First time traveling to Croatia with two kids under 3 end of April/beginning of May. We will arrive in Dubrovnik, and afterwards have 7 nights before flying out of Zagreb
Looking for recommendation of two additional stops we can use as base? 3-4 nights each as we don’t want to move too much with young kids
We will have a car. Would love to visit national parks and enjoy a good wonder and food. happy to do island if we can take our car and there is enough to do?
Not sure what are the towns that aren’t too dead during April/May season?
Thanks for any advice!
Hey, so you have plenty of choices, the easiest option would be to go to Split, and use it as a hub to sightsee islands nearby cities and also Natural Park Krka
8 BEST DAY Trips from Split (Guide) By Bus or Car
BEST Islands to visit by ferry from Split Croatia (Guide to Island Hopping)
Other option would be for you to stop in Makarska, both Makarska and Split are very alive in May, as many locals go to vacation while the temp is rising and its a great opportunity for sunbathing, not that much swimming unless you are brave as the water temp is not enjoyable. Benefit of Makarska is that you can get an easy short ferry ride to Brac or if you drive 30 minutes south you can get an easy ferry to Hvar. So that would shorten your time on the ferry. There are plenty of pebble beaches and Makarska region is family vacation oriented with plenty of houses available for rent near by the beach, walking distance.
Best things to do in Makarska, Croatia (Guide)
Best Makarska Riviera Beaches To Visit
Here are few island guides to see what you can sightsee as you wont be concentrated on swimming.
Brac Day Trip Guide (With a car or without)
Hvar Day Trip Itinerary: Best Things to see and do on Hvar
Third option would be Zadar but since you are driving from Dubrovnik direction it would not make sense as you would need to return to sightsee Split, Omis, Trogir etc.
I would strongly suggest to check these driving guides they cover the whole route you will be doing:
From Zagreb to Split drive (Best stops on the way) Guide
Road Trip from Split to Dubrovnik (Best stops along the way)
Here are some guides for Dubrovnik for what to do and see around it
Top 5 Day trips from Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town: Guide for Hotels, Things to do, Restaurants, Hidden Gems, Practical Tips
Dubrovnik Parking locations and prices (Guide for parking in Dubrovnik)
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