An epic 2 weeks in Croatia – our family itinerary
Considering Croatia as you’re next family holiday destination? Great choice!
We spent 2 weeks in Croatia and were completely overwhelmed by its natural beauty, breath-taking waterfalls, crystal clear Adriatic Sea and ancient World Heritage Cities.
When I first started planning our 2 weeks in Croatia, I struggled to decide which of the magnificent cities and many beautiful islands to visit. I spent a lot of time researching the order in which to visit each place and the best way to travel between them.
For a real taste of Croatia with a good mix of sightseeing, adventure and relaxation, this family itinerary is perfect.
In this post, I’ll share detailed information about where we stayed, what we did and how we did it so that you can easily recreate our 2 weeks in Croatia for your own family trip. And I’ll share our total cost so that you can quickly see whether it is within your budget.
Top Tip
I research lots to make sure we find the cheapest way to visit our destinations without scrimping on accommodation standards or experiences. Follow our tips and advice to get the best value for your trip.
View Contents
2 weeks in Croatia – our family itinerary at a glance
Our 2 weeks in Croatia covers the stunning Dalmatian coastline, starting with the beautiful city of Dubrovnik (known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic). From here, you’ll island hop over to the stunning islands of Korcula and glitzy Hvar before ending your trip in the exuberant, ancient city of Split.
- Days 1-4: Dubrovnik
- Accomodation - Airbnb Apartments Bokun
- Days 5-7: Korcula
- Accomodation - Airbnb Korkyra Old Town
- Days 8-10: Hvar
- Accomodation - Dela B&B
- Days 11-14: Split
- Accomodation - Airbnb Apartment EM Stobrec
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running! Thank you for your support!
Highlights from our 2 weeks in Croatia
- Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls
- Game of Thrones tour (if you’re a GOT fan of course)
- Korcula’s Marco Polo Museum
- Pakleni Islands by boat
- Diocletian’s Palace
- Krka National Park and waterfalls
- Culinary delights and delicious local wine
- Swimming in the sparkling, turquoise Adriatic Sea
How much did our 2 weeks in Croatia cost?
Our total cost including flights, accommodation, travel, food and spending money came in at £3283.97 for our family of 4!
And that was during summer school holidays!
Planning your 2 weeks in Croatia - family itinerary
The first step in planning your 2 weeks in Croatia, is to book your flights. There will always be plenty of accommodation but you need to make sure there are suitable flights available and at a reasonable price.
Flight prices can vary significantly depending on when you travel and where you are travelling from. Being flexible can save you £000s!! Just by changing the time of day you fly, flying a day earlier/later, or flying from your next closest airport can make a big difference.
Travel Planning Resources
Find out more…
Click here to read our step by step guide to using Skyscanner to help book the cheapest flights – even during school holidays.
Once you’ve found and booked your flights, use our family itinerary to help you decide where and how you want to spend your 2 weeks in Croatia. There are plenty of travel booking sites to help you search for suitable accomodation – our favourites are Booking.com and Airbnb.
Booking.com are great for the wealth of information and wide variety of accommodation types.
Use the search box below to search for accommodation in Croatia.
Our recommendations
Days 1-4: Dubrovnik
Getting to Dubrovnik
From Dubrovnik Airport
From Split Airport
We actually flew into Split Airport because the flights were much cheaper than flying into Dubrovnik Airport.
If like us, it is cheaper for you to fly into Split Airport, you can make the transfer by car, bus or ferry. We chose the bus because it was the cheapest and simplest method for us at the time.
From Split Airport, you will need to take the airport shuttle bus to Split bus station and from there, you can catch one of the frequent buses direct to Dubrovnik.
The bus can take anywhere between 4-6 hours depending on how many stops it makes on the way. For this reason, if your flight arrives later on in the day, you may want to consider an overnight stay in Split.
Our flight arrived in Split at lunchtime so we had enough time to catch the bus the same day. Surprisingly, the journey didn’t feel too long and the kids slept and played along the way (the scenery is also stunning, which you might not appreciate as much if you were driving).
Top Tip
Try searching for flights into Split but returning home from Dubrovnik and doing the itinerary backwards?
If you want to find out more about how to take the different methods of transport from Split to Dubrovnik, I have written a separate article solely dedicated to this subject – click here to read it.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik with kids
The first thing to consider when deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik with kids is the number of steps!
Dubrovnik is built on a hill which means wherever you go there are steps (5423 to be precise)!
Dubrovnik Old Town
Staying in Dubrovnik Old Town, within the city walls means you are in the heart of the city, close to the restaurants and major attractions. Although you won’t completely avoid steps, staying in the centre will reduce the number you have to contend with as you don’t have as far to walk.
However, the prices tend to be higher and if your kids want facilities like a swimming pool, then you’ve got very little chance.
