What to Do on a 10-Day Trip With Your Family in Croatia

But with so many beautiful spots, planning can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why it pays to plan early – so you can lock in ferries, family-friendly stays and excursions, and then simply enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind. Are you ready to start planning?

10-day Family Itinerary for an Unforgettable Week in Croatia

The picturesque old town of Poreč seen from above, set on a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

This 10-day itinerary will give your family a taste of Croatia’s most loved coastal regions in one unforgettable week. You’ll start in Istria, staying near the sparkling shores of Poreč or Rabac, then island-hop through the Kvarner gems, before cruising down to the sun-soaked Dalmatian coast, where Makarska, Hvar and Dubrovnik deliver postcard-perfect beaches, historic towns and gentle adventure.

This itinerary is ideal for families who don’t mind a bit of travel time and are excited to experience multiple regions rather than settling in just one place:  a little movement each day, a new view each morning, and a whole lot of memories along the way.

Day 1&2: Welcome to Istria – Coastal Charm for All Ages

Istria is all about beautiful beaches, pine shade and colourful old towns like Pula, Poreč or Labin. It’s a gentle place to start: short driving distances, a calm sea, and lots of family-oriented hotels and resorts.  Families can enjoy relaxing beach and pool time with plenty of kids’ activities right at the resorts, then head out for easy half-day adventures such as exploring medieval Labin or visiting Pula’s magnificent Roman Amphitheatre. 

You can take a scenic boat ride along the coast or enjoy an evening stroll through Poreč’s charming old town, perfect for a gelato and sunset views. For a memorable nature experience, add an excursion to Brijuni National Park. It is a peaceful island retreat where nature, history, and open space come together beautifully,  making it easy and enjoyable for families of all ages to explore. A visit to the hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun adds charm and culture, with cobbled streets, stunning views, and a touch of medieval history. Together, these experiences offer a perfect blend of beach, gastronomy and sightseeing in two unforgettable days.

Where to Stay in Istria

• Opening in 2026, Pical Family Hotel, part of Pical Resort, Valamar Collection in Poreč, is a brand-new family-friendly property offering a wide range of activities, including multiple swimming pools, spacious play areas, sports programs, and organised entertainment for kids of all ages. With its relaxed atmosphere, convenient beachfront location, and poolside activities, it offers a range of engaging experiences for both children and parents to enjoy together.

The welcoming kids’ club at Pical Resort is designed for creative play and learning in a bright, nature-themed indoor space.

• The Girandella Resort, Valamar Collection, in Rabac is purpose-built for families, offering family rooms and suites, kids’ pools and splash playgrounds, themed beaches, and 1,500 m² of family entertainment space, all located next to the clear, turquoise Adriatic sea.

The family-friendly pool area at Girandella Rabac, offering playful water features and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Day 3&4: Family-Friendly Adventures on Rab Island

Rab Island is a wonderful family destination, combining safe, beautiful beaches, unspoilt nature with a wide choice of easygoing excursions from boat trips and island hopping to olive grove visits that suit all ages. Families especially love the sandy, shallow beaches of Lopar, perfect for young children, as well as the well-kept and easily accessible beaches near Valamar Padova Hotel and the peaceful, green surroundings of Arba Resort. Together, these beaches and excursions create a relaxed yet exciting holiday where parents can unwind while kids enjoy the sea, nature, and fun adventures. After a day spent on a beach, it is ideal to wander into Rab’s charming Old Town, a maze of stone streets, bell towers and seaside promenades ideal for relaxed evening strolls and gelato stops. 

 Where to Stay on Rab Island 

• Arba Resort, Valamar Collection provides a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere with plenty of activities designed for children, from playgrounds and kids’ clubs to organised entertainment programs. With spacious accommodations and convenient on-site amenities, it offers families an easy and enjoyable stay in a relaxed seaside setting: combining calm coves, clean pebble and sandy shores, and plenty of shade.

A family shares a peaceful sunset boat ride along a softly glowing beach on Rab Island.

• Valamar Padova Hotel overlooks a sandy beach with views of Rab’s historic centre and is designed as a family hotel, with pools and entertainment for kids. The beaches near the Valamar Padova Hotel are a perfect choice for families seeking a safe, relaxing seaside holiday with easy access, gentle waves, and well-maintained facilities.
  

Families enjoy a relaxing day at the sandy beach of Padova Hotel on Rab Island, with calm shallow waters perfect for children to play.

Day 5&6: Kid-Approved Fun on the Makarska Riviera

Makarska is a brilliant stop for kids, tucked between the turquoise sea and the dramatic slopes of Biokovo Mountain, so there’s always something exciting to look at or do. Families can spend the afternoon on Makarska town beach, where children can splash in the sea, build pebble towers and try pedal boats, then wander along the long, tree-lined promenade packed with playgrounds, ice-cream stops and space for scooters or bikes. 

Sunset at the Biokovo Skywalk above Makarska, where a glass platform offers breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands.

For a little adventure, you can add an easy sunset walk or mini-hike on the lower Biokovo slopes, perfect for older kids who like to explore and spot the town from above. If your crew enjoys a “wow” moment, plan an excursion to the Biokovo Skywalk, where children can (safely) stand on a glass platform high above the sea and mountains – a thrilling, memory-making experience that feels like walking on air.

Where to Stay in Makarska

• Valamar Meteor Hotel in Makarska is a bright, modern hotel right on a pebble beach near the town centre, with indoor and outdoor pools, a sun terrace overlooking the sea, and family-friendly facilities and entertainment.

The family-friendly splash pool at Valamar Meteor Makarska offers a bright and playful space for children to enjoy while parents relax nearby.

