What is an unusual family holiday?
An unusual family holiday is a trip that goes beyond the traditional pool-and-beach package, combining adventure, exploration, local experiences and time for families to connect. In Croatia, this can mean rafting the Cetina River, exploring islands by boat, canyoning, visiting national parks and discovering historic towns. Doing a family active week in Croatia, means you” go beyond a conventional European beach holiday. You’ll have a truly authentic experience, led by passionate local tour leaders and feeling the essence of the regions culture.
Why is Croatia good for an alternative family holiday in Europe?
Croatia has some of the world’s best beaches, rivers and canyons to enjoy. With a reputation for being one of the safest countries in the world, it’s a family destination where parents can switch off and let their children explore. As a true alternative to All-Inclusive Kids Clubs and Packaged beach holidays, Croatia is one of the best places to keep the family active and entertained.
We’ve been creating and running family activity holidays in Croatia for over 20 years. With a specific goal of bringing like-minded families together and creating an environment where parents can bond with their children. In small family groups, our parents and teenagers discover the natural beauty of our region, whilst enjoying many multi active tours.
Families staying with us typically enjoy; canyoning, climbing, biking, white water rafting and kayaking. We’ve found that teenagers particularly love River Tubing, bouncing along the Cetina River Rapids on inflatable donuts.
Why Choose Croatia for an Off-the-Beaten-Track Family Holiday?
Can Croatia be listed under unusual family holidays in Europe? Absolutely. Beyond the popular coastal spots, Croatia as a whole is packed with extraordinary geological and historical marvels.
World Records, Sinkholes, and Ancient Heritage
It has the second longest fortification wall, after the Great Wall of China. In Imotski, you’ll find Europe’s deepest sinkhole. Within 2 hours drive of Split, you’ll find two vineyards in the world’s top-10 most beautiful. Dubrovnik, Trogir, Zadar, Split, Omis, Sibenik and Zagreb all have stunning heritage. With unique and unusual draws to them.
Natural Wonders & Cliffside Monasteries
If you’re looking for a family holiday in Europe that’s genuinely different from a traditional beach resort – you have to explore the extraordinary. Visit Croatia best National Parks to see powerful waterfalls and do incredible hikes.
Explore the Blue Caves of Solta, or hike to the Blaca cliffside monastery on Brac island. You can also jump, slide, and splash in the Cetina Canyon while exploring the region’s freshwater source.
Why unusual family holidays work particularly well for teenagers
Keeping teenagers engaged on holiday can be tough, but family active multi-adventure weeks offer that genuine blend of family bonding and fun. Parents won’t have to arm wrestle with their children about screen time, when bouncing down river rapids and kayaking alongside a family of Dolphins.
The best part about adventure tours is that they’re led by fun, engaging guides. No special skills are required, and there’s zero pressure on anyone. This means that the youngest child can enjoy the activity just as much as the most athletic parent.
Unlike school, Family Adventure Holidays operate activities that are non competitive. Designed to naturally connect the guests together. It’s a wonderfully safe and unforced space, for teenagers to come out of their shells. There’s a nostalgic feeling for parents, watching their children with new friends. Phones aren’t necessary, when you are having this much fun.
White Water Rafting & Ziplining in the Cetina Canyon
White water rafting in Croatia is perfect for families and beginner adults. Croatian river rapids throughout summer are graded 1-3, so not extreme. Perfect for active teens and adventurous mums and dads.
Those with heads for heights can book onto climbing and ziplining experiences. The best zip tours are based in Omis. Take a look at our Omis Multi Active Week.
Climbing & Secret Lagoon Speedboat Tours
For family climbing experiences in Croatia, Brac island has the best rock formations. Famed for its white marble that built the US Presidential White House, Brac Island is an incredible diverse Island. It can be reached by Ferry from Split in 50 minutes. The state owned Jadrolinija line ferry, offers flexible tickets. Split Port to Supetar is one of the most popular ferry routes to Brac.
Crossing over to Brac, on a dedicated pleasure boat is another super day excursions for families. Teenagers love hanging out together, jumping from the top deck into the gorgeous blue waters. Tourists can find speed boat tours, sailing, party boats, dolphin watch excursions and catamaran ships. See below, one of our optional boat day trips with our families.
Split City Centre is great for pre and post stays of your family holiday
Split city centre is a great place to find unusual experiences. Try the Split Escape Rooms or the House of Illusions. Take a private 3 island speed boat tour and find the secret lagoon.
The Small-Group Magic: Connecting Teens and Like-Minded Families
Teenager activity holidays are the must-do experience. Parents don’t have to lead the way, as the guides will be upfront. It’s an opportunity to show your children, you know how to have fun. It’s an opportunity to complete something together and have a lot of fun doing it.
Teenager adventure weeks, combine the allure of Instagrammable moments with genuine connectivity. Your children need you, but on holiday they need new friends. Joining a Small Group tour experience will feel remarkably normal if new to the style of holiday.
Shared Experiences with Zero Pressure
Meeting Like-minded parents, letting the children hangout together and discovering the best of Croatia is a magic formula. Just read the reviews on Facebook, Mumsnet.com, Trust Pilot and Facebook.
There’s no spotlight, no competition, no skill set required to join our family active holidays in Croatia. If you want a connected experience, to have a shared memory with your children, we are the trip to book.
Bonus for Parents: Join our Adult-Only Walk & Wine Holiday in Croatia
Finally, parents keep in mind. When your teenage children move into adulthood. Remember we have one more unusual trick up our sleeve and it’s designed for just mum and dad (sssh no kids allowed). Come join our Walk and Wine Week in Dalmatia. Voted Top-30 Croatian Holidays to try by The Telegraph.
7 top unusual things families can do in Croatia
Our best local Croatian guides, in-house staff and expert Tour Leaders have created their Top-7 list of unusual things to try, if on holiday in Croatia:
- Christmas Markets in Zagreb.
- Walk the fortified Walls of Ston. World’s second longest wall.
- Eat and drink on the terrace of Nautika Restaurant in Dubrovnik.
- Visit Europe’s biggest sink hole in Imotski.
- Zipline in Omis.
- River Tubing in the Cetina Canyon.
- Shepherds Walk and Village on Brac Island.
In Summary
If you’re looking for a family holiday that feels like more than simply travelling somewhere warm, Croatia will offer something genuinely different.
Adventure, exploration, beautiful places and new experiences can be woven into any itinerary week.
If looking for something proven and ready made, then join our team this summer. You’ll find that our relaxed group atmosphere gives teenagers the chance to make friends and parents the opportunity to enjoy the holiday too. It’s the kind of family active vacation where the memories come from the things you did together – not just the place you stayed.
Free Enquiry Today For Your Next Family Trip!
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