Dubrovnik Neighbourhoods
There is much more choice and at cheaper prices, if you stay outside of the city walls in one of the nearby neighbourhoods such as Lapad, Gruž, and Ploče.
We stayed just north of the city walls, a 10-minute walk to the Old Town. For the neighbourhoods further out, there is a good bus network and buses run frequently throughout the day.
Find out more…
For more information on where to stay in Dubrovnik with kids, read our complete guide to Dubrovnik with kids here.
Our Dubrovnik accommodation
The apartment itself was a clean, modern studio with a double bed, sofa bed and kitchen/dining area. The selling point for us was the balcony and view – we enjoyed our cup of tea in the morning and glass of wine in the evening with a view you could look at all day long!
Top Tip
Enter the city walls at Ploče Gate to avoid all steps into the Old Town
How to spend 4 days in Dubrovnik
Here’s our top recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Dubrovnik…
- Wander the streets and explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Do this on your first day and identify the key attractions to help you decide how to spend your 4 days in Dubrovnik. Save money by buying a Dubrovnik card which gets you entrance to the city walls and other key attractions.
- Walk the city walls
You don’t want to visit Dubrovnik without doing this, the views are AMAZING!
- Take a Game of Thrones tour
For all you GOT fans, it’s a great way to see the city sites whilst ticking off the iconic filming locations at the same time.
- Take a cable car ride up Srd Hill
For the best views and a lovely hike back down (if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up too but the kids loved the cable car)
- Visit Lokrum Island
Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik
Find out more…
For more information and top tips on the above, read our guidance on what we did during our 4 days in Dubrovnik here.
Days 5-7: Korcula
How to get from Dubrovnik to Korcula
In order to get from Dubrovnik to the island of Korcula, you’ll need to take the ferry, which takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
We love travelling by ferry – they’re quick, cheap and the kids love their little sea adventures. For more information on the ferry timetables, ticket prices and where to buy tickets from, click here.
The ferry port in Korcula is really close to the Old Town so if you are staying in the Old Town itself, you should be able to walk to your accommodation from the port.
Where to stay in Korcula with kids
Korcula is sometimes referred to as ‘Mini Dubrovnik’. The good thing is there are significantly FEWER STEPS, so less of a concern when considering where to stay in Korcula with kids!
And where there are steps, they tend to be long and shallow meaning you can still push a pushchair up and down them – BONUS!
Korcula Old Town is much smaller than Dubrovnik so wherever you stay, you should be within walking distance from the restaurants, bars and main tourist sites.
Our accommodation in Korcula
How to spend 3 days in Korcula
There are two things we really love about Korcula.
Firstly, its clever and beautifully designed old town in the shape of a fishbone pattern. Its streets are angled in order to allow a light westerly sea breeze to pass through in the summer; whilst protecting the town from cold northeast winds in the winter.
Secondly, we fell in love with the pretty little coves along the coastline as you walk away from the old town. These places are perfect for relaxing and you simply cannot resist the inviting Adriatic water.
Korcula old town may be like a mini Dubrovnik but it’s much more relaxed, quieter and cheaper. It was lovely to have such a contrasting place after a busy and hot few days in Dubrovnik.
Here’s our top recommendations on how to spend 3 days in Korcula…
- Take a day to explore Korcula Old Town
- Climb the Bell Tower of St Mark’s Cathedral
For beautiful views over the red roofs and the dazzling Adriatic Sea
- Visit the Marco Polo Museum
To learn the history of Marco Polo’s roots and his incredible explorations
- Swim and relax
There’s no shortage of places to do this
- Explore the island by bicycle
Bike hire is cheap and there are plenty of safe cycle routes around the island
- Take a trip to the nearby island of Mljet
Considered one of the most beautiful of the Croatian islands
Find out more…
For more information and top tips on the above, read our guidance on what we did during our 3 days in Korcula here.
Days 8-10: Hvar
How to get from Korcula to Hvar
Like Korcula, there is no airport on Hvar Island so the only way to get from Korcula to Hvar is by ferry. The journey is just an hour and you can find out more information on the timetable and cost here.
Where to stay in Hvar with kids
There is plenty of accommodation available within Hvar Town itself and just outside of the town. Most places are within a 20-minute walk from the centre.
We were already halfway through our 2 weeks in Croatia and our previous two apartments had no swimming pool. So we felt it only fair that we find somewhere with a swimming pool for the kids.
If you too are looking for a swimming pool (and this is the second destination on this itinerary, I would recommend for some relaxation time), then you need to consider this when looking at where to stay in Hvar with kids.
Being more of a glamorous destination and one that attracts the rich and famous, prices are slightly more expensive.
Our accommodation in Hvar
Amazing service from a genuinely lovely family!
I would 100% recommend this accommodation as the perfect place to stay in Hvar with kids.
