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When we first started planning our family road trip through the coast of Croatia, we were super curious about the country.
Would it live up for the promise of amazing coastlines, turquoise warm waters, magical old towns, and exciting cultural history?
Well, the simple answer is YES. The long and interesting one is in the travel guide you are about to discover!
So, get ready to explore some of the most stunning places in the Balkans with plenty of tips to keep both kids and parents happy along the way!
The perfect 9 days Croatia road trip itinerary for Families
Croatia is an amazing country. I’m sure we could spend a whole month there and never get tired or bored.
But we only had 8 days, and we were committed to make the most of our time, so we headed to the Adriatic coast.
Here you will find a detailed itinerary from Zadar to Dubrovnik as we crossed Croatia from North to South. You can, of course, easily do this the other way around if you are flying into Dubrovnik.
Discover other amazing places to travel in Spring
Day 1 – Zadar
I know that Zadar isn’t usually the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Croatia, but for us it was the perfect starting point. And at the end it was such a beautiful surprise!
Zadar’s Old Twon is rather small and easily walkable, relaxed, and full of wonders that make it a hit with our kids.
We stayed just outside the Old Town walls, which gave us easy car access without the crowds and traffic limitations.
Good to know
There are parking lots at each Old Town Entry, but prices can be a little bit high, and the places are quickly taken.
Also, the circling street around the Old Town is often very busy.
A much better solution is to park at the other side of the Gradski Most Bridge, in the newer part of the city.!
Exploring Zadar’s Old Town
Zadar’s Old Town is actually located on a small peninsula, surrounded by ancient walls and full of pedestrian-only streets. The perfect setting for kids to roam safely.
Here are some of our favourite spots in Zadar:
- The Roman Forum – An open square filled with ruins where little ones can climb and explore and the whole family can learn about the history of the city.
- St. Donatus Church – One of the oldest buildings in Croatia, standing proud with its circular shape and dramatic presence.
- The Cathedral of St. Anastasia – Climb the bell tower for sweeping views over the city and sea. Kids love this!
We loved to stroll around the city. Zadar is full of history and walk its streets is like visiting a museum. I highly recommend this Old Town Walking Tour to fully unlock all the secrets of Zadar.
Our favourite family-friendly activities in Zadar
Sea Organ & Greeting to the Sun
We ended the day watching the sun setting at Zadar’s most magical spot: the Sea Organ.
This is an installation where waves create music through a series of hidden pipes under the marble steps. It’s one of those places where everyone comes together, visitors and locals alike. Even kids sit completely fascinated by sound, water, and light.
Right next to it is the Greeting to the Sun, a giant solar-powered circle that lights up after dark in a rainbow of patterns. I think you can easily imagine that this is an instant favourite for both toddlers and teens.
“Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West in Florida, applauded at every evening.” Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock wasn’t wrong! Zadar gave us the perfect start to our adventure in Croatia. Easy, welcoming, and full of coastal magic.
Day 2 – Rastoke
We used Zadar as home base for two different day trips. The first one was a less known small town called Rastoke.
We drove about 1h45m from Zadar to Rastoke. The road is beautiful, gently winding through hills and farmland. The trip is amazing for itself and before long we were surrounded by pine trees and fresh mountain air.
If you are not renting a car in Croatia you can still visit Rastoke. The easiest to do so is with a guided tour, usually from Zagreb and combined with a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Find the best tours to Rastoke
Rastoke is a tiny village floating above a network of cascading waterfalls. It’s like a mini-Plitvice, with water running under and around centuries old wooden houses.
In total there are about 23 waterfalls in Rastoke and everywhere we look there’s magic to be found.
We spent the afternoon there, wandering over footbridges, listening to the sound of rushing water, and visiting the Fairy Garden.
This is a great picnic stop! There are shaded areas, benches, and riverside views. Perfect to let the kids run free and recharge.
Even if Rastoke is a small village, it has a rich history and folklore. If you have the time I totally recommend doing a walking tour with a local guide. This is the best way to enter the magic fairy world and learn more about Rastoke natural phenomenon.
