Istria – best location for a family holiday?

We tend to make up our own minds where is a suitable, entertaining and culturally-enhancing place to take our children on holiday. That said, with so many great holidaying destinations in Europe that are suitable for children, many parents have an open ear when it comes to hearing about family-friendly vacation destinations.

When an acclaimed and revered writer and journalist recommends a destination as a ‘brilliant place for a family holiday’, we may be inclined to listen even more intently. These words came from Marianne Kavanagh, former deputy editor of Marie-Claire and a regular Telegraph contributor, in reference to Istria.

As Marianne points out, with is terracotta roofs, blue skies and scorching sunshine, this westernmost part of Croatia could be mistaken for many parts of Spain, Italy or the south of France, with one difference – It’s much greener.

Okay so mile upon mile of undulating hills, verdurous valleys and pine forests almost tumbling into the sea, might get the adults’ pulses racing with excitement, but does little to enliven children. Is Istria a contender for best location for a family holiday?

There is plenty to excite youngsters in this sensational region of Croatia and here’s just a reasons why Istria could be considered best location for a family holiday…

Funtana Dino Park

There is nothing quite like dinosaurs to invigorate children’s imaginations and there’s no place quite like Funtana Dino Park to satisfy some bloodthirsty dinosaur cravings. This prehistoric theme park comprises of moving, life-size dinosaurs set amongst the most picturesque of scenery.

Since it opened in 2009, Funtana Dinosaur Park has evolved with each passing year, with a dino theatre, show arena, train, playground, pony rides and an internet café being thrown into the dazzlingly entertaining mix.

Situated not far from the town of Porec close to the Slovenian border, this magical world of dinosaurs set within the most inspiring of settings, offers a day of fun and excitement for all the family.

Fanzana and the Brijuni Islands

With its brightly painted houses, age-old clay pottery exploits and being the departure point for the Brijuni Islands, the fishing village of Fanzana remains a favourite hotspot for children and adults alike. The Brijini Islands are one of eight national parks in Croatia, and with their soft, pretty beaches, waterfront promenades, exotic animals, including peacocks, zebras, and Istrian oxen and even a talking cockatoo named Koki, child-friendly restaurants and fragrant pine forests, is a Croatian treasure waiting to be explored by all the family.

Eia

With tiny houses made out of recycled wood and straw bales, the timeless appeal of the Three Little Pigs is propelled into contemporary living at Istria’s eco-art centre, Eia. Children of all ages will be fascinated by the showers that use collected rainwater, the maze of lavender bushes and compost toilets. The centre puts on various workshops throughout the year, such as trekking, full moon drumming and a Native Indian Culture workshop. Eco-living is regularly cited as being the only way forward and at the Eia centre, children and adults will be educated about sustainable lifestyles in the most inspiring of ways possible.

When you consider just three of a myriad of great things to families to do in Istria, it is difficult to disagree with Marianne Kavanagh’s perception that Istria is a ‘brilliant place for a family holiday’.

For a great selection of family villas in Istria, please click the link.