with a playground on (literally) every corner, and charming Stari Grad is a short wander away
@bec_pb
We went to Valamar Amicor on Hvar island, Croatia as a big family group (2yr, 5yr, 10yr, grandparents etc). We have stayed at a few premium family resorts and I can honestly say this has been our favourite so far! Main factors being we didn’t feel like we were in a huge bustling resort, we could walk to beautiful restaurants and have days out really easily, there was always something different for the children to do or try and the Croatian scenery is just stunning!The suites were beautifully designed with lots of wood panelling and plants, you felt secluded like you had your own cottage, but only a minutes stroll from the centre. Everything was very aesthetically pleasing, lots of greenery and wooden play equipment every few metres. There were 3 pools, 1 baby pool which was heated with mini slides and floating beanbags, a middle unheated one with slides and sprinklers and then the main pool which again wasn’t heated but it didn’t stop the older children jumping straight in! Further along there were 3 big flumes which all the kids had great fun on. The kids club was set up really nicely with different rooms aimed at different age groups. My 5yr old loved attending the volcano making workshop and my 2yr old loved playing tea parties with all the play kitchen stuff. We went in half term and it never felt too busy. Plenty of sunbeds, plenty of room which meant lots of happy children
@itsonlysarahe
We spent 7 days in early June at the wonderful Amicor Green Resort in Hvar, Croatia. The whole complex was beautiful and the eco design concept was so well considered. A boho chic vibe, that was the perfect balance of being interactive for the kids but super pleasing for parents with scandi style interiors. Every element was well thought through - even the pool floats were stylish! Every part of this hotel is set up for families, from the mini eco-parks built around the campus to the child friendly restaurants. The hotel also has access to an outdoor spa in their sister adult only hotel providing some chill out time for parents - it was perfect. For us it was the balance of both worlds. The hotel and all its facilities are fantastic, providing a range of activities for our 2 year old. But what we loved is that it was walking distance to Stari-Grad, a beautiful small port filled with restaurants, bars and the best views. We were a little nervous about the transfer post flight as it does take around 3 hours from Split airport to Hvar Island. However the ferry ride was almost part of the adventure
@carlyscotty
Our Insider Intel
For parents who love wandering cobbled streets, sampling local cuisine, and soaking up the sights – but have children who could happily live in a kids’ club – this hotel is a dream come true. Just a short, easy drive from the airport and only 15 minutes from Dubrovnik Old Town, it offers effortless access to one of Europe’s most iconic cities. And the kids’ club? It’s enormous – so impressive it could easily be mistaken for a standalone children’s museum. From the staffed Maro Club (ages 3+) with daily crafts and games, to two floors of soft play, LEGO ramps, STEM zones, interactive aquariums, and a rooftop trampoline park. Dubrovnik itself is unforgettable – small, stunning, and full of character. Its stone streets and squares are straight out of a storybook. This resort nails the perfect balance: you get the charm and culture of a city break, while chilling out on a peaceful peninsula
Best bits:
- A standout world of entertainment for children! The Maro Club welcomes ages 3-12 from 9 am-9 pm with a daily changing schedule of crafts and activities – parents can join in too. Beyond that, Maro World spans two floors packed with soft play, an interactive aquarium, a LEGO area, a rooftop trampoline park, and plenty of STEM-inspired fun
- Fully-serviced pebbly beaches are just 400 m away, offering crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming & snorkeling
- With only two restaurants on the property, half-board guests can diversify their meals at nearby Valamar à la carte restaurants, or pick B&B to fully enjoy the local food scene
- Part of a cluster of Valamar hotels on the Lapad peninsula – almost like a little Valamar village – so you can stay in one spot but hop between sister resorts’ beaches, gyms, and pools
Bear in mind:
- There’s a large freshwater pool with a swim-up bar, an infant pool with a mini slide, and bigger flumes – none of them are heated, but guests can swim at neighbouring hotels if they fancy warmer waters
- Dubrovnik Old Town can be very busy in the peak of the summer
- There’s no spa onsite, but again you’re free to use the spa in the next Valamar hotel
Your reviews
Our four sons are 5,10, 13 and 15 and they all loved this hotel. We didn’t make use of the free childcare, but the Maro World Kids Club was amazing. The open-ended imaginative play areas rival any I’ve seen in cultural venues in England and my older boys loved the table tennis, pool table and PlayStations. There was a beautiful outdoor pool with plenty of sun loungers and parasols. We also used the indoor pool in the adjacent Valamar Lacroma Hotel to get out of the midday sun. There is a buggy friendly promenade from the hotel along the sea front with a range of bars and restaurants. I would definitely recommend this hotel to other families. There is plenty for children of all ages to do, which makes for a relaxing holiday for parents
@florencedarling
The things that we loved about Tirena was it was a really quick bus ride into Dubrovnik but set on a quiet, peninsula surrounded by beaches and sparkly sea. The access to the epic Maro world which includes childcare but also was just the most wonderful interactive play space for all ages that rivalled lots of children’s museums we’ve been to. Made for a city break come beach holiday, that we all could enjoy!
