A few years ago, we booked a family activity holiday in Croatia, which was our first time visiting the country. Rather than planning the trip ourselves, we booked an organised group activity tour, so this blog is more a review of what’s on offer with such a trip, rather than a guide about how to organise the trip yourself. If you’re thinking of booking a similar trip then, read on to find out why Croatia is perfect for a family activity holiday.
Booking your family activity holiday in Croatia
We booked our family activity holiday in Croatia through a company called Activities Abroad which specialises in active family holidays.
We flew from Manchester to Split Airport where our guide, Ivan, met us in the trip minibus (which we would get to know very well during the week) to take us to the accommodation and meet the other people in our tour group.
Our tour group of 17 people was made up of 5 families, with kids ranging from 10 to 18 years old. This group arrangement was good because, after some initial shyness, the kids started hanging out with each other and sitting together on the minibuses and at dinner, leaving the adults free to socialise. This suited a single Mum with her son, a family with a large age gap between their kids, and a single child family. Everyone was happy!
Several of the families had taken previous holidays with Activities Abroad which was a good sign.
We had 2 tour guides who accompanied us throughout the week and made sure we were in the right place at the right time, with the right equipment, and safe, which was reassuring when travelling with the kids.
Our accommodation base camp in Novigrad
The town of Novigrad
Our hotel was situated on the cliff of a small fishing village in an area referred to as Novigrad Sea (Novigradsko) in the heart of Dalmatia. Novigrad is situated on an inland sea, at the end of the Velebit Channel, to the east of Zadar. Note – there is more than one Novigrad in Croatia.
The waterfront of Novigrad was lined with restaurants and houses (not many shops), as was the hillside leading up to the castle at the top. The houses were made of pale coloured stone with green shutters with orange roofs which is very typical of the area.
The holiday activities straddled the border between Northern Dalmatia (Zadar) and Central Dalmatia (Split).
Our accommodation (sorry, I have forgotten it’s name)
To be honest the hotel can best be described as ‘functional’ with basic décor, fans rather than AC, and questionable bed comfort. However, after a day of activity in the fresh air, we were so tired that we didn’t stop to critique the comfort of the beds and slept like a baby.
The winning feature of the hotel was its restaurant terrace, overlooking the sweeping Novigrad Bay with dreamy hills in the distance. Every night we ate our evening meals on a long communal table with the other members of our group, which was a truly glorious setting with stunning sunsets. Below the hotel, on the waterfront was a pontoon for swimming, pedal boats, and paddleboards for rent.
When travelling with kids, it was a good idea to have a base camp for the week, travelling out for different activities each day.
Activity 1 – Sea Kayaking to Zrmanja River Canyon
Day one of our family activity holiday in Croatia started with an activity directly outside the hotel. After an instruction briefing about sea kayaking, we took to the water in two-person kayaks paddling across Novigrad Bay.
The views of the rocky hills across the bay looked appealing as we headed across the brackish water here which attracts abundant wildlife, so there was a chance to spot turtles, fish, and seabirds along the way.
On arrival at the Zrmanja River Canyon we had time for jumping off the rocks into the water and for swimming. It was also an opportunity to work out who the dare devils in the group were, in terms of who would jump off the highest rocks. You don’t have to be competitive to enjoy this kind of holiday, but it helps!
The day was a great introduction to the breath-taking scenery, the other members of our group, and the weekly programme for our family activity holiday in Croatia.
Activity 2 – Cycling to Skradinski Buk waterfall in Krka National Park
The next morning, we travelled by minibus to the small town of Skradin, about 50 minutes south of Novigrad. Here we were kitted out with bikes and helmets, before setting off on a cycling trip through countryside filled with forests and hills, to Skradinski But waterfall in the Krka National Park, about 7 kms away. Cycling up the hills really got the leg muscles working!
If you wanted to opt out of the cycling, you could take a boat from Skradin to the Skradinski Buk waterfall, a 30-minute gentle float along the river enjoying the scenery.
Skradinski Buk waterfall
The Skradinski Buk waterfall is majestic at 44 meters high and comprised of 17 waterfalls cascading together into a large lake of crystal-clear water of different green and blue hues which makes for a spectacular view. You could swim in front of the Skradinski Buk waterfall but this is not allowed now in order to protect the waterfall.
Instead, follow the 2.5 km boardwalk route around the back of the waterfalls and through the trees, enjoying the incredible viewpoints along the way. There are also several small buildings with some exhibits, including watermills.
Once back at the start, it was time to take a dip in the clear water and join the throngs of people standing knee deep in the water admiring the view. If you wanted the waterfalls to yourself, then you would need to arrive very early in the morning as it does get very busy.
Visovac Monastery
After the Skradinski Buk Waterfall you can visit a monastery on Visovac Island, also part of the Krka National Park. We travelled there by minibus and then caught a small boat to the island. However, you can catch a boat directly from the Skradinski Buk waterfall, or cycle if you have bikes (and any energy left in your legs).
There’s not much on the island apart from the 16th century Mother of Mercy Franciscan monastery with a small garden, however it is a particularly peaceful spot and made a welcome change from the crowds at the waterfall.
Back in Skradin, we handed our bikes back and sought out refreshments in the town, before heading back to the hotel in the minibus to enjoy dinner on the terrace.
