Croatia for Families: A Coastal Adventure from Zadar to Dubrovnik

After landing in Split—or better yet, Zadar—pick up your rental car and drive north along the Adriatic coast to the family-friendly Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora. Check in, enjoy a dip in the pool, and let the kids explore the hotel’s excellent kids’ club while you unwind with a glass of local wine. Dinner is included, so keep it simple—the buffet is surprisingly good! If you’re arriving late, stop for dinner in Zadar or at Locanda, a favorite spot just outside the city.

Insider tip: The nearby Black Spa at Hotel Iadera (next door) is one of the biggest and best in Croatia if you’re craving a little post-travel rejuvenation.

Ease into the day with breakfast and a relaxed morning at the resort. Then, head into Zadar for a private walking tour of the Old Town—a perfect blend of Roman history, Venetian charm, and family-friendly energy. Don’t miss the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, two art-meets-nature installations that kids love.

Enjoy pizza at Tri Bunara, explore the Museum of Ancient Glass with its live glassblowing demos, and wrap up the day with dinner at 4 Kantuna. End the evening with a sunset stroll along the waterfront—Zadar’s sunsets are famously among the best in the world.

A short drive from Zadar takes you to Nin, a small town bursting with charm and history. Start with the Educational Salt Trail at Solana Nin—a fascinating outdoor experience for all ages. Visit the tiny Church of St. Nicholas, where Croatian kings were once crowned, and wander the walled old town with an ice cream in hand.

Grab lunch at Mad Duck (for burgers) or Peperoni (for pizza), then finish the day with dinner at Pineta or the buffet back at the hotel.

Insider tip: This is one of the easiest days for downtime—make it a beach afternoon at Queen’s Beach Nin if the weather’s warm.

Depart after breakfast for Krka National Park, where waterfalls tumble through lush greenery. Take the boat from Skradin, explore the scenic wooden walkways, and stop for a casual outdoor lunch before continuing south. The drive to Dubrovnik takes about three hours—it’s scenic, so plan for a few photo stops.

Check into Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, your resort home base with panoramic sea views and family-friendly amenities. End the day with dinner at Market Restaurant and maybe a sunset swim.

Start the day with a boat transfer from the resort to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where your e-tuk tuk tour offers a fun, breezy introduction to the city’s highlights. Enjoy lunch at Dubravka 1836, perched just outside Pile Gate with Old Town views.

In the afternoon, embark on a sea kayaking and snorkeling tour—it’s an incredible way to see the city walls from the water and explore Lokrum Island. Afterward, enjoy dinner with a marina view at Port 22 or head back to the hotel to join their themed dinner celebration.

Spend the morning exploring Lokrum Island, a lush nature reserve just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Port. Wander through botanical gardens, visit the resident peacocks and rabbits, and swim in the island’s saltwater lake—a favorite with kids. Don’t forget to climb up to the Fort Royal for panoramic views of the Old Town and the Adriatic below.

Return to the mainland in the afternoon for a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, where sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops await. End your day with dinner at Restaurant Panorama, perched at the top of Mount Srđ—the best sunset spot in Dubrovnik, and a fitting finale to a perfect day.

Drive north to Split for your ferry to Hvar, lining up early for the car ferry. Once on the island, check into Valamar Amicor Green Resort, an eco-friendly family resort surrounded by pine trees and sea views. Dinner is included, but if you’re up for an adventure, take the water taxi into Stari Grad or Hvar Town for dinner at Nook or Konoba Menego.

Insider tip: Kids love taking the Olivia Taxi Boat to town—it’s inexpensive and scenic!

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your private walking tour of Hvar Town, known for its Venetian architecture, lively harbor, and laid-back island rhythm. Your guide will share stories from Hvar’s fascinating history—including Ivan Vučetić, the Hvar-born innovator who developed modern fingerprint identification.

After exploring town, set off by boat to the nearby Pakleni Islands, a chain of pine-draped islets perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and long seaside lunches. Spend the afternoon hopping between hidden coves and beach clubs before returning to the resort for a relaxed evening under the stars.

Today’s highlight is a private farm-to-table cooking class hosted by a local mother-daughter duo—an immersive, heartwarming experience that families always love. Afterward, take a DIY walking tour of Stari Grad’s ancient Greek ruins before heading by taxi boat to Maslina Resort for dinner and golden-hour cocktails.

This is Croatia at its best—slow, authentic, and full of flavor.

Catch the morning ferry back to the mainland and drive to the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split, your final stop. Overlooking the Adriatic and the islands you just visited, this stylish beachfront resort offers a large spa, multiple pools, and easy access to Split’s Old Town. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea or enjoying a treatment at the spa.

For dinner, head to The Caper Grill (on-site, for upscale Dalmatian cuisine) or venture a few minutes into the city for Port 74 or Bokeria Kitchen & Wine.

Join your private guide for a walking tour of Split, exploring Diocletian’s Palace, Peristyle Square, and the Riva promenade. Stop for lunch at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine, then visit smaller gems like the Ethnographic Museum or quirky Frog Museum.

Enjoy a final dinner at Fantazija, one of Split’s hidden local favorites.