Day 3 – Plitvice Lakes
Our second day trip from Zadar was the Plitvice Lakes National Park, without a doubt, one of Croatia’s most iconic spots. And I would say, one of the most breath-taking places in Europe and one of the most beautiful places we have visited with our kids.
Good to know
The drive from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes takes around 1:30 hours.
It is perfectly doable but if you prefer to arrive in the park early in the morning I would recommend staying near the Lakes.
Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage site, composed by 16 turquoise lakes connected by wooden walkways and waterfalls. Just the perfect natural playground for children.
The park has different routes, each one of them with different distances and difficulty degrees.
Which is the best route?
We followed Route B + part of the Route C, which runs through 5 km and includes a boat ride (included in the entry ticket) that takes you to the starting point of the Upper Lakes Circuit. Even Mya with only 3 years old stayed motivated all the way, spotting fishes and crossing bridges over the sparkling streams.
I would recommend saving an entire day to visit the Plitvice Lakes, at least. It took us 6 hours to complete Route C, with some stops for a picnic and some playing along the way. And, obviously, a lot of photos.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a beautiful place that definitely deserves to be enjoyed in a relaxed way.
Practical information:
Entry tickets’ price varies through the year. And during the high season prices also varies through the day. You can check everything on Plitvice official website.
Children only pay if they are 7yo or older. Entry is free for children under 6 years old.
- from January to March, November and December : €10 / adult, €4 / child
- April, May and October: €23 / adult, €6 / child
- from June to August:
- from open to 4pm: €40 / adult, €15 / child
- after 4pm: €23 / adult, €9 / child
- September:
- from open to 3pm: €40 / adult, €15 / child
- after 3pm: €23 / adult, €9 / child
You can buy the tickets directly on Plitvice website or combine it with a guided tour for families
Day 4 – Šibenik and Trogir
It is time to drive south along the coast.
Instead of heading straight to Split, we made some stops along the way: Sibenik and Trogir.
This is the perfect time to visit Krka National Park the next best known National Park in Croatia, after the Plitvice Lakes.
We chose not to visit this park since we had already been to Plitvice and Rastoke but I’m leaving you the information I gathered about this stunning place.
Krka National Park
This park is located half-way between Zadar and Split, being a perfect daytrip from both cities.
It is a stunning natural area known for its series of waterfalls along the Krka River, especially the famous Skradinski Buk.
From what I understood Krka National Park seams to be easier to visit with kids than Plitvice, as many paths are shorter and the wooden walkways are larger and stroller-accessible (especially around Skradinski Buk).
Other great advantages of krka, until some years ago, was the possibility of swimming near the waterfalls but this is no longer allowed at Skradinski Buk.
Good to know
You can still swim in these amazing waterfalls during your Croatia road trip.
Head to Roški Waterfall in the upper side of Krka National park, near the Ozidjana Cave or pay a quick visit to the Kravica Waterfall in the neighbour country Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Overall, though very beautiful, it seems less impressive than Plitvice and since we didn’t want to visit the two parks, we dropped Krka.
Entry tickets’ price varies through the year. And during the high season prices also varies through the day. You can check everything on Plitvice official website.
Children only pay if they are 7yo or older. Entry is free for children under 6 years old.
Practical informatio
- from January to March, November and December : €7 / adult, €4 / child
- April, May and October: €20 / adult, €12 / child
- from June to Septembre:
- from open to 3pm: €40 / adult, €15 / child
- after 3pm: €30 / adult, €11.25 / child
You can buy the tickets directly on Krka website or combine it with a guided tour to Sibenik
Šibenik
The first stop was Šibenik, a beautiful and often-overlooked town full of history and charm, perfect for a family visit.
Did you know that Šibenik is one of the oldest Croatian towns on the Adriatic coast?
We loved to wander the stone alleys and discover shady squares, to get to these two family-friendly highlights:
- St. James’ Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage site made entirely of stone, with sea views and an impressive lion-guarded entrance.
