I'm starting to plan a July trip to Croatia with my partner and 5 year old. I don't want to spend time checking in/out of hotels so I'm debating where to base ourselves for 5/6 nights. I was thinking Split for sheer ease, but my husband who has spent time in that area suggests one of the islands.
We'd like to spend our time mostly in and around nature and water - swimming, snorkeling, maybe even diving. Not so interested in history, nightlife, wandering around. The wrench is, I'd like to also check out Plitvice Lakes if possible. I thinking we tack on one overnight closeby on the way out. Flights will be in/out of Split.
Advice on where to call home base? If an island, any specific suggestions? It worth taking day trips to various island or is it more or less the same vibe?
Hi! I'd suggest Brac as your base. It's a very nature-focused island with stunning sea and beaches. It's also very calm and interesting. If you don't have a car I'd suggest staying in Bol since that part of the island has the best connections to Split and the rest of the islands. If you do have a car then you can easily stay anywhere on the island. From there, you can easily get to Vis and Hvar, and obviously back to Split. Both these islands are definitely worth visiting so try and add them to your itinerary.
For Plitvice, You would definitely have to have an overnight somewhere, because it will take you some time to take the ferry and then you have quite a drive to Plitvice Lakes, but it's doable!
Brac Day Trip Guide (With a car or without)
Hvar Day Trip Itinerary: Best Things to see and do on Hvar
Beaches on Hvar Island: Best Beaches Close to Hvar Town
2 Days in Split what to do and see Itinerary
Plitvice Lakes Guide by a Local (Which entrance, trail to choose, prices etc.)
If you will need any other city guides, restaurant guides, sightseeing, beaches in Croatia check this subs Megathread here which has all links compiled, this CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE, or this Croatia Travel Map
With a five year old I would definitely say an island, and honestly we paid for a couple nights at a family friendly hotel last summer and it was 1000% worth it. Split is a little loud and adult focused. Being able to default to the pool, which was always full of kids, and the easy hotel meals was priceless. We spent a lot of the day doing "adult" stuff, and my kiddo is happy eating real food. But just having that option when they have had it, and you don't feel like working so hard on vacation is great imo.Â
Specifically we stayed on Korcula at Aminess Port 9 for those couple nights. Cool cheap water taxi to town for dinner, great hidden beach like 10 mins from the hotel, but then also literally the most low key family friendly hotel.Â