It is run by a genuinely lovely family who can’t do enough for you. The rooms are clean, modern and very comfortable and the swimming pool was the highlight for the kids (and having less than 20 room’s means you often get the swimming pool to yourself).
They also provide an AMAZING and unlimited breakfast, which was a lovely treat after being self-catering in Dubrovnik and Korcula.
Find out more…
I have written a separate review on Dela B&B because we loved it so much (please note that we did not get paid to write the review and we paid full price for our accommodation). Click here to read our full review.
If you want to search for more accommodation in Hvar, use the search box below.
How to spend 3 days in Hvar
Everywhere we visited during our 2 weeks in Croatia was amazing and had something different to offer, but it’s fair to say that we loved Hvar.
We spent 3 days in Hvar, which is enough to see everything in Hvar Town but we could have easily stayed for a week (and we don’t like to stay in one place for too long).
If we’d had longer, we would have given the kids more time back at the accommodation, having fun in the pool and we’d have loved to explore the island more.
Hvar has something for everyone. It has the same architectural feel to Dubrovnik and Korcula in its maze of charming stone walled streets. There are historical sites to visit and plenty of day trips to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
And its gastronomy is to die for with plenty of lovely restaurants and bars (you must try the local wine).
Top Tip
Here’s our top recommendations on how to spend 3 days in Hvar…
- Explore Hvar Town
Get lost in its charming maze of streets and admire the swanky yachts in the harbour
- Enjoy Hvar’s lively nightlife
Don’t worry, we found it more sophisticated and chic than tacky and tasteless
- Visit Hvar Fortress
Locally known as Španjola Fortress which sits prominently on the hill overlooking Hvar Town and its beautiful bay
- Explore the Pakleni Islands
Take the water taxi or hire your own little motorboat (this was our best day trip)
- Swim in the Adriatic Sea
The sea was at its most inviting and absolutely crystal clear here, you won’t be able to resist a swim
- Explore the rest of the island
Other popular places to visit are Stari Grad and Jelsa
- Visit the lavender fields
During June and July only
Find out more…
For more information and top tips on the above, read our guidance on what we did during our 3 days in Hvar here.
Days 11-14: Split
How to get from Hvar to Split
From Hvar, you will need to take the ferry to Split, which takes approximately 1 hour. Click here to see the timetable.
If you’ve read the guidance in my other posts on using the ferries, you should already know that buying tickets is fairly straightforward. You can buy tickets from the two ferry service company offices near the port in Hvar Town itself or online by clicking on the Krilo or Jadrolinija links.
Where to stay in Split with kids
Split is the second largest city in Croatia and will feel much bigger compared to Dubrovnik, Korcula and Hvar.
This means there is also an abundance of accommodation both within the Old Town and its many surrounding neighbourhoods.
When we were considering where to stay in Split with our kids, we were again looking for accommodation with a swimming pool. However, this practically ruled out Split Old Town which mainly offers cosy self-catering B&Bs and apartments.
Our accommodation in Split
How to spend 4 days in Split
Split is a city of two halves with one half providing a modern shopping area and cosmopolitan seafront promenade. The other half is ancient Roman ruins that make up the Old Town with the Diocletian’s Palace at its centre.
Split is much more accessible with a pushchair with a small exception being the walk up to Marjan Hill. But even this will seem a breeze after Dubrovnik.
Here’s our top recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Split…
- Explore the Old Town
With its stone-walled maze of streets and countless bars and restaurants serving fresh fish, meat platters and delicious wine
- Visit Diocletian’s Palace and climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral
- Wander around the Green Market and Fish Market
For fresh fruit, veg and fish, flowers, clothes and more
- Stroll along the Riva Promenade
Sit and enjoy an ice cream whilst watching the world go by
- Take a hike up Marjan Hill – wander up out of the city
For lush pine forests and beautiful views. There may be a few steps to contend with as you head out of Split but walking up Marjan Hill is pushchair friendly.
- Relax and swim at Bacvice Beach
- Visit Krka National Park
See the impressive waterfalls and take a swim in the pool at the bottom of Skradinski Buk
Find out more…
For more information about Krka National Park including how to get there, entrace fees and what to do, click here.
Top Tip
Visit Luka Ice Cream & Cakes for the best ice cream in Split (well we think so anyway)!
Car Hire in Croatia
Our final thoughts…
If you hadn’t already made your mind up, I hope I’ve now convinced you to choose Croatia as your next family adventure.
This family-friendly itinerary for 2 weeks in Croatia provides a real mix of places to visit, historical sites to see and things to do.
Combining ancient cities with the stunning islands off the Dalmatian coast. You’ll get to spend full days exploring and site-seeing followed by days of relaxation and swimming in the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
If you want to recreate our 2 weeks in Croatia for your own family adventure, the first place to start is booking your flights. Once you’ve got your flights sorted, use this guide to help you decide where to go, where to stay and what to do.
