Sailing Vacation with Family in Croatia Part I – Why Choose Croatia?

Written by Marin @Danielis on April 13, 2017 in Yacht Charter Advice

Why sailing, and why Croatia?

Following are a few great reasons to consider Croatia as a family-friendly destination!

1. A sailing holiday offers a great chance for family bonding.

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First of all, why charter a sailing vessel in Croatia instead of heading out on a big commercial cruise liner?

Think about cruise liner vacations you may have taken with your family in the past. While you doubtless had a fun time, commercial cruise liners are enormous, impersonal vessels. Chances are good that there were times when your family were spread out across the decks and saw very little of each other. Plus, you had to stick with the cruise liner’s itinerary, rather than crafting the perfect bespoke adventure for your family.

If you charter a sailing boat, you get to plan your own itinerary, which means you can plan something special for every member of your family. This is a wonderful way to show your spouse and your children how much you care.

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On a smaller boat, you also get to spend a lot more time together! You are not spread out like you are on a huge cruise vessel—but each family member still has plenty of space and privacy in the charter boat’s roomy cabins.

You have the option of hiring a skipper or a full crew or going bareboat. What is awesome about this is that you get to decide how much time and energy to dedicate to sailing, and how much you want to spend on other things.

Either can result in more bonding with your family. If you want nothing to do with the sailing, the crew can take care of it for you, and you and your family can enjoy water sports and other fun activities.

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But you may actually want to consider getting involved with sailing operations, and getting your kids involved too! This is a fun chance to work together and teach kids valuable communication and cooperation skills. It can all be part of your adventure. There is nothing like trying to accomplish an exciting task together to strengthen family bonds. If you give your children a chance to steer the boat or help with the sails, you can bet they will be talking about it for years to come.

If you want more tips on how to make sailing with kids even more fun, read our article!

2. Croatia’s beautiful islands immerse you in the splendor of unspoiled nature.

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Now onto the next question … why Croatia? Croatia is a fantasy wonderland—a world of tranquil blue waters with crystalline depths, walled cities that look like something out of a fairytale, and gorgeous, unspoiled natural beauty. Lush forests, serene pools, breathtaking waterfalls, and rugged cliffs and peaks all offer a passport to outdoor adventure which is perfect for adults and kids of all ages.

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Hopping from island to island, you will find one gem to explore after another, each with its own distinctive scenery and fun activities. From shopping to dining to hiking to relaxing with a picnic in a park, Croatia offers something for everyone.

You can’t beat the climate either. If your kids typically complain about overly hot or cold weather on trips, they won’t be able to find fault with the balmy temperature climate of Croatia. It can get a bit hot during the summer months, but the cool, refreshing waters of the Adriatic are never far!

3. The rich history of Croatia offers an educational experience.

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Croatia has a rich and storied past. Countless cultures have mingled here, dating clear back to the dawn of civilization. Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples made their home in this beautiful Adriatic land, followed by Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians.

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In fact, Croatia has a remarkably large number of World Heritage Sites. Some of these are nature parks like Plitvice Lakes National Park, but many are cultural sites like the Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, or the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč. You can also visit the historic red-roofed city of Trogir, or tour the Cathedral of Saint James.

No matter what epoch of human history you are interested in, this is a fascinating opportunity to teach your children more about world cultures and the development of civilization throughout the ages.

4. Fun water-based activities abound.

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There are so many fun water activities which you can participate in while you are visiting Croatia. Paddling in a kayak or canoe is a great way to bond with your kids, or you can try water-skiing, snorkeling, or diving. If you hire a skipper or crew for your Croatia charter yacht, you can spend even more time enjoying water-based activities with your family and less time worrying about sailing procedures. Many yachts come equipped with a full assortment of water toys for your kids to play with. Drop anchor in a tranquil bay and enjoy a delightful afternoon splashing in clear turquoise waters!

Now you know why a Croatian sailing holiday is the ultimate adventure for family fun. Looking for some specific ideas for your trip itinerary?

Be sure to read onto Part II – Bonding and Recreation!