The country has a pleasant, mild climate, developed infrastructure. The presence of thermal springs has made it possible to create modern health centers that receive tourists from all over the world. We have compiled a review of the best places in Croatia for a holiday by the sea. All the presented resorts are suitable for a family trip with a child.
Best places to stay in Croatia-weather conditions
Weather conditions in Croatia are determined by geographical location. The northern regions are dominated by the continental climate, while the central ones are dominated by the Mediterranean climate, since they are located on the Adriatic coast. Regions in the center of the country are located in mountainous areas, and this determines the weather conditions.
Summers in Croatia are mostly dry and quite hot-up to +29°C. If you can’t stand the heat, choose mountainous areas where the day is cooler — up to +20°C. In winter, the air temperature is +10°C, and in the mountains it varies from 0°C to -5°C. In coastal areas, the sea warms up to +25°C.
Important! The best time to travel is in May and September. The weather at this time is comfortable, there are still not as many tourists as in the middle of summer. The biggest discounts on accommodation and meals are in April and October, but swimming in the middle of spring and autumn is cool.
Croatia — where is the best place to relax by the sea
Each resort in Croatia is beautiful in its own way. The decision whether to spend your vacation with your family or with a loved one depends only on individual preferences and financial capabilities. We offer an overview of the best places in Croatia. We hope that this information will help you make a choice and spend an unforgettable vacation.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the best places to spend holidays with children in Croatia. This is a memorable and colorful European town. Judge for yourself-it was founded in the 7th century and since then its appearance has not changed much. Nevertheless, today Dubrovnik is not only unique attractions, but also modern, comfortable hotels and elite restaurants. Another special feature of Dubrovnik is its rich nightlife.
Interesting fact! Croatia is on the list of the safest countries, there is practically no theft, and the local population is friendly.
Dubrovnik Beaches
This is a special category of attractions. Jacques Cousteau called the sea in Dubrovnik the cleanest in the entire Adriatic.
Recreation areas are mostly pebbly or platform-like.
Key features:
- admission is free;
- on the beach there is everything you need for a comfortable stay in Croatia;
- the water is clear.
The most popular beach is Lapad. For a family holiday, Copacobana is best located in the northern part of the Babin Cook Peninsula. Banya is an elite destination for tourists who are used to luxury, and Lokrum is a place. Where to relax fans of tanning a la naturel.
Useful to know! In Dubrovnik, diving is actively developing, and the sea near the shore is home to a wide variety of inhabitants from small fish to huge octopuses. The best period for diving is from mid-spring to late autumn. Lifting anything to the surface is strictly prohibited. One-day diving equipment rental — 36.40€.
How much does it cost to relax in Dubrovnik
There will be no problems with choosing a place of residence:
- budget guesthouses — 20€;
- apart-hotels — 80€;
- three-star hotels — 110€;
- 4 and 5 star hotels — 220€.
Lunch in the restaurant will cost an average of 30€ to 50€. If you want to save on food, book a self-catering room, as it is much cheaper to buy food at the market — 1 kg of fruit is 3 €, 1 kg of seafood is 15€.
A seven-day trip to Dubrovnik for two people will cost an average of 1400€.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of a holiday destination:
- long season – from June to mid-autumn;
- a large number of attractions;
- developed infrastructure.
Disadvantages:
- the beach is pebbly or covered with concrete platforms;
- it’s very hot in summer;
- compared to other places for recreation, it is quite expensive.
If you are interested in the resort and want to learn more about it, follow the link.
Makarska Riviera
If you are very familiar with the country, and do not know where to relax in Croatia by the sea, Makarska Riviera can radically change the idea of Croatia.
Makarska Riviera in facts:
- it belongs to the elite, so hotels here are mostly expensive;
- the coast is very beautiful, approaching directly to the sea, mountain peaks complement the landscape;
- the coastline is 60 km long;
- the largest locality is Makarska;
- popular holiday destinations include Tucepi, Baska Voda and Brela.