@rebeccaloves
Our Insider Intel
If food is a top priority, this is the one to look at – with the highest count of restaurants in this round up. Not stopping there, if a stress-free arrival is your holiday language, this easy-to-access Adriatic abode will tick your boxes too. Only a 40 minute drive from the airport, it gives island-escape-vibes with turquoise waters families will never want to leave. Girandella Resort 4/5* is a full-scale family wonderland with themed beaches, heated family pools, splash pads, waterslides, and even an inflatable water park. Families can choose between 4- and 5-star wings, with suites comfortably sleeping 4+2. Kids are spoiled for choice too: the Maro Baby Club (0–3) and Maro Club (3–12) feature fully equipped playrooms and staff-supervised activities, giving parents a chance to sneak off for spa treatments or Stay Fit classes
Best bits:
- Engaging entertainment hub with play zones, splash areas and daily activities
- Family suites for up to 4+2 people
- All-Inclusive with multiple restaurants and casual bars
- Spa and Stay Fit activities for parents
Bear in mind:
- Hilly surroundings can mean some uphill stroller pushes
- One small sandy beach and plenty of pebbly ones: bring your water shoes
Your reviews
There's a few different levels of properties on site, but I strongly recommend the Maro Suites. In terms of family facilities - wow. Above and beyond! In the Maro Suites building you have a soft play, climbing wall, trikes you can use around the resort, 2 outdoor playgrounds, in & outdoor pools with slides and much more. Other activities we loved included bike and paddle board hire, mini golf and boarding the little land train that takes you to the nearby coastal village. For us, the big thing as parents of kids who won't use a Kids Club was that our kids had LOADS to do. Overall we adored it and are having trouble convincing my kids to try somewhere else this year
@rachshirwin
Our Insider Intel
Who says camping can’t come with a dash of luxury? Nestled on a romantic Adriatic peninsula near Poreč, Valamar Camping Istra 5* offers camping with a serious side of style – from premium camping villas (some with private pools) to glamping tents, all just steps from the sea. Families are spoiled for choice: the Aquamar water park with a 10m Twister slide, the Maro Club, outdoor sports, and the Istra Theatre for indoor movies and shows keep kids and teens entertained for hours, while parents can unwind at the spa, browse the nearby Piazza markets, or simply soak up the sun on one of the Istrian beaches. With stellar Valamar dining, easy-access facilities, and endless activities, it’s a perfect blend of space, freedom, and fuss-free luxury – camping, but not as you know it
Best bits:
- Premium family waterpark with five heated pools, splash zones, and slides – including the epic 10-metre Twister
- Fully equipped playrooms, with supervised sessions for 3+, and babysitting (at extra charge) for under 3-s in the summer
- Spacious premium camping homes for families (sleeping up to 8), some with their own private heated pools.
- Half-board ease with buffet breakfast and dinner included
- Summer camps for every interest, from the Juventus Training Camp Funtana to the STEAM-powered Nutty Scientists Camp and even a summer riding school
Bear in mind:
- Large resort; some camping pitches and homes are a longer walk from pools or beach
- Lively evening programme in the summer may feel busy if you seek total peace & quiet
Themes: The Family Friendly European Edit, Holiday Cheat Sheets
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