An Expert Guide to Croatia: Q&A with Travel Advisor Tina Woitaszewski

CB Travel Advisor Tina Woitaszewski is a huge fan of Croatia, and her zeal for this destination is absolutely infectious. She relishes the fact that it’s both easy to get to and easy to get around, allowing families ample time to unplug and get to know its people, traditions and way of life. And she’s an ardent admirer of the abundant sun and strong sea breezes to be found there, along with a climate (and long travel season) that CB travelers continually rave about.

We sat down with Tina to talk about her recent exploration and new discoveries throughout Croatia. Read on to get a taste of what a trip might look like for your family and why it deserves a spot on your travel list!

Ask the Advisor: A Guide to Croatia for Families

CB: What about Croatia makes it exciting for families?

TW: If you’re craving a country of contrast and depth, dramatic coastlines and vibrant culture, Croatia delivers. It has many types of locales and yet everything is nearby. It is well-suited to cater to every possible whim and still feels authentic and local. You get the sense not much has changed (yet) and you are stepping back in time.

When you tour with one of our vetted CB guides, you are not merely sightseeing, you are constantly breathing in and experiencing Croatia’s tastes, sights, culture and history. You can engage with locals in their family rituals and traditions and connect through hands-on activities and shared stories. There are innumerable things to see, from jaw-dropping coastlines to centuries-old olive groves. The sea and sun, gentle breeze and coastal lifestyle invite you in immediately. Plus, the people are friendly and the prices are reasonable.

CB: How does Croatia differ from other destinations in Europe?

TW: Croatia is easy to navigate, but still feels beautiful and a bit removed from some of the more well-trodden tourist paths. It offers varied experiences, from island hopping and water activities to medieval cities and ancient aqueducts. There are vineyards and olive groves as well as gorgeous hiking in nature parks with terraced waterfalls and blue-green waters, all reachable within hours. You can very easily be in a medieval city in the morning and a quaint fishing village in the afternoon — everything is incredibly close.

In Split, you can push a button at any public fountain and spring water flows via the aqueduct from their fresh water source built by Diocletian. The food varies from seafood-forward in the south to heavier, more traditional Hungarian-influenced options such as goulash in the north. Think lots of seafood thanks to its largely water-adjacent location, local markets overflowing with beautiful produce like succulent figs, and specialties like squid ink black rice. There are more than a thousand islands and even if you are inland, there’s often water (and wine!) nearby. 

CB: How do you suggest people plan their time in Croatia?

Five to seven days gives you a good amount of time to get a feel for the breadth of terrain in Croatia. Start in Split, the dreamy Dalmatian coast spot known for its sunsets and an old town framed around Roman-era Diocletian’s Palace. Time there will include wandering ruins, enjoying cafes and absorbing the golden-hued Adriatic vibes.

Water is a big part of the magic of Croatia, so from Split, hop over to the islands of Hvar, Brač and the famously pedestrian-friendly Elaphiti Islands, or cast your net farther to one of the many smaller islands. Ferries and private charters are plentiful. Depending on your family’s interests, options range from a leisurely picnic in an olive grove to taking in the environs by private boat or visiting a vineyard or oyster farm.

From there, a car and driver can take you toward Dubrovnik with a stop at a charming family-run winery and olive oil producer. A stay in Dubrovnik, the UNESCO-listed walled city, is a must and makes a savvy end point for easy onward transit. In Dubrovnik, you can spend your time taking the cable car at sunrise or sunset, walking the walls, enjoying a boat ride to Lokrum Island for its stunning natural beauty and botanical garden, sea kayaking or exploring some of the locations used for filming Game of Thrones.

CB: What kinds of activities and experiences can people look forward to in Croatia?

Families will be wowed by a private boat tour around the large, hilly islands, secluded coves and quaint village towns. Whether you want to get a better perspective on one specific island or traveling between islands, boating is huge in Croatia. This also naturally provides options for swimming, cliff jumping and other water sports, depending on the route you choose. The water is incredibly calm and clear.  

