The stunning island of Korcula on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia is a fantastic destination for a family vacation in Europe. Korcula can be easily reached from Split or Dubrovnik airport and 2012 sees a rapid increase in the number of planes flying to these destinations. This news means more choice in flight times and cheaper ticket prices, both important considerations when planning a family vacation.

Korcula offers an excellent option for family holiday accommodation, to suit all budgets, from campsites to large secluded villas with swimming pools. Self-catering is a good option for family groups and there are many affordable apartments and houses available for rent on the island. Virtually self-catering gives families more flexibility when it comes to meal times, more space than a standard hotel room, and privacy to come and go as they please throughout the day. Favorite options on Korcula include a large rustic-style house in a beautiful bay near the village of Pupnat, which allows the whole family to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings; a luxurious and cozy villa in Racisce with many modern comforts and plenty of indoor and outdoor space, so that each member of the family has their own respite; and modern apartments at a good price with a large open kitchen, dining room and living room, close to the sea in the family-friendly town of Lumbarda.

Although all the towns and villages on Korcula offer ideal bases for a family holiday, Lumbarda is probably one of the best options if you are traveling with small children. Lumbarda is less busy than Korcula town, though it still has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options; it has shallow sandy beaches whereas most of the island is pebble and the water can get deep suddenly and everything is within easy walking distance. During the summer, the Lumbarda tourist office organizes a series of family events, one of the favorites being the donkey race (suitable for children and adults!). There are also fantastic fun allied water inflatables to slide, slide and jump on at Bili Zal Beach in Lumbarda.

Of course, most of the activities in Korcula take place on the beach or in the sea. Keeping kids entertained can sometimes be a challenge, but keep them active in the water by snorkeling, swimming, or kayaking. Beach games like volleyball, bat-and-ball games, or old-fashioned sandcastle building on sandy beaches are enjoyable ways to spend time in the sun. Just make sure you put on plenty of suntan lotion and stay out of the strong midday sun. Fun days out on Korcula can include boat trips to the nearby islets of Skoji, climbing up and down below the strange but intriguing rocks in the Kocije Nature Park in Zrnovo, or taking a bike ride along the stunning coastline. and enjoy a scoop. or two of Korcula’s delicious ice creams.

After a day at the beach or cycling through the beautiful Korcula countryside, there is nothing better than returning to your self-sufficiency. holiday accommodation, perhaps grilling fresh fish or playing cards on the terrace, watching the sun go down gently. These are the times when you really appreciate family vacations.

Croatia is fast becoming one of the most popular places to take a holiday in Europe and is a more affordable option compared to its rivals in the Eurozone. It is a safe country with relatively little crime and welcoming, hospitable people. This makes it a wonderful country for family vacations this year.