Every year, the Makarska Riviera justifies its status as an elite resort. Indeed, the hotels and restaurants here are among the best. Modern infrastructure takes into account the wishes of vacationers of all age categories.
Useful to know! The Adriatic Highway runs along the resort, so traveling along the Makarska Riviera is most comfortable by car.
Beaches
Throughout the entire territory of the Makarska Riviera, there are small-pebble free places for recreation (from Omis to Dubrovnik). Most visited sites:
- Brela;
- Baska Voda;
- Bast;
- Promines;
- beach on Tuepi, in the villages of Pododa, Zhivogosche and Podgora.
Useful to know! The coast in this part of Croatia is marked by several Blue Flag awards.
The resort area is protected from the winds and winter climate by a mountain range, and from the sea side the islands of Brac and Hvar are a barrier.
Everywhere there are places for changing clothes, showers, toilets, cafes, bars, discos, pizzerias. Fans of active beach holidays in Croatia can rent jet skis, catamarans, sun beds, umbrellas. For those traveling by private car, paid parking is available (€10.5 per day).
Prices for holidays in Croatia on the Makarska Riviera
Despite the fact that the resort is ready to receive a huge number of guests, it is necessary to take care of rental housing in advance.
Accommodation in a three-star hotel starts from€ 27 per night. The resort is located on the coast, so all hotels are built in close proximity to the sea.
Important! Prices for accommodation depend on several criteria: season, distance from the sea, the degree of comfort of the room.
All restaurants offer excellent cuisine, lunch for two will cost from 40€ to 45€. The average price of a dish is 10€, the most expensive dish is 25€. In the Makarska Riviera, there is a large selection of fast food, the cost of a standard set is 5€. If you plan to buy food in stores, you can save on food costs:
- 1 kg of vegetables costs about 0.5€;
- 1 kg of fruit – 1.5€;
- 1 kg of cheese will cost from 5€ to 8€.
Advantages and disadvantages of Makarska Riviera
Advantages of a holiday in Makarska Riviera:
- a large selection of entertainment for every taste – museums, discos, night clubs, theaters;
- beautiful promenade where you can walk day and night;
- Split International Airport is only 70 km away;
- transport links to many cities are established.
Among the disadvantages, tourists note the fullness of the coast, high prices. The place is located on a hill, so it is quite difficult to walk a lot.
Read more about Makarska Riviera here.
Split
Split is located in the center of Croatia and divides Dalmatia into two parts. The nearest airport is only 25 km away.
Interesting fact! Split’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some interesting facts about Split:
- the place has a mild, calm climate, as it is protected from the sea by several islands at once;
- there is a wonderful park on the slopes of Mount Maryan;
- Popular points of interest include the Temple of Jupiter, the ruins of the Roman settlement of Salona, the old town hall, Diocletian’s Palace, and museums.
Best beaches to relax on
The resort has a sandy beach and places covered with small pebbles, cabanas for changing clothes, umbrellas, sun beds are installed. Leisure facilities are free of charge. The entrance to the water is smooth.
Bačvice beach is more suitable for young people. Those who want to be alone and quiet are better off relaxing in places far from the center of Split.
Price of a holiday in Split
There are plenty of hotels of different categories. The most expensive rooms in five-star hotels – 100€. In 4-star hotels, the room rate is 1.5 times cheaper. Apartments in a three-star hotel cost from 40€. Villas and apartments for rent starting from 180€. The hostel costs only 40€.
The resort has pizzerias, burgers, cafes. Dinner for two in a mid-priced restaurant costs 70€. In the cafe you can eat for 35€, a light snack in fast food costs about 10€.
Important! The portions in all the establishments in Split are large, so one is usually enough for two.
Advantages and disadvantages of Split
Let’s start with the pros:
- comfortable, gentle descent to the sea;
- the resort is suitable for families with children;
- in the town of Podgora, you can relax at the mineral springs.
There is only one drawback – high prices for accommodation and food.