- St. Michael’s Fortress – Offering panoramic views and open spaces where kids can play. There’s even a small café at the top for a welcomed break.
Exploring Sibenik:
Šibenik is small enough to explore in a few hours but is full of character, beauty and history.
There are some original ways to explore around: Tuk Tuk Panorama Tour, Sea Kayaking Tour, Evening Walking Tour
Sibenik definitely deserves a bit more time, but it was really hot outside, so we grabbed a quick lunch at a konoba tucked into a courtyard and continued on to our next stop. If you have the opportunity stay at least one night in Sibenik.
Trogir
The beautiful village of Trogir is just a short drive from Split (about 30 minutes), but it really feels like stepping back in time. If you are staying a couple of nights in Split, Trogir is perfect for a day trip.
Small as it is, Trogir is a UNESCO-listed town. It is built on a small island surrounded by stone walls and connected to the mainland by bridges. It’s tiny, walkable, and absolutely perfect for a slower-paced afternoon.
The Old Town is a labyrinth of hidden courtyards, historic churches, and ancient gates. I highly recommend this walking tour that will help you to dive deep in Trogir rich history.
Find the best family-friendly activities in Trogir
In Trogir we especially loved :
- The Cathedral of St. Lawrence and its lion-flanked entrance.
- Climbing the Kamerlengo Fortress for views over the marina.
- Watching boats and feeding seagulls along the promenade.
Trogir’s manageable size and the fact that there’s no cars inside the city walls, make it a stress-free place to visit with kids. You can see a lot without rushing, and there are plenty of nice cafés for rest stops.
We ended the day at a beach nearby, Gradska Plaža Trogir. The kids were super excited with the airplanes that fly over this beach!
Other option would have been Okrug Gornji Beach if not for the traffic. Čiovo Island, just 10 minutes away from Trogir, is a lively spot with plenty of beaches with calm waters and beach bars. The only downfall is that in high season it can get too busy.
Good to know
If you are planning to stay in Trogir you can also hop on a short boat tour from the harbour for a mini-island-hopping adventure.
Day 5 – Split
During our Croatia road trip we chose to spend an entire day in Split so we could easily explore the Old Town but also some other spots around it before heading to the islands.
Split Old Town
In the morning, we started our visit with a walk through the city’s historic heart: Diocletian’s Palace.
This area is the oldest part of the city but feels very much alive with shops, homes, cafés, and ancient columns your kids can touch and explore. It feels like a travel in time.
These are definitely our favourite spots:
- The cellars, where kids can pretend they’re on a Roman treasure hunt.
- Peristyle Square, where there’s always with music and kids have plenty space to play.
- The Vestibul, with its echoing dome where local singers often perform.
- The Cathedral bell tower, for those up for a climb with a reward at the top.
Our favourite walking tour in Split Old Town
Chasing the views and Escaping the heat
In the afternoon we went chasing the best views in the city.
It took us to the Marjan Forest Park, the perfect spot to escape the hot temperatures while having the most amazing view over Split.
The park itself mostly overlooks the Adriatic sea, but the Marjan Hill Stairs that takes you from the city centre to the park, will offer you multiple points of view to the Old Town and the surrounding hills.
If you prefer spending the afternoon at the beach head to Plaža Ježinac or Kasjuni Beach.
We ended the day with a stroll stroll along the lively Riva promenade and watching the sunset at Matejuška.
Split is the perfect starting point to visit the famous Blue Lagoon or the Blue Cave
Days 6 & 7 – Brač Island
Our next stop on our road trip in Croatia was Brac Island. From Split’s ferry port we took the boat for a short ride (about 50 minutes) to Supetar.
Ferries run frequently, and the journey itself is part of the fun, especially for kids watching the seagulls follow the boat.
You can easily visit Brac as a daytrip from Split, but I very much recommend staying at least one night so can fully enjoy the Croatian Island life.
Beaches and Relaxation
Brac Island offers some of the most beautiful and family friendly beaches in Croatia.
- Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat): The most iconic beach in Croatia. Beautiful but busy in the afternoons.
- Kotlina Beach: A more peaceful alternative just a short walk from Bol. Great for young kids.
- Sumartin: A sleepy fishing village with a quiet beach and relaxed atmosphere.
- Lovrečina Bay: A sandy beach near Postira, perfect for families with small children.
Island Life and Culture
Brac has a lot more to offer than beach and turquoise warm water.
We enjoyed exploring the most beautiful towns and discover more about the island.
Here’s our favourite places:
- Bol: A lively seaside town, ideal for spending the night and enjoying restaurants and beach life.
- Milna: A pretty harbor town where we grabbed morning pastries.
- Ložišća: A quiet stone village full of charm and hardly any tourists.
- Postira: A calm village we visited on our way to Bol—great for a short stop.
- Supetar: The island’s entry point and a great spot to start exploring.
- Olive Oil Museum: Our favorite cultural experience on Brač. We learned about olive pressing and enjoyed a tasting of local oils, cheeses, and liqueurs.
Wherever we went, the people were friendly, the pace was slow, and the scenery was beautiful. It was exactly what we needed in the middle of our Croatian adventure.
Good to know
Croatia has about 1200 islands. All with crystal-clear Adriatic waters, but not all have a family-friendly ambiance.
Other than Brac we also recommend Korčula and Mljet.
Driving from Split to Dubrovnik
From Brac you will most likely be catching a ferry back to Split and continue your Croatia Road trip from there. You will have about a 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive to Dubrovnik.
- Usually, GPS sends you Dubrovnik by Croatian roads, but depending on your itinerary (or traffic conditions) you may pass through a short stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina near Neum. Keep your passports at hand.
- Fill up on gas before you leave Makarska or Ston. We have found fewer stations on the more rural stretches of the road.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
- Klis Fortress: Hilltop medieval fortress with panoramic views and Game of Thrones filming site. This is a short deviation from the road to Dubrovnik but is worth it. Get your tickets here.
- Makarska: Lovely seaside town with beaches and cafés. Don’t miss the Skywalk Biokovo
- Nugal Beach: Secluded pebble beach near Makarska, accessible by forest hike.
- Brela: Relaxing stop with clear water and shady pine trees.
- Baćina Lakes: Scenic freshwater lakes near Ploče—great for a picnic or paddle.
- Ston: Small historic town with famous stone walls and oysters. This area is also perfect for wine tasting.
- Pelješac Bridge Viewpoint: Great photo stop before reaching Dubrovnik.
We didn’t do all these stops on our road trip through Croatia because we chose to leave Brac at the end of the day and drive straight to Dubrovnik.
Good to know
Please notice that to visit all these locations on your road to Dubrovnik you need to add an extra day to this road trip itinerary and leave Split early in the morning.
Days 8 & 9 – Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is every bit as magical as you can imagine, especially for kids who love castles, boats, and pretending to be explorers.
That being said, Dubrovnik is a great victim of mass tourism, and it shows! It was the most expensive stop of our road trip through the coast of Croatia and so crowded that we weren’t able to do all we had planned.
For that reason, we decided to only stay two days here but it was enough time to get a nice general view of the old city while shielding ourselves a little bit from the crowds and the summer heat.
Good to know
If you can, avoid the high season when visiting Dubrovnik. Spring and Automne are definitely better than the summer months.
So, in Dubrovnik, we spent most of our time exploring the Old Town and the beaches around the City Walls.
Crowds aside, this UNESCO World Heritage site with marble streets, majestic forts, and sea views at every turn is just beautiful.
These were our family’s highlights in Dubrovnik:
- Stradun: Main pedestrian street lined with cafés, shops, and historic stone buildings.
- Franciscan Church and Monastery: Home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies and a peaceful cloister.
- West Harbor: Iconic Game of Thrones filming location with dramatic coastal views.
- Sveti Jakov Beach: Quiet pebble beach with clear waters and stunning views of the Old Town.
