Active Family Holidays in Croatia

From Split, the River Cetina is easily reachable and is the perfect location for canyoning and rafting, activities suitable for families with teenagers. Highlights are a canyon two hundred metres deep and a waterfall plunging fifty metres over a cliff. As well as rafting and canyoning, take a gentle canoe safari and learn about the wildlife, fauna and ancient history of the river and its surroundings.

With so much wonderful scenery, it is not surprising that Croatia has become something of a must-visit destination for horse riding holidays. Try a gentle trek through the Cetina River valley or go swimming on horseback in Lake Vransko. Children always enjoy cowboy adventures in Velika Plana, while the more adventurous can take to the Dalmatian Mountains around Donje Ogorje.

Istria is a peninsula in northeast Croatia made up of rolling hills and flat plains, perfect for active cycling holidays the whole family can take part in. Explore the west coast, taking in towns such as Pula and Umag before heading inland for a more challenging ride to the hilltop towns of Groznjan and Motovun.

For a real adrenaline buzz, nothing beats the thrill of zip-lining. Just a short distance from Omi is a zip-line across the River Cetina's great canyon. Sitting safely in a belt-seat, you descend into a canyon via eight steel cables, on a route that spans well over two kilometres.

Korkula and the other islands that make up Croatia's archipelagos are perfect for sailing holidays with children of all ages. Pick a traditional gulet to make it an even more exciting adventure. Kids love the freedom of the open water, especially if the itinerary includes lots of beach stops.