Read more about Split here.
Omis
Omis is a special place in Croatia, shrouded in an atmosphere of piracy. The place has a favorable location-on one side it is protected by mountains, on the other side by a river and is located on the Adriatic coast.
The trip to Omis is ideal for families with children. The sea in the resort is clean, the entrance to the water is gentle, shallow. By the way, there are no sea urchins in Omis, so you don’t need to take special shoes.
In addition to beach relaxation, Omis offers extreme sports. You can go rafting. Be sure to visit the natural attractions-Blue Lake, Biokovo.
Beaches
Omis has a different coast. In well-maintained places, all the necessary infrastructure is provided for recreation. Families with children for a holiday at the sea in Croatia should pay attention to the sandy part of the coast, which is a spit that protrudes into the sea for a kilometer. The only drawback is the lack of shadows.
The wild beaches of Omis are mostly pebbly. These are secluded coves where you can sit in the shade of cypress trees.
How much does a holiday in Omis cost?
Omis is a small resort town in Croatia, it is better to rent an apartment or hotel room in advance. Apartments will cost from 27€, accommodation in a studio room will cost 30€. A room in a three-star hotel will cost from 33€, while in four-star hotels you will have to pay from 50€.
The cost of food depends on your preferences. The most expensive meals will be lunch and dinner in restaurants – in a low-cost institution about 8€ per person, in a middle-class institution-34€. Lunch at a fast food restaurant costs€5.5.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages, tourists note::
- convenient location;
- there is a sandy beach;
- a large selection of excursions and attractions.
There is only one drawback-Croatia is quite an expensive country, Omish is no exception. If you want to save on food, buy food at the market and cook yourself. In reviews, there is information that Bachvitsa can be dirty.
Sibenik
In the photo, Sibenik undoubtedly stands out among the best places for a seaside holiday in Croatia. Tourists note that Sibenik will appeal, first of all, to fans of excursion programs.
On the territory of the resort you can hunt, sail on a yacht, go diving, rowing. There are also exotic types of entertainment – archery, helicopter flights.
The thalassotherapy center offers six pools with sea and fresh water.
Best beaches
The Sibenik Riviera includes holiday destinations located in:
- Sibenike;
- Vodice;
- Primostene;
- Small Townstribun, Zaton, Marina;
- on the island of Murter.
The beaches are all well equipped, there are sun beds, showers, changing places on the shore, various active types of entertainment are presented, including rafting and diving. Some beaches are marked with the Blue Flag.
How much does a holiday in Sibenik cost?
The resort offers family-friendly hotels with a room rate of approximately 221€. The average price of a double room in a 4-star hotel in Solaris is 177€. As a budget accommodation, you can consider apartments for 53€.
As for the cost of food, lunch or dinner in a cafe costs an average of 6.60€, a full three-course lunch for two in a restaurant will cost 30€. A light snack at a McDonald’s restaurant costs around€4.45.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages include the following::
- a perfect combination of attractions and natural beauty;
- large selection of beaches;
- a special atmosphere that can be felt on the winding streets.
Sibenik’s shortcomings, if any, are quite insignificant:
- most of the beaches are pebbly;
- many shops and restaurants are closed late at night.
Here you can find detailed information about Sibenik resort
Brac
One of the most picturesque islands in Croatia. There is a clear sea, mountain peaks, pine forests, vineyards. Most visited resorts: Bol and Supetar. There are small pebble and sandy beaches.
Vacation on the island of Brac is a beach relaxation and sightseeing of fascinating sights, but recently the sports infrastructure has been actively developing-football fields and playgrounds are appearing.
Beaches
One of the attractions of the island is the beaches, there are pebbly and sandy ones. The most popular one is the Golden Horn. The popular name of the beach is “liquid gold” because of the color of the sand, which really resembles molten gold. Families with children often come here, the descent to the sea is gentle, you can hide from the scorching heat in the shade of pine trees.
