A yacht charter is one of the best ways to see Croatia with children. Every day brings a new bay, a new beach and a new place to jump into clear water. But not every route suits small sailors. Short hops, sheltered anchorages and easy swimming matter more than ticking off famous towns.
Here are the places families love most, starting from the coast's two charter hubs.
Sailing from Split
Hvar and the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands sit just off Hvar Town, with pine-lined coves that are perfect for a long swim stop. In the evening, Hvar Town's harbour is lively and fun to walk with older children.
Stari Grad
On the north side of Hvar, Stari Grad's long sheltered harbour is calmer than Hvar Town and easy with toddlers.
Brač
Bol and the famous Zlatni Rat beach have shallow water and plenty of space to play.
Vis and Biševo
Further out and quieter. The Blue Cave on Biševo is a highlight for older children, though the sea can be choppier on the way.
Šolta
A short sail from Split, ideal for a gentle first or last day.
Sailing from Dubrovnik
The Elaphiti Islands
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan are close to the city and mostly car-free. Lopud's sandy Šunj beach is a family favourite.
Mljet
Mljet National Park has two saltwater lakes that are warm and calm for swimming.
Korčula
A walled old town with long summer evenings and a good overnight harbour.
Tips for planning a family route
Keep sailing legs short, especially with toddlers. Two or three hours is plenty.
Plan swim stops around nap times, so children sleep while the boat is moving.
Pick at least one quiet anchorage night, away from busy town harbours.
Ask your skipper about wind forecasts. Afternoon winds can make longer crossings bumpy.
With a nanny on board, the adults get to enjoy the route too. Read more about yacht nannies in Split and yacht nannies in Dubrovnik.
Plan childcare for your charter
Mediterranean Yacht Nannies is a referral service. We match families with experienced, English-speaking nannies for yacht charters and superyachts in Croatia, Monaco and the French Riviera, Italy and Spain. Families hire and pay their nanny directly, and we handle the search, the video interviews, the reference checks and the introductions.
Email us or message us on WhatsApp with your dates, marina and the ages of your children.