There’s far too much information to share in this post so I’ve linked my other posts where necessary to provide more detail, which should help.
Have any questions about our 2 weeks in Croatia – family itinerary?
It’s my number 1 goal to inspire other families to travel the world so let me help you plan your adventure. If you have any questions or need more help, please get in touch. Leave a comment below or contact me by email.
Like this post? Pin for later!
This brings back some wonderful memories of our trip to Croatia with our boys. Thank you for sharing all your tips and insights.
Glad you enjoyed it Dianne. I must admit, writing this post felt like I was back there – we too have amazing memories. Would love to do this itinerary all over again but there are many more places in Croatia and the rest of the world to see too!
This looks amazing! I would love to visit Croatia. Pinning this for future reference!
Hi Lauren, thanks for your comment!
Definitely add Croatia to your bucket list! We want to go back and do the North and Plitvice National Park but Dubrovnik is a must. Also, island hopping is great fun, easy and the islands are so beautiful – be sure not to miss out on them.
Always here to help if you need any advice 😊
Gosh this is a total dream trip. Looks amazing!
Hi Corinne, thanks for your comment.
It’s a great trip with kids because the majority of the travelling is done by high speed ferry, which means it’s great fun but also quick!
And the Dalmatian coast and the islands are just so pretty, you’d never get tired of them 😊
Thank you very much for your informative blog.
Hi Shira, thanks so much, I really hope it helps people plan their own Croatian trip without having to spend days researching and worrying about how to do it.
I love hearing from people so feel free to get in contact if I can help 😊
I had no idea Dubrovnik had so many steps. Great to let families know that in advance. You stayed in some lovely places!
Hi Jody, yes there are definitely a lot of steps in Dubrovnik but I wouldn’t let it put anybody off with kids and pushchairs. If you want to fully explore, you can’t avoid them but you can access the Main Street through one of the gates without having to climb down any.
It’s such a beautiful place that everybody should try to visit at some point 😊
Dubrovnik is HIGH on my wanderlust list! This is an excellent guide – so in-depth. Thanks for sharing all this info!
Hi Dani, thanks so much for commenting and I’m so pleased that you’ve found it useful. I spend sooooo long researching destinations before we visit them so that we really see everything each place has to offer. I love sharing our experiences and helping other families to travel, so hopefully this post will help others planning a trip to Croatia.
Dubrovnik is a must for your wanderlust list! I really enjoyed Split but Dubrovnik is immaculately preserved, clean and completely stunning. I want to go back just writing about it now. Let me know if you do visit, would love to hear what you think too 😊
What a detailed guide. Everything I need to plan our bucket list trip to Croatia is right here. I will definitely have Dela B and B on the radar too when we go to Hvar. What amazing service!
Hi Christina, I’m so glad this has given you lots of information to plan your Croatian adventure! Please let me know if if I can help anymore.
Would recommend Dela B&B for everything. They are such a genuinely lovely family. I wouldn’t even look anywhere else if we returned to Hvar (which hopefully we will one day) 😊
Hi Gemma, thank you for sharing this lovely itinerary! We are planning a trip to Croatia for end of May and beginning of June next year (hopefully the weather will be warm enough for swimming in the sea and pools too 🙂 ) with our 2 year old son. We have been doing some research into the itinerary, when we finally came across your website and decided to follow your schedule, so thank you for saving us many additional hours doing more research! I was wondering, whether you would have a suggestion on what else we can do or see, as we have 19 days in total. I would love to see the Plitvice NP (maybe staying there overnight), leaving us still with a few extra days to explore. Would you recommend seeing another town or expanding on the existing trip? Many thanks in advance!
Hi Gabriela, I’m so excited that you are planning a trip to Croatia and so happy that you found our itinerary helpful. May is a perfect time to visit because the weather will be just right and it should be less busy. Hopefully the water will be warm enough and your son will love it 🙂
It’s amazing that you have 19 days to explore and I can definitely recommend some extra things to do. If you are staying in Dubrovnik or Korcula, I would would definitely do a day trip to Mljet, most of it is a National Park and supposed to be stunning (we didn’t get chance but really wanted to go).
The other place I really wanted to go was Plitvice Lakes like you have mentioned. We couldn’t fit it into our schedule so chose Krka instead. If you are staying in Split you could hire a car and do a day trip to Plitvice or like you say you could stay there for a night or two. Trogir might also be worth a day trip from Split. We also didn’t get chance to explore other parts of Hvar but would have liked to (we loved Hvar). I can’t recommend Dela B&B enough and if you stay there, they will help arrange all sorts of activities for you (the family have lived on the island for years). They’ve also got a lovely swimming pool that your son would love 😊. Hope that helps but please feel free to ask me anything else, I love to help 😁,
Gemma x