Interesting fact! The main feature of the beach is the ability to change shape throughout the day. The length of the cape is about 300 m. Most of the territory is covered with forest.
Brac offers tourists well-maintained beaches, wild places to relax and even places where nudists gather.
How much does a holiday on the island of Brac cost?
Organizational issues related to accommodation should be resolved several months before the trip. A 3-star hotel room will cost from€ 50 per night, while a 4-and 5-star hotel will cost from€ 150 to€ 190, respectively. Apartments start from 40€.
As for food, the main course in the restaurant costs€ 13.48, you will have to pay€ 2.70 for a glass of wine, and€1.20 for a glass of beer.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let’s start with the benefits:
- the resort is located away from the noise;
- many hotels are built near the water;
- the airport is open.
The disadvantages, perhaps, include one fact – you can only get to the mainland by water-by ferry.
Here you can find detailed information about the resort that is useful for tourists.
Krk Island
Krk is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Its surface is covered with lush vegetation. Low-rise buildings with tiled roofs give the resorts a special charm. There are historical and religious attractions here. Fans of active entertainment and sports come here. On the island there are organized football, volleyball, golf courses, tourists go fishing, go on a boat, water sports are presented. If you like long walks, visit the town of Malinsk.
Beaches
The most visited one is Vela Plaza Baska, which has an excellent infrastructure, and the water launch is perfect for families with children. The beach is pebbly, equipped with playgrounds, cafes.
Another great beach for traveling with children is Rupa. The beach is sandy and pebbly, the place is quiet, equipped with playgrounds for children. In the evening, the atmosphere changes – discos open, young people gather. A special feature of the place is a deposit of medicinal mud.
How much does a holiday on the island of Krk cost?
There are many different accommodation options on the island – from private sector to a five-star hotel room. Thus, the tourist can choose the most suitable option. As for prices, a 3-star hotel room will cost an average of€88.50.
Lunch is cheaper in fast food establishments, a light snack will cost 5€. There are many stalls on the island where you can buy pastries and ice cream. Coffee shops and pastry shops are common. Lunch in a cafe costs about 20€, but for dinner in a restaurant you will have to pay 40€.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages include:
- delicious local cuisine – be sure to try out the small family-style taverns;
- the infrastructure is developed for a comfortable family holiday with children.
But among the disadvantages should be noted a few – it is not very convenient to get there.
For a more detailed overview of the island, go to this page.
Hvar
The sunniest resort in the entire Adriatic. Noisy companies often come here, as there are many night clubs, discos, a cinema and bars on the island. Hvar has unique climatic conditions, as well as a large number of places to relax with a child.
Beaches
The majority of beaches are pebbly and rocky. The coastline is rugged, so tourists can easily find a quiet place to their liking and for a holiday with children.
The northern part of the island is dominated by a sandy beach, but in the north-western part the coast is small-pebble. It is best to come here with a child.
Important! Walking barefoot on rocks is not very pleasant, so for more comfort, buy special rubber shoes. Pay attention to the bottom, in the rocks, hiding sea urchins.
The most visited place, where there are always many families with children, is Milna. One of the most beautiful beaches of the island is Dubovitsa.
How much does a holiday on the island of Hvar cost?
The most budget – friendly option is camping. A hotel room will cost from 45€ to 70€. If you prefer peace and quiet, pay attention to family-type hotels.
Regarding nutrition, the situation is as follows. Lunch in the cafe costs about 8.85€. For dinner for two in a restaurant, you will have to pay 35.40€, but a snack in a fast food establishment will cost 5.3€.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the main advantages, tourists note the following::
- excellent climate;
- calm atmosphere, there is a sense of privacy.
But the resort has almost no disadvantages: the distance from the airport and you can only get to the island by water.
More information about the resort is available here.
Resume
It is impossible to choose exactly where the best sandy beaches for a holiday with children in Croatia are located. Each resort has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. For many people, Croatia is a holiday by the sea, the best places to travel with a child are presented in our review. Read, choose and enjoy the sea and sun.