Activity 3 – Paklenica National Park Hike and Climbing
The next day on our family activity holiday in Croatia was a great day out in Paklenika National Park, where we had an opportunity for rock climbing with an instructor in the Velebit mountain range.
Then, the group took part in a hike up the mountain to have lunch with a view at the top. The Paklenika National Park provided a wonderful hike through tree-lined paths at the bottom of the mountain, until the trees clear, and the tops of the rocky mountain range appear in front of you.
At the top of the mountain, we ate at a rustic restaurant and gratefully ate goulash with macaroni, followed by shots of local liqueur. After recharging our batteries, we returned down the mountain on the alpine trails, stopping to swim in a freshwater pool along the way. The hike took 3-4 hours in total, and we spotted huge green caterpillars, beetles, tiny frogs, and geckos.
Activity 4 – Zip wiring in Omiš
Officially this was a ‘free day’ on our family activity holiday in Croatia, however we decided to book a zip-wiring adventure as an additional activity. The zip-wire experience was in the town of Omiš about 2 hours from the hotel.
We met our instructors at the office in Omiš, and were kitted out with helmets and harnesses, we were taken up the mountain in a van. After instructions and a short trial zipline, we then worked our way back down the mountain on a series of zipwires of varying length and scariness.
The first zipwire was the worst (or best depending which way you look at it) as it was a very long line stretched high across a wide valley with stunning views – the instructors made quite a big deal about not touching the break and maintaining your speed to make it across the full zipline, to avoid being winched in…pressure!
Thereafter, the other zipwires were a doddle. Several ran through the trees, and two crossed over the Cetina River in the valley below which were very pretty. Tandem zipwire opportunities were available on some of the lines. We had a really great time and the scenery as we whizzed along was fantastic.
After the zip wire activity, we had time to explore Omiš, a small Dalmatian port town with a history of pirates who ruled here on the coast centuries ago. It has some impressive stone fortresses and churches, white buildings with green shutters, cats sleeping on shady window ledges, and a wide beach full of sun worshippers and parasols.
Activity 5 – White water rafting on the Cetina River
It was certainly non-stop on this holiday itinerary, but in a good way! We had traded in our rest day, so headed back out to Omiš again today, this time for a white-water rafting adventure on the Cetina River.
The Cetina River offered lovely entry level Grade 2 and 3 rapids, perfect for first timers with just the right level of thrill. The setting of the river was beautiful, and we didn’t worry about falling in, in fact it was a welcome way to cool off. Fun was had by all.
Activity 6 – Canoe Safari on the Zrmanja River
Somehow, we found ourselves on the last day of our family activity holiday in Croatia – the week had flown! On our last day we took to double inflatable kayaks to paddle down the extremely picturesque Zrmanja River. It was so peaceful, and the water was clear, warm, and turquoise. Dragonflies joined us as we paddled through the steep sided canyons.
There were times, when we reached waterfalls which were too steep for the kayaks to attempt, so we got out and walked along the riverbank whilst the guides threw our kayaks over the waterfall. In other places, the waterfalls were small enough for us to attempt in our kayaks, if we were brave enough…
We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, served on the top of our guides’ kayaks, before diving into a hidden pool for some swimming. It was a truly fabulous way to end our week.
A tale of two cities
Our itinerary also included two city visits – one to Zadar and one to Split – which provided a good balance to the outdoor activities.
Zadar
Only 40 minutes from our accommodation, we found Zadar to be a very attractive Roman town (conquered in 1st century BC) seemingly made from white marble with a very shiny (slippy) floor. We enjoyed a lovely couple of hours exploring Zadar, which included:
- Enjoying pizza and gelato for dinner from one of the many Italian restaurants in town.
- Climbing the bell tower of St Anastasia’s Church and being rewarded with lovely views of orange roofs.
- Admiring the architecture, Medieval churches, Roman ruins and fallen columns.
- Watching some hardy souls playing a game of energetic water polo at the waterfront.
- Visiting the sculptural installations, Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun. Inventively Sea Organ is played by the sea and so you can hear hypnotic tones as the water laps through the structure.
- Watching the sun set over the water – Alfred Hitchcock once wrote in his old town hotel guest book that the city had ‘the best sunsets he’d ever seen’.
Split
Another attractive city made of white marble with lots of restaurants with outdoor seating patios. Split is a labyrinth of narrow streets with washing hanging out on lines across back streets. We had enough time on our visit to:
- Visit the Roman square and ruins of the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO Heritage site).
- Check out the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St Domnius (climb for great views).
- Pick up some souvenirs and Game of Thrones merchandise.
- Walk the Riva Promenade and enjoy a Croatian lunch before reboarding the minibus.
For more information about visiting Split, then please check out my other blogs.
To be honest, I’d be happy to return to either of these cities to spend longer there. Another time!
Final thoughts….
This weeklong family activity holiday in Croatia turned out to be the perfect introduction to the country and all the natural beauty it has to offer – in both the national parks and the cities.
My lasting memory of that trip is of clear turquoise waters, pebbly beaches, multicoloured sunsets over huge bays. It certainly created a desire to return and had the bonus that both kids had been kept very well entertained all week. I would heartily recommend this type of family holiday, especially in Croatia.
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