From ancient Roman ruins and national parks to coastal villages and island escapes, Croatia is a dream destination for adventurous families. After spending two weeks exploring the country with our toddler, we put together this adventure-filled itinerary to help you plan your own unforgettable trip.

Whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets with a stroller or chasing little ones through castle ruins, this route balances sightseeing with downtime—and hits many of Croatia’s most iconic family-friendly spots along the way. Keep scrolling to download the itinerary to help plan your travels!

Best Travel Stroller for Exploring Croatia

When traveling through Europe with young kids, especially on a longer road trip, having a reliable and compact travel stroller is essential. We’ve been using the gb Pockit+ All-Terrain stroller for years and love how easy it makes getting around different cities and attractions. Its lightweight design and durable wheels were perfect for everything from cobblestone streets to busy tourist spots. Check out my full review of the gb Pockit+ stroller to see why it’s our top pick for family travel.

Croatia Road Trip Overview

• Trip Length: 14 days
• Transportation: Rental car (picked up in Split and returned in Zagreb)
• Best Time to Go: Late Spring to Early Fall
• Ideal For: Families with kids from toddler-age to teens (our daughter was 2 when we experienced this trip)

Week 1: Dalmatian Coast & Islands

Day 1–3: Split

Start your journey in Split, a lively city with rich Roman history and sea views. When we arrived at the airport we arranged transportation into the old town where we stayed. Visit Diocletian’s Palace, the Temple of Jupiter, and Saint Domnius Cathedral. Kids will love climbing the bell tower and running around Peristyle Square. Don’t miss an evening walk along the Riva promenade and grabbing dinner with a sea view.

Where to Stay: Near Diocletian’s Palace if you can—it’s like stepping into a living museum. Check out B&B Central Palace Heritage for a central option.

Day 4–6: Korčula Island

Take the Jadrolinija ferry to Korčula, renting a car at the sea port beforehand for easier island travel. Upon arriving on the island, you come ashore at Vela Luka, which is on the western side of the island. It is then about a 45 minute drive to the eastern part where I recommend to base yourself. Staying in Lumbarda is great for quick access to Korčula Town, also known as “Little Dubrovnik.”

• Visit the Marco Polo Museum
• Stroll the old town walls
• Relax at Vela Pržina Beach – great for little ones as it is very shallow closer to shore

Where to Stay: Hotel Lumbarda just 10 minutes from Korčula Town

Day 7: Klis Fortress & Trogir

Wake up early and take the first morning ferry back to Split and drive inland drive to Klis Fortress. Perched high above the city, it offers panoramic views and a chance for your little ones to explore an actual castle. History buffs will appreciate its role in defending Dalmatia, while fans of Game of Thrones will recognize it instantly.

Then make your way to the charming town of Trogir, just 30 minutes from Split. The entire old town is a UNESCO site, and it’s easy to navigate with a stroller. Visit Kamerlengo Castle, explore the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and walk along the lively promenade. Grab dinner at one of the seaside cafés, and take a leisurely boat ride if time allows. Towards the end of the evening, make your way towards Šibenik.

Where to Stay: At a family-friendly resort like Amadria Park Kids Hotel Andrija

• Splash in the pools and nearby beach
• Relax with a coffee while the little ones burn off some energy at the themed playground.
• Great central location to explore the nearby area.

Klis Fortress (left), view of Trogir (right)

Week 2: Waterfalls, Roman Ruins & the Istrian Peninsula

Day 8: Krka National Park

Just a 20 minute drive from the Amadria Park Hotel Andrija, you can spend the day immersed in nature at Krka National Park. The loop trails are stroller-accessible and lined with lush greenery and waterfalls. Take a boat ride to the island monastery, or just enjoy a shaded picnic while kids toss pebbles into the river.

Day 9: Šibenik and Zadar

Depart the hotel and drive north to Šibenik, known for its impressive St. James Cathedral and winding medieval streets. Then make your way to Zadar, which offers a unique mix of Roman ruins and modern art. Let the kids run around near the Sea Organ—a musical installation powered by waves—and have them play on the solar-powered Sun Salutation.

As the afternoon wears on, continue heading north into the Istrian Peninsula towards the elegant town of Opatija.

Where to Stay: At the beautiful Boutique & Design Hotel Navis just outside Opatija. We loved this hotel as it features:

• An outdoor heated pool
• An onsite restaurant (where the staff catered to our young daughter’s picky taste)
• Watch sailboats in the Adriatic Sea from the room’s balcony.

