Camping with children in Croatia

The indescribable freedom that comes with camping is epitomised by Croatia and its hospitality in a very special way. Whether you want to go on adventurous activities such as river rafting or cultural excursions such as museum visits, savour culinary delights such as the Rab cake or watch sporting events such as a football match - the land of a thousand islands offers countless possibilities and a campsite for families is never far away in Croatia.

Destinations in Croatia

For the foodies among camping holidaymakers, the Istrian peninsula is an absolute highlight, which is still characterised by Italy to this day, which is why many locals still speak Italian. In the heart of Istria - easily accessible by car, motorhome or coach - lies Motovun, also called Montona by the locals. In the middle of a densely wooded valley, the truffle town rises majestically into the sky. Surrounded by a high wall, one truffle shop follows the next and visitors are welcome to sample a variety of creations - from truffle oil to truffle paste. Strolling along the narrow cobbled streets, you pass a house whose façade is adorned with the face of Veli Jože. A giant who, according to legend, lives in the truffle forest, born from the pens of a local writer.

Not far from Motovun is the medieval village of Grožnjan, a small town with less than 200 inhabitants that is kept alive by artists from all over the world. Grožnjan is also known as the village of artists. This gem is located on the Istrian olive oil route, where the green gold flows. As you explore the area, you will come across ancient oil mills. Travelling along the west coast, the towns of Poreč, Tar and Umag, among others, are surrounded by olive groves. In the south of the peninsula lies the ancient town of Pula, which is very easy to explore with children. With its oil presses, this town not only has something to offer foodies, but also history lovers with its arena. The amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in the world.

Top tips

• On the beach of San Marino in Lopar on the island of Rab, children can wade far into the sea without having to know how to swim.
• In Šibenik, where an annual children's festival is held, children can enjoy dancing and adventures with pirates.
• The Zadar region is particularly child-friendly, with new playgrounds and family-friendly activities.

From Winnetou to the Neanderthals - adventure holidays for the whole family

Camping with children in Croatia is a special adventure for the whole family. Both children and adults can experience a lot here.

In the footsteps of Winnetou

In the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can follow in the footsteps of Winnetou. Adjacent to the child-friendly Camp Turist Grabovac campsite, holidaymakers can follow in the footsteps of Pierre Brice. Whether with young or older children, the signposted hiking trails of the Plitvice Lakes are suitable for the whole family. Stroll along the wooden walkways over the crystal-clear waters, stroll through gorges and cross the lakes by boat.

Jurassic Park feeling in the Funtana Dinopark

Fossilised dinosaur tracks, footprints of a prehistoric lizard - the prehistoric giants are exhibited life-size in the Funtana theme park. Display boards provide exciting details about the behaviour and lifestyle of the former inhabitants of our planet. Daily shows by the Variate Circus round off the programme. With the indoor playground and the dinosaur cinema, a visit is also possible in bad weather.

24 metres to the fun

The seven-hectare water park in Istria is not just a wave pool. A one kilometre long river meanders through the grounds and a 24 metre high slide provides plenty of fun for older children and adults. Of course, there is also plenty for the younger guests, with water slides for them too. There are family pools, an arena with water sprinklers and a playground, a pool with diving boards and a massage pool.

A unique day with Falken

In Dubrava, the falconry centre offers families an unforgettable experience. Visitors can experience national and international birds of prey that are to be released back into the wild. Not far from the centre of Šibenik, the falconry centre stretches across a dense and unspoilt pine forest, where the founder of the falconry, Emilio, pursues his passion and warmly welcomes and shows visitors around.

Child-friendly festivals and events

Camping holidaymakers on the Adriatic have the choice between many events and festivals.

January - February

• Opatija masked ball: the masked ball in Opatija is a must for all carnival enthusiasts.

• Knights' dance in Blato: accompanied by drums and bagpipes, the Kumpanija Knights' Association performs sword dances. Sword dances and folklore performances take place on the island for weeks on end.

June

• Cherry festival in Lovran: Holidaymakers have the opportunity to sample culinary delights made with cherries - a real treat for the palate.

• International Children's Festival Šibenik: the experience for all children!

July - August

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival: both indoor and outdoor celebrations with lots of dancing.

• Iz Island King competition: contestants from Veli Iz compete against contestants from Mali Iz in several disciplines. From football to rope pulling, from sack races to the national sport of water polo; the contenders for the title of King of the Island give it their all. In the end, the winner is crowned the symbolic king of the island of Iz.

• Dalmatia's historic equestrian festival: one of the largest equestrian festivals in the country is held in Sinj over three days to commemorate the victory against the Turks.