- Fort Lovrijenac: Impressive seaside fortress with panoramic views over Dubrovnik’s walls.
- Ploče Gate: Elegant eastern entrance to the Old Town with views of the harbour and sea.
- Banje Beach: Popular beach near the Old Town, great for a swim with a city backdrop.
Dubrovnik City Walls
One of the must-dos in Dubrovnik is a walk through the City Walls.
The views are definitely amazing but if you are visiting Dubrovnik during the summer, here’s some points to consider:
- The full circuit usually takes 1.5 to 2h but there are exits along the way if little legs get tired.
- The City Walls are 2 km long, with no shades. In summer temperatures easily reach 35 ºC, sometimes rising to 37ºC. Visit it early in the morning or late afternoon and bring hats with you.
- There is only one café on the City Walls. No fountains along the way. Bring plenty of water with you.
- Prices are absurdly high (in my opinion) for a such crowed place. Since we visited Dubrovnik prices increased to 40€ / adult. 15€ / child from 7 years old.
From Dubrovnik we continued our Adriatic Coast Road Trip and, after Croatia, we headed to Montenegro.
If you are flying out of Dubrovnik Airport, you will have a short 30-minute drive from the city centre.
How to get to Croatia
The map of Croatia is an interesting one with the country abstractedly assuming the shape of a Ç (the C being formed by the North Interior and coast and the cedilla being the Istria region) Do you see it?
Istria and the Adriatic coast are by far the most well-known parts of Croatia. Those with breathtaking turquoise waters that make us all dream about summer.
Our road trip in Croatia was part of a much larger one, around the Adriatic Sea, through Italy, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania. For that reason, we arrived by land.
But to complete this itinerary you can easily fly into Zadar and depart from Dubrovnik (or the inverse).
These international airports have plenty of connections to other European cities and some intercontinental connections as well.
You can also fly to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia and rent a car there.
In that case you will be starting this itinerary from Rastoke and the Plitvice Lakes before heading to Zadar.
Travel Hack:
When flying with Air France, different airports in the same country / region count as round trip.
You can easily fly to Zadar and depart from Dubrovnik without one-way additional fees.
How to get around in Croatia
This itinerary was based on a driving pace. We definitely recommend renting a car and road trip so you can fully enjoy all the secretes Croatia has to offer along the way.
Driving in Croatia is easy and secure. Roads are mostly well maintained, and views are just wow!
The journey really makes part of the fun of visiting this country.
Have you considered a family van trip through Croatia?
Croatia Travel Tips
- Book ferries and national park tickets in advance.
- Bring water shoes for pebbly beaches.
- Ask locals for food recommendations, they rarely disappoint and are so much cheaper than most of the Travel Guides’ suggestions.
- Leave room in your schedule for spontaneous detours and last-minute discoveries. During this road trip we did least of those than we use to, but they often became the highlights of this family trip!
Final thoughts on our Croatia Road Trip
Croatia completely stole our hearts. From all the places we visited as a family, this country truly is one of our favourites. With its blend of ancient towns, crystal-clear beaches, breathtaking nature, and warm hospitality, it delivered far more than we expected, knowing we were visiting in the middle of the high season!
We really left Croatia with full hearts, a camera roll full of sunshine, and dreams of coming back to explore even more. The islands we missed, the inland gems we passed by too quickly and the peninsula of Istria are definitely on our radar.
If you’re planning a family road trip and wondering if Croatia is the right choice our answer is a big, loud yes.
Safe family travels!
Hello
We are Ana and Pedro.
Mom and dad of three little travellers: Zoé, Guy and Mya.
We did not sell everything! We are not digital nomads, and our kids attend regular school!
But together we travel 5 months every year.
As a family we visited 40 countries in 5 continents in a total of more than 100 trips, 30 road trips and did 200+ flights.
We are here sharing free travel guides and a lot of travel hacking to help traveling more!
I hope you come along!
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Last updated: May 18, 2026
Guide created by Ana
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