St. James Cathedral in Šibenik (left), Bell Tower in Zadar (right)

Day 10: Opatija and Pula

Drive into Opatija, which was once a retreat for 19th-century Austro-Hungarian nobility. It offers manicured parks, seaside paths, and a very relaxed pace to spend the morning. Walk the Lungomare coastal promenade, visit the Maiden with the Seagull statue, and let the kids enjoy the nearby shaded gardens.

After lunch, make your way over to Pula (1.5 hour drive). This is where you can see one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Europe. It’s stroller-friendly and impressive even for little ones. Visit the Temple of Augustus and check out ancient city gates. The final segment of the drive today is to the town of Rovinj, arguably Croatia’s prettiest coastal town.

Where to Stay: If you’re up for a mini-adventure, take the quick ferry to St. Katarina Island, where you can stay at the peaceful Maistra Select Island Hotel Katarina with beach access and nature trails. We loved staying here for the views of the old town!

Maiden with the Seagull Statue in Opatijia (left), Temple of Augustus in Pula (right)

Day 11: Rovinj

Start your day with a walk along the waterfront, where colorful buildings line the Adriatic Sea. Visit the Church of St. Euphemia, perched on a hill with stunning panoramic views—kids will enjoy the climb and spotting the bell tower from a distance.

Next, wander the cobbled lanes of Rovinj’s old town, filled with art galleries, souvenir shops, and cozy cafés. Don’t miss a stop for gelato or a pastry break in one of the shaded squares.

As the sun sets, grab dinner by the marina and enjoy people-watching as boats drift by. Rovinj’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind before your final travel days.

Day 12: Poreč And Motovun

Make your way up to Poreč to see the stunning mosaics of the Euphrasian Basilica, then head into the hills to the fairytale town of Motovun. This town is small enough for kids to explore but rich in atmosphere. Try local truffle dishes and enjoy panoramic views from the city walls.

Make your way towards Zagreb where you can decide on what to do on your last full day.

Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč (left), view of Motovun (right)

Day 13: In or near Zagreb

One option to consider is going north of Zagreb and staying at Hotel Trakošćan. This hotel is family-friendly and offers a free breakfast and a pool. You can also visit nearby Trakoscan Castle where you can learn some local history.

Another option to consider is driving into Zagreb itself and staying at Canopy by Hilton Zagreb – City Centre. Explore the upper town, grab a coffee in Ban Jelačić Square, and ride the funicular. Make it a low-key end to an incredible family adventure.

Day 14: Departure for home

Return the rental car and depart from Franjo Tuđman International Airport for home.

Things to Remember

• Flexible Itinerary: Be ready to adjust the length of stay in each location depending on your family’s energy and preferences.
• Omit Stops if Needed: It’s perfectly fine to skip destinations to allow for more rest or exploration time elsewhere.
• Pre-book Accommodations: Book family-friendly lodging early, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Pack Light: Smaller vehicles and frequent movement make light packing essential.
• Include Downtime: Schedule park visits or open afternoons to help kids recharge.

Pro Tip: When renting a car in Europe you will most likely need an International Driving Permit. This is a translated version of your current U.S. Driver’s License and is required to be able to legally drive in many European countries. It is available at most AAA offices. Check the State Department’s website to determine if the countries you are planning to visit require this.

Get Our Printable Croatia Family Itinerary

Want help organizing all the details? Download our free 2-Week Croatia Family Itinerary PDF with recommendations, transportation tips, and a printable day-by-day schedule to make planning your trip easier.

Need More Ideas? Explore Our In-Depth Croatia Travel Articles

Start with our Croatia with Kids: Crafting the Perfect Itinerary for Your Vacation to help further plan your journey. Discover the Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels in Croatia: From Dubrovnik to Rovinj to find accommodations that cater to families. Delve into the charm of the Istrian Peninsula with Discovering Historic Towns on the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia. For adventure seekers, our Family-Friendly Adventure: Exploring Trogir, Krka, and Zadar in Croatia offers insights into exciting destinations. Begin your Croatian adventure with Exploring Croatia: Beginning Our Family Adventure in Split and Korcula. Each article is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and tips to make your family vacation in Croatia unforgettable.

It’s Time to Plan Your Croatian Adventure!

This itinerary gives a mix of city exploration, island relaxation, nature, and history—making it perfect for families who want a bit of everything without moving too fast. From ferry rides and waterfalls to cobblestone alleys and Roman amphitheaters, there’s something memorable each day.

Has your family traveled to Croatia before? If so, what locations would you add to this itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!