1 Week in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Croatia Family Vacation: Split, Hvar & Dubrovnik

A family-friendly itinerary that includes three days in two of Croatia's most popular cities, Dubrovnik and Split, this one-week vacation is ideal for adventurous families looking to squeeze in as many activities as possible. Tour the ancient ruins in Split, enjoy a cooking class, go sea kayaking from Hvar Town, and take a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik.

Begin in the Old Town of Split, known for one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world, the 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace. See the 3,500-year-old sphinx, stroll through the alleyways underneath the palace, and then climb to the top of the Cathedral of St. Dominus for views of the Old Town and out to sea. Alternatively, head to the top of Marjan Hill for more impressive vistas. On Day 2, you'll head on a family-friendly ATV excursion of the Dalmatian hinterland, the zagora. Across 25 miles (40 km), you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery and the chance to swim in the Cetina River.

With the kids in tow, embark on a day trip to Krka National Park to frolic in some of the many waterfalls throughout the park, including Skradinski Buk. Check out Krka Monastery, Visovac Island, and Ključica fortress ruins on a boat tour along the Krka River. The next day, you and your crew will board a ferry to Hvar Island to see the 16th-century Španjola Fortress, then take a guided kayak tour around the Pakleni Islands archipelago. Catch another ferry to Dubrovnik to stroll through the Old Town, walk the centuries-old city walls, and conclude with a day at Medena Dolina ("Honey Valley") to ride on horseback and pet the farm animals. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Dalmatia Family Adventure: Split, Cetina River & Hvar

This seven-day Croatia adventure is perfect for kids and adults who enjoy active excursions such as kayaking, ziplining, and cycling while focusing on just a small area of the country. Dedicate three nights each to Split and Hvar Town to sail, hike, swim, cycle, snorkel, and paddle from the mainland to and around the islands of Brač and Hvar.

Your first day in Split takes you to the best hotspots in the Old Town. Wander through Pjaca Square, see the Iron Gate, grab a spot of lunch on the seafront Riva, and enjoy a family-friendly hike around Marjan hill. Rent a kayak for you and the gang to paddle around the peninsula, and stop at the many pebble beaches for a dip in the sea. Next, drive the family down the coast to Zadvarje for a full-day excursion of ziplining, river rafting, and canyoning on the Cetina River. Less brave travelers can opt for the gentler activities of swimming and hiking, whereas adventurous kids and adults will leap at the chance to swing, zip, and jump across the Cetina River Canyon.

Enjoy an afternoon on Brač Island. Go snorkeling and swimming, and try to spot dolphins frolicking in the water as you sail toward Hvar. Spend the night on a boat in Hvar harbor before exploring the sights of Hvar Town. Dedicate a full day to paddling around the Pakleni Islands on a kayaking excursion from Krizna Luka beach. Then take the kids on a walk along the Riva to Trg svetog Stjepana to see the Venetian arsenal and one of the oldest Baroque theaters in Europe. Transfer to Stari Grad for a cycling tour around coastal villages such as Jelsa and Vrboska before returning to Split. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Trip to Croatia: Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes & Split

This weeklong family trip to Croatia is ideal for travelers of all ages keen to explore the great outdoors and immerse themselves in nature, as well as those looking to learn more about the history and culture of some of Croatia's best cities. Spend a day at the many museums in the capital city of Zagreb, have fun getting dirty hunting for truffles in Istria, tour Plitvice Lakes National Park, and finish the itinerary in the coastal city of Split.

Arrive in Zagreb and begin with a stroll through Maksimir Park. History and culture fanatics of all ages will enjoy some of the city's many museums, including the War Photography Museum, the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, and the Museum of Illusions. Drive along the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula to the city of Rovinj, where you'll embark on a guided truffle hunting tour. Kids will relish hunting for the elusive truffles with expertly trained dogs or pigs as their guide, whereas adults with sophisticated palates will enjoy pairing the findings with local cheese and wine.

Explore Rovinj at your own pace and see the St. Euphemia cathedral, wander through the Old Town, and relax on Mulini Beach. Alternatively, nature-centered families will enjoy a day at Brijuni National Park, where you can rent bicycles, ride on the miniature train, and see zebras, elephants, and peacocks at Veliki Brijun island safari park—fun for the whole family. Then transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park to explore its many lakes and waterfalls across its 74,000 acres (30,000 ha). Continue to Split for a traditional Croatian cooking class as a family before spending the day on Zlatni Rat beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and Jet Ski. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Croatia itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Croatia? Check out these other seven-day Croatia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.