Another key aspect of Croatia centers around food. This is how locals seem eager to connect, whether through touring markets, discovering what to make together or simply enjoying a meal. On my trip we did both a food tour in Split as well as an amazing cooking class. We visited the local markets and grabbed fresh plums, figs and anything else we wanted along the way while our guide shared some history as well as her favorite local gems to add to my “must see” list.  She shared where to get the best coffee, pizza and locally made gifts while blending in with the locals. We stopped at a few of her faves and tasted several traditional dishes such as octopus salad and zucchini parmesan, and sampled local wines. Yum! We also spent an afternoon with a talented chef named Jolanda in her kitchen, as our small group made traditional dishes with ingredients from the local markets and her garden and then enjoyed dinner together. 

The options are really endless, from learning how people used to live years ago in Croatia and exploring their old crafts to private tours of medieval cities, salt pans, coastal towns and wineries. 

CB: What is your personal Croatia highlight?

It is quite difficult to choose. One of my favorite moments was spending time in Dubrovnik, walking its walls and then departing its mighty fortress via boat, only to slowly watch it all fade away in the distance as the islands and sea came into focus. We went from a beautiful medieval city to windblown hair and the sweet smell of the sea. Next up was a stop at an oyster farm and winery in one of the small bays of the Elaphiti Islands. The stark contrast from city to sea to island village was undeniable and powerful.

Upon arriving in the bay, we met our guide for the afternoon. As we walked together, he pulled off a fresh pomegranate from a nearby tree for us all to enjoy. His table welcomed us with fresh bread, olives, meats and cheeses and a selection of his wine and we learned about him, his family and his love of Croatia. The oysters were fresh and delicious and touring the bay in his old wooden oyster boat, with canvas tops and the sides rolled up, again brought us back in time. It also gave us a great view of the Walls of Ston, surrounding the city of the same name and often called the European Great Wall of China. What a treasure! Our boat ride back was equally special with the most gorgeous sunset wrapped around us as we hugged the coastline.   

CB: When do you suggest visiting Croatia?

Croatia is an appealing destination for much of the year. Because so much of Croatia’s uniqueness lies in water-facing moments, May and June are ideal times to visit. July and August are considered peak season. There’s obviously an influx of visitors during this time, but it meshes well with school breaks and, of course, water activities. September and October are cooler, but a welcome time to visit as well. 

CB: Do you find Croatia a good destination for multigenerational travel?

Absolutely. Croatia has a little something for everyone. Whether you are super active or would like to take things at a more leisurely pace, you can find it there. Plus, it is all fairly easy to navigate and feels accessible.

CB: Are there any properties that stand out for CB clients?

Two properties come to mind: Villa Dubrovnik in Dubrovnik, and Maslina Resort in Hvar. Both are true 5-star properties. At Villa Dubrovnik, the views of the Adriatic Sea and sunsets, the island of Lokrum and Dubrovnik’s old town are exquisite. The design in each room feels intentional with every detail reflecting artistic serenity. They boast original Croatian stones throughout, and this further gives the villa a sense of place. Each room blends the natural and the human-made and wraps you in a Croatian hug.

Maslina Resort definitely has the wow factor. It is designed for discerning travelers, with dramatic sea views, exceptional service and design that incorporates the local and natural scenery. Its ideal location allows guests to walk or bike to Stari Grad (one of oldest settlements in Europe) or down to the water to catch your boat for the day. What’s more, Maslina’s small size and expansive acreage is ideal for weddings and wedding parties, couples or men’s and ladies’ wellness/relaxing getaways.

CB: How does Croatia pair with other destinations nearby?

Because Croatia is so varied and yet compact, you can experience a great deal within its borders. That said, Croatia is beautifully situated to pair with other destinations. No-brainer pairings include neighboring Montenegro (Kotor is a highlight), heading farther south to Greece if you’d like to keep the water vibe going, directly north to Slovenia or to Italy, which lies just across the Adriatic Sea. There’s not much in Europe that wouldn’t pair well with time in Croatia, depending on your family’s specific interests. 

Relevant Links: 

Browse all destinations and accommodations in Croatia on Ciao Bambino

Best time to visit Croatia: Off-season experiences we love

Best places to visit on a Croatia family vacation

A superyacht Croatia vacation on the new kid-friendly Ohana

Best things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia with kids

Discover a slice of Adriatic beauty in Montenegro with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.