• Sunny Makarska by Valamar is a relaxed, family-friendly hotel on the Makarska Riviera, just steps from the beach and surrounded by greenery. It offers comfortable rooms, pools with fun features for kids, and easy access to seaside activities, making it a great choice for families who want a simple, cheerful holiday by the Adriatic Sea.

A child enjoys a sunny day at the pool of Sunny Makarska.

Day 7&8: Relaxed Island Time for Families on Hvar

Stari Grad on Hvar Island, where pine-lined shores, crystal-clear waters, and a charming harbour create a perfect Adriatic escape.

Hvar Island offers families a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, calm coves, and charming towns, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and enjoyable family holiday. Stari Grad, quieter than busy Hvar Town, is ideal for families with young children: easy to navigate, calm, and perfectly placed for exploring the island at a relaxed pace. 

After your morning ferry, settle into Stari Grad and enjoy beach or pool time where little ones can splash safely, while older children can snorkel or explore rocky coves. In the evenings, take a gentle stroll through Stari Grad’s old streets and waterfront, or head to Hvar Town to wander its polished stone streets and make the mini-hike up to the fortress, a favourite for older kids thanks to the adventure feel. 

For an extra treat, families can take an optional boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, where calm bays and shallow waters are perfect for children, and parents can unwind while the kids snorkel, paddle and play.

Where to Stay on Hvar Island

• Valamar Amicor Resort is Croatia’s first family resort built according to sustainable development principles, with modern villas (some with private pools) integrated into greenery by the sea, ideal for a peaceful, nature-oriented family stay.

Children take part in a hands-on nature activity, watering plants in a bright, eco-themed play area at Valamar Amicor Resort

Day 9&10: Dubrovnik – Living History for the Whole Family

Dubrovnik is especially magical for children, so start your visit in a way that keeps them comfortable, arriving by morning drive or catamaran, then checking into accommodation just outside the city walls, where it’s quieter, greener and still only a quick walk or bus ride from the action. 

A family enjoys a scenic electric tuk-tuk ride with sweeping views of the Dubrovnik coastline and historic town.

In the afternoon, take the kids into the Dubrovnik Old Town, a real-life movie set of narrow streets, hidden squares and splashing fountains that younger ones love to explore at their own pace. Older kids and teens can tackle the famous city walls, best done early or late when it’s cooler, turning it into a fun mini-adventure with unbeatable sea views. For families visiting Dubrovnik, a tuk-tuk tour or the short cable car ride up Mount Srđ is often a highlight for younger children, giving them the exciting feeling of “flying” above the rooftops before enjoying a drink or snack at the top while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and sea.

For your final day in Dubrovnik, keep things easy and fun for the kids with a short, exciting boat ride to Lokrum Island, where children love following the shaded forest paths, spotting friendly rabbits and peacocks, and dipping into calm swimming spots along the rocks before enjoying a relaxed picnic and a final swim. 

A tranquil cove on Lokrum Island, where crystal-clear waters meet pine-covered shores just off the coast of Dubrovnik.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

• Valamar Tirena Hotel is a great “home base” for families visiting Dubrovnik, tucked away on the green and peaceful Babin Kuk peninsula, yet only a short ride from the Old Town. It’s built with families in mind: rooms are spacious, and you can often request cribs or interconnecting rooms so kids and parents sleep comfortably. 

Guests unwind in hanging lounge chairs by the pool as a child strolls past.

The real highlight for children is Maro World: a 1,800 m² entertainment centre included for hotel guests, with dedicated zones for toddlers, little kids and older children – think soft-play, crafts and games for ages 0 to12, PS5 and Nintendo Switch lounges, trampoline and adrenaline-zone fun, kid-friendly pools with slides, and even evening shows, magic, movies or mini-discos.

Maro World – a vibrant adventure park with trampolines, overlooking a sparkling bay in Dubrovnik.

When jet-lagged or just wanting to stay “home,” kids can splash in the pools, slide and swim, pick ice-cream by the poolside, or play safely while parents relax at the bars or enjoy a quiet walk through the garden grounds. 

Best Time to Visit Croatia with Kids & Getting Around

The best time to visit Croatia with kids is late May to June and September, when the sea is warm, the crowds are smaller, and prices are more family-friendly, while July and August are hotter and busier, so ferries and family rooms should be booked well in advance. For this kind of itinerary, a combination of rental car and ferries works best, giving families both flexibility and comfort. Picking up your car in Pula or Rijeka and dropping it off in Dubrovnik helps you travel smoothly along the coast without unnecessary backtracking.

Why Plan Early

Families receive personalised holiday tips and activity recommendations at the Experience Concierge desk.

Booking early makes a huge difference for families, because you secure better ferry times that work with children’s routines instead of being left with the awkward leftovers, and you get access to the best family rooms and interconnecting options, which disappear quickly in peak season. 

It also means you can choose the guides and activities that suit kids best – whether that’s a private boat day, a national park excursion, or a flexible city tour tailored to short attention spans. Most importantly, early planning dramatically lowers stress: once the backbone of the trip is in place, the only decisions left are the fun ones, like which ice-cream flavour to try next.

Croatia is Made for Families

Croatia is made for families: safe, welcoming, easy to navigate and endlessly beautiful. With a smart route that links Istria, Rab, Makarska, Hvar and Dubrovnik,  and a bit of early planning, you can see a surprising amount in just ten days, without feeling like you’re on a race.

Early Booking offers with up to 25% off for your best Croatian holiday – better value, more choice, and total peace of mind.

Colourful outdoor adventure park with trampolines and geometric play structures set on a hillside overlooking a bay, green mountains, and a modern cable-stayed bridge in the